Ready to wet a line in one of Texas' best fishing spots? Captain Mike's 5-hour inshore trip on Galveston Bay is your ticket to a relaxed day of angling action. Whether you're a first-timer or looking to sharpen your skills, this trip is all about having a good time while learning the ropes of inshore fishing. We'll be targeting some of the bay's most popular game fish, including redfish, trout, and sheepshead, using techniques that are easy to pick up but hard to put down once you're hooked!
This isn't your average fishing charter. Captain Mike's approach is all about making sure you're comfortable and confident from the moment you step on board. We'll start with the basics - how to hold the rod, cast your line, and work your bait. As we cruise the calm waters of Galveston Bay, you'll get hands-on experience with different fishing methods tailored to the species we're after. The shallow, protected waters make for a smooth ride, so you can focus on fishing without worrying about choppy seas. With room for up to 4 guests, it's a perfect outing for families, friends, or even a solo trip to hone your skills.
On this trip, we keep things simple but effective. We'll be using light tackle setups that are easy to handle, even for beginners. Depending on what's biting, we might try bottom fishing with live bait for black drum and sheepshead, or switch to artificial lures to entice some speckled trout. Captain Mike's got all the gear you need, from rods and reels to bait and tackle. He'll show you how to rig your line, set the hook, and reel in your catch like a pro. Don't be surprised if you find yourself tossing lures with confidence by the end of the day!
"Great trip with Michael as always, caught some nice fish." - Thurman "Capt. Mike gave us a great trip and we caught tons of fish!" - Craig "Captain Mike is a great guide. Teaches all there is about fishing from your first cast to your last. Went out there with my old man and we had a great time catching all sorts of fish like trout, red drum, black drum, and sheepshead. Definitely recommend if your looking to have a great time out there. 10/10 Experience." - Luis
Galveston Bay is home to a variety of sought-after game fish, and on this trip, we'll be targeting some local favorites. Let's break down what you might find at the end of your line:
Southern Flounder: These flatfish are masters of camouflage and put up a surprisingly good fight for their size. They're most active in the cooler months, especially during their fall run. Flounder are prized for their delicate, white flesh, making them a top pick for anglers looking to bring home dinner.
Black Drum: Often overshadowed by their cousins, the redfish, black drum are a blast to catch. They can grow to impressive sizes, with some monsters tipping the scales at over 30 pounds! These bottom-feeders love crustaceans, so we'll use crab or shrimp to entice them. They're most abundant in the spring and fall.
Sheepshead: With their distinctive black and white stripes and sheep-like teeth, these fish are as fun to look at as they are to catch. They're notoriously tricky to hook, thanks to their ability to steal bait, but that just makes landing one even more satisfying. Spring is prime time for sheepshead fishing in Galveston Bay.
Sea Trout: Also known as speckled trout, these fish are a staple of inshore fishing in Texas. They're known for their spotted pattern and their willingness to hit artificial lures, making them a favorite for light tackle enthusiasts. You can catch trout year-round, but they're especially active in the warmer months.
Redfish: The rock stars of inshore fishing, redfish (or red drum) are known for their copper color and black spot near the tail. They put up a great fight and can be caught using a variety of methods. In Galveston Bay, you can target redfish throughout the year, with fall being particularly productive as they gather in large schools.
There's nothing quite like the feeling of your first catch, and Galveston Bay is the perfect place to experience it. With Captain Mike's expert guidance, you'll not only have a shot at landing some great fish, but you'll also gain skills and memories that'll last a lifetime. Whether you're looking to learn the basics or just enjoy a day on the water with friends and family, this 5-hour trip offers the perfect blend of instruction and action. The bay is calling, and the fish are waiting - why not grab your spot on the boat and see what you can reel in? Book your trip now and get ready for a day of laughs, learning, and hopefully, a cooler full of fish!
October 24, 2024
Mike was great. When the fish weren’t biting in 1 location he would move us to another until we got the bites. I will definitely be booking with him again.
June 28, 2022
Spectacular Guide!!! Very accommodating, personable and will put you on fish!!!!! 30 lb black drum caught, more fish then could eat in a month Booking again soon, highly recommended
November 27, 2021
Capt. Mike gave us a great trip and we caught tons of fish!
September 30, 2023
Captain Mike is a great guide. Teaches all there is about fishing from your first cast to your last. Went out there with my old man and we had a great time catching all sorts of fish like trout, red drum, black drum, and sheepshead. Definitely recommend if your looking to have a great time out there. 10/10 Experience.
November 12, 2023
Black Drum are the heavyweight champions of Galveston Bay. These cousins of the redfish can grow massive, with some topping 90 pounds, though most you'll catch are in the 5 to 30-pound range. Look for them around oyster reefs, mudflats, and pier pilings in depths from 1 to 100 feet. They use their strong jaws and teeth to crush shellfish, so areas with plenty of oysters or crabs are prime spots. Spring is the best time to target them, as they school up for spawning. Anglers enjoy the fight these fish put up, especially the bigger ones. For table fare, stick to smaller drum under 15 pounds - the meat's sweeter and more tender. Here's a tip: use fresh crab or shrimp for bait, and fish it right on the bottom. When you feel that telltale thump, give it a second before setting the hook.
Redfish are the rockstars of Galveston Bay fishing. These copper-colored bruisers typically run 20 to 30 inches, but bulls over 40 inches aren't uncommon. You'll find them tailing in shallow flats, often in water so skinny their backs break the surface. They love to hang around oyster reefs and marsh edges, especially during falling tides. Fall is prime time as they school up for their spawn run. Anglers can't get enough of their powerful runs and dogged fights. Plus, they're delicious on the grill. Here's a local secret: on calm days, cruise the flats and look for their tails waving above the water. Sneak up quietly and make a precise cast - it's sight fishing at its finest.
Sea Trout, or Speckled Trout as we call 'em here, are a Galveston Bay staple. These silver-sided beauties usually run 14 to 24 inches, but lunkers over 30 inches aren't unheard of. You'll find them cruising grass flats and deeper channels, especially around dawn and dusk. They're suckers for live shrimp or artificial lures that mimic their prey. Fall and spring are prime seasons, but you can catch them year-round. Anglers love 'em for their aggressive strikes and tasty, flaky meat. Here's a local tip: on calm mornings, look for 'slicks' - oily patches on the water surface caused by feeding trout. Cast your lure near these spots, and you're in for some fast action.
Sheepshead are the oddballs of Galveston Bay, sporting human-like teeth and a convict-striped body. Most run 1 to 8 pounds, but you might hook into a 20-pounder if you're lucky. These structure-loving fish hang around docks, bridges, and oyster reefs. They're masters at stealing bait, so bring your A-game. Spring's the hot time to target them as they gather to spawn. Anglers love the challenge of hooking these bait-stealers, and their sweet, white meat makes great table fare. Here's a local trick: use a small, sharp hook and thread a piece of shrimp or fiddler crab on it. When you feel the lightest tap, set the hook fast - sheepshead are notorious for nibbling bait off the hook without getting caught.
Southern Flounder are a prized catch in Galveston Bay. These flat, oval-shaped fish typically range from 15 to 18 inches long, though trophy-sized ones can reach over 30 inches. You'll find them camouflaged on sandy or muddy bottoms in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. They're ambush predators, lying in wait for smaller fish and crustaceans to swim by. Fall is prime time for flounder fishing as they migrate to spawn. Anglers love targeting them for their delicate, mild-flavored meat and the challenge they present. To land one, try slow-trolling or drifting with live bait like mullet or shrimp. A local trick: when you feel a bite, wait a few seconds before setting the hook. Flounder often grab prey sideways before repositioning it, so patience can mean the difference between a catch and a miss.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 40
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 150
Great trip with Michael as always, caught some nice fish.