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Winter Special: Top-Rated Flats Fishing Adventure
- Published Date: October 16, 2025
- Fishing
- Galveston
- $150 price range
- Updated Date: November 27, 2025
Summary
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Winter Catch Showcase
Loaded Redfish haul on the dock.
Strong Redfish trio on a sunny day.
Solid Redfish and Speckled Trout lineup on the dock.
Strong haul of Sheepshead and Speckled Trout at the dock.
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Solid Redfish catch on a bright day.
Strong Redfish catch on the bay.
Loaded Redfish haul on the dock.
Strong Redfish trio on a sunny day.
Solid Redfish and Speckled Trout lineup on the dock.
Strong haul of Sheepshead and Speckled Trout at the dock.
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Solid Redfish catch on a bright day.
Strong Redfish catch on the bay.
Loaded Redfish haul on the dock.
Strong Redfish trio on a sunny day.
Solid Redfish and Speckled Trout lineup on the dock.
Strong haul of Sheepshead and Speckled Trout at the dock.
Winter Fishing Special: Redfish & More
Hey there, anglers! If you're looking to beat the winter blues with some serious rod-bending action, you've come to the right place. Our Winter Special is tailor-made for those who know that the colder months can serve up some of the hottest fishing of the year. We're talking about targeting big reds, specks, and more in the skinny water where they love to hang out. Sure, it might be a bit chilly, but trust me, when that drag starts singing, you won't even notice the temperature.
Trip Overview
This ain't your average winter outing, folks. We're offering a sweet deal for up to three anglers to hit the flats for five solid hours of fishing. You'll be working with one of our seasoned captains who knows these waters like the back of their hand. We're flexible on the launch spot - your captain will give you the heads up on where to meet and when. And let me tell you, there's nothing quite like the peace and quiet of winter fishing. The tourists are gone, and it's just you, your buddies, and the fish.
What to Expect on the Water
Alright, let's talk tactics. We'll be sight-fishing and blind-casting, depending on the conditions. Our skiffs are set up for stalking the shallows, so we can get into those tight spots where the big boys like to hide. We provide all the gear you need, but if you've got a favorite rod, feel free to bring it along. Live bait is available for an extra fee, and let me tell you, sometimes that's the ticket to getting the stubborn ones to bite. We'll be targeting redfish, speckled trout, black drum, and sheepshead - all species that are known to feed actively in cooler water.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Listen, I've had clients who were skeptical about winter fishing at first. But after a day out here, they're booking their next trip before we even hit the dock. The fish are less pressured this time of year, which often means they're more willing to take a bait. Plus, the clear winter water makes for some incredible sight-fishing opportunities. You haven't lived until you've watched a big red cruise up and inhale your offering in gin-clear shallows.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Redfish: These copper-colored beauties are the stars of our winter show. They school up in the cooler months, which can lead to some epic catches. Look for them tailing in the shallows or cruising along oyster bars. They love a well-presented bait, and when they hit, hold on tight! Winter reds can easily top 30 inches and put up a fight that'll have you grinning from ear to ear.
Speckled Trout: Don't let their name fool you - these guys are anything but speckled in their fighting ability. Winter specks tend to be bigger and fatter, often hanging in deeper holes or around structure. They're suckers for a slow-worked soft plastic or a live shrimp under a popping cork. The "gator" trout that show up this time of year can push 5 pounds or more.
Black Drum: These cousins of the redfish are like underwater vacuum cleaners, and they can grow to massive sizes. In the winter, you'll find them in deeper channels or around bridge pilings. They're not the prettiest fish in the sea, but man, can they pull! Drop a crab or a chunk of shrimp to the bottom, and get ready for some heavy lifting.
Sheepshead: Ah, the convict fish. These striped brawlers are notorious bait stealers, but when you hook one, it's game on. They love structure and oyster beds, and they put those chompers to good use. Winter is prime time for sheepshead, as they move inshore to spawn. They're challenging to catch but delicious to eat - a real winter treat.
Time to Book Your Spot
Look, I could go on all day about why winter fishing here is so dang good, but the best way to find out is to experience it yourself. Our Winter Special is a great way to get out on the water without breaking the bank. Remember, we're limited to three anglers max at the special rate (four if you don't mind paying regular price), so don't wait too long to book. The fish are biting, the crowds are thin, and the memories you'll make are priceless. Give us a shout, and let's get you hooked up with some winter warriors. Trust me, once you feel that first tug in the crisp winter air, you'll be glad you came. See you on the water!
Learn more about the species
Black Drum
Black Drum are hefty fighters, typically weighing 5-30 pounds but can hit 90. You'll find them in brackish waters and estuaries, hanging around oyster beds and muddy flats. These bottom-feeders love crustaceans, so fresh crab is your best bet for bait. Winter and early spring are prime times, as they school up for spawning. Anglers dig 'em for their strong pull and decent eating, especially the smaller ones under 15 pounds. When you're out there, listen for their distinctive drumming sound – it's how they communicate and find mates. To up your chances, use a weighted rig to keep your bait on the bottom where these guys feed. And here's a pro tip: if you're not getting bites, try slowly dragging your bait along the bottom to mimic a crab's movement. That often triggers a strike.
Redfish
Redfish, or Red Drum, are shallow water champs. Look for them in 1-4 feet of water, often tailing in mudflats or around oyster beds. They average 28-33 inches but can grow much bigger. These guys are year-round targets, but winter fishing can be especially good as they school up. Redfish are known for their powerful runs and their distinctive black spot near the tail. Anglers love 'em for their fight and their excellent table quality. They'll hit a variety of lures, from topwater plugs to soft plastics. Live bait like shrimp or mullet works great too. Here's a local trick: on calm days, cruise the shallows and look for their copper-colored backs just breaking the surface. Once you spot them, make a quiet approach and cast beyond them, working your lure back across their path. The strike can be explosive!
Sea Trout
Sea Trout, or Speckled Trout, are a winter favorite here. These silvery fish with spots all over usually run 14-24 inches and put up a great fight on light tackle. You'll find them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. During colder months, they school up in deeper channels, sometimes as deep as 164 feet. They're opportunistic feeders, so artificial lures like jerk baits and topwater plugs work well. Anglers love 'em for their aggressive strikes and tasty, mild flesh. Best time to fish is early morning or late evening when they're most active. Here's a tip: if you're having trouble locating them, try slow-trolling along grass edges with a live shrimp under a popping cork. The noise attracts them, and once you find a school, you can often catch several from the same spot.
Sheepshead
Sheepshead are the oddballs of inshore fishing, with their human-like teeth and convict stripes. You'll find these 1-8 pounders around any structure with barnacles – docks, bridges, and reefs are prime spots. They're notorious bait stealers, so when you feel that nibble, set the hook hard. Spring's the best time to target them as they gather to spawn. Anglers love the challenge; these fish require precision and patience. Their white, flaky meat is delicious, making them great table fare. Here's a local trick: use a small, strong hook with fiddler crab or oyster as bait. Get as close to the structure as you can without spooking them, and let your bait sink right next to the pilings. The bite is subtle, so stay alert. Once you hook one, be ready for a tough fight – these guys punch above their weight class.
