Expert-Guided Inshore Fishing in Galveston Bay

Published Date: July 18, 2025
Fishing

Galveston, TX
$550 - $3,450 price range
Updated Date: August 4, 2025

Summary

Ready for a full day of fishing in Galveston? This charter takes you to the best spots around the bay and jetties, where you'll find plenty of action. The captain knows just where to go for a smooth ride and great catches. Once you're anchored, you'll get all the gear you need to start reeling them in. With room for up to 6 people, it's perfect for a day out with friends or family. The captain's know-how means you'll make the most of your time on the water, whether you're a seasoned angler or trying it for the first time. Just remember, the deposit's non-refundable, so make sure you're good to go before booking. This trip's a great way to spend a day outdoors, enjoy some friendly competition, and maybe land the catch of the day. You'll head home with some fish tales to tell and memories that'll last long after you're back on dry land.

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Galveston Fishing Charters: Bay and Jetty Action

Hey there, fellow anglers! Ready to hit the waters of Galveston for some top-notch fishing? Our full-day bay and jetty charters are just the ticket for a productive day on the water. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a first-timer, we've got you covered with everything you need for a fantastic fishing experience. Let's dive into what makes these trips a must-do for anyone visiting the area.

What to Expect on the Water

Picture this: You're cruising out of Galveston Bay, the salty breeze in your hair, as your experienced captain navigates to the sweet spots where the fish are biting. We'll head to the calmer waters near the jetties, where the structure offers protection and creates a perfect habitat for a variety of fish. Once we drop anchor, you'll be handed top-quality tackle and gear, and it's game on! With trips ranging from 5 to 10 hours, you've got plenty of time to work those lines and reel in some beauties. And the best part? You can bring up to 5 buddies along for the ride – it's the perfect setup for a day out with friends or family.

Fishing Techniques & Hotspots

Alright, let's talk strategy. In these parts, we mix it up depending on what's biting. Near the jetties, you might find yourself bottom fishing with live bait for black drum or sheepshead. These structure-loving fish can't resist a well-placed shrimp or crab. Out in the bay, we might switch to drift fishing, using soft plastics or live bait under a popping cork for speckled trout and redfish. Your captain's got years of local know-how, so they'll clue you in on the best techniques for the day. And don't worry if you're new to this – we'll show you the ropes, from setting the hook to reeling in your catch like a pro.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Brook Trout: Hold up, you might be thinking, "Brook trout in saltwater?" Well, in Galveston, we're actually talking about spotted seatrout, often called "specks" by the locals. These guys are a blast to catch and put up a great fight. They love to hang around grass flats and oyster reefs, and they're suckers for live shrimp or artificial lures. Best time to target them? Early morning or late evening when they're feeding hard.

Black Drum: These bruisers are the powerhouses of the bay. They can grow to over 30 pounds, and when they hit, you'll know it. Black drum love to root around the bottom for crabs and shrimp, so that's what we'll use to tempt them. They're here year-round, but the big ones, we call 'em "bull reds," show up in force during the fall and winter.

Sheepshead: Don't let those human-like teeth fool you – sheepshead are more than just a pretty face. These striped battlers are tough to hook but a joy to catch. They're structure-loving fish, so we'll target them around the jetties and pilings. Sheepshead are at their peak in the cooler months, and they're a real test of your angling skills.

Sea Trout: Another name for our spotted friends, sea trout are a staple of Galveston fishing. They're aggressive feeders and will hit topwater lures with explosive strikes that'll get your heart racing. We catch them year-round, but the big gator trout (that's what we call the big ones) are most active in the spring and fall.

Redfish: Ah, the mighty red drum. These copper-colored beauties are the pride of Texas inshore fishing. They'll test your drag and your biceps, especially when they go on those signature bulldog runs. Reds love the shallows, so we might do some sight-casting if conditions are right. The bull reds show up in the fall, but you can catch slot-sized fish all year long.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Let me tell you, there's something special about fishing these Galveston waters. Maybe it's the way the sun glints off the bay as you're reeling in your personal best. Or it could be the thrill of watching your rod bend double as a big red takes off with your bait. Our customers rave about the variety of fish they catch and how every trip is a new adventure. Plus, with our seasoned captains at the helm, you're not just fishing – you're learning tricks and tips that'll up your game for years to come. And let's be honest, there's nothing like the bragging rights that come with a cooler full of fish at the end of the day.

Time to Book Your Spot

Alright, folks, here's the deal – our Galveston fishing charters are the real deal, and spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. Whether you're looking to scratch that fishing itch, want to introduce the kids to the joys of angling, or just need a day away from the grind, we've got you covered. Remember, we provide all the gear, so all you need to bring is your sense of adventure (and maybe a sandwich or two). Don't let another season slip by without getting out on these fish-rich waters. Give us a call, lock in your date, and get ready for a day of rod-bending, drag-screaming action. Trust me, the fish are waiting, and the memories you'll make are priceless. So what are you waiting for? Let's get you hooked up with a Galveston fishing experience you'll be talking about for years to come!

Learn more about the species

Black Drum

Black drum are the heavyweight cousins of redfish, often hanging out in the same areas. These bruisers can grow huge – 30 to 40 pounds isn't uncommon, and the state record is over 80 pounds. Look for them around oyster reefs, pier pilings, and in deeper channels. They're bottom feeders with strong, crushing teeth made for cracking shellfish. Fresh crab or shrimp on a fish-finder rig is hard to beat. Black drum put up a stubborn fight, so make sure your tackle is up to the task. Spring is prime time as they gather to spawn, but you can catch them year-round. Smaller "puppy drum" under 5 pounds are great eating, with firm white meat. The bigger ones can get wormy and tough, so we usually release those. Listen for their distinctive croaking sound – that's how they got the nickname "Big Uglies." Not the prettiest fish, but they'll give you a workout and some good stories.

Brook Trout

Brook Trout, also known as "brookies," are a beautiful freshwater species recognized for their colorful markings—olive-green backs, red spots with blue halos, and white-edged fins. Native to cold, clean streams and lakes, they are a favorite among fly fishing enthusiasts. Though typically smaller than other trout, they offer a fun and rewarding challenge, especially in clear mountain waters. Their presence often indicates a healthy aquatic environment, and they’re admired for both their fight and their beauty.

Redfish

Redfish are a favorite target in Galveston, known for their coppery color and black tail spot. You'll find them in shallow water, often just 1-4 feet deep, around oyster reefs and grassy flats. They typically run 28-33 inches when full-grown, but can get much bigger offshore. Fall is prime time as redfish school up to spawn. They put up a great fight and are fun to sight-cast to in the shallows. These fish will hit a variety of lures, from topwater plugs to soft plastics. For a local trick, try a gold spoon or a scented jig – works like a charm. Redfish aren't just fun to catch – they're delicious too. The meat is mild and slightly sweet, perfect for grilling or blackening. Just remember to follow size limits to keep our fishery healthy. When you hook into a big bull red, you'll see why they're one of our most popular inshore species.

Sea Trout

Speckled trout, or "specks" as we call 'em, are one of our most popular inshore fish. They're silvery with dark spots and typically run 14-20 inches, though trophy-sized "gator" trout can push 30 inches. Look for them over grass flats, around oyster reefs, and near drop-offs. These fish are ambush predators, so they love structure and moving water. Live shrimp under a popping cork is a classic setup, but soft plastics and topwater lures can be deadly too. Dawn and dusk are prime feeding times, especially on a moving tide. Specks put up a good fight with head-shaking jumps, and they're excellent table fare. The meat is mild and flaky – perfect for frying or grilling. Spring and fall are peak seasons, but you can catch them year-round. Just remember, they're sensitive to cold, so deep holes are the ticket in winter.

Sheepshead

Sheepshead are the striped convicts of our local waters, known for their human-like teeth and ability to steal bait. You'll find them around any structure with barnacles – jetties, pilings, and reefs are prime spots. They typically run 1-8 pounds, but can reach up to 20 pounds. These guys are masters at nibbling bait off hooks, so you need to be quick on the set. Fresh shrimp, fiddler crabs, or barnacles are top baits. Try a small, strong hook and just enough weight to hold bottom. Winter and early spring are best as they move in to spawn. Sheepshead are prized for their sweet, white meat – some folks call them "poor man's lobster." They're a bit tricky to clean with their tough scales, but well worth the effort. The fight can be surprisingly strong for their size, especially around structure. Land a few of these, and you'll see why they're a local favorite.

About the Bertram

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 7

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 38

Number of Engines: 2

Horsepower per Engine: 200

Hop aboard for a full day of laid-back fishing fun in Galveston Bay and around the jetties. Your seasoned captain knows all the sweet spots where the fish are biting. You'll cruise out to calmer waters, protected by the jetty structure, for a smooth ride. Once you're anchored in a prime fishing area, the captain will set you up with all the tackle and gear you need. Then it's time to cast your line and see what you can reel in. This trip is perfect for groups of up to 6 people, so bring your buddies or family along for a day on the water. Your captain's local knowledge will help you make the most of your time fishing. It's a great way to spend quality time with friends or loved ones while trying to land the big one. Just remember, deposits can't be refunded, so choose your date wisely. Get ready for a relaxed day of fishing and good times on beautiful Galveston Bay.

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