Expert Guided Inshore Fishing on Galveston's Best Waters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Familyfriendly inshore fishing targeting Trout, Redfish, Flounder, and SharksProfessional captain guidance with all fishing gear provided onboardJettyChannel and Bay area access via 39' Contender boat
Looking for a solid day on the water that won't break the bank or scare off the kids? This Galveston inshore trip hits the sweet spot for families and first-timers who want to get their lines wet without heading way offshore. You'll fish the productive Jetty-Channel system and nearby bay waters aboard a spacious 39' Contender - one of the most trusted names in fishing boats. Your captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and will put you on fish while keeping things relaxed and fun. Whether you're teaching the little ones how to cast or trying to land your first redfish, this trip delivers consistent action in protected waters.
This isn't your typical crowded party boat situation. With just 3 anglers max, you'll get plenty of personal attention from your captain and room to move around the deck. The 39' Contender gives you a stable platform that handles Galveston's choppy bay conditions like a champ, so even folks who get queasy on smaller boats usually do just fine. You'll target the jetty rocks where structure attracts baitfish, then work the grass flats and channel edges where predators like to ambush their next meal. The captain provides all tackle - from light spinning gear perfect for trout to heavier rods that can handle a surprise bull red or shark. Just bring your valid Texas fishing license, some snacks and drinks, and maybe a cooler if you want to take your catch home. Fair warning though - there's a $30 fuel surcharge per motor for online bookings, so factor that into your budget.
Inshore fishing around Galveston is all about reading the water and adapting your approach. Your captain will likely start with live or cut bait near structure - think shrimp under popping corks for trout or chunk mullet on the bottom for redfish and black drum. The jetties create current breaks and eddies that concentrate baitfish, making them prime real estate for hungry game fish. When the bite is hot, you might switch to artificial lures like soft plastics, spoons, or topwater plugs that let you cover more water quickly. The beauty of bay fishing is the variety - one minute you're sight-casting to tailing reds in two feet of water, the next you're battling a bonnethead shark that grabbed your trout bait. The provided tackle ranges from light 2500-series spinning reels perfect for finesse presentations to medium-heavy setups that can turn a decent-sized cobia away from the rocks. Your captain will match your gear to the conditions and target species, so you're always fishing with the right tool for the job.
Black drum are the workhorses of Galveston bay fishing - these copper-colored bruisers love oyster reefs and channel edges where they vacuum up crabs and shrimp. They're not the prettiest fish, but what they lack in looks they make up for in pure pulling power. Spring and fall see the biggest numbers, with fish ranging from keeper-sized 16-inchers up to tackle-busting bulls over 30 pounds. Kids love them because they bite consistently and fight hard without jumping all over the boat. Sea trout are probably the most popular target here, and for good reason - they're plentiful, excellent table fare, and willing to hit both live bait and artificials. Look for them around grass beds and drop-offs, especially during moving tides. The specs here average 15-18 inches, with occasional gator trout pushing 25 inches that'll make your drag sing.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Texas inshore fishing, and Galveston's marshes and flats hold some beauties. These bronze-backed fighters are most active during warmer months when they cruise the shallows looking for easy meals. Slot-sized reds between 20-28 inches are perfect for the dinner table, while the oversized bulls provide pure adrenaline on light tackle. Bonnethead sharks add an element of surprise to any trip - these small members of the hammerhead family are common in the bays during summer and early fall. They're perfect for kids who want to catch their first shark without dealing with anything too toothy. Cobia are the wild cards that can show up any time from late spring through early fall. These chocolate-colored fish cruise the jetties and channel markers, often following rays along the bottom. When you hook one, get ready for long runs and powerful dives that'll test your tackle and your patience.
This Galveston inshore trip checks all the boxes for a memorable day on the water. You get experienced local guidance, quality tackle, and access to some of the Gulf Coast's most productive fishing grounds - all without the expense and seasickness risk of offshore trips. The 39' Contender provides comfort and stability, while the small group size ensures everyone gets hands-on instruction and plenty of chances to catch fish. Whether you're introducing someone to saltwater fishing or just want a relaxing day targeting multiple species, this trip delivers consistent action and lasting memories. The jetty and bay systems fish well year-round, so there's never a bad time to go. Book your spot now and get ready to see why Galveston has earned its reputation as one of Texas's top inshore fishing destinations.
This 39-foot Contender is your ticket to Galveston's prime inshore fishing grounds. Built for both comfort and performance, she'll take you to the jetties, channels, and bay areas where redfish, trout, flounder, and sharks are waiting. The spacious deck gives you plenty of room to fight fish, while the GPS and fish finder help locate the best spots. An icebox keeps your catch fresh and your drinks cold during those hot Texas days on the water. With room for up to 3 anglers, this boat strikes the perfect balance between intimate fishing and having enough space to move around when the action heats up. Whether you're a seasoned angler or bringing the family out for their first taste of Gulf Coast fishing, this Contender delivers the reliability and fishability you need for a successful day targeting Galveston's inshore species.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, running anywhere from 5 to 30 pounds with some monsters pushing 90 pounds. You'll find them cruising shallow muddy flats and around oyster beds where they use those crushing jaws to crack open crabs and shellfish. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when we can really target them effectively. These fish are incredible fighters that'll test your drag, plus they make those distinctive drumming sounds you can actually hear underwater. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are excellent eating with sweet, flaky meat. My tip: use fresh blue crab on the bottom near oyster reefs. The crab stays put better than shrimp and won't get picked off by catfish while you're waiting for a drum to find it.
Sphyrna TiburoBonnethead Sharks are the perfect introduction to shark fishing for families. These smaller hammerheads average 3-4 feet and are completely harmless - only one human bite ever recorded. You'll find them in shallow bays and around grass flats year-round, though they're most active in warmer months. What makes them unique is that shovel-shaped head and how they school up in groups of 10-15 fish. They put up a solid fight on medium tackle and are actually pretty good eating if you want to keep one. They feed mainly on crabs and small fish, so they're always cruising the flats looking for a meal. Here's my go-to technique: cut blue crab in half and hook it through one of the legs. Drop it on a fish finder rig over grass beds, and you'll usually get bit within 20 minutes.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the ultimate sight-fishing target around here, growing up to 6 feet and 100 pounds. These brown, shark-looking fish cruise alone near the surface around jetties, buoys, and channel markers from spring through fall. What gets anglers excited is spotting one cruising just under the surface and making that perfect cast. They're aggressive predators that'll smash jigs, eels, or live bait without hesitation. The meat is absolutely top-shelf - firm, white, and rivals any offshore fish for table fare. They fight like bulldogs and will test your drag system for sure. Best fishing is May through September when they're most active in our waters. My favorite trick: use a 4-6 oz bucktail jig in any color and work it just under the surface near structure. When you see one, cast ahead of it and work the jig back slowly.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of Galveston Bay fishing. These copper-colored bruisers typically run 18-28 inches and love cruising super shallow flats where you can actually see their backs above water. They're around year-round, but fall gives you the best action when they school up in big numbers. What guests love is watching them hunt in inches of water - it's like sight fishing for bronze torpedoes. They'll eat just about anything but get really aggressive on topwater plugs and soft plastics. The meat is firm and mild, perfect for the grill. Those black spots near their tails aren't just for show - they help confuse predators. Pro tip: cast beyond cruising reds and work your lure back toward them. Landing it right on their heads usually spooks them off the flat.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled Trout are probably our most consistent inshore fish, running 14-24 inches and weighing 1-5 pounds on average. They love grass flats and shallow bays, especially around dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding on shrimp and small baitfish. Spring through fall gives you the best action, but they really turn on during cooler months when they school up in deeper channels. What makes them special is that delicate white meat - some of the best eating you'll find inshore. They're also great for beginners since they bite readily and don't require heavy tackle. Here's a local trick: work topwater plugs over grass flats just after sunrise. The strikes are explosive, and you can often see them coming up through the clear water to smash your lure.
Galveston, TX, United States