Galveston Inshore Fishing | 39' Contender Boat
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target Trout, Redfish, Flounder, and Sharks in Galveston watersFamily-friendly inshore fishing aboard spacious 39' Contender boatAll fishing gear provided by experienced Get Hooked Charters
Looking for a solid fishing trip that won't break the bank or take up your whole day? This Galveston inshore charter hits all the right notes. You'll fish the productive waters around the jetties and bay system aboard a spacious 39' Contender – one of the most trusted names in fishing boats. Perfect for families or small groups wanting to experience what makes Galveston's inshore fishing scene so special. Your captain knows these waters like the back of their hand and will put you on fish while keeping things relaxed and fun.
This trip targets the sweet spots where Galveston Bay meets the Gulf – the jetty-channel areas and productive bay flats that hold fish year-round. The 39' Contender gives you plenty of room to move around and cast without bumping elbows, which is huge when you've got kids or multiple anglers on board. Your captain will read the conditions and adjust the game plan accordingly. Maybe that means working the rocks along the jetties for reds, drifting the channel edges for trout, or finding those muddy flats where flounder like to ambush bait. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the variety – you never know what's going to grab your line next. One cast you're battling a chunky redfish, the next you might hook into a bonnethead shark that'll test your drag system.
All your fishing gear comes included, so you can leave the tackle box at home. The captain will have everything rigged and ready – from live bait rigs for targeting trout and reds to heavier setups if the sharks start showing up. Depending on conditions, you might be throwing soft plastics under popping corks, drifting live shrimp along drop-offs, or working topwater plugs in the shallows during prime feeding times. The jetty structure creates perfect ambush points for predator fish, while the bay flats offer sight-fishing opportunities when the water's clear. Your captain will teach you how to read the water – looking for bait schools, color changes, and structure that holds fish. Don't worry if you're new to this; inshore fishing is forgiving and the learning curve is part of the fun. Just remember to grab your fishing license before you head out, and pack some snacks and drinks to keep everyone happy between fish.
Black Drum are the bulldogs of the bay system, and Galveston's got some real tanks swimming around the jetty structure. These fish love to cruise the shell reefs and oyster bars, using their pharyngeal teeth to crunch up crabs and shellfish. They're not the flashiest fighters, but when you hook a big drum – we're talking 20-30 pounds or more – you'll know you're connected to something serious. Spring and fall are prime time for the larger specimens, though keeper-sized fish are around most of the year. What makes drum fishing so addictive is the anticipation; these fish are methodical feeders, and when they finally commit to your bait, that first run will surprise you every time.
Sea Trout are the bread and butter of Galveston inshore fishing, and for good reason. These spotted beauties are aggressive feeders with a tendency to school up, so when you find one, you've often found many. They love working the grass lines and channel edges, especially during moving tides. Trout have relatively soft mouths, so there's a technique to fighting them – keep steady pressure but don't horse them in. The 2-4 pound range is most common, but Galveston produces some legitimate "gator" trout that'll push 6-8 pounds during the cooler months. They're also excellent table fare, making them a favorite among families looking to bring dinner home.
Redfish are the poster child of Texas inshore fishing, and Galveston's shallow flats and marsh systems are redfish heaven. These copper-colored bruisers are built for power, with broad tails that can strip line off your reel in a hurry. What makes reds so special is their willingness to feed in very shallow water – sometimes with their backs out of the water as they root around oyster reefs and grass flats. The slot-sized fish (20-28 inches) are the most common targets, though bull reds over 28 inches provide serious arm-burning fights before their mandatory release. Redfish feed year-round but really turn on during the warmer months when they're most active in the shallows.
Bonnethead Sharks might be the smallest member of the hammerhead family, but they pack serious attitude into their 2-4 foot frames. These sharks are incredibly common in Galveston Bay during summer months and provide non-stop action when they're around. They're actually quite unique – bonnetheads are one of the few sharks that eat significant amounts of plant matter along with their usual diet of crabs and small fish. What anglers love about bonnetheads is their aggressive nature and the way they'll hit baits intended for other species. Plus, they're a great introduction to shark fishing for kids who might be intimidated by larger species.
Cobia are the wildcards of this fishery – you never know when one might show up, but when they do, it's game on. These brown sharks (not actually sharks, but they sure look like them from a distance) are curious fish that often approach the boat. Cobia are strong fighters that make long runs and have a habit of changing directions quickly. While they're not as common as the other target species, Galveston's nearshore waters see good numbers during their spring and fall migrations. A 20-40 pound cobia will definitely wake everyone up on the boat and provide stories for years to come.
This charter offers everything you want in an inshore fishing trip – experience
This 39' Contender is your ticket to serious fishing action in Galveston waters. Built for both inshore bay runs and offshore adventures, she'll take you from the calm jetty channels to 70 miles out in the Gulf chasing big game. The spacious deck gives you plenty of room to fight that trophy redfish or shark, while the onboard fish finder helps locate the hotspots where trout and flounder are biting. Keep your catch fresh in the built-in icebox, and let the GPS guide you back to port after a successful day on the water. Perfect for small groups of 3 anglers who want to experience everything from gentle bay fishing to heart-pounding offshore battles with mahi and tuna.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of our local waters, typically running 5-30 pounds with some monsters pushing 90+ pounds. These dark, powerful fish love shallow muddy flats and oyster beds where they crush crabs and shellfish with their strong jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll hear their distinctive drumming sounds underwater. They're bottom feeders, so fresh crab or cut bait fished right on the bottom works best. Keep the smaller ones under 15 pounds for eating since the big boys get tough and stringy. Pro tip: use enough weight to keep your bait planted in the mud, and when you feel that steady pull, don't horse them - let that drag work.
Sphyrna TiburoBonnetheads are the perfect introduction to shark fishing - they're small, abundant, and completely harmless. These shovel-headed sharks average 3-4 feet and travel in schools around shallow bays and grass flats. Summer brings the best action when they move into our warmer waters chasing crabs and small fish. Kids love catching them because they're manageable size but still give that classic shark fight with plenty of runs and head shakes. They're curious fish that often swim right up to the boat. Fresh blue crab cut in half works like magic - hook it through a leg and let it sit on bottom. Circle hooks are a must for easy release. Watch for nervous baitfish on the surface - that usually means bonnetheads are feeding below.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the brown bombers of the Gulf - dark chocolate-colored fish that average 20-40 pounds and fight like freight trains. These loners cruise near structures like reefs, buoys, and channel markers, often swimming just under the surface. Spring migration brings the best shots when they're moving through our area to spawn. They're fantastic table fare with firm, white meat that tastes like a cross between shark and grouper. Sight fishing is the name of the game - look for that dark shadow cruising the surface. Bucktail jigs work great, but don't be afraid to throw big topwater plugs or live bait. Once hooked, they make long powerful runs and aren't giving up easy. Keep that drag smooth and be ready for a battle.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are absolute crowd favorites with their bronze backs and signature black spots near the tail. Most run 20-35 inches and put up a bulldogging fight that'll test your drag. These copper-colored bruisers love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. Look for them around oyster reefs, grass flats, and marsh edges where they cruise hunting for crabs and shrimp. Fall and spring offer the best action when they're actively feeding. They're excellent eating with mild, flaky meat. Redfish aren't picky - they'll crush topwater plugs, gold spoons, or live bait. The key is keeping quiet in skinny water since they spook easily. Work your lure slow and steady - when a red hits, you'll know it.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled Trout are one of our most popular targets, running 1-5 pounds with their silver sides covered in distinctive black spots. These guys love grass flats and shallow bays, especially during cooler months when they school up tight. Spring and fall fishing is fantastic, but don't overlook summer nights when they move shallow to feed. They're great table fare with delicate, flaky white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. Trout have soft mouths, so don't set the hook too hard or you'll pull it right out. They hit topwater plugs, soft plastics, and live shrimp with equal enthusiasm. My go-to trick is working a slow-sinking bait just above the grass - let it fall naturally and watch for that subtle tick.
Galveston, TX, United States