Galveston Full Day Shark Charter Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target blacktip, spinner, bull, and hammerhead sharks offshoreEighthour charter includes first mate and heavy tacklePrivate trip accommodates two guests with expert guidance
Looking for the kind of fishing that gets your heart racing? This 8-hour private shark charter out of Galveston is exactly what serious anglers are talking about. We're not messing around with light tackle here – this is heavy-duty fishing for apex predators that'll test everything you've got. From the moment we leave the dock at 7:00 AM, you'll be hunting blacktip sharks, spinner sharks, bull sharks, and if we're lucky, some hammerheads cruising the Gulf waters. With just you and one other angler on board, you get personalized attention from our experienced crew and plenty of room to work these powerful fish. The first mate fee is already covered, so all you need to bring is your A-game and maybe some extra sunscreen.
Your day starts early because that's when the sharks are most active. We'll motor out to productive waters just off Galveston's beachfront where the currents bring in baitfish, and the sharks follow. The Gulf of Mexico here is perfect shark habitat – warm water, plenty of food, and structure that holds fish. You'll be fishing from a well-equipped charter boat with outriggers, fighting chairs, and all the heavy tackle needed to handle these powerful predators. The atmosphere is focused but relaxed, with our crew constantly reading the water and adjusting our approach based on conditions. This isn't a party boat situation – it's serious fishing for serious anglers who want to tangle with something that can actually fight back. Available from June through September when water temperatures peak and shark activity is at its best.
We use tried-and-true drift fishing techniques that put fresh bait right in the strike zone. Our crew rigs up stout rods with wire leaders and circle hooks – the kind of setup that can handle a 200-pound bull shark without breaking a sweat. We'll be drifting with the current, letting our baits work naturally in the water column while we watch for those telltale signs of shark activity. The tackle is specifically chosen for these fish: heavy conventional reels with smooth drags, 80-pound test line, and hooks that can handle serious pressure. When a shark hits, you'll know it immediately – these aren't the subtle bites you get from other species. The crew knows exactly how to coach you through the fight, when to pump and wind, and how to get the most out of your tackle without breaking off a fish of a lifetime.
Bonnethead sharks are the most common species you'll encounter on this charter, and they're perfect for building confidence before the bigger predators show up. These smaller members of the hammerhead family typically run 2-4 feet long and are incredibly active fighters despite their size. They feed heavily during summer months on blue crabs and small fish, making them reliable targets throughout our season. What makes bonnetheads special is their unique shovel-shaped head and their habit of traveling in schools – when you find one, there are usually more around. They're also one of the few shark species that's actually omnivorous, feeding on seagrass as well as crabs and fish. For many anglers, bonnetheads provide that first real shark experience, complete with aerial jumps and line-peeling runs.
Blacktip sharks are the crown jewel of this fishery and the reason most anglers book this trip. These aggressive predators average 30-50 pounds but can push 100 pounds or more, and they're absolutely explosive when hooked. True to their name, they have distinctive black-tipped fins and are known for their spectacular aerial displays – picture a 40-pound shark launching completely out of the water multiple times during a single fight. Blacktips patrol the surf line and near-shore waters from June through September, following schools of tarpon, jacks, and other baitfish. They're ambush predators with incredible speed and power, capable of stripping 100 yards of line in seconds. The fight typically lasts 15-30 minutes depending on the size of the fish, and you'll feel every ounce of their strength through the rod. Landing a quality blacktip shark is a badge of honor among Gulf Coast anglers, and these Galveston waters produce some of the best blacktip fishing in Texas.
This isn't your typical fishing trip – it's a chance to test yourself against some of the Gulf's most powerful predators. With only two spots available per trip, you get the personalized attention that makes the difference between a good day and a great one. Our crew knows these waters inside and out, and they're committed to putting you on fish. The heavy tackle is provided, the first mate is included, and all you need to do is show up ready to fish. Shark season runs from June through September, and the best dates fill up fast once word gets out about the bite. Whether you're looking to check sharks off your species list or you're ready to upgrade from inshore fishing to something with real teeth, this charter delivers. Book now and get ready for the kind of fishing stories you'll be telling for years.
Hit the waters off Galveston aboard our 26-foot Boston Whaler Outrage, built to handle whatever the Gulf throws at us. This unsinkable beast runs on a brand new Suzuki 250, giving us the power to reach prime shark territory fast and get back safely with your catch. We've added a premium trolling motor for precise positioning when we're working those productive drift lines where the big bulls and hammerheads patrol. GPS keeps us on the hottest spots while our fish finder shows exactly what's moving below. All Coast Guard safety gear is on board including VHF radio for constant communication. This boat was designed for serious fishing - stable enough for fighting large sharks yet nimble enough to chase schools when the action heats up. Perfect for two anglers who want room to work without getting tangled up during those long battles with Gulf predators.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are some of the most athletic sharks you'll encounter off Galveston, known for their signature black-tipped fins and impressive jumping ability when hooked. These guys average 4-5 feet but can push 9 feet, and they're built for speed with their streamlined bodies. They patrol the waters 30-100 feet deep, often around structure and drop-offs where baitfish congregate. Peak season runs June through September when they're most active in our Gulf waters. What gets anglers fired up is their explosive fights - they'll jump clear out of the water and make long, powerful runs that'll test your drag. They're also great eating with firm, mild meat. The key to hooking up consistently is using oily baits like mackerel or sardines on a fish-finder rig with 30-50 pound gear. Once you get one fired up, keep that chum line going because they often travel in groups.
Sphyrna TiburoThe smallest of the hammerhead family, bonnetheads are easy to spot with their distinctive shovel-shaped heads and brownish-grey coloring. These sharks typically run 3-4 feet and are pretty docile compared to their bigger cousins. You'll find them cruising shallow waters near shore, especially around grass flats and sandy bottoms in 10-30 feet of water. Summer through early fall is prime time here in Galveston when they're most active in our warmer Gulf waters. What makes them fun to target is their scrappy fight for their size - they'll make solid runs and give you a good battle on lighter tackle. They school up too, so catching one usually means there are more around. Pro tip: fresh blue crab cut in half works better than anything else - hook it through a leg and let it sit on the bottom with a sliding sinker rig.
Galveston