Galveston's Best Combo Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Full-day combo targeting trout, redfish, sharks, and jacksEight-hour charter includes jetty, bay, and nearshore fishingFirst-mate service included with light tackle live bait setup
When you're looking for variety on the water, our 8-hour combo charter delivers exactly what serious anglers want. This isn't your typical half-day trip where you're just getting warmed up when it's time to head back. We're talking about a full day of fishing that covers everything Galveston's waters have to offer – from the productive jetty complex to the nearshore action that keeps your rod bent all day long. Starting at 7:00 AM, you'll have plenty of time to work different areas and target multiple species using techniques that actually produce fish.
This combo trip is designed for anglers who want to experience the full range of Galveston fishing in a single outing. We'll start in the jetty complex or bay systems where the structure holds plenty of speckled trout, redfish, and sheepshead. The beauty of this approach is that we can read the conditions and move to where the fish are biting best. If the jetties are producing, we'll work them hard. If the bay flats are lighting up, that's where we'll focus our efforts. Later in the day, we transition to nearshore waters where sharks cruise the surf line and redfish patrol the beachfront. The wrecks and reefs in this area also hold some surprises – you never know when a nice cobia or king mackerel might show up. With a maximum of just 2 guests, you'll get personalized attention and plenty of room to fish comfortably. The first mate fee is already included, so there's no awkward tipping decisions or hidden costs.
We fish with light tackle and live bait because that's what works consistently in these waters. Heavy gear might seem impressive, but when you're targeting speckled trout in 8 feet of water or sight-casting to redfish in the shallows, finesse wins every time. Our live bait selection changes based on what's available and what the fish are eating, but expect to fish with live shrimp, finger mullet, and croakers. The light tackle setup lets you feel every bump and tap, which is crucial when these fish are being picky. We'll also have artificials ready to go – soft plastics, topwater plugs, and spoons that can turn a slow bite into a memorable day. The nearshore portion of the trip opens up different techniques. We might drift with cut bait for sharks, work structure with jigs for redfish, or even do some light trolling if conditions are right. The key is staying flexible and adapting to what the fish want on any given day.
Spanish Mackerel are one of those species that can make or break a trip. These silver bullets show up in schools and when you find them, the action is fast and furious. They typically run 1-3 pounds and fight way above their weight class with blistering runs and acrobatic jumps. Summer and early fall are prime time for Spanish mackerel around Galveston's nearshore waters. They're suckers for small spoons and live shrimp, and once you hook into a school, you can often catch them until your arms get tired. What makes them special is their unpredictability – they might be scattered one day and stacked up the next.
Black Drum are the heavyweights of the inshore scene, and Galveston's waters hold some genuine bulls. These fish can range from puppy drum around 5 pounds all the way up to monsters pushing 40+ pounds. The bigger fish are usually around structure like the jetties or nearshore reefs, while the smaller ones cruise the shallow flats. Black drum are bottom feeders with a serious appetite for crabs and shrimp. They're not the flashiest fighters, but when you hook a big one, it's like trying to pull a manhole cover off the bottom. Late winter through spring is peak season, especially around the jetties where they gather in impressive numbers.
Sheepshead are the ultimate challenge for light tackle anglers. These black and white striped convicts have mouths full of human-like teeth that they use to crush barnacles and crabs off structure. They're notorious bait stealers, and landing one requires perfect timing and a bit of luck. Most sheepshead in our waters run 2-4 pounds, but the occasional 8-pounder will show up to test your skills. Winter is prime time for sheepshead around Galveston's jetties and oil rigs. They're excellent table fare, which makes the challenge of catching them even more rewarding. You'll know you're dealing with sheepshead when your bait keeps disappearing without any real hookups.
Redfish are the poster child for Galveston inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers are available year-round and provide some of the most consistent action you'll find. Slot-sized reds (20-28 inches) are perfect for the dinner table, while the oversized bull reds put on a show that'll leave your arms aching. Redfish are opportunistic feeders that will hit live bait, cut bait, and artificials with equal enthusiasm. The shallow water sight fishing for reds is some of the most visual and exciting angling you'll experience. Spring through fall offers the best redfish action, with the big bulls showing up in impressive numbers during their fall spawn.
Pacific Pompano might not be the biggest fish in the bay, but they're certainly one of the most prized. These silver beauties are known for their excellent table quality and their preference for clean, sandy bottom areas. They typically run 1-2 pounds and are most commonly caught while targeting other species. Pompano have small mouths, so downsizing your bait and hooks is essential. They're more common in warmer months and tend to move in small schools along the beachfront and nearshore waters. When you do connect with pompano, you're in for a treat both on
Cast off from Galveston aboard our rock-solid 26-foot Boston Whaler Outrage, rigged for serious fishing action. This unsinkable beast runs on a brand-new Suzuki 250 that'll get you to the hot spots fast, plus we've added a premium trolling motor for stealthy approaches when the fish are finicky. You'll have GPS to navigate the waters and a top-notch fish finder to mark schools and structure. Safety's covered with full Coast Guard gear and VHF radio. Perfect for two anglers who want room to fight fish without bumping elbows. Whether we're working the jetties for specks and reds or running offshore to tangle with sharks, this boat handles Galveston's waters like a champ.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of Galveston's inshore waters, typically running 5-30 pounds with some bulls pushing 50+ pounds. These powerful bottom-feeders love oyster reefs, muddy flats, and around pier pilings where they crush crabs and shellfish with their pharyngeal teeth. Spring spawning season from February to April is your best bet when they school up in shallow water. The fight is all about power - they'll use their broad sides against the current and test your drag system. Smaller drum under 15 pounds are fantastic table fare, but the big ones are tough and better released. Fresh blue crab or cut mullet on a Carolina rig works best. Pro tip: listen for their drumming sounds underwater - it means you're in the right spot.
Peprilus SimillimusPacific pompano aren't actually found in Galveston waters - they're a West Coast species from British Columbia to Southern California. In the Gulf of Mexico, we target Florida pompano instead. These smaller butterfish family members average under 8 inches and are known for being skittish schooling fish. They prefer sandy bottoms and can be found from shallow water down to deeper areas. The Pacific variety is prized for sweet, flaky meat similar to their Atlantic cousins. They're picky eaters that respond to small hooks with fresh anchovy strips or tiny shrimp pieces. When targeting any pompano species, small presentations and light tackle are key since they spook easily and have small mouths for their body size.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are Galveston's signature inshore species, running 20-40 inches and known for their bronze color and distinctive black spots near the tail. They cruise shallow flats, marsh edges, and around jetty rocks in 1-4 feet of water. Year-round fishing with peak action in fall when they school up. These fish fight dirty - using their broad sides and powerful tails to make long runs into structure. The smaller "slot" fish are excellent eating with firm, mild meat. They'll hit live shrimp, cut mullet, or topwater plugs when feeding aggressively. You can sight-fish them in skinny water, watching for their backs and tails breaking the surface. Pro tip: look for mullet getting nervous in shallow water - reds are usually underneath them pushing bait around.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish of Galveston's jetties and structures, easily spotted by their black and white stripes. Most run 1-8 pounds and 14-20 inches, though 20-pounders lurk around the deeper pilings. They're notorious bait thieves with human-like teeth that can crush barnacles and crabs. Peak season runs February through April during spawning, but they bite year-round around any barnacle-covered structure. Guests love the challenge - they require finesse and quick hook sets. The reward is some of the best eating fish in the Gulf with sweet, white meat. Fiddler crabs and fresh shrimp work best on small hooks. My advice: get your bait tight to the structure and set the hook hard the moment you feel weight - they're masters at stealing bait.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are fast, aggressive fish that average 1-2 feet long and 8-11 pounds around Galveston. You'll spot them in schools near the surface, especially around jetties and nearshore structures. They hit hard and make blistering runs that'll test your drag. Spring through fall are prime times when they're chasing bait schools close to shore. These silver speedsters with yellow spots are excellent eating - mild, flaky meat that grills perfectly. They'll take live shrimp, small mullet, or fast-trolled spoons. My tip: when you see diving birds, get there quick. Spanish mackerel follow the baitfish, and once you hook into a school, you can catch them one after another. Just keep your hooks sharp - their teeth will dull them fast.
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