Galveston Shark Fishing: 5-Hour Private Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 5hour shark fishing charter targeting multiple species offshoreHeavy tackle drift fishing for blacktip, spinner, bull, and hammerhead sharksMorning and afternoon departure times available with catch preparation included
Get ready to battle some of the Gulf's most impressive predators just minutes from Galveston's shoreline. Our 5-hour shark fishing charters put you face-to-face with blacktip, spinner, bull, and hammerhead sharks using serious heavy tackle and proven drift fishing techniques. Whether you choose our 7:00 am morning departure or 2:00 pm afternoon trip, you'll have plenty of time to work the productive waters where these apex predators hunt. This is a private charter experience for up to 2 anglers, so you'll have our full attention and the best chance at landing the shark of a lifetime.
Your shark adventure kicks off right from Galveston's convenient boat launch, and within 20 minutes we're setting up in prime shark territory. The beauty of Galveston shark fishing is that we don't need to run hours offshore - these predators patrol the nearshore waters where the baitfish are thick and the hunting is easy. You'll feel the excitement build as we deploy our heavy rods loaded with circle hooks and fresh bait. The first-mate fee is already included in your trip, so our crew will handle all the rigging, baiting, and netting while you focus on the fight. We run seasonal trips from June 1st through September 30th when water temperatures hit that sweet spot and shark activity peaks. Morning trips often produce more action as sharks feed aggressively after the cooler night hours, but afternoon charters can be just as productive, especially when the tide is moving right.
Shark fishing isn't like targeting redfish or trout - we're talking about animals that can stretch 6 feet or more and have the power to strip line faster than you'd believe. That's why we fish with heavy conventional reels spooled with 80-pound test and rods built specifically for big game. Our preferred method is drift fishing, which lets us cover more water and present baits naturally as the boat moves with the current. We'll set out multiple lines at different depths using wire leaders and circle hooks - the wire prevents those razor-sharp teeth from cutting through, while circle hooks ensure a solid hookup in the corner of the mouth. Fresh cut bait like mackerel, bonito, and ribbonfish work best, though sometimes we'll throw out a live hardtail or blue runner when we find them. The key is matching the drift speed to the current and keeping those baits in the strike zone where sharks are actively hunting.
Bonnethead sharks are often the first species many anglers encounter, and don't let their smaller size fool you - these 2 to 3-foot members of the hammerhead family put up a scrappy fight and are perfect for getting comfortable with shark fishing techniques. They're active throughout our season but peak in July and August when water temperatures climb into the low 80s. Bonnetheads have this cool shovel-shaped head that makes them instantly recognizable, and they're one of the few sharks that actually eat vegetation along with crabs and small fish. What makes them exciting is their unpredictable nature - they might tap the bait a few times before committing, or slam it hard enough to nearly pull the rod out of your hands.
Blacktip sharks are the crown jewel of Galveston shark fishing, and once you hook one, you'll understand why anglers become obsessed. These sleek predators average 4 to 6 feet but can push 7 feet, and they're famous for their aerial displays when hooked. A big blacktip will jump completely clear of the water multiple times, throwing spray everywhere and testing your drag system to its limits. They show up in good numbers from late June through early September, especially when schools of baitfish move through the area. Blacktips are pure muscle and speed - they hunt in the middle of the water column and strike with incredible force. The fight typically lasts 15 to 20 minutes of steady pressure, and landing one is a real achievement that'll have you grinning for hours.
Galveston's shark season is short but sweet, and the best dates fill up fast once word gets out about good fishing. Our private 2-angler charters give you the personalized attention and flexibility you won't find on crowded party boats. We provide all the heavy tackle, rigging, and expertise - you just need to bring your sense of adventure and maybe some snacks and drinks for the 5-hour trip. The first-mate fee is included, so there are no surprise costs or awkward tipping situations to worry about. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add sharks to your bucket list or someone ready to step up from bay fishing to something more challenging, this charter delivers the goods. Book your morning or afternoon slot now, because once October rolls around, you'll be waiting until next June to get another shot at Galveston's incredible shark fishing.
Our 26-foot Unsinkable Boston Whaler Outrage cuts through Galveston waters with confidence, powered by a brand-new Suzuki 250 that gets you to prime shark territory fast. Built for serious anglers, this fishing machine features a premium trolling motor for precise positioning when you're locked onto fish, plus GPS navigation and fish finder technology to locate the best action. The spacious cockpit gives you and one other angler plenty of room to battle blacktip, spinner, bull, and hammerhead sharks using heavy tackle and drift fishing techniques. Safety gear meets all Coast Guard requirements, including VHF radio for constant communication. Whether you choose the early morning departure or afternoon trip, this proven platform handles Gulf conditions with ease while keeping you comfortable during the 5-hour hunt for trophy sharks off the beachfront.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are one of our most exciting targets, running 4-5 feet on average but capable of hitting 9 feet. They're known for their acrobatic jumps - sometimes launching 20 feet out of the water when hooked. You'll find them in 30-100 feet of water around structure and drop-offs where they hunt schools of mackerel, herring, and croaker. Peak season runs June through September when water temps are warmest. These sharks are aggressive feeders but surprisingly timid around the boat until they smell chum. The fight is what keeps people coming back - they're fast, strong, and those aerial displays are something else. Heavy braided line is essential since they get pretty fired up. Local secret: oily baits like fresh mackerel work best, and don't be shy with the chum.
Sphyrna TiburoThe smallest hammerhead you'll encounter out here, bonnetheads run 3-4 feet and have that distinctive shovel-shaped head instead of the classic hammer. They're actually pretty shy compared to other sharks, traveling in small schools of 10-15 fish in shallow waters along our coast. Summer through early fall is prime time when they move into the Gulf's warmer waters to feed on crabs, shrimp, and small fish. What makes them fun to target is they put up a scrappy fight for their size, and the meat is surprisingly good eating. These guys are abundant in our area since they love the sandy bottoms and grass flats. Pro tip: fresh blue crab cut in half works best - hook it through one of the legs and let that scent trail do the work.
Galveston