Land-Based Fishing Adventure in Galveston
Private Trip
Shore Fishing
Shore fishing for redfish, shark, and black drum from Texas beachesUp to 12 hours with drone bait placement and surf setupsAll experience levels welcome with hands-on casting and baiting help
Captain Jeffrey Millet knows the Texas coast like the back of his hand, and he's ready to show you why Galveston and Jamaica Beach offer some of the best surf fishing in the Gulf. This isn't your typical charter boat experience – you'll be casting from the sand, working the surf, and targeting species that cruise right along the shoreline. With up to 12 hours on the beach starting at 7:30 AM, you'll have plenty of time to dial in your technique and connect with redfish, sharks, black drum, and whatever else is running. Jeffrey welcomes up to 4 serious anglers, but families are encouraged to tag along for this laid-back day on one of Texas' most productive stretches of beach.
This is surf fishing at its finest – no boat required, just you, the sand, and miles of productive water stretching to the horizon. Jeffrey sets the pace nice and easy, giving everyone time to learn proper surf casting techniques and understand how to read the water. You'll be working with serious surf setups designed to punch through the waves and get your bait out where the fish are feeding. The beauty of this trip is the relaxed vibe – there's no rush to get back to the dock, no seasickness to worry about, and plenty of space for everyone to spread out and find their rhythm. Jeffrey moves the group based on tides, wind direction, and where the fish are showing, so you're always fishing the most productive water available that day.
You'll be fishing with proper surf rods – long, powerful sticks that can launch baits well beyond the breaking waves where the bigger fish patrol. Bottom rigs are the bread and butter here, keeping your bait right in the strike zone where redfish, black drum, and sharks are actively hunting. When conditions are right and the wind cooperates, Jeffrey breaks out the drone for bait placement – a game-changing technique that gets fresh bait out to spots you simply can't reach from shore. He'll walk you through proper casting form, show you how to read the surf for structure and current breaks, and help you understand when to set the hook versus when to let a fish run. Circle hooks are standard for most setups, making it easier for beginners to hook up without perfectly timing the hookset. Fresh shrimp, cut mullet, and live bait when available keep the rods bent throughout the day.
Florida Pompano are the crown jewel of surf fishing along this stretch of coast, and they show up in good numbers during their seasonal runs. These silver bullets are fast, acrobatic fighters that'll test your drag and make you appreciate why pompano are considered one of the best eating fish in the Gulf. They typically run 1-3 pounds but fight like fish twice their size, making screaming runs parallel to the beach. Spring and fall migrations offer the best pompano action, and Jeffrey knows exactly which tide phases and water temperatures get them fired up and feeding aggressively in the surf zone.
Black Drum are the workhorses of this fishery – big, powerful fish that can stretch well over 30 inches and provide arm-burning fights from the sand. These copper-colored bruisers love to cruise the shallow flats just outside the surf, especially during their spawning runs in late winter and early spring. What makes drum fishing so exciting is the variety – you might hook a schoolie that fights hard for its size, or connect with a genuine giant that has you questioning your tackle choices. They're notorious for their slow, powerful runs and stubborn fighting style that'll have you working the entire time.
Sea Trout, or speckled trout as locals call them, provide consistent action throughout the warmer months and are perfect for anglers looking to put some fish in the cooler. These spotted beauties typically run 14-20 inches in the surf and hit a variety of baits with enthusiasm. They're excellent table fare and fight with quick bursts and head-shaking runs that keep things interesting. Trout fishing really picks up in the early morning and late evening hours, making them perfect targets for this extended beach trip format.
Redfish are what most Texas anglers dream about – bronze-backed bulldogs that can exceed 30 inches and provide some of the most memorable fights you'll experience from shore. These fish patrol the surf looking for crabs, shrimp, and baitfish, often feeding in water so shallow you can see their backs breaking the surface. Bull reds put up legendary fights, making long runs and using the surf to their advantage. Slot-size fish in the 20-28 inch range are excellent eating, while the oversized bulls provide pure adrenaline before swimming away to fight another day.
Blacktip Sharks bring an element of excitement that keeps everyone on their toes throughout the day. These sleek predators patrol the surf zone year-round but really turn on during the warmer months when baitfish are thick along the beach. Blacktips are acrobatic fighters known for their spectacular jumps and blistering runs that'll test your equipment and skills. Most surf-caught blacktips run 3-6 feet, providing powerful fights without being too overwhelming for most anglers. Jeffrey handles all the leader work and release procedures, ensuring safe encounters for both angler and shark.
Captain Jeffrey Millet's land-based fishing trips offer something you won't find on most charters – time to truly learn and enjoy the experience without the pressure of limited boat time. With 12 hours on some of the Gulf Coast's most productive beaches, personalized instruction, and access to proven techniques like drone bait placement, this is surf fishing done right. Whether you're a complete beginner looking to learn proper technique or an experienced angler wanting to explore new water with a local expert, Jeffrey's got the knowledge and patience to make it happen. Just remember to grab your Texas fishing license, pack plenty of food and drinks, and bring sun protection for a full day
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our surf fishing, ranging from 5-30 pounds with some monsters hitting 90+ pounds. These dark, powerful fish cruise shallow flats and oyster beds looking for crabs and mollusks to crush with their pharyngeal teeth. Spring around spawning season is prime time when they school up in big numbers. You'll hear them "drumming" underwater - that's how they got their name. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make great table fare with flaky white meat, while the big bulls are best released. They're bulldogs on the rod, using their size to test your drag. For consistent hookups, use fresh blue crab or cut mullet on a fish finder rig, and keep your bait right on the bottom.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktip sharks are some of the most exciting fish to hook from the beach, known for their acrobatic jumps and distinctive black-tipped fins. These streamlined predators typically run 4-6 feet and can reach speeds that'll peel line fast. They patrol the surf zone and nearshore waters hunting schools of bait like mackerel, herring, and croaker. Summer months bring the best action when baitfish are thick. What makes blacktips special is their aerial shows - they'll jump 15+ feet trying to throw your hook. While we release all our sharks, the fight alone is worth the trip. They're surprisingly timid despite their power. My strategy: use fresh, oily bait like mackerel on a heavy surf setup with circle hooks, and get ready for a wild ride.
Trachinotus CarolinusFlorida Pompano are some of the most sought-after fish along our coast. These silvery, flat-bodied beauties typically run 1-3 pounds and 12 inches, though we've seen some push 8-9 pounds. They love cruising the surf zone feeding on sand fleas, shrimp, and small crabs. You'll find them most active during summer and fall when water temps are warmer - they head deeper when it gets cold. What makes pompano special is their buttery, white meat that's restaurant-quality. They're scrappy fighters too, using that flat body to pull sideways against your drag. My best tip: use small hooks with fresh sand fleas or shrimp, and fish the first and second gut right off the beach during moving tides.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the kings of our shallow water fishing, easily recognized by their bronze-red color and distinctive black eyespot near the tail. These fish run anywhere from slot-sized 20-28 inchers up to massive 40+ pound bulls. They love cruising 1-4 feet of water around oyster reefs, grass flats, and marshy shorelines. Fall is prime time when they school up, but we catch them year-round in Texas waters. Reds are fantastic fighters, using their broad tails and stubborn nature to test your tackle. The slot fish make excellent eating with mild, flaky meat. What I love about redfish is they'll eat almost anything - topwater plugs, live shrimp, cut bait. Key tip: look for tailing fish in skinny water and approach quietly.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks" as we call them locally, are beautiful silver fish with distinctive black spots scattered across their sides. They typically run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, making them perfect for light tackle action. These fish love grass flats and shallow bays where they ambush shrimp and small baitfish. Fall and spring offer the best action when they're actively feeding in cooler water. Specks have delicate, flaky white meat that's outstanding on the table - just don't overcook it. They're known for their soft mouths, so steady pressure is key once hooked. My go-to setup is a popping cork with live shrimp about 18 inches below, worked slowly over grass beds during moving water.
undefined, undefined