Fishing Galveston Bay | 6 Hour Charter Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour charter targets redfish and pompano across multiple fishing zonesInshore and nearoffshore fishing accommodates up to three anglers comfortablyComprehensive bay exploration covers channels, flats, and productive fishing structures
If you're looking for a serious day on the water where anything can happen, this six-hour charter on Galveston Bay is exactly what you need. Captain Doc knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll put you on fish whether you're after that wall-hanger redfish or chasing whatever's biting that day. We're talking about a full day of fishing that covers everything from shallow flats to deeper channels, with the flexibility to run wherever the fish are holding. Perfect for small groups of up to three anglers who want personalized attention and the kind of fishing stories you'll be telling for years.
This isn't your typical half-day trip where you're just getting started when it's time to head back. Six hours gives us the time to really work the water and adapt to what's happening that day. We'll start early, hitting the prime feeding times when the fish are most active. The bay system here is massive, with endless opportunities from grass flats to oyster reefs, and we'll move around based on tides, weather, and what's been producing. You might find yourself sight-casting to tailing reds in two feet of water one hour, then working deeper structure for trout the next. The beauty of this trip is the variety – no two days are ever the same, and that's what keeps the fishing exciting. Captain Doc runs a clean, well-maintained boat with all the gear you'll need, so you can focus on what matters: catching fish.
We fish these waters using a mix of techniques that match the conditions and target species. Live bait is king here – shrimp, croaker, and mullet will be your go-to options depending on what we're after. For the reds, we'll often use cut bait on the bottom around structure, or switch to topwater plugs when they're feeding aggressively in the shallows. Trout fishing usually means working soft plastics under popping corks or throwing paddle tails along grass lines. When the Spanish mackerel are running, we'll pull out the light tackle and fast-moving lures that get their attention. All rods, reels, and tackle are provided, but if you've got a favorite setup, feel free to bring it along. The key is staying flexible – what worked yesterday might not work today, so we'll keep switching things up until we find what the fish want. Captain Doc will walk you through each technique as we use it, so whether you're a beginner or experienced angler, you'll learn something new.
Spanish Mackerel are some of the most fun fish you'll encounter on this trip. These silver bullets show up in schools and attack anything that moves fast enough to get their attention. They typically run 1-3 pounds but what they lack in size, they make up for in pure aggression. Spring through fall is prime time, especially when baitfish are thick in the bay. The fight is fast and furious, with spectacular jumps and blistering runs that'll test your drag. They're also excellent table fare when prepared fresh, making them a customer favorite for good reason.
Southern Flounder are the ultimate ambush predators, lying flat on sandy bottoms waiting for an easy meal to swim by. These flatfish can surprise you with their size – doormat flounder over 20 inches aren't uncommon in these waters. Fall is traditionally the best time as they stage for their offshore spawning migration, but we catch them year-round. The bite is subtle, often feeling like you're just snagged on the bottom until that distinctive head shake gives them away. They're masters of camouflage and incredibly good eating, which makes landing a nice flounder one of the highlights of any trip.
Sea Trout, or speckled trout as locals call them, are the bread and butter species of Galveston Bay. These spotted beauties love grass flats and drop-offs, especially during moving tides. They range from schoolie-sized fish up to gator trout over 25 inches that'll make your heart pound. Spring and fall offer the best action, but we target them year-round by adjusting our approach to match seasonal patterns. They're known for their soft mouths, so keeping steady pressure without horsing them is key. The distinctive rattling sound they make when you lip them is unmistakable.
Redfish are the crown jewel of inshore fishing here, and Galveston Bay produces some true monsters. These copper-colored bruisers can exceed 40 inches and will test every inch of your tackle and technique. They feed in shallow water, often with their backs out, creating that heart-stopping sight-fishing opportunity every angler dreams about. The smaller slot-sized fish are fantastic eating, while the oversized bulls provide the kind of drag-screaming runs that create lifelong fishing memories. They're available year-round, but fall brings the biggest concentrations as they school up for spawning.
Southern Stingray encounters add an element of surprise to every trip. These gentle giants can span several feet across and provide an unexpectedly powerful fight that's completely different from any fish species. When hooked, they use their wing-like pectoral fins to plane through the water with surprising strength. While not targeted specifically, they're commonly caught while bottom fishing and always generate excitement. Captain Doc handles all stingray encounters safely, ensuring both angler and ray have a positive experience before a quick release.
This six-hour charter represents the sweet spot for serious anglers who want enough time to really fish without committing to a full day. With space for up to three anglers and the option to add a fourth person for just $100, it's perfect for families, couples, or small groups of fishing buddies. Captain Doc's local knowledge and commitment to putting clients on fish has made this trip a top-rated choice among both visiting and local anglers. The combination of variety, action,
Hit the productive waters of Galveston Bay aboard this well-rigged 21-foot Nautic Star 2110 sport fishing boat. The spacious layout comfortably handles up to 3 anglers, while the T-top provides welcome shade during those long summer sessions targeting reds and trout. Modern Garmin EchoMap electronics help locate structure and baitfish, while the Minn Kota Terrova trolling motor with I-Pilot keeps you positioned perfectly over productive spots without spooking fish. The ICOM VHF radio ensures reliable communication with other boats and marine services. This setup handles bay fishing and near-shore runs with ease, giving you access to diverse fishing opportunities from shallow flats to deeper channel edges where bigger fish cruise.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the ultimate inshore prize, ranging from slot-size 20-28 inchers to giant "bulls" over 40 inches that'll test your tackle. These copper-colored fighters love shallow flats, oyster reefs, and marsh edges in 1-6 feet of water. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall brings schools of oversized fish that create heart-stopping topwater action. What makes reds special is their aggressive nature and bulldogging fight - they'll drag you into structure if you let them. Smaller fish are fantastic eating with firm, mild meat. Look for tailing fish in skinny water or work live shrimp around structure. Local secret: when you see mullet getting nervous in shallow water, there's probably a red underneath - throw a topwater plug right into the commotion.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks," are one of our most reliable inshore targets, typically running 14-20 inches with bigger fish pushing 5+ pounds. These silver beauties with black spots love grass flats, oyster reefs, and drop-offs in 3-15 feet of water. Dawn and dusk are magic hours, especially during spring and fall when they're most active. Anglers appreciate their willingness to hit both live bait and artificials, plus their excellent fight and sweet, flaky meat. They're structure-oriented fish that form schools, so where you catch one, there's usually more. Best local trick: work soft plastics or live shrimp around the edges of grass beds on moving water - they use these areas as ambush points and the bite can be lights-out when you find them.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are masters of disguise, lying flat on muddy and sandy bottoms in 2-8 feet of water throughout our bay system. These ambush predators typically run 15-18 inches and can hit 5 pounds, with both eyes on their left side giving them that unique flatfish look. Fall and winter are prime time as they move toward deeper channels and passes. Anglers love them because they fight hard for their size and make some of the best eating you'll find - sweet, white meat that's hard to beat. They'll nail live shrimp, mullet, or bull minnows bounced along the bottom. My trick: drift slowly and let your bait drag - when you feel that subtle tap, wait a beat before setting the hook since they grab prey sideways first.
Hypanus AmericanusSouthern stingrays are fascinating bottom-dwellers that can stretch up to 5 feet across, usually found buried in sandy flats and grass beds around the bay. These gentle giants are more curious than aggressive, but that barbed tail demands respect. They're most active during warmer months in shallow water, feeding on crabs and small fish they dig up from the sand. While not traditionally targeted for eating, they provide a unique challenge and photo opportunity that guests always remember. You'll spot them by the puff of sand they create while feeding or their diamond shape gliding along the bottom. Key tip: always use cut bait like squid on the bottom and keep your distance when landing one - shuffle your feet when wading to avoid accidentally stepping on them.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are fast, aggressive fish that run 1-3 pounds on average, with their distinctive yellow spots making them easy to identify. These speedsters love to school up near the surface around structures, jetties, and open water flats. Spring through fall brings the best action when water temps warm up - they're constantly on the move chasing baitfish. What makes them popular is their willingness to hit just about anything moving fast, plus they make excellent table fare with mild, flaky meat perfect for grilling. When you see birds diving or bait jumping, get ready - Spanish mackerel aren't far behind. Pro tip: use a wire leader since their razor-sharp teeth will slice through mono in a heartbeat.
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