5.0(2 Reviews)Summer Fishing Adventure with Captain Mike
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Flats/Shallows Fishing
Fivehour flats fishing trip in Galveston Bay watersTarget redfish, speckled trout, and black drum speciesBase price covers two anglers with bait included
Looking for a solid day on the water in Galveston Bay? Captain Mike's got you covered with up to 5 hours of fishing that'll have you targeting some of the Gulf Coast's most sought-after species. This isn't your typical charter - you're getting a seasoned guide who knows exactly where the fish are holding and how to put you on them. The base price covers two anglers, with room for up to four total (additional anglers run $225 each). Best part? Your bait's already handled, so you can focus on what matters - getting lines wet and fish in the boat.
Captain Mike runs a tight ship in one of Texas's most productive fishing grounds. Galveston Bay's shallow flats and structure-rich waters create perfect conditions for sight fishing and working the grass beds where redfish love to cruise. You'll be fishing waters that range from knee-deep flats to deeper channels, depending on tides and what's biting. The bay's mix of fresh and saltwater creates an ecosystem that supports year-round fishing, but summer brings some of the most consistent action you'll find anywhere along the Texas coast. Expect to cover water efficiently while learning the nuances of reading structure, working lures, and understanding how these fish behave in different conditions.
Fishing Galveston Bay means adapting to conditions and species throughout the day. You'll likely be throwing everything from topwater plugs at first light to soft plastics worked along drop-offs as the sun climbs higher. Captain Mike knows when to switch from artificial lures to live bait, especially when targeting black drum around structure or working deeper channels for speckled trout. The flats fishing here is all about reading water - spotting nervous baitfish, finding the right grass lines, and positioning yourself to intercept cruising redfish. Wade fishing opportunities pop up depending on conditions, giving you that authentic Texas flats experience where you're stalking fish in skinny water. The tackle stays versatile - medium-action rods that can handle both finesse presentations and the occasional bruiser red that decides to make a serious run toward the nearest oyster reef.
"Great Captain! We really enjoyed our trip and we will definitely be back again in the future!" - Vincent Ortiz
"Captain Mike is Awesome...this was my 4th trip out with him and each trip we put a limit of fish in the box...." - Denver Posey
Redfish are the bread and butter of Galveston Bay fishing, and summer puts them in predictable patterns that Captain Mike knows inside and out. These copper-colored bruisers cruise the flats in schools, often with their backs barely covered by water. Summer reds typically run 20-28 inches, with plenty of slot fish that make excellent table fare. What makes them special here is the sight fishing opportunities - there's nothing quite like watching a red inhale your lure in two feet of crystal-clear water. They're aggressive feeders during summer months, making them perfect targets for both experienced anglers and newcomers to saltwater fishing.
Speckled trout, or "specks" as locals call them, are the other half of the Texas inshore slam. Summer finds them holding in slightly deeper water during the heat of the day, but early morning and evening sessions can produce spectacular topwater action. Galveston Bay specks run anywhere from 14 to 25 inches, with the occasional gator trout pushing 6-7 pounds. These fish are incredibly structure-oriented, relating to drop-offs, shell beds, and grass lines. They're also arguably the best eating fish in the bay, with firm white meat that's perfect for the grill.
Black drum are the heavyweight champions of Galveston Bay, and summer fishing can produce some true monsters. These fish school up around structure and are notorious for their bulldogging fights that'll test your tackle and your arms. Juvenile black drum, called "puppy drum," make excellent table fare, while the big bulls - some pushing 40-50 pounds - provide the kind of drag-screaming fights that create lasting memories. They're bottom feeders with incredible strength, often requiring heavier tackle and plenty of patience.
Southern flounder are the bay's premier ambush predators, laying perfectly camouflaged on sandy bottoms waiting for unsuspecting prey. Summer months bring excellent flounder fishing as these fish move through the bay system. They're incredibly fun on light tackle, and their unique fighting style - more headshaking than running - makes them a favorite among anglers who appreciate technical fishing. Plus, there's no arguing with flounder fillets when it comes to dinner.
Sheepshead round out the target species list with their incredible structure-oriented behavior and impressive fighting ability for their size. These black-and-white striped fish have human-like teeth that they use to crush crabs and barnacles off pilings and reefs. Summer sheepshead fishing requires pinpoint accuracy and quick hook sets, as these fish are notorious bait stealers. They're also some of the best eating fish in the Gulf, with firm, sweet meat that rivals any offshore species.
Captain Mike's summer fishing trips deliver exactly what serious anglers want - consistent action, local expertise, and the chance to target multiple species in one of Texas's most productive bays. With bait included and room for up to four anglers, this represents solid value for groups looking to experience world-class inshore fishing. The 5-hour window gives you plenty of time to work different areas, adapt to changing conditions, and put together a mixed bag that showcases what Galveston Bay fishing is all about. Whether you're looking to introduce newcomers to saltwater fishing or add another successful trip to your logbook, this charter delivers the goods. Don't wait too long - summer dates with productive captains like Mike fill up fast, especially
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of Galveston Bay, running anywhere from 5 to 30 pounds regularly. These dark-colored bruisers love hanging around oyster reefs, muddy flats, and shallow structure where they crush shellfish with powerful jaws. Spring is your best bet when they school up for spawning - you can actually hear them drumming underwater during mating season. They're tough fighters that'll test your drag, and the smaller ones under 15 pounds make great eating with firm, white meat. The big bulls are fun to catch but better released. You'll find them in water from 2 to 20 feet deep around structure. My go-to technique is fresh blue crab on the bottom with a fish finder rig. The trick is using circle hooks and letting them run with the bait - they'll hook themselves when you apply steady pressure.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of Galveston Bay fishing. These copper-colored bruisers with distinctive black spots near their tails love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. Most run 20-30 inches and fight like freight trains, making long runs and testing your drag. They're year-round residents but fall brings the best action when they school up. What makes them special is they'll eat almost anything - live shrimp, cut bait, or artificials. The smaller "rat reds" are great table fare with sweet, firm meat. You'll find them around oyster reefs, grass flats, and shallow structure in 1-4 feet of water. They're curious fish that often cruise in packs. My go-to method is sight fishing with gold spoons or topwater plugs early morning. The trick is making long casts ahead of cruising fish and working the lure slowly past them.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled Trout are one of our most popular targets in Galveston Bay, and for good reason. These silver fish with black spots typically run 14-20 inches and put up a great fight on light tackle. They love grass flats and shallow areas, especially around dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding on shrimp and small baitfish. Summer and fall produce the best action when water temps are right. What guests love is their willingness to hit both live bait and artificials - topwater plugs at sunrise create explosive strikes. The meat is excellent, white and flaky, but don't overcook it or it gets mushy. We find them in 2-8 feet of water around structure and grass beds. My favorite technique is working a soft plastic shrimp under a popping cork. The key is making noise with the cork to attract them, then letting the bait fall naturally on slack line.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" of Galveston Bay with their distinctive black and white stripes. These crafty fish hang tight around any structure - dock pilings, jetties, and oil rigs where they pick barnacles and small crabs off with human-like teeth. They typically run 1-3 pounds and 14-18 inches, but we get some nice 5-pounders around deeper structure. Spring months are prime time when they move shallow to spawn. What makes them fun is they're notorious bait thieves - you'll feel them nibbling before they commit. The meat is excellent, sweet and flaky when you can get through those tough scales. Fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs work best on small hooks. The secret is getting your bait right against the structure and setting the hook hard the moment you feel weight. They've got strong mouths, so don't hesitate when you feel that first solid tap.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are flat, oval-shaped fish that live along sandy and muddy bottoms throughout Galveston Bay. They're master ambush predators - both eyes sit on one side of their head so they can bury in the sand and wait for shrimp, crabs, and small fish to swim by. Most run 15-18 inches, but we catch plenty in the 5-pound range. Fall and winter are prime time when they're moving toward deeper water to spawn. What makes them special is their color-changing ability - they'll match whatever bottom they're sitting on. They're excellent table fare with sweet, white meat. Here's the key: use drift fishing with live shrimp or mullet on a light jig head, and fish it right on the bottom. When you feel that subtle tap, set the hook quick - they're notorious for stealing bait.
5.0 out of 5.0Great Captain! We really enjoyed our trip and we will definitely be back again in the future!
Captain Mike is Awesome...this was my 4th trip out with him and each trip we put a limit of fish in the box....
Galveston