8 Hour Private Galveston Inshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 8hour inshore fishing charter with Guide DanielTarget redfish, flounder, trout, sheepshead and black drumAll equipment provided for maximum 2 anglers per trip
Looking for a world-class inshore fishing experience in Galveston? I'm Guide Daniel, and I've been working these productive waters for years, helping anglers connect with some of the Gulf Coast's most sought-after species. My private charter is designed for serious fishing – just you and one other angler, which means personalized attention and the flexibility to chase the bite wherever it takes us. We'll spend 6 to 8 hours targeting redfish, trout, flounder, sheepshead, and black drum in the shallow waters around Galveston Bay, where structure and current create perfect feeding zones for these popular game fish.
We kick off early at 5:30 AM when the fish are most active and the water is calm. This top-rated charter runs until 2:00 or 3:00 PM, giving us plenty of time to work multiple spots and adjust our strategy based on conditions. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the variety – one cast you might hook into a bull redfish in the shallows, the next you're working a trout over grass flats. I provide all the tackle, bait, and equipment you'll need, from light spinning gear for finesse fishing to heavier setups when we're targeting bigger fish around structure. The boat stays in protected waters, so even newer anglers feel comfortable, but don't let that fool you – these fish fight hard and will test your skills. With just two anglers maximum, you get the kind of personal guidance that makes the difference between a good day and a customer favorite experience.
Galveston's inshore waters offer diverse fishing opportunities, and I tailor our approach based on what's biting and where we find them. We'll work everything from shallow grass flats using topwater plugs and soft plastics to deeper channel edges with live bait. The key spots include oyster reefs where sheepshead and black drum congregate, sandy pockets where flounder ambush prey, and grass beds that hold trout and redfish. I keep a variety of baits on board – live shrimp, croaker, and cut bait – plus an arsenal of artificial lures including spoons, soft plastics, and topwater plugs. The technique depends on the target species and conditions, but expect to do plenty of sight casting in shallow water, working structure with precision, and reading the water to find where fish are feeding. I'll teach you to recognize the subtle signs – nervous baitfish, bird activity, and water color changes – that reveal where the action is happening.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Galveston inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters range from slot-sized fish around 20-28 inches up to massive bull reds over 30 pounds. They're most active in fall and spring when they school up in shallow water, but we catch them year-round around oyster reefs and grass flats. What makes redfish special is their aggressive strike and bulldogging fight – they'll peel drag and make multiple runs before coming to the boat. Sea trout are another customer favorite, especially the larger "gator trout" that can exceed 20 inches. These spotted beauties are most active during cooler months and love structure like shell beds and channel edges. They're excellent table fare and provide exciting action on light tackle with their acrobatic jumps and strong initial runs.
Southern flounder are the ultimate ambush predators, lying camouflaged on sandy bottoms waiting to engulf unsuspecting prey. Fall is prime time for flounder as they migrate toward the Gulf, with fish reaching impressive sizes up to 8-10 pounds. What anglers love about flounder fishing is the technique – working soft plastics slowly along the bottom and feeling that distinctive tap-tap-load up when a flatfish inhales your bait. Black drum are the heavyweights of the inshore scene, with mature fish weighing 20-50 pounds or more. These bottom dwellers are most active around oyster reefs and pilings, where they use their pharyngeal teeth to crush shellfish. The fight is pure power – long, sustained runs that will test your tackle and technique.
Sheepshead are the most finicky feeders we target, earning them the nickname "convict fish" for their black stripes and their tendency to steal bait. But that challenge is exactly what makes them rewarding to catch. These structure-oriented fish require precise presentations around pilings, rocks, and reefs, typically using small hooks and fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs. Winter months are peak season when they move inshore to spawn, and a good sheepshead bite can produce limits of these excellent eating fish. Their strong jaws and sharp teeth make for a unique fight, and their wariness keeps even experienced anglers on their toes.
This renowned private charter fills up fast, especially during peak seasons when the fishing is at its best. With personalized attention for just two anglers and all equipment provided, you're getting exceptional value for a full day on some of Texas's most productive inshore waters. Whether you're looking to improve your technique, target a specific species, or just enjoy a relaxing day away from the crowds, this trip delivers the authentic Galveston fishing experience that keeps anglers coming back. The early start time and full-day format give us the flexibility to chase the bite and maximize your chances at multiple species. Don't wait – contact Daniel Hayes Guide Service today to secure your dates and get ready for the kind of fishing day that becomes a lasting memory.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, commonly running 5-30 pounds but capable of hitting 90+ pounds. These powerful fish love oyster beds, muddy flats, and anywhere they can crush shellfish with their pharyngeal teeth - you'll actually hear them "drumming" underwater during spawning season in spring. They're bottom feeders that prefer brackish areas and can tolerate huge temperature swings. What guests love is the raw power - even smaller drum will test your drag and bigger ones feel like you're pulling up a truck tire. Spring around March-April is peak season when they school up. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make excellent table fare with firm, white meat. My go-to trick: use fresh blue crab on a Carolina rig and be patient - they inspect bait carefully before committing.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our inshore fishery, with their copper-bronze backs and distinctive black spots near the tail. These bruisers typically run 20-35 inches in our waters and love super shallow flats where you can actually see their backs out of the water. They cruise oyster reefs, grass beds, and marsh edges hunting for crabs and shrimp. What makes them so popular is their aggressive strikes and bulldogging fight - plus they're fantastic eating with mild, firm meat. Fall is prime time when they're fattening up, but we catch quality fish year-round. The sight-fishing aspect gets people hooked - literally watching these "reds" cruise the shallows and casting ahead of them. Pro tip: when you spot one tailing in shallow water, cast your bait 3-4 feet ahead of where they're heading, not right on top of them.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks," are beautiful silver fish with distinctive black spots that love our grass flats and shallow bay waters. These fish typically run 14-24 inches and feed heavily on shrimp and small baitfish. They're most active during low-light periods - early morning and evening - and really turn on during cooler months when they school up in deeper channels. What guests enjoy is their willingness to hit artificial lures and their spirited fight with some impressive jumps. The meat is tender and flaky, perfect for the dinner table. Spring and fall are prime seasons, though we catch them year-round. Here's a local secret: work your lure slowly along grass edges at first light or dusk. When the water temperature drops into the 60s, look for them in slightly deeper pockets where they'll be stacked up.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with their distinctive black and white stripes, and they've got human-like teeth that can crush barnacles and crabs around any structure. These crafty fish typically run 1-8 pounds and are notorious bait thieves - they'll pick your hook clean if you're not paying attention. You'll find them hugging pilings, docks, jetties, and oil rigs year-round, though winter and spring offer the best action. What makes them special is the challenge - they require finesse and quick reflexes. The payoff is some of the best eating fish in the Gulf with sweet, white meat that's worth the effort to clean. My local tip: when you feel those subtle taps, don't hesitate - set that hook hard and fast. They'll test your nerves with their nibbling, but once hooked, they put up a solid scrap.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are masters of camouflage, lying flat on sandy and muddy bottoms where they ambush prey like shrimp and small fish. These "doormat" fish typically run 15-18 inches but can reach over 30 inches - the bigger ones are usually females and great table fare. You'll find them in our shallow bays and around structure during warmer months, with fall being prime time as they move toward deeper water. What makes them fun to target is their sneaky bite - they'll often just feel like a snag until they start pulling back. The meat is excellent, white and flaky. Here's the key: when you feel that telltale tap-tap, don't set the hook right away. Count to three, then lift firm but steady - they like to mouth the bait before committing.
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