Family Friendly Inshore Fishing in Galveston
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fivehour family inshore trip targets redfish, trout, flounder, black drumLight tackle drift fishing and trolling in calm Galveston watersAll equipment included with beginner instruction and catch keeping allowed
Looking for a fishing trip that works for everyone in the family? This five-hour inshore charter with Extremecasting Fishing Guide puts you right in the heart of Galveston's best shallow water fishing spots. Whether you've got kids who've never held a rod or grandparents wanting to get back on the water, this trip keeps things relaxed while still putting fish in the boat. You'll be targeting redfish, trout, flounder, and black drum in the calm protected waters around Galveston Bay, where the action stays steady and the conditions stay comfortable.
Your captain knows these inshore waters like the back of his hand, and he's set up this charter specifically for families and beginners who want a real fishing experience without the complexity. You'll launch from Galveston and head to proven productive spots where redfish cruise the shallows and speckled trout hang around structure. The boat stays in protected waters, so you won't be dealing with big waves or rough conditions that can make kids miserable. With a maximum of three guests, there's plenty of space for everyone to fish comfortably, and your guide can give personal attention to each angler. All rods, reels, and lures are provided and pre-rigged, so you can focus on fishing instead of figuring out gear. Just remember to bring your valid Texas fishing license and plan to pay extra for live bait, which often makes the difference between a good day and a great day.
This charter runs on light tackle fishing, which means more action and more fun for anglers of all ages. You'll be drift fishing over grass flats and oyster reefs, letting the current carry you to where the fish are feeding. When the bite slows down, your captain might switch to trolling with soft plastics or spoons to cover water and locate active schools. The real excitement comes with popping cork rigs, where you'll hear the distinctive pop-pop-pop as you work the surface, driving fish crazy underneath. Kids especially love this technique because they can see and hear what's happening, plus the strikes are explosive when a big redfish or trout decides to crush the bait. Light tackle also means when you hook into a solid fish, you'll feel every head shake and run, making even smaller fish feel like monsters. Your captain handles all the rigging and teaches proper techniques as you go, so beginners learn while they're actually catching fish.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Galveston inshore fishing, and these copper-colored bruisers put up fights that'll test your tackle and your nerves. They cruise shallow flats and around oyster reefs year-round, with fall being absolutely prime time when schools of bull reds move through the bay. What makes reds special is how they eat – they're aggressive feeders that hit hard and run strong toward structure, making every hookup an adventure. Plus, they're beautiful fish with that distinctive black spot near the tail, perfect for photos before release.
Speckled trout, or "specks" as locals call them, are the bread and butter of Galveston Bay fishing. These spotted beauties love grass flats and drop-offs, especially during cooler months when they school up in deeper pockets. Spring and fall offer the best trout action, with fish ranging from schoolie size up to genuine gator trout over five pounds. They're smart fish that require finesse, making them perfect for teaching kids patience and proper technique. The bonus? Specks are excellent table fare if you decide to keep a few for dinner.
Southern flounder are the ninjas of the bay – flat, camouflaged, and sitting on the bottom waiting to ambush baitfish. Fall is flounder season in Galveston, when these bottom-dwellers fatten up before their offshore migration. They're tricky to catch because they often just mouth the bait and sit there, so you need to pay attention to subtle bites. But when you bring one to the surface, kids are amazed by their flat shape and the way both eyes are on one side of their head. They're also fantastic eating, which makes them a family favorite.
Black drum are the workhorses of the bay, especially around oyster reefs and structure where they use their pharyngeal teeth to crush shellfish. These fish can get huge – we're talking 20, 30, even 40-pound fish that'll test your drag and your back. Younger drum, called "puppy drum," are more common and perfect for families because they fight hard but won't completely wear out smaller anglers. They're available year-round but really turn on during spring and fall when they're feeding heavily. The distinctive drumming sound they make underwater is something kids never forget.
Sheepshead are the convict fish of Galveston Bay, with their black and white stripes and sneaky feeding habits around pilings and structure. They're notorious bait stealers with small mouths and sharp teeth, making them a challenge that keeps experienced anglers humble. Winter is prime sheepshead time when they move into the bays to spawn, often stacking up around docks and jetties. They're tricky to hook but excellent fighters for their size, and they make some of the best eating fish in the bay. Catching sheepshead teaches patience and proper bait presentation – skills that make you a better angler overall.
This family-friendly charter delivers exactly what it promises – a relaxed day on the water with real fishing action that works for everyone from kids to grandparents. Your captain handles the complicated stuff while you focus on making memories and catching fish. The five-hour trip gives you plenty of time to try different techniques and spots without feeling rushed, and keeping your catch means fresh fish for the family dinner table. With all gear provided and expert instruction included, all you need to bring is your enthusiasm and a valid fishing license. Galveston's inshore fishing
Our 25-foot TranSport center console packs serious fishing power with a 300 HP engine that gets you to the hottest redfish and trout spots fast. The spacious deck comfortably handles up to 3 anglers, while the T-top keeps everyone cool during those long battles with stubborn black drum. GPS and fish finder technology help us locate schools quickly in Galveston's productive inshore waters. The live bait tank keeps your bait frisky, and there's plenty of room to move around when fighting fish or helping kids land their first keeper flounder. Built for family fishing, this boat handles the shallow flats and protected bays where the best action happens, giving everyone from beginners to experienced anglers the perfect platform for a successful day on the water.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, ranging from 5-30 pounds with some real giants pushing 50+ pounds. You'll recognize them by their dark coloring and the drumming sound they make - that's how they got their name. They love oyster beds, muddy flats, and structure in brackish water where they crush shellfish with powerful jaws. Spring is your best bet, especially during spawning season when they school up in shallow areas. These fish are tough fighters that test your drag and patience. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make excellent table fare with firm, white meat. Here's my go-to tip: use fresh crab on a Carolina rig and fish it right on the bottom near oyster shells. They're picky eaters, so be patient and let them take the bait.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of Galveston inshore fishing - copper-colored beauties with distinctive black spots near their tails. Most slot fish run 20-28 inches, perfect for the table. You'll find them in super shallow water, sometimes with their backs showing, around grass flats, oyster reefs, and shorelines. They're year-round fish but really turn on in fall and spring. What makes them special is their aggressive strikes and bulldogging fight - they'll test your drag for sure. Plus, they're fantastic eating with mild, sweet meat. The key here is sight fishing the shallows with topwater lures early and late in the day. When you see that wake or tail, cast ahead of them and work it slow. They'll absolutely crush a well-placed spoon or soft plastic.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled Trout are a favorite for good reason - they hit hard, fight well, and taste great. Most run 14-20 inches with plenty of 2-4 pounders mixed in. You'll spot them by their silver sides covered in distinct black spots. They love grass flats, shallow bays, and drop-offs in 2-8 feet of water, especially around structure. Spring and fall are prime time, though they bite year-round here. Early morning and evening are best when they're actively feeding on shrimp and small baitfish. The meat is tender and flaky - just don't overcook it. My tip: work soft plastics or live shrimp under a popping cork over grass beds. Make some noise to get their attention, then let your bait settle. They'll often hit on the fall.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with their black and white stripes, but what really sets them apart are their human-like teeth - perfect for crushing barnacles and crabs around structure. Most average 1-3 pounds and 14-18 inches, though we catch some nice 5+ pounders. Look for them around any structure - docks, pilings, jetties, and oil rigs where they feed on barnacles and small crabs. Early spring through fall is best, especially around the spawn in February-April. They're notorious bait thieves and excellent eating with sweet, flaky white meat. My trick: use a small hook with fresh shrimp or fiddler crab, get as close to structure as possible, and set the hook hard the moment you feel them nibbling. They'll clean your hook if you hesitate.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are unique flatfish that live right on the bottom, perfectly camouflaged in sand and mud. They're ambush predators with both eyes on their left side - kids always get a kick out of that. Most run 15-18 inches and weigh around 2-5 pounds, though we occasionally see bigger ones. You'll find them in our shallow bays, around grass beds, and near structure where they hunt shrimp and small fish. Fall through early spring is prime time when they move through our area. They're excellent eating with sweet, white meat that's hard to beat. Here's the trick: use a slow drift and keep your bait moving just off the bottom. They'll steal your bait if you're not paying attention, so stay ready to set the hook when you feel that subtle tap.
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