Full Day Inshore Fishing Charter in Galveston
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Full day inshore charter targeting redfish, trout, flounder, black drumAll fishing equipment included with multiple location changes based on conditionsAccommodates up to 4 guests with catch and keep policy
Galveston's inshore waters offer some of Texas's most productive fishing, and this full day charter puts you right in the thick of it. You'll spend quality time working the flats, channels, and structure around Galveston Bay with a guide who knows exactly where the fish are holding. This isn't a rushed half-day trip – you get the luxury of time to really dial in on the bite and move around as conditions change throughout the day.
Your day starts early with a full tank and a game plan based on current conditions. The beauty of a full day trip is flexibility – if the trout are schooled up on the north reefs in the morning but the redfish fire up on the south shoreline after lunch, you've got time to chase both. You'll cover multiple spots, adjusting tactics as the tide changes and bait moves around the bay system. The boat carries everything you need tackle-wise, from light spinning gear perfect for trout to stouter rods when you hook into a bull red. Food and drinks are on you, so pack a cooler with plenty of water and snacks to keep your energy up during those long stretches between fish. Don't forget that fishing license – Texas Parks and Wildlife takes it seriously, and you'll need it before we wet a line.
This charter runs the full gamut of inshore techniques that produce fish in Galveston Bay. You'll spend time drift fishing over structure where the trout and drum like to hang, letting the current carry your bait naturally through the strike zone. When the fish are scattered or aggressive, you'll work topwater plugs and soft plastics around grass beds and drop-offs. Trolling comes into play when covering water to locate schools, especially effective for trout when they're suspended in deeper channels. The guide provides all rods, reels, and lures – everything from gulp shrimp to spoons to topwater baits that drive redfish crazy on shallow flats. Live bait costs extra, but it's worth every penny when the fish get finicky. You'll learn to read the water, spot nervous bait, and feel the difference between a tap and a keeper pulling drag.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Galveston inshore fishing, and these copper-colored bruisers put up fights that'll test your tackle and your arms. They cruise shallow flats and oyster reefs year-round, but fall and early winter offer prime opportunities when they school up for their spawning runs. A slot red between 20-28 inches is perfect eating, while the oversized bulls that frequent deeper water will give you a workout you won't forget. What makes reds special is their willingness to eat both artificial and live bait – they'll crush a gold spoon one minute and sip a live shrimp the next.
Sea Trout provide steady action throughout most of the year, with spring and fall offering peak fishing when they school heavily over shell beds and grass flats. These spotted beauties average 14-18 inches but don't let their size fool you – they're scrappy fighters with soft mouths that require a light touch. Trout are structure-oriented, holding around reefs, channel edges, and anywhere bait concentrates. They're excellent table fare and respond well to both live shrimp and soft plastic baits worked slowly near the bottom.
Southern Flounder are the ultimate ambush predator, lying flat against sandy bottoms waiting for unsuspecting prey. These flatfish are most active during cooler months when they move from bay systems toward the Gulf for spawning. Flounder fishing requires patience – they inhale baits slowly and you need to give them time to turn the bait before setting the hook. A keeper flounder over 15 inches provides some of the best eating in the bay, with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling or frying.
Black Drum often get overlooked but they're fantastic fighters that pull hard and steady like freshwater bass on steroids. These bottom-dwellers love oyster reefs and structure where they root around for crabs and shellfish. Young drum under 30 inches are excellent eating, while the big bulls over 40 inches are pure muscle and will test every knot on your rig. They bite year-round but really turn on during spring when they move shallow to spawn around shell reefs.
Sheepshead are the bay's master thieves, known for stealing bait with surgical precision around any kind of structure. These black-and-white striped convicts have human-like teeth perfect for crushing barnacles and crabs around pilings, reefs, and jetties. They're most active during cooler months and require small hooks and fresh bait to consistently fool. Once you dial in the technique, sheepshead provide steady action and exceptional table fare with firm, sweet meat that rivals snapper.
A full day inshore charter gives you the best shot at experiencing everything Galveston Bay has to offer. You're not watching the clock or rushing to get back to the dock when the fish finally start biting. The guide handles all the details – from tackle selection to fish cleaning – so you can focus on what matters: putting fish in the boat. With space for up to four anglers, it's perfect for families wanting to introduce kids to saltwater fishing or groups of friends looking to spend a day on productive water. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so pick your dates carefully and check the weather forecast. Book early, especially during peak seasons when everyone wants to be on the water.
Step aboard our 25-foot TranSport center console, the perfect fishing machine for your Galveston inshore adventure. Powered by a reliable 300 HP engine, this boat gets you to the fish quickly and efficiently. The T-top provides welcome shade during those long hours targeting redfish, trout, and flounder in Texas coastal waters. With room for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of space to cast, fight fish, and move around comfortably. Our GPS navigation system and fish finder take the guesswork out of locating productive spots, while the live bait tank keeps your bait fresh and lively. Whether you're drifting over grass flats or working structure for black drum, this boat handles Galveston Bay's shallow waters with ease. The center console design gives everyone clear access to the action, making it ideal for families or small groups ready to experience some of the Gulf Coast's best inshore fishing.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, commonly running 5-15 pounds but capable of hitting 30+ pounds. They're bottom feeders with powerful jaws built for crushing oysters and crabs around structure. You'll find them on oyster reefs, mud flats, and around pier pilings in shallow to mid-depth water. Spring is absolutely prime time during their spawning season when they school up and become much easier to target. What guests love most is their bulldogging fight - these fish pull hard and steady, making your drag sing. Plus, the smaller ones (under 15 pounds) make great table fare with firm, white meat. My go-to tip: use fresh blue crab or shrimp on the bottom with just enough weight to hold. When they pick it up, let them run a bit before setting the hook - they're not going anywhere fast.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our inshore fishing, easily recognized by their copper-bronze color and distinctive black spot near the tail. Most run 18-30 inches here, but we regularly see bulls pushing 40+ inches on the flats. They love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out - around oyster reefs, grass flats, and marsh edges. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall is prime time when they school up and feed aggressively. What guests love is their explosive topwater strikes and powerful runs that'll test your drag. They're also fantastic eating in the slot size range. The real fun is sight fishing these copper-colored torpedoes on the flats. My go-to tip: when you spot one tailing, cast well ahead of where they're headed, not where they are. Let your lure settle and work it slowly into their path.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled Trout are the bread and butter of our Galveston flats, running anywhere from 12-20 inches with the occasional "gator trout" pushing 5+ pounds. They love grass flats, oyster reefs, and drop-offs where they ambush shrimp and small baitfish. These spotted beauties are most active during cooler months and low-light periods like dawn and dusk. What makes them popular is their willingness to hit topwater lures and their excellent eating quality - tender, flaky white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. During summer, they school up in deeper channels to escape the heat. My favorite technique is working soft plastics or live shrimp under popping corks around grass beds. The key is making subtle presentations - trout can be finicky, especially on calm, clear days when a natural approach pays off.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are some of the craftiest fish in Galveston Bay, earning their nickname "convict fish" from those distinctive black and white stripes. They typically run 2-8 pounds and 14-18 inches, but we occasionally hook into 15+ pounders around deeper structure. These guys live around anything with barnacles - docks, pilings, jetties, and oil rigs where they use their human-like teeth to scrape off shellfish. Spring months are best when they're spawning and more aggressive. What makes them special is the challenge - they're notorious bait thieves and excellent table fare with sweet, flaky white meat. The trick with sheepshead is feeling that subtle nibble and setting the hook immediately. Use small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crab, and get your bait right against the structure. Any hesitation and they'll clean your hook.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are the masters of disguise in our Galveston waters. These flatfish typically run 15-18 inches and about 2-5 pounds, though we've landed some pushing 8+ pounds. They're bottom dwellers that bury themselves in sand and mud, waiting to ambush shrimp, crabs, and small fish. You'll find them around structure, drop-offs, and sandy flats in 3-20 feet of water. Fall and winter are prime time when they're feeding heavily before their offshore spawning runs. What makes them special? They're incredibly fun on light tackle and absolutely delicious - sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. The key trick here is patience. When you feel that subtle tap, count to three before setting the hook. They like to grab bait and swim off with it before really committing.
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