Half Day Redfish And Sheepshead Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target redfish and sheepshead during peak season fishingJetty and harbor locations with experienced captain guidanceSmall group trip accommodating up to three guests
When sheepshead season fires up around Galveston, you know it's time to get serious about your inshore game. Fish On Charters is dialed in on these crafty fish, plus we're throwing redfish into the mix for a half-day adventure that'll keep your rod bent and your drag screaming. Our captain knows exactly where these fish hang out around the jetties and harbors, and he's ready to put you on the bite. Whether you've been chasing fish for decades or you're still figuring out which end of the rod to hold, this trip delivers the goods. Just remember to grab your fishing license and be ready for that $45 fuel surcharge – but trust me, it's worth every penny when you're fighting a bull red in the shallows.
This isn't your typical bay fishing trip where you're casting into open water hoping something bites. We're targeting structure, and that means getting up close and personal with jetties, pilings, and harbor walls where sheepshead love to hang out. The captain will position the boat perfectly so you can drop your bait right where it needs to be. With only three guests max, you're not fighting for space or waiting your turn – everyone gets prime real estate along the rail. The half-day format keeps things focused and productive. We're talking four to five hours of solid fishing time, which is perfect for hitting the peak bite windows without wearing yourself out. You'll be working different depths and structures as we move from spot to spot, keeping the action fresh and your chances high.
Sheepshead fishing is all about finesse and the right bait presentation. We're talking light to medium action rods with sensitive tips because these fish have a bite that's barely more than a tick. The captain will set you up with the right tackle – usually 15-20 pound test line with a fluorocarbon leader that won't spook these line-shy fish. For bait, we're going with live shrimp, fiddler crabs, and sometimes oysters or barnacles scraped right off the structure. The key is getting your bait tight to the pilings or rocks where sheepshead feed. For redfish, we might switch up to slightly heavier tackle and throw some cut bait or live shrimp under a popping cork. The captain will walk you through the techniques, from how to detect those subtle sheepshead bites to setting the hook on a redfish that's trying to bury you in the structure. It's hands-on learning that'll make you a better angler.
Sheepshead are the stars of this show, and for good reason. These black and white striped convicts are some of the tastiest fish swimming in Texas waters, but they're also some of the trickiest to catch. They've got human-like teeth that can crush barnacles and oysters, which means they can easily bite through your line if you're not careful. Most of the sheepshead we're seeing this season are running 12 to 18 inches, with some real slabs pushing 20 inches or better. They're structure-oriented fish that feed around jetty rocks, bridge pilings, and dock posts. The best part about sheepshead season is the consistency – when they're biting, they're really biting. You might catch a dozen in a couple hours if you hit it right. They're also fantastic table fare with firm, white meat that's perfect for the frying pan.
Redfish bring a completely different energy to this trip. While sheepshead require patience and finesse, reds will absolutely smoke your drag and test your backbone. The slot-size reds we're catching around Galveston typically run 18 to 27 inches, and they fight like fish twice their size. These copper-colored bruisers love shallow water, grass flats, and structure edges. Unlike sheepshead that nibble and pick at bait, a redfish will usually commit when it bites. You'll know you've got one on – that initial run will have you wondering if your drag is set right. Reds are year-round residents in our waters, but they really turn on during cooler months when baitfish are moving around the structures. They're also excellent eating within the slot limit, with sweet, flaky meat that grills up beautifully.
Sheepshead season doesn't last forever, and the best fishing happens when conditions line up just right. This half-day trip gives you the perfect taste of what Galveston's inshore fishing is all about without committing to a full day on the water. The three-person limit means you're getting personalized attention from the captain and plenty of room to fish comfortably. Whether you're looking to put some quality fish in the cooler or just want to experience the challenge of catching two completely different species, this trip delivers both. The captain's local knowledge is worth the price of admission alone – he's spent years learning these waters and knows exactly where to find fish when others are striking out. Don't sleep on this seasonal opportunity. Grab your crew, pack some snacks and drinks, and get ready for some top-rated inshore action that'll have you planning your next trip before you even hit the dock.
Hit the waters around Galveston aboard our solid 29' Robalo center console - a proven fish-catching machine that was fully restored in 2017. Twin 225HP Mercury engines get you to the hot spots fast, cruising at 34 knots when we need to cover ground quickly. This spacious boat handles up to 5 anglers comfortably, giving everyone room to work without getting tangled up. The fish finder helps us locate schools of redfish and sheepshead around the jetties and harbors, while GPS keeps us on productive structure. When visibility drops, the onboard radar keeps us safe and fishing. Pack your snacks and drinks in the icebox - it'll keep everything cold during those productive half-day sessions when the fish are biting. Built for serious fishing in Galveston's inshore waters.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are what put Galveston on the map for shallow water fishing. These copper-colored beauties with their signature black spots love our bay systems, especially the grass flats and oyster reefs in 1-4 feet of water. You'll often see their backs breaking the surface as they cruise and feed. Most fish we catch run 20-30 inches, but the bigger "bull" reds can push 40+ inches and really test your drag. They hit hard and make blistering runs that'll get your heart pumping. Year-round fishing is good, but spring and fall are prime time when they're most active in the shallows. What guests love most is watching these fish absolutely crush topwater lures in skinny water - it's pure adrenaline. Plus, the smaller slot fish make fantastic table fare with mild, flaky meat. Pro tip: look for nervous water and baitfish activity - that's usually where you'll find reds feeding.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusThose distinctive black and white stripes make sheepshead easy to spot around our jetties and harbor structures. They typically run 1-8 pounds here in Galveston, though we see some monsters pushing 15+ pounds during peak season from February through April. These guys love hanging tight to barnacle-covered pilings, bridge supports, and anything with structure where they can scrape off their favorite meals. What makes them fun to target is those human-like teeth - they're notorious bait thieves who'll nibble your offering clean off the hook if you're not paying attention. The meat is some of the best eating you'll find, with sweet white flesh that's hard to beat. My tip: get your bait right against the structure and set the hook hard the moment you feel that telltale tap-tap-tap. They've got strong jaws, so don't hesitate when you feel them mouthing the bait.
Galveston