4 Hour Galveston Tarpon Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Seasonal 4hour charter targeting tarpon, redfish, and sharks near GalvestonSmall group capacity with all fishing equipment and tackle providedMorning trips run June through October during peak summer conditions
When summer rolls around and those warm Gulf waters start pushing up against Galveston Island, something magical happens. Big fish move in close to shore, and that's exactly when Galveston Fish Commander's 4-hour UFC Special charter really shines. Running from June through October, this morning trip is built for small groups who want to get serious about chasing some of the most powerful inshore species Texas has to offer. We're talking tarpon that'll test your drag, bull reds that fight like trucks, and sharks that'll remind you why you fell in love with fishing in the first place.
This isn't your typical bay fishing trip. We're targeting the heavy hitters that show up when the water warms and conditions align just right. Your captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and will position the boat based on current conditions, tides, and where the fish are actually showing up that day. The beauty of this charter is that it adapts to what's happening right now, not what happened last week. Some days we're working structure for cobia, other days we're sight-casting to rolling tarpon, and when the sharks are thick, well, you better hold on tight. The boat holds up to three anglers, so you're not fighting crowds or waiting in line for your shot at that fish of a lifetime. All your gear is provided – rods, reels, and tackle are all tournament-grade stuff that can handle whatever decides to eat your bait.
Summer inshore fishing around Galveston means adapting your approach to match what these apex predators want. We're using heavy spinning gear and conventional setups loaded with enough drag to turn big fish when they make their runs toward structure. Live bait is king out here – nothing beats a frisky mullet or hardhead when tarpon are rolling or when bull reds are cruising the shallows. Cut bait works magic for sharks and drum, especially when we're working deeper holes or current breaks where these fish ambush their prey. Your captain will handle the technical stuff like reading water temperature, finding bait schools, and positioning the boat for the best presentations. Circle hooks are standard for most situations, and we're always ready to switch up leaders and weights based on what's biting. The key is staying flexible because summer fishing can change from minute to minute when you're dealing with apex predators that follow their food sources.
Tarpon are the undisputed kings of summer inshore fishing around Galveston. These silver missiles can stretch over six feet and weigh upwards of 150 pounds, and when one grabs your bait, you'll know it immediately. They hit hard, jump high, and fight until they're completely exhausted. Peak season runs from July through September when warm water brings them close to shore. What makes tarpon special isn't just their size – it's their aerial show. A big tarpon will jump six or seven times, shaking its head and gill-rattling like nothing you've ever seen.
Redfish during summer months are absolute bruisers. We're not talking about slot-sized fish here – these bull reds push 30 to 40 inches and fight with raw power that'll leave your arms burning. They show up in big numbers from June through August, cruising shallow flats and working structure in larger schools. What anglers love about bull reds is their predictability combined with their strength. Find the right depth and structure, and you can often hook multiple fish from the same school.
Blacktip sharks bring pure adrenaline to every trip. These guys range from 3 to 6 feet and are built for speed and agility. They'll take live bait on screaming runs that can peel 100 yards of line before you even realize what hit you. Summer months bring them close to shore following bait schools, and they're active feeders throughout the day. Blacktips are also jumpers, often clearing the water completely when hooked.
Black drum are the heavyweights that don't get enough credit. Big drum can push 30 to 50 pounds and fight with bulldozer strength in the lower water column. They're year-round residents but really turn on during summer months when they're actively feeding on crabs and cut bait around structure. What makes drum special is their pulling power – they won't jump, but they'll test every knot and connection you've got.
Cobia are the wild cards that can show up anywhere from June through September. These brown torpedoes range from 20 to 50 pounds and are curious fish that often approach the boat for a closer look. They're sight-fishing opportunities when conditions are right, and they fight with a combination of power and endurance that makes them prize catches for any angler.
Summer inshore fishing around Galveston Island offers some of the best big-fish opportunities you'll find anywhere along the Texas coast. This 4-hour charter gives you prime time on the water when conditions are optimal and fish are most active. With only three spots available per trip, you're guaranteed personal attention and plenty of room to fight these powerful fish properly. Remember to bring your valid Texas fishing license, and pack some snacks and drinks for the trip. If you're planning to keep legal fish, bring a cooler with ice. The season runs from June through October, but the hottest action typically happens during peak summer months when water temperatures bring the biggest fish close to shore. Don't wait too long to book – prime summer dates fill up fast, and you don't want to miss your shot at hooking into some of the most powerful fish that swim in Texas waters.
Your chariot for chasing Galveston's monster tarpon is a rock-solid 26-foot Robalo center console that means business. Twin 250 HP Suzuki outboards push this fishing machine through Texas waters with authority, while the spacious layout gives your crew of 3 plenty of room to battle these silver kings without bumping elbows. The captain relies on top-shelf electronics – GPS, radar, and fish finder – to put you on the fish when these giants roll into our warm summer waters. An icebox keeps your drinks cold during the heat, and the wireless trolling motor lets us sneak up on feeding fish without spooking them. Built tough for Galveston Bay's changing conditions, this boat handles everything from glassy calm mornings to afternoon chop. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to big fish, this setup gives you the best shot at hooking into the tarpon, reds, and sharks that make our waters famous from June through October.
Pogonias CromisBlack drums are the heavyweights of the drum family, running from 5-30 pounds but capable of hitting 90+ pounds. You'll find them around oyster beds, muddy flats, and shallow waters where they crush shellfish with powerful jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when we catch the most. They're bottom feeders, so fresh crab or cut bait works best since catfish won't steal it like they do with shrimp. These fish put up a solid fight and the smaller ones under 15 pounds make great eating with white, flaky meat. Bigger ones get tough and aren't worth keeping. Pro tip: make sure your weight gets that bait right on the bottom where they're feeding.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are the acrobats of the shark world, averaging 4-5 feet but capable of reaching 9 feet and jumping 20+ feet out of the water. They patrol our nearshore waters in 30-100 feet, especially around structure and baitfish schools. Summer months bring them close to Galveston when the water warms up. These sharks are aggressive fighters that make blistering runs, and their aerial shows are something else. They're curious but skittish, often checking out the boat before committing. We use cut mackerel, live sardines, or any oily bait on circle hooks with heavy tackle. Here's the key: once you get a bite, don't set the hook - let the circle hook do its job as the shark runs. Setting too early usually pulls the bait right out of their mouth.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are like the pickup trucks of the Gulf - brown, stocky, and built for power. These loners average 30-50 pounds and can hit 100+ pounds, making them serious fighters. They hang around structure like oil rigs, buoys, and wrecks in 30-70 feet of water. Spring through early fall is prime time when they're migrating and spawning. What makes them special is the combination of hard fight and excellent eating - firm white meat that's restaurant quality. They're usually spotted cruising near the surface, so sight fishing is common. We use bucktail jigs, live bait, or big topwater plugs. Pro tip: once you spot one, don't cast directly at it - lead them by 10-15 feet and work the lure back toward the fish. They spook easily if you land a lure on their head.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of Texas inshore fishing, running 20-40 inches and known for that signature black spot near the tail. They love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. You'll find them around oyster reefs, grass flats, and muddy bottoms in 1-4 feet of water. Summer brings the best action when they're actively feeding. These copper-colored fighters make aggressive runs and the smaller ones are excellent table fare with mild, sweet meat. They'll hit topwater plugs, soft plastics, and live shrimp equally well. Local trick: look for nervous water or tailing fish on calm mornings - that's usually reds feeding in the shallows where you can sight-cast to them.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the silver kings of Galveston waters, averaging 4-6 feet and 80-100 pounds, though they can push 200+ pounds. These prehistoric fish love our warm summer waters from June through October, cruising shallow flats and deeper channels. When hooked, they'll jump 10 feet out of the water and run like freight trains - that's what brings anglers back. Most folks release them since the meat's bony and not great eating, but the fight is pure adrenaline. We use live bait like mullet or pinfish, drifting it down to cruising schools. Key tip: when they jump, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip toward them - it keeps slack in the line and prevents them from throwing the hook.
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