Extended Half Day Offshore Fishing in Galveston
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
8hour offshore trip targeting redfish, trout, sharks, and snapperExpert guide with 12 years local Galveston fishing experienceEarly 7AM departure accommodates up to 6 guests maximum
Ready to experience some of the best offshore fishing the Texas Gulf Coast has to offer? This extended half-day trip gives you a solid 8 hours on the water with one of Galveston's most experienced captains. We're talking about targeting some serious gamefish here – king mackerel, redfish, blacktip sharks, cobia, and Pacific crevalle jack. With a 7:00 AM departure, you'll hit the prime fishing window when these fish are most active. Our captain brings 12 years of local knowledge to every trip, reading the water conditions and adjusting techniques to put you on the fish. Whether you're an experienced angler or picking up a rod for the first time, this trip delivers the kind of action that keeps people coming back to Galveston waters year after year.
Your day starts early at the dock, where you'll meet your captain and get the rundown on what's been biting lately. The boat heads out into the Gulf of Mexico, where the real fishing begins once we reach productive waters. Expect to cover different zones throughout the day – we might start working nearshore structure for redfish and drum, then move to deeper waters where the kings and cobia patrol. The beauty of an 8-hour trip is flexibility. If the bite is hot in one spot, we can stay and make the most of it. If conditions change, we have time to relocate and try different techniques. You'll be fishing with quality tackle suited for each target species, and the captain will be right there coaching you through fights with bigger fish. The Gulf can serve up everything from steady action to heart-pounding battles, and that's what makes each trip unique. With space for up to 6 anglers, there's room to spread out and everyone gets their shot at the action.
This offshore fishing adventure uses a variety of proven techniques to target different species effectively. For king mackerel, we'll be trolling with live bait and artificial lures, covering water to locate schools and following diving birds that signal feeding activity. When targeting sharks, we switch to bottom fishing with heavy tackle and fresh cut bait – the smell draws them in from surprising distances. Redfish and drum require a more finesse approach, often using live or cut bait near structure where they feed. The captain provides all rods, reels, tackle, and bait, but the gear is matched to what we're targeting. Fighting a 40-pound king mackerel requires different equipment than working a redfish in shallow water. Circle hooks are standard for most applications, especially when targeting sharks and larger gamefish. The boat is equipped with quality fish finders and GPS to locate productive bottom structure and mark successful spots for return visits. Live bait wells keep shrimp and small fish fresh throughout the day, while the captain's tackle selection includes everything from light spinning gear to heavy conventional outfits capable of handling whatever the Gulf throws at us.
King mackerel are the crown jewel of Gulf Coast fishing, and Galveston's offshore waters hold some beauties. These speed demons can reach 30-40 pounds and are known for blistering runs that test both angler skill and equipment. Spring through fall offers the best action, with fish moving closer to shore during cooler months. Kings hit trolled baits hard and fight with incredible power, making them a favorite among serious anglers. The thrill comes from the initial strike and the sustained battle that follows – these fish don't give up easily.
Redfish are Texas legends, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters are available year-round in Galveston waters, though fall and winter often produce the largest specimens. Bulls can exceed 30 inches and provide memorable fights with their bulldogging tactics. Redfish are ambush predators that lurk around structure, making them exciting to target with both live and artificial baits. What anglers love most is their willingness to bite and their never-say-die attitude once hooked.
Pacific crevalle jack bring non-stop action when schools are located. These silver bullets are pure muscle, pound for pound among the strongest fighters in the Gulf. Summer months see the best jack fishing, with schools often feeding aggressively on the surface. They hit baits with authority and immediately head for deep water, testing drag systems and angler endurance. Jacks might not be table fare, but they provide some of the most exciting light tackle fishing available.
Blacktip sharks are the perfect introduction to shark fishing, combining impressive size with spectacular aerial displays. These 3-6 foot predators are common in Galveston waters, especially during warmer months. What makes blacktips special is their tendency to jump repeatedly when hooked, creating photo opportunities and lasting memories. They're strong fighters that require proper technique to land successfully, making each encounter a learning experience.
Cobia are the wildcards of offshore fishing – you never know when one might appear. These curious fish often approach the boat, giving anglers sight-fishing opportunities. Spring migration brings the best cobia action, with fish ranging from 20-50 pounds. They're excellent table fare and provide steady, powerful fights. Cobia fishing requires patience and readiness, as opportunities can appear suddenly and disappear just as quickly.
This extended half-day trip offers serious value for anglers wanting a taste of Galveston's diverse offshore fishing without committing to a full day. Eight hours gives you time to target multiple species and adapt to changing conditions, while the experienced captain ensures you're fishing the most productive waters. The 7:00 AM departure means you'll be back at the dock by mid-afternoon with stories to tell and hopefully some fish to show off. Whether you're looking to cross new species off your list, introduce someone to offshore fishing, or just get out on the water with friends, this trip delivers. The combination of local expertise, quality equipment, and prime fishing time makes it a top choice among Galveston fishing experiences. Don't wait – the best
Set out from Galveston waters aboard our well-equipped Dargel 250 HDX, a reliable 25-foot vessel that comfortably handles up to 6 anglers. This boat comes loaded with everything you need for a successful offshore fishing adventure - GPS navigation keeps us on course to the best fishing spots, while the fish finder helps locate schools of mackerel, sharks, and other target species. The onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and your drinks cold during the 8-hour trip. Radar ensures safe navigation even when visibility drops. All fishing gear is included, so you can focus on landing that perfect catch. The spacious deck gives everyone plenty of room to cast lines and fight fish without getting tangled up. Whether you're after king mackerel, red snapper, or hoping to hook into a shark, this boat gets you there safely and efficiently.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are the acrobats of the shark world, known for their spectacular jumps when hooked. Most run 3-5 feet long around Galveston, but we catch some pushing 6+ feet. They cruise in 30-100 feet of water, often around reefs and structure where baitfish gather. Summer brings the best action when water temps are up and they're actively feeding. What makes blacktips fun is their aerial show - they'll jump clean out of the water multiple times. It's catch and release fishing, but the fight is what counts. Use heavy tackle with circle hooks and wire leader. My tip: fresh, oily bait like mackerel or sardines works best. Start chumming and be patient - they'll find you.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the brown sharks that aren't sharks - they just look like one swimming near the surface. These bruisers average 30-50 pounds here in Texas waters, with some reaching 60+ pounds. You'll find them around structure in 20-80 feet - buoys, rigs, and reefs are prime spots. Spring migration brings the best fishing when they're moving through in good numbers. What makes cobia special is they're usually solo travelers, so each fish is earned. They fight hard with long runs and taste fantastic - firm, white meat that's restaurant quality. The key is sight fishing: look for that brown torpedo cruising just under the surface near structure. Bucktail jigs work great, but don't be picky about color.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are some of the fastest fish we target here in Galveston waters. These silver rockets typically run 20-40 pounds, though we've seen some push 60+ pounds. You'll find them in 40-150 feet of water around structure and drop-offs. They're most active during cooler months when baitfish are thick. What makes kings special is their blistering speed - they'll take off like a freight train once hooked. The meat's rich and oily, perfect for smoking. Here's a local trick: use a two-hook rig with wire leader when live baiting. Kings often hit the tail first, so that back hook saves the day. Watch for diving birds - that's usually where the action is.
Caranx CaninusCrevalle jacks are pure muscle wrapped in silver skin. These bulldogs typically run 15-25 pounds around here, but can push 40+ pounds. Look for them near the surface around wrecks, reefs, and anywhere baitfish are getting worked over. Summer months are best when they're schooled up and feeding aggressively. What makes jacks exciting is their never-quit attitude - they'll fight you all the way to the boat with powerful runs and head shakes. The meat's decent eating if you bleed them right away and get them on ice. When you see water "boiling" on the surface, that's your cue. Cast topwater plugs or spoons right into the chaos and hold on tight.
Sciaenops OcellatusReds are our bread and butter here along the Texas coast. These copper-colored bruisers average 25-35 inches and love shallow water from 1-4 feet deep. You'll spot them tailing in grass flats, around oyster reefs, and near structure. Spring and fall are prime time when they're feeding heavy before spawning runs. What guests love most is sight-fishing these beauties - watching their backs break the surface while they root for crabs. They fight dirty too, making long runs and using that broad tail. The meat's sweet and flaky, perfect for the dinner table. Pro tip: when you see them tailing, cast past the fish and work your bait back slowly. They spook easy in skinny water.
Galveston