Full Day Offshore Fishing in Galveston
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Full day offshore fishing trip targeting redfish, mackerel, and black drumCaptain Benny provides expert instruction with 12 years of experienceEighthour beginnerfriendly adventure departing at 7:00 AM from Galveston
Captain Benny knows exactly what it's like to be new to offshore fishing – the mix of excitement and nerves, wondering if you'll actually catch anything, and hoping you won't spend the day feeling seasick. That's why his beginner-friendly full-day trip has become such a customer favorite among first-timers and experienced anglers alike. You'll spend eight solid hours on the Gulf targeting some of the most exciting species these waters have to offer, all while learning proper techniques from a captain with over 12 years guiding the Galveston waters. This isn't some rushed half-day deal – you get the full offshore experience with plenty of time to dial in your skills and land something memorable.
Your day kicks off at 7:00 AM sharp from Galveston – early enough to beat the afternoon chop and maximize your fishing time. Captain Benny runs a tight ship but keeps things relaxed, perfect for newcomers who might be feeling a bit overwhelmed by their first offshore adventure. The boat handles up to six anglers comfortably, so you're not fighting for space or gear. You'll head out into the Gulf where the real action happens, leaving the crowded bay fishing behind. The captain provides all the top-quality tackle you'll need, from heavy-duty rods for the bigger fish to lighter setups when you're targeting mackerel. Don't worry about bringing your own gear – unless you want to, everything's covered. The focus stays on teaching you how to read the water, work different baits, and most importantly, how to fight a fish without losing it at the boat.
Offshore fishing isn't just casting and hoping – there's real strategy involved, and Captain Benny breaks it all down in terms that make sense. You'll learn proper trolling techniques for covering water and finding active fish, plus how to work live bait when you're on a good bite. The Gulf around Galveston offers diverse structure, from nearshore reefs to deeper drop-offs, and each spot requires different approaches. When targeting sharks, you'll use chunk bait and learn how to set a proper circle hook. For mackerel and cobia, the focus shifts to trolling with spoons and getting your timing right on the hookset. The captain teaches you how to read your fishfinder, spot baitfish on the surface, and recognize when conditions are setting up for a hot bite. Every technique gets explained as you're doing it, so the learning sticks. By the end of the day, you'll understand why certain baits work better in different situations and how weather affects fish behavior offshore.
King Mackerel are the bread and butter of Galveston offshore fishing, and for good reason. These speed demons can reach 30-40 pounds and provide some of the most exciting fights you'll experience. They're most active during the warmer months from April through October, when they school up around structure and baitfish. What makes kings so popular with beginners is their aggressive nature – when they hit, there's no question about it. The initial run will test your drag and your nerves, but Captain Benny coaches you through the fight to ensure you don't lose fish due to rookie mistakes.
Redfish might seem like an odd target for an offshore trip, but the bull reds lurking in Gulf waters are completely different animals from their bay cousins. These bronze bulldogs can push 40+ inches and 30+ pounds, providing sustained fights that'll leave your arms burning. Fall months see the biggest concentrations as schools of oversized reds cruise the nearshore waters. They're perfect for beginners because they fight hard but don't make the screaming runs that can panic new anglers. The satisfaction of landing a genuine bull red on your first offshore trip is something you'll remember for years.
Pacific Crevalle Jack bring pure muscle to the party, pound-for-pound some of the strongest fish in these waters. They average 10-20 pounds but fight like fish twice that size, using their broad sides to pull against you. Summer months offer the best action when jacks school up and feed aggressively. What beginners love about crevalle is their willingness to bite – they're not particularly picky about baits and will often save the day when other species are being finicky. Their distinctive yellow coloring and impressive stamina make them a favorite photo fish.
Blacktip Sharks provide that "I caught a shark!" moment every offshore angler wants. These athletic predators typically run 3-6 feet and are famous for their acrobatic jumps when hooked. Spring and summer bring the best blacktip action as they follow bait schools into Galveston's offshore waters. For beginners, sharks offer a different kind of excitement – the steady, powerful runs and the primal thrill of battling an apex predator. Captain Benny ensures safe handling and quick releases, so you get your photos and the shark swims away healthy.
Cobia are the wildcards of Gulf fishing – you never know when one might show up, but when they do, it's game on. These curious fish can exceed 40 pounds and have a habit of following the boat, giving you multiple chances at a shot. Peak season runs from March through May during their spawning migration. Cobia are perfect for teaching beginners about sight fishing, as you can often see them cruising near the surface. Their distinctive brown coloring and shark-like appearance make them easy to identify, and their excellent eating quality is just a bonus.
This world-class fishing experience gives you everything needed for a successful first offshore adventure – expert instruction, quality equipment, and access to some of the Gulf's most productive fishing grounds. Captain Benny's patient teaching style and deep knowledge of Galveston waters create the perfect environment for beginners to build confidence while targeting genuinely exciting species. Eight hours on the water provides plenty of time to master basic techniques, experience different fishing styles,
Your fishing adventure starts aboard a well-equipped Dargel 250 HDX, a reliable 25-foot vessel that's perfect for Gulf waters. This spacious boat comfortably handles up to 6 anglers, so you'll have plenty of room to cast lines without bumping elbows. The boat comes loaded with everything you need for a successful day targeting sharks, mackerel, and other Gulf species - GPS keeps you on course to the best fishing spots, while the fish finder helps locate schools beneath the surface. An onboard icebox keeps your drinks cold and your catch fresh during the 8-hour trip. Captain Benny's got radar for those hazy Gulf mornings, plus all the rods, reels, and tackle are included. Whether you're a complete beginner or just new to offshore fishing, this boat provides a stable platform for learning the ropes and landing your first big Gulf catch.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are the acrobats of the shark world, known for their spectacular jumps reaching 21 feet per second. These sleek predators average 4-5 feet but can hit 9+ feet. They patrol waters around 30-100 feet deep, cruising reefs and structure where baitfish gather. Warmer months bring the best action when they're most active. What makes blacktips special is their aerial show - they'll jump completely out of the water multiple times during a fight. They're also surprisingly social, sometimes schooling in large numbers. Use heavy braided line with circle hooks and oily baits like mackerel or herring. My secret: get a good chum slick going with ground-up baitfish. These sharks rely heavily on scent, and once they find your chum line, the action can get wild in a hurry.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the gentle giants that often get mistaken for sharks at first glance. These brown bruisers average around 6 feet and 100 pounds, making them serious tackle-testers. They're loners, cruising alone around reefs, wrecks, and buoys in 30-70 feet of water. Spring migration from March through May is prime time, especially during spawning season. What guests love is the sight-fishing aspect - you can spot them just under the surface. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in the Gulf with firm, white meat. They're curious fish that will often follow the boat. Here's my trick: when you see one, don't cast right at it. Toss a bucktail jig well ahead and let it sink - cobia love to investigate anything falling through the water column.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are some of the fastest fish in the Gulf, averaging 30 pounds but capable of hitting 90+. These silver speedsters cruise depths from 40-150 feet, with the bigger ones often found closer to shore around structures. Spring through fall are prime times when water temps hit 68-84°F. What makes kings so popular is their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps - they'll test your drag and your nerves. The meat is rich and flavorful, though it's oily. When rigging live bait, always use a wire leader and run two hooks - one through the nose and a treble hook near the tail. Kings love to hit bait from behind, so that second hook saves a lot of missed strikes when they slash at your offering.
Caranx CaninusCrevalle jacks are the bulldogs of the Gulf - built like tanks and fight twice as hard as their size suggests. Most run 1-2.5 feet, but they pack serious power. These silver torpedoes school up near the surface around wrecks, reefs, and offshore structure. Year-round fishing is solid, but they really turn on when baitfish are thick. Look for "boiling" water - that's usually jacks feeding aggressively. What makes them fun is their relentless fight; they'll bend your rod double and test every knot. The meat's decent, similar to tuna texture when bled and iced quickly. Pro tip: when you see that surface commotion, get your lure in there fast. Use topwater plugs or spoons and hang on - they hit like freight trains and don't give up easy.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are perfect for beginners - they're forgiving, fight hard, and taste great. These copper-colored beauties with the signature black spots near their tail typically run 28-33 inches and love super shallow water, sometimes with their backs showing. You'll find them around oyster reefs, grass flats, and jetties in 1-4 feet of water. Fall and spring offer the best action when they're feeding heavily. What guests love is the visual fishing - you can actually see these fish cruising the shallows. They're also fantastic eating with mild, sweet meat. My go-to tip: look for nervous water or slight wakes in shallow areas, and when you spot one, cast past it and work your bait back slowly. They spook easily, so stay quiet and keep your distance.
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