Half Day Fishing in Kemah | 4 HR Private Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour private inshore fishing trip for two anglersAll fishing gear provided by experienced captainSeasonal availability from September through May
Looking for a solid afternoon on the water without burning your whole day? This 4-hour private charter out of Kemah hits the sweet spot for anglers who want quality fishing time without the marathon commitment. Starting at 1:00 PM, you'll have plenty of morning to get your gear together and grab lunch before we push off into some of the most productive inshore waters along the Texas coast. With room for two anglers at $450 total, this trip delivers serious value for couples, friends, or parent-kid duos ready to put some bend in their rods.
Kemah sits right in the heart of Galveston Bay's fishing paradise, where shallow flats meet deeper channels and structure holds fish year-round. Your captain knows these waters like the back of their hand – every reef, every grass bed, every drop-off that holds fish when conditions are right. We're talking about prime inshore territory where redfish cruise the shallows, flounder stack up on muddy bottoms, and black drum patrol the deeper holes. The afternoon timing works perfect here since many species get more active as the day warms up and baitfish start moving. You'll fish everything from 2-foot shallows to 15-foot channels, depending on what's biting and where the fish are holding that day. All your tackle comes included, so just bring yourself and get ready to work some serious structure.
This is classic Texas inshore fishing at its finest. Your captain will have you rigged with medium-action spinning combos perfect for the variety of species we target. Depending on conditions and what's biting, you'll work everything from live shrimp under popping corks to soft plastics bounced along the bottom. The beauty of Kemah's waters is the diversity – one minute you're sight-casting to tailing redfish in 18 inches of water, the next you're dropping baits near channel markers for black drum. We'll adjust techniques throughout the trip based on tides, wind, and fish activity. Expect to throw both artificials and live bait, with your captain calling the shots on what's producing. The boat's equipped with everything from circle hooks for drum fishing to jig heads for working soft plastics. This isn't about one technique – it's about adapting to what the fish want that particular afternoon.
Southern Flounder are the bread and butter of Kemah fishing, especially during the cooler months when they stack up before their offshore spawning run. These flatfish are masters of disguise, lying buried in sandy bottoms waiting to ambush prey. They typically run 14-18 inches in these waters, with occasional doormat-sized fish pushing 20+ inches. What makes flounder fishing so addictive is the subtle bite – they don't slam your bait like other species, just that steady weight and head shake that gets your heart pumping. Best fishing happens September through November when they're feeding heavily before migration.
Black Drum are the heavyweights of this fishery, with fish ranging from 5-pound juveniles called "puppy drum" to massive 30+ pound bulls that'll test your drag system. These bottom feeders love structure – bridge pilings, reefs, channel edges – anywhere they can root around for crabs and shrimp. The fight is what separates drum from other species; they use their broad sides and stubborn nature to make long, powerful runs. Peak season runs from fall through early spring when cooler water temperatures bring the bigger fish into the bay system.
Sheepshead earn their reputation as the "convict fish" with distinctive black stripes, but it's their bait-stealing abilities that keep anglers on their toes. These structure-loving fish have human-like teeth perfect for crushing barnacles and crabs. They're finicky eaters that require patience and quick hook sets, making every hookup feel earned. Most fish run 12-16 inches, but the occasional 18+ inch fish provides serious bragging rights. Winter months bring the best sheepshead action when they school up around structure.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Texas inshore fishing, and Kemah's waters hold some beautiful specimens. These copper-colored fighters typically range 20-28 inches in these waters, with their distinctive black spots and bulldogging fight style. What makes reds special is their willingness to eat – they'll hit everything from topwater plugs to live shrimp, making them perfect for anglers of all skill levels. The visual aspect of redfish fishing, especially when they're tailing in shallow water, adds an exciting sight-fishing element to your trip.
Crevalle Jack bring the raw power to this fishery. These silver bullets are pure muscle, capable of making screaming runs that'll have you questioning your drag settings. They typically show up in schools during warmer months, often feeding aggressively on baitfish. While they're not table fare, the fight-per-pound ratio is off the charts – a 15-pound jack will fight like a fish twice its size. They're often found around structure or chasing bait in open water, providing explosive topwater action when conditions align.
This seasonal trip runs September through May, covering the prime months when Kemah's inshore bite is at its peak. The 4-hour format gives you serious fishing time without the full-day commitment, perfect for testing these waters or fitting quality angling into a busy schedule. At $450 for two anglers with all gear included, you're getting top-rated charter fishing at a price that makes sense. The 14-day cancellation policy shows confidence in the operation and gives you flexibility if weather doesn't cooperate. Whether you're local anglers looking for a new spot or visitors wanting to sample Texas inshore fishing, this trip delivers the goods. Check availability now – the best fishing days fill up fast, especially during peak season months.
Your ride for this Kemah fishing adventure is a sleek Blazer Bay 2400 powered by a reliable Suzuki 300 outboard. This 24-foot bay boat cuts through the coastal waters with ease while keeping you comfortable during your 4-hour afternoon trip. The wireless trolling motor lets your captain position you quietly over productive fishing spots without spooking the fish, while the GPS navigation system ensures you hit all the best locations around Kemah's inshore waters. The onboard fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools of redfish, trout, and flounder lurking below. Built specifically for shallow bay fishing, this boat gets you into those hard-to-reach spots where the big ones hide while providing a stable platform for casting and fighting fish.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of the bay, often called "big uglies" for good reason. These bruisers typically run 5-30 pounds but can hit 50+ pounds around here. You'll hear them before you see them - they make drumming sounds that actually attract mates during spring spawning. They love oyster beds, muddy flats, and structure where they crush crabs and shellfish with powerful jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make great eating, but the big ones are tough and better released. They're bulldogs on the line - pure power. Pro tip: use fresh crab on a Carolina rig and be patient. They're notorious for picking at bait, so let them run with it before setting the hook.
Caranx HipposCrevalle jack are the bullies of the bay - pure muscle wrapped in gold and green that'll test your tackle and your arms. These schooling fighters typically run 3-5 pounds but can hit 20+ pounds. Watch for diving birds to find them - jacks push baitfish to the surface while birds attack from above. They roam both shallow flats and deeper channels, often around structure or floating grass. Spring and fall are peak times when bait is thick. Guests love them for their raw power and aggressive strikes on topwater lures. They're not great eating, but the fight is addictive. Pro tip: cast silver spoons or topwater plugs past the school and retrieve fast - really fast. These fish love the chase, and the more aggressive your retrieve, the better your chances.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our inshore fishing, easily spotted by their copper-bronze color and distinctive black spot near the tail. They average 20-30 inches but can reach 40+ inches in deeper water. These fish love shallow flats, oyster reefs, and grass beds in 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. Fall through spring is prime time here. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit topwater plugs, soft plastics, and live shrimp. What guests love is their powerful runs and that explosive topwater strike. Plus, they're excellent eating with mild, sweet meat. Key tip: look for "tailing" fish in skinny water - when you see that tail wagging above the surface, make a quiet cast ahead of them and work your bait slowly back.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with their black and white stripes, but what really sets them apart are those human-like teeth they use to crunch barnacles off pilings. Most run 1-8 pounds and 14-20 inches, though we occasionally see 15+ pounders. They hang tight to any structure - docks, bridges, reefs, jetties. Winter and early spring are best when they're spawning around channel passes. They're notorious bait thieves with a light bite, but once hooked, they make strong runs. The meat is sweet and flaky - some of the best eating in the bay. My secret? Get your bait right against the structure and use a sharp hook with fresh shrimp. When you feel that subtle nibble, set the hook hard immediately or they'll steal your bait every time.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are masters of disguise - these flatfish bury themselves in sandy or muddy bottoms with both eyes on their left side, waiting to ambush prey. They typically run 15-18 inches and weigh around 5 pounds, though we see some pushing 20+ pounds. You'll find them in shallow bays, estuaries, and around structure during our fall through spring season. They're excellent table fare with sweet, flaky white meat. What makes them fun to target is their sneaky bite - they'll often steal your bait before you know it. My trick? Use a single hook with live shrimp or bull minnows, and when you feel that subtle tap, wait a second before setting the hook. They like to grab bait sideways first.
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