Galveston Shark Fishing: Pure Adrenaline
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target hammerhead, blacktip, bull, and bonnethead sharks seasonallyPrivate 4hour charters accommodate up to 6 guestsMorning and afternoon departure times available daily
Looking for the kind of fishing that gets your heart racing? Our 4-hour shark fishing charters in Galveston Bay deliver exactly that. From May through September, when these apex predators are most active in our waters, we're targeting hammerheads, bull sharks, blacktips, and bonnetheads. You'll get your pick of morning (6 AM) or afternoon (1 PM) departure times, and we keep it intimate with just 3 anglers max per trip. This isn't your typical bay fishing – we're going after some of the most powerful fish that swim these Texas waters.
Once we clear the marina, it's about a 20-minute run to our prime shark grounds where the bay meets the Gulf. The water changes color from that murky bay green to a deeper blue-green, and that's when you know we're in shark country. We'll set up with heavy tackle – think 7/0 to 12/0 circle hooks on wire leaders with fresh cut bait. The waiting game begins, but don't let that fool you. When a shark picks up your bait, you'll know it immediately. That rod tip will slam down, and the fight is on. These fish don't give up easy, and depending on what species we hook up with, you could be in for a 10-minute battle or a 30-minute marathon. The boat's equipped with everything you need, but make sure you've got your Texas fishing license – it's required and we can't provide that for you.
Shark fishing is all about the right setup and patience. We're running 80-pound braided main line to 100-pound mono shock leaders, then transitioning to wire leaders near the hooks. Fresh cut bait works best – usually mullet, mackerel, or skipjack depending on what's available. We'll deploy multiple rods at different depths, some on the bottom, others suspended mid-water. The key is keeping that bait fresh and letting it sit long enough for the sharks to find it. We use circle hooks exclusively – they're better for the fish and way safer for everyone on board. When you get a bite, resist the urge to set the hook hard. Just start reeling and let that circle hook do its job. The drag system on our reels is set up to handle these powerful fish, but you'll still feel every head shake and run they make.
Smooth Hammerheads are the crown jewel of Galveston shark fishing. These prehistoric-looking predators show up in good numbers during summer months, especially when the water temperature hits that sweet spot between 78-82 degrees. They're ambush hunters that use their distinctive head shape to pin stingrays to the bottom before devouring them. Most of the hammers we catch run 4-6 feet, but don't let their size fool you – they're incredibly strong and will test your endurance. What makes them special is their intelligence; they'll often circle the boat several times before committing to the bait.
Blacktip Sharks are the acrobats of the shark world. When hooked, they'll jump clear out of the water multiple times, spinning and tail-walking like a tarpon on steroids. They're most active during the early morning and late afternoon hours, which perfectly aligns with our charter times. These sharks typically run 3-4 feet in our waters and are incredibly aggressive feeders. They travel in small schools, so if you hook one, there's a good chance we'll get shots at more. Their speed and agility make them one of the most exciting sharks to catch on rod and reel.
Bull Sharks are the bulldogs of Galveston Bay. These thick-bodied predators can handle fresh and salt water equally well, which is why they venture so far up into the bay system. They're notorious for their powerful runs and stubborn fighting style – once hooked, they'll dig deep and try to find every piece of structure on the bottom. Bulls are most active during the warmest months, and the bigger females often show up in late summer when they're heavy with pups. They're not the biggest sharks we catch, usually 4-5 feet, but pound for pound they're the strongest fighters you'll encounter.
Bonnethead Sharks might be the smallest of our target species, but they're perfect for first-time shark anglers or kids on the trip. These 2-3 foot sharks are actually part of the hammerhead family, with a distinctive shovel-shaped head. They're abundant in our grass flats and are surprisingly aggressive for their size. What's fascinating about bonnetheads is they're one of the few sharks that eat sea grass along with their normal diet of crabs and shrimp. They're active throughout the day and provide consistent action when the bigger sharks aren't cooperating.
Shark season in Galveston Bay is short but sweet – May 18th through September 21st is when these predators are most active in our waters. The summer months offer the most consistent action, with peak activity happening during the new and full moon phases when tides are strongest. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking for your next challenge or someone who's never caught a shark before, this charter delivers memories that last a lifetime. Our top-rated guides know these waters inside and out, and we're committed to putting you on fish while keeping everyone safe. Don't wait to book – prime summer dates fill up fast, and there's nothing worse than watching someone else catch the shark you should have been fighting. Grab your crew of up to 3 anglers and get ready to tangle with some of the Gulf Coast's most impressive predators.
This restored 36-foot Contender center console is built for serious shark hunting in Galveston Bay waters. Triple Yamaha 300HP engines push her to 45 knots, getting you to the shark grounds fast and back before the bite dies down. The spacious deck handles up to 6 anglers with room to fight those big hammerheads and bulls without getting tangled up. Fish finder technology helps locate baitfish schools where sharks patrol, while GPS keeps you on productive spots. When visibility drops, radar keeps you safe heading back to port. The wireless trolling motor lets you drift quietly over structure without spooking fish. Onboard icebox keeps bait fresh and drinks cold during those hot summer sessions. Even has a head for longer trips chasing these apex predators.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are the acrobats of the shark world, known for their signature jumps that can reach 20 feet out of the water. These 4-6 foot sharks are built for speed with their streamlined bodies and those distinctive black-tipped fins. In Galveston Bay, they patrol the 15-60 foot range around reefs, drop-offs, and areas with good baitfish activity. Our summer season is prime time when they're feeding heavily on sardines, mackerel, and croakers. Guests love their explosive fights and aerial shows - they're social feeders that get excited around chum lines. They can be a bit timid at first but turn aggressive once they smell food. These sharks have smaller eyes, so they rely heavily on scent. The key is using oily baits like fresh mackerel or live sardines. Set up a good chum line and be ready - when they show up, it's often in groups and the action gets fast.
Sphyrna TiburoThe smallest hammerhead species at 3-4 feet, Bonnetheads are perfect for anglers wanting that unique hammerhead experience without the massive fight. Their shovel-shaped heads and shy nature make them fascinating to target in Galveston Bay's shallow waters during our season. You'll find them in 10-30 feet, often in schools of 10-15 fish around grass beds, channels, and sandy bottoms. They feed mainly on crabs, shrimp, and small fish, making them active biters when conditions are right. What guests love is their approachable size - kids can handle them, but they still put up a scrappy fight. They're also the only sharks that show clear differences between males and females in head shape. My go-to trick is using fresh blue crab cut in half with the hook through a leg - the scent trail drives them crazy and they can't resist it.
Carcharhinus LeucasBulls are the heavyweights of our bay - thick, powerful sharks that can handle both salt and fresh water better than any other species. These 6-10 foot bruisers are built like tanks with broad heads and serious attitudes. They love the murky, shallow waters where rivers meet the bay, cruising 10-40 feet deep around structure and current breaks. Summer months bring them into Galveston Bay to feed and give birth. What makes them special is their ability to swim far up rivers - they're equally at home in brackish or salt water. The fight is pure power with deep, strong runs that'll test your gear. They're opportunistic feeders that respond well to cut bait and chum. Fresh eel is my secret weapon - its high oil content and tough skin make it irresistible to bulls, plus it stays on the hook when smaller fish try to steal it.
Sphyrna ZygaenaThe second-largest hammerhead species, Smooth Hammerheads average around 8-10 feet and pack a serious punch when hooked. Their signature curved, shovel-shaped head helps them hunt rays, smaller sharks, and bony fish in our bay waters. During our May-September season, they cruise the shallows and mid-depth areas, typically in 20-60 feet of water around structure and drop-offs. What makes them special is that smooth head design - no center notch like other hammerheads. They're strong fighters that'll test your drag and give you a real workout. These sharks often school up during migration, so when you find one, there's usually more around. Pro tip: use fresh cut bait like mackerel or bonito on a wire leader - their teeth are no joke, and the oil from oily fish really gets their attention in the current.
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