Big Catch Afternoon Jetty Run – Guided Galveston Fishing Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Six-hour guided fishing trip targeting redfish, trout, and sharksInshore and jetty fishing with experienced local captainSmall group experience accommodating up to three guests
Get ready for six hours of non-stop action on Galveston Bay and around the jetties where the fish are always biting. This isn't your average fishing trip – it's a chance to hook into everything from chunky redfish and fat speckled trout to heart-pounding sharks that'll test your drag and your nerves. Our local captain knows these waters like the back of his hand, hitting the spots where the fish stack up and the action stays hot all afternoon. With room for up to three anglers, you'll get plenty of personalized attention and coaching to make sure everyone gets their shot at a trophy catch.
This trip combines the best of both worlds – productive bay fishing and the raw excitement of jetty action. We'll start by working the grass flats and oyster reefs of Galveston Bay, where redfish cruise the shallows and speckled trout ambush baitfish around structure. The water here is perfect for sight fishing when conditions are right, and there's nothing like watching a big red tail-walk right next to the boat. As the afternoon heats up, we'll make our way to the jetties where the real monsters lurk. These rock piles hold everything from black drum the size of truck tires to sharks that'll strip line faster than you can believe. The jetty fishing is where things get wild – you never know if you're going to hook a doormat flounder or a bull shark that wants to go three rounds with your reel.
We'll be running a mix of techniques depending on what the fish want and where we find them. For the bay fishing, we'll use medium-action spinning rods with live shrimp and croaker under popping corks around the grass beds and shell. When we're working structure, we'll switch to soft plastics and spoons to cover water quickly and trigger reaction strikes from aggressive fish. At the jetties, it's all about heavy tackle – we're talking circle hooks, steel leaders, and enough drag to turn a shark's head before it wraps you around the rocks. The captain provides all the gear, but if you've got a favorite rod or lucky lure, bring it along. We'll have a good selection of live and cut bait on board, plus the artificials that have been producing. The key to success here is staying mobile and adapting to what the fish are telling us.
Bonnethead sharks are the perfect starter shark for anglers new to shark fishing. These smaller members of the hammerhead family typically run 2-4 feet and put up a scrappy fight without being too overwhelming. They're year-round residents around the jetties and love to hunt in the shallows for crabs and small fish. What makes them special is their unique shovel-shaped head and their habit of traveling in schools, so when you find one, there are usually more around.
Blacktip sharks bring serious attitude to your fishing trip. These lightning-fast predators can hit 6 feet and are famous for their acrobatic jumps when hooked. They show up in good numbers during warmer months and hunt aggressively around the jetties where baitfish concentrate. The blacktip's signature move is a spinning leap that'll have everyone on the boat cheering – just make sure to keep that rod tip up and let the drag do its job.
Lemon sharks are the heavyweights of this lineup, with big adults pushing 8-10 feet and packing serious muscle. These golden-colored bruisers prefer deeper water around the jetties and are most active during summer months. What sets lemons apart is their incredible endurance – they'll make long, powerful runs that test your stamina and your equipment. Landing a good-sized lemon shark is a badge of honor that'll give you bragging rights for years.
Bull sharks are the apex predators that every angler respects. These thick-bodied sharks can show up anywhere from shallow bay water to deep jetty holes, and they hit with the force of a freight train. Bulls are year-round residents but become more active in warmer water. They're notorious for their aggressive nature and bone-crushing bite, making them both challenging and dangerous to handle. When you hook a bull shark, everyone on the boat knows it – these fish fight dirty and never give up.
Black drum are the gentle giants of the bay, with big adults weighing 30-50 pounds and fighting with dogged determination. They love to hang around structure like the jetties and old oil platforms, using their powerful pharyngeal teeth to crush oysters and crabs. Spring and fall are prime time for big drum, and they're perfect for anglers who want a strong, steady fight without the drama of a shark. Their deep, thumping runs will put a serious bend in your rod and leave your arms burning.
This six-hour adventure gives you the perfect taste of what makes Galveston fishing so special – variety, action, and the chance at a fish of a lifetime. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking for your next personal best or a family wanting to create lasting memories, this trip delivers the goods. The combination of bay and jetty fishing means we can adapt to conditions and keep the rods bent all day long. With space for just three anglers, you'll get the personal attention and coaching that makes the difference between a good day and a great day on the water. Don't wait – the fish are biting and your adventure is just a phone call away.
Your ride for this Galveston Bay adventure is a beautifully restored 25-foot Boston Whaler Outrage that's built to handle both bay waters and jetty action. This classic fishing machine comes loaded with everything you need for a productive day chasing redfish, trout, and sharks. The fish finder will help locate schools while GPS keeps you on the hottest spots. Keep your drinks ice-cold in the onboard icebox, stay connected with VHF radio, and enjoy tunes on the multimedia system between hookups. With room for three anglers plus your captain, there's plenty of space to work lures and fight fish without crowding. The boat's wheelchair accessibility means everyone can get in on the action. Built tough for Texas Gulf waters, this Whaler cuts through chop smoothly and provides a stable platform whether you're working the grass flats for specks or battling a bull shark off the jetties.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the gentle giants of Galveston Bay, with fish ranging from 5-30 pounds and some monsters pushing 50+ pounds. They're bottom feeders with powerful jaws built for crushing oysters and crabs, and they make these cool drumming sounds you can actually hear underwater. You'll find them around oyster reefs, shallow muddy flats, and anywhere there's structure with good current flow. Spring is prime time, especially during spawn when they school up in big numbers. What guests love is the steady, bulldogging fight and the fact that smaller drum make excellent table fare. The bigger ones are better for photos since the meat gets tougher. Blue crab is hands down the best bait - fresh or peeler crab on a circle hook fished right on the bottom. Keep your drag loose at first; these fish like to mouth the bait before committing, and patience pays off big time.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are some of the most athletic sharks we target, averaging 4-5 feet but capable of reaching 8 feet or more. They're famous for those spectacular jumps - these guys can launch 20 feet in the air when hooked. You'll find them patrolling around the jetties and deeper bay channels, usually in 30-100 feet of water near structure where baitfish gather. Late spring through early fall is prime time when the water warms up. What guests love most is the acrobatic show they put on - it's pure adrenaline watching one of these fish go airborne. They're also excellent table fare if you keep a legal one. Run heavy braided line, at least 30-pound test with circle hooks. The key is getting a good chum slick going with oily fish like mackerel or sardines - once you get their attention, the action can get crazy fast.
Sphyrna TiburoBonnetheads are the smallest hammerheads you'll find in these waters, typically running 3-4 feet long with that distinctive shovel-shaped head. They're actually pretty shy compared to other sharks and travel in small schools, especially during warmer months when they move through Galveston Bay. You'll find them cruising shallow flats and channels where they hunt crabs and small fish. Spring through early fall gives you the best shot at hooking one. What makes them fun to target is they put up a solid fight for their size, and guests love the unique hammerhead experience without the intimidation factor. My go-to setup is 20-pound test with a wire leader and fresh blue crab cut in half - hook it through one of the crab's legs and let it sit on the bottom. That combo is pretty much irresistible to them.
Carcharhinus LeucasBull sharks are the heavyweights of Galveston Bay, running anywhere from 6-10 feet and built like underwater bulldozers. These thick-bodied predators are unique because they can handle both salt and brackish water, so you'll find them way up in the back bays and river mouths. Spring through fall is your best window, especially during warmer months when they're most active. What makes them special is the sheer power - hooking a bull shark means you're in for a long, grinding fight that'll test your tackle and endurance. They're not acrobatic like blacktips, but they make up for it with raw strength. The key is fresh, oily bait like mullet, mackerel, or my personal favorite - freshwater eel. That high oil content drives them crazy. Use heavy gear, 50-pound test minimum, and be patient. These fish take their time deciding, but once they commit, hang on tight.
Negaprion BrevirostrisLemon sharks are some of the most reliable fighters we encounter around Galveston, typically running 5-7 feet and packing serious muscle. That bright yellow-bronze color makes them easy to identify, and they're known for their aggressive feeding habits. You'll find them cruising sandy flats and channel edges, especially around the jetties where they hunt stingrays and smaller fish. Summer months are best when water temps climb and they move into shallower areas to feed. What keeps guests coming back is their bulldogging fight - these sharks don't jump much, but they'll drag you around for a good long battle. They're also curious fish that often circle the boat before committing to bait. Fresh stingray or big chunks of mullet work great, but make sure you're using heavy tackle - 40-pound test minimum with a solid wire leader. They've got razor-sharp teeth and won't hesitate to use them.
Galveston, TX