Galveston Nearshore Fishing: 6-Hour Adventures
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour nearshore fishing trips targeting Cobia and King MackerelMorning and afternoon departure options accommodate various schedulesExperienced guides navigate prime fishing grounds near Galveston
When you're looking for serious fishing action without the all-day commitment of an offshore trip, our 6-hour nearshore charters hit that sweet spot perfectly. Based out of Galveston, we'll put you on fish in waters where the Gulf's structure holds some of Texas' most sought-after species. These trips run morning and afternoon, so whether you're an early bird who loves the pre-dawn departure or prefer to sleep in and fish the evening bite, we've got you covered. With just 5 anglers max, you'll get plenty of individual attention and room to work without bumping elbows.
Our nearshore grounds sit in that perfect zone where the bay systems meet the Gulf – usually 3 to 12 miles out depending on conditions and what's biting. You'll be fishing structure like jetties, reefs, and oil rigs where baitfish stack up and predators follow. The boat ride out takes about 20 to 45 minutes, giving you time to get rigged up and ready. We provide all the tackle you'll need, from medium-heavy spinning rigs for the smaller stuff to conventional setups when we're targeting bigger fish. The water depth ranges from 15 to 60 feet, so we can adjust our approach based on what species are most active that day. Morning trips typically start around sunrise, while afternoon charters kick off around noon – both have their advantages depending on tides, weather, and seasonal patterns.
Nearshore fishing means we get to use a variety of techniques depending on what we're targeting. For black drum and sheepshead around structure, we'll drop down with cut bait on circle hooks – these fish are bottom feeders with serious jaw power, so we use heavier tackle than you might expect. When the redfish are schooled up, we'll switch to live bait or artificials, working the water column from top to bottom until we locate them. Cobia fishing is a whole different game – these fish cruise the surface around markers and rigs, so we'll use sight-casting techniques with live crabs or large jigs. The tackle varies from 20-pound spinning gear for the smaller fish up to 40-pound conventional setups when we're chasing trophy-sized cobia or big bull reds. We keep a variety of live and cut baits on board, plus a selection of jigs and soft plastics for when the fish want something moving.
Black drum are absolute bruisers that'll test your arms and your drag system. These fish cruise the nearshore reefs and around the jetties, with the bigger ones – we're talking 30 to 50 pounds – showing up consistently in cooler months. They're bottom feeders that love cut crab and shrimp, and when you hook a big one, it's going to be a long, grinding fight. What makes them special is their pure power – they won't jump or make flashy runs, but they'll pull steady and hard until your forearms are burning. The bite is often subtle, just a slight weight on the line, then suddenly your rod is doubled over.
Sheepshead are the pickpockets of the fish world, and catching them consistently takes real skill. These striped beauties hang around structure like bridge pilings and reef edges, using their human-like teeth to crush barnacles and crabs. They're notorious bait stealers, so you need to stay sharp and set the hook at the first sign of a bite. What anglers love about sheepshead is the challenge – they're smart, spooky, and require finesse fishing even though they can weigh up to 8 pounds. Plus, they're fantastic table fare, which makes the effort even more worthwhile.
Redfish are the crowd-pleasers that never disappoint. These copper-colored fighters show up year-round in our nearshore waters, with the bigger ones – slot fish and over-slot bulls – putting on spectacular fights with powerful runs and head-shaking jumps. Spring and fall see the best action when schools of reds push through our area following baitfish. What makes redfish special is their aggressive nature and willingness to eat both live bait and artificials. A 25 to 35-pound bull red will give you a fight you won't forget, especially on medium tackle.
Cobia are the wildcards that can make your entire trip. These brown sharks-looking fish cruise the surface around structure, and when we spot one, it's game on for sight-casting. They're curious fish that will often approach the boat, giving you multiple shot opportunities. Cobia are strong fighters that make long runs and can weigh anywhere from 15 to 40 pounds in our waters. The peak season runs from March through October, with the bigger fish showing up during their spring and fall migrations. What's exciting about cobia is the visual aspect – you can often see them coming, which adds a whole different level of anticipation to the fight.
If you're ready to experience some of the best nearshore fishing the Texas coast has to offer, these 6-hour trips deliver consistent action without eating up your entire day. Whether you choose the morning session to beat the heat or the afternoon trip to catch the evening bite, you'll be fishing prime waters with an experienced guide who knows where the fish are holding. The 5-angler limit means personalized attention and plenty of room to fish comfortably. Don't forget to bring your camera – these nearshore species make for some great photos, and the action can be fast enough that you'll want proof of your success. Book now and get ready for some serious rod-bending fun in the Gulf waters off Galveston.
Captain Derrick's 36' Contender center console is built for serious fishing in Galveston's nearshore waters. Triple 225 HP Yamaha engines deliver the power and reliability you need to reach those productive fishing spots where Cobia, King Mackerel, and Snapper are waiting. The spacious center console design gives you and up to 4 other anglers plenty of room to work the lines and land your catch. On-board fish finder helps locate the action while GPS keeps you on course to the hottest spots. When the Texas sun heats up, grab a cold drink from the icebox and take advantage of the onboard facilities. VHF radio and radar ensure safe passage whether you're heading out on the morning trip or coming back from an afternoon session. This boat handles Galveston's coastal conditions with confidence, giving you more time focused on what matters most – getting fish in the boat.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of Galveston's nearshore waters, typically running 5-30 pounds but capable of reaching 90+ pounds. These powerful fish love muddy flats, oyster beds, and shallow bays where they crush shellfish with their strong jaws. Spring spawning season is prime time when they school up and become easier to target. You'll hear them "drumming" underwater during this period - a unique sound that gives them their name. Most anglers prefer the smaller ones under 15 pounds for eating since the meat stays tender and flaky. The big bulls are impressive fighters but better released. Pro tip: use fresh crab bait and fish it right on the bottom near structure - they won't chase anything too far from cover.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the brown torpedoes of our nearshore waters, often mistaken for sharks with their dark color and single dorsal fin. These bruisers average 30-50 pounds and can hit 100+, making them serious tackle-testers. Look for them around buoys, oil rigs, and floating debris in 30-70 feet of water, especially during spring migration. They're mostly solitary hunters, which makes each encounter special. What guests love is their aggressive take and powerful runs - plus they're outstanding table fare with firm, white meat. Spring and early summer offer the best action when they move through our area to spawn. Pro tip: keep bucktail jigs handy in 4-8 oz weights and don't be afraid to sight-cast when you spot one cruising the surface.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are Galveston's signature shallow water gamefish, easily spotted by their copper-bronze color and distinctive black spots near the tail. Most run 20-30 inches, but trophy bulls over 40 inches patrol deeper waters. They love super shallow flats, oyster reefs, and marsh edges where you'll often see their backs out of water while "tailing." Year-round fishing is solid, but spring and fall are peak times. What makes them special is their aggressive strikes on topwater lures and their bulldogging fight in shallow water. Plus, slot-sized reds are excellent eating with mild, sweet meat. Key tip: in really shallow water, approach quietly and cast past them, then work your lure back through their zone - spook them once and they're gone.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" of our waters with their distinctive black stripes and human-like teeth. Running 1-8 pounds typically, they're masters at stealing bait around docks, bridges, and barnacle-covered pilings. Spring months are best when they gather near structures to spawn. What makes them special is their excellent table fare - sweet, white meat that's hard to beat. The challenge is their notorious bait-stealing behavior and those crushing jaws. They'll nibble your bait clean off if you're not paying attention. My trick: get as close to structure as possible and set the hook aggressively the moment you feel weight. Use fiddler crab or shrimp, and keep your bait tight on the hook - these guys are pros at picking it clean.
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