5.0(2 Reviews)Half Day Jetty Fishing in Galveston, Texas
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Half-day inshore fishing trips at Galveston jettiesMorning and afternoon departure times available dailyExpert guides provide gear for up to 3 guests
Looking for some solid fishing action without burning your whole day? Our half-day jetty trips are exactly what you need. We run morning and afternoon sessions out of Galveston, hitting the productive waters around the jetties where the fish stack up year-round. With just three anglers max, you'll get plenty of personalized attention from our guides who know these waters like the back of their hand. We supply all the tackle and know-how – you just bring yourself and get ready to bend some rods.
The Galveston jetties are a fish magnet, plain and simple. These rock structures create the perfect habitat where baitfish gather, and where there's bait, there's always hungry predators lurking nearby. We'll position the boat in prime spots along the jetty system, working everything from the shallow flats to deeper channels depending on what's biting. The morning trips typically start around sunrise when the water's calm and fish are actively feeding after the night. Afternoon sessions take advantage of tide changes and different feeding patterns. You'll be fishing with quality gear that can handle whatever we hook into, from scrappy sheepshead to bruiser bull reds that'll test your drag system.
Jetty fishing is all about reading structure and presenting baits where fish expect to find them. We use a mix of live bait and cut bait depending on what we're targeting. For redfish and black drum, we'll often use live or cut crab fished right along the rocks where these bottom feeders cruise for an easy meal. Sheepshead require finesse – these guys are notorious bait stealers, so we use smaller hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs. When we're after speckled trout, we'll work artificial lures like soft plastics around grass beds and drop-offs near the jetties. The key is staying mobile and adjusting tactics based on what the fish are telling us. Our guides will handle all the rigging and re-baiting, plus teach you the tricks that separate successful jetty anglers from weekend warriors.
"Captain Corey and Captain Derreck aka Chop did everything to put us on the fish. The boat was top notch as was the tackle and rods and reels. They knew all the honey holes and we hit em hard. Most of all, we began a great father's day fishing tradition. To the father's, I know you have set the bait, cleared lines, re-tied knots, cleaned the fish, and all to teach tour young'ns the joy of fishing. Bravo, I did too. But when you want to relax, and actually fish yourself, let the pros like Chop and Corey do the heavy lifting. It was a totally different and much more joyful experience." - John
"We swam with the sharks, we caught serval bull reds, and two sharks. We had a great time, the 4 hour trip went by so fast with all that action. Next time we will be booking a longer trip. Thanks Derrick." - Jose
Black drum are one of our most reliable targets around the Galveston jetties. These bottom-dwelling bruisers can range from slot-size fish around 16-20 inches up to massive bulls pushing 40+ pounds. They're most active during cooler months from October through March, though we catch them year-round. Black drum feed primarily on crabs and shellfish, using their powerful pharyngeal teeth to crush shells. What makes them exciting is their incredible fighting power – even smaller drum will make impressive runs and use the jetty structure to try breaking you off. Plus, they're excellent table fare when prepared right.
Sheepshead might be the most challenging fish you'll encounter on our jetty trips, and that's exactly why anglers love targeting them. These black and white striped beauties have human-like teeth designed for picking barnacles and small crustaceans off structure. They're most active during their spawning season from February through April, when they stack up around the jetties in impressive numbers. The challenge comes from their notorious bait-stealing abilities – they can clean a hook faster than you can blink. But when you finally connect with a good sheepshead, you'll feel that distinctive head-shaking fight that gives them their name.
Speckled trout (what locals call steelhead trout) are the bread and butter species for many Galveston anglers. These spotted beauties prefer grass beds and shell reefs near the jetties, especially during spring and fall months when water temperatures are optimal. Specks are aggressive predators that will hit both live bait and artificials with equal enthusiasm. What makes them special is their willingness to fight at the surface – you'll often see them jump and tail-walk when hooked. They're also among the best eating fish in Texas waters, with firm white meat that's perfect for the dinner table.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Texas inshore fishing, and the jetties consistently produce quality reds year-round. These copper-colored fighters can range from schooling rats in the 16-20 inch range up to massive bulls over 30 inches that provide heart-stopping battles. Reds are sight fishing opportunities during calm conditions, especially in shallow water where you can watch them cruise and feed. They're incredibly strong fish that use their broad tails and deep bodies to make powerful runs. What really sets redfish apart is their versatility – they'll eat everything from live shrimp to large topwater plugs, making them perfect for anglers who want to try different techniques.
Half-day jetty fishing trips offer the perfect balance of action and convenience. You'll experience some of the best inshore fishing Texas has to offer without committing to a full day on the water. Our small group size
Captain Derrick's 36-foot Contender center console is built for serious fishing around Galveston's jetties. With triple 225 HP Yamaha engines, this boat gets you to the productive waters fast and brings you back reliably. The spacious layout gives up to 3 anglers plenty of room to work the rods without getting tangled up. Modern fish finder technology helps locate schools while GPS keeps you on the hot spots. When the Gulf gets choppy or visibility drops, the radar system ensures safe navigation back to port. VHF radio maintains contact with other boats and harbor patrol. An icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those warm Texas afternoons. The onboard head means no cutting trips short. Whether you're targeting redfish, speckled trout, or whatever's biting around the jetty structure, this Contender handles the Gulf's changing conditions while providing a stable platform for landing your limit.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of the jetty waters, ranging from 5-30 pounds with monsters hitting 90+ pounds. These powerful fish cruise oyster beds and muddy flats near the jetties, using their crushing jaws to feast on crabs and shellfish. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning, making them easier to target. What makes them special is that drumming sound they make - you can actually hear schools of them underwater. The fight is all power and endurance, perfect for anglers wanting to test their tackle. Keep fish under 15 pounds for the table since bigger ones get tough. Pro tip: use fresh crab bait and fish right on the bottom near structure - they rarely venture far from cover to feed.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of Galveston's shallow water fishing, easily spotted by their copper-bronze color and signature black spots near the tail. These bruisers typically run 20-35 inches around the jetties, with slot fish perfect for dinner and bigger bulls providing pure adrenaline. They love cruising 1-4 feet of water around oyster reefs, grass flats, and jetty washouts. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall brings the best action when they school up in huge numbers. What makes them special is their aggressive strikes and bulldogging fights - they'll make screaming runs that test your drag. The smaller ones are fantastic eating with mild, sweet meat. Here's my go-to technique: throw topwater plugs early morning around the rocks and be ready for explosive strikes that'll get your heart pumping.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with their black and white stripes, but don't let their looks fool you - they're crafty thieves around the jetties. Most run 1-8 pounds, though 20-pounders lurk around deeper structure. They love barnacle-covered pilings, bridge supports, and any hard structure where they can pick at crabs and shellfish with those human-like teeth. Spring through early summer is peak season when they're most active. Anglers love the challenge - they're notorious bait stealers with light, finicky bites followed by strong runs. The reward is some of the best eating fish in the Gulf with sweet, flaky white meat. My trick: get your bait tight to structure and set the hook hard the moment you feel weight - they'll clean your hook in seconds if you hesitate.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead trout aren't typically found in Galveston's saltwater jetty fishing. These are Pacific Northwest and Great Lakes fish that spend time in both freshwater and saltwater, but they don't inhabit Gulf of Mexico waters. They're silvery, streamlined fish that can reach 24 inches and fight like rockets when hooked. In their native range, they're prized for their acrobatic jumps and long runs. Fall through spring is their prime season in Pacific waters where they move between rivers and ocean. They're challenging to catch, requiring precise presentation with flies or small lures. The meat is excellent - pink and flaky like salmon. If you're looking for similar excitement in Galveston waters, speckled trout or redfish offer comparable thrills with hard strikes and strong fights around our local jetty structure.
5.0 out of 5.0Captain Corey and Captain Derreck aka Chop did everything to put us on the fish. The boat was top notch as was the tackle and rod...
We swam with the sharks, we caught serval bull reds, and two sharks. We had a great time, the 4 hour trip went by so fast with all...
Galveston