Jetty Fishing Adventures with Island Guide Service
Private Trip
Shore Fishing
Shorebased jetty fishing with live shrimp and croaker baitTargets giant black drum in spring, trout and redfish laterSmall group experience with maximum three guests per trip
When you're looking to get your line wet at one of the most productive fishing spots around, our jetty fishing trips deliver exactly what serious anglers are after. This isn't your typical pier fishing experience – we're talking about getting positioned right where the current moves baitfish and the structure holds everything from monster black drum to feisty redfish. With live shrimp and croaker on your hooks, you'll be fishing the way the locals do it, and trust me, that makes all the difference when you're trying to land something worth bragging about.
Our jetty trips keep things intimate with just three anglers max, which means you get the attention you deserve and plenty of room to work your rods without bumping elbows. We position ourselves along the jetty structure where the current creates natural feeding zones – those sweet spots where predator fish wait to ambush whatever the tide brings their way. Early spring is when things get really exciting because that's giant black drum season, and I'm talking about fish that'll test your drag and make your arms burn. As the water temperature climbs through late spring and summer, the bite shifts to speckled trout and redfish, but here's the thing about jetty fishing – you never really know what's going to crush your bait. Could be a bull red, could be a doormat flounder, or maybe something that'll surprise us both.
We fish with live shrimp and croaker because that's what works consistently on jetty structure. Live shrimp gets presented on lighter tackle for trout and smaller redfish, while croaker is your ticket to the big boys – those black drum that cruise the deeper water around the jetty base. The technique is all about reading the current and positioning your bait where fish expect to find an easy meal. We're not just dropping lines and hoping; we're working specific depths, adjusting our presentations based on tidal movement, and keeping fresh bait on the hooks. The jetty creates current breaks and eddies that concentrate baitfish, and that's where we focus our efforts. You'll learn how to feel the difference between a pickup and structure, how to set the hook on different species, and why timing your hookset can make or break a fight with a big drum.
Black drum are the heavyweight champions of our jetty trips, especially during early spring when these bruisers move shallow to spawn. We're talking about fish in the 20 to 40-pound range that'll make your reel scream and test every knot you tied. They're bottom feeders with crushing power, so when one picks up your croaker, you'll know it immediately. These fish fight dirty – they use their weight and the current to try to wrap you around jetty structure, which makes landing one a real accomplishment. Speckled trout show up as the water warms, and while they might not have the raw power of black drum, they're scrappy fighters that'll jump and make runs. They're also some of the best eating fish in these waters, with firm white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. Redfish bring their own brand of excitement – they're strong, stubborn fighters that use their broad sides to leverage against you. A slot-sized red will give you a battle you won't forget, and the bigger bulls we catch and release will remind you why this species has such a loyal following among serious anglers.
Southern flounder are the masters of disguise on our jetty trips, laying perfectly camouflaged on sandy bottoms near structure waiting to ambush prey. These flatfish can reach impressive sizes, with doormat flounder pushing 5+ pounds providing both great fights and excellent table fare. They're most active during moving tides when baitfish get swept past their hiding spots. What makes flounder fishing exciting is the way they hit – it often feels like you've snagged bottom until suddenly your "snag" starts swimming away. Starry flounder add another dimension to the flatfish action, typically smaller than their southern cousins but equally tasty and fun to catch on lighter tackle. They prefer slightly different bottom composition and are often caught when targeting other species, making them a welcome bonus fish that keeps trips interesting.
Jetty fishing represents some of the most consistent action you'll find in these waters, and with our small group size, you're getting a premium experience that bigger charter operations simply can't match. Whether you're after the spring black drum bite, summer trout and reds, or just want to experience what real jetty fishing is all about, we've got the local knowledge and live bait to put you on fish. The jetty creates habitat that holds fish year-round, which means we're fishing productive water no matter when you book. Don't wait until the prime dates fill up – especially during black drum season when everyone wants to tangle with these coastal giants. Give us a call and let's get you set up for a day of fishing that'll remind you why you love getting on the water in the first place.
This motorboat gets you right where the fish are biting along the jetty rocks. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're positioning for that perfect cast, while the fish finder shows exactly what's swimming below. With GPS navigation, we'll hit all the productive spots without wasting time. The onboard ice box keeps your catch fresh and your drinks cold during those long fishing sessions. Perfect for up to 3 anglers, this boat handles the jetty waters smoothly whether you're targeting those massive spring black drum with live croaker or working the warmer months for speckled trout and redfish with fresh shrimp. The shallow draft lets us get close to structure where the big ones hide, and the stable platform gives everyone room to fight whatever decides to grab your bait.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our jetty trips, especially during early spring spawning season when giants show up. These powerful fish typically range 5-30 pounds, but we regularly see 50+ pounders that'll test your arms. They're part of the drum family and make that distinctive drumming sound you can actually hear underwater. Look for them around oyster beds, pilings, and muddy flats where they crush shellfish with those strong jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up to spawn, making them much easier to target than other times of year. What guests love most is the raw power - these fish pull hard and don't give up easy. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make great eating too. Here's the key: use fresh crab or cut bait on the bottom, and when you get a bite, let them take some line before setting the hook. They're notorious for testing your bait first.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our jetty fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters typically run 28-33 inches but can push well into the 40+ inch range around structure. You'll spot them by that distinctive black eyespot near the tail and their bronze-red coloring. They love shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out - around oyster bars, grass flats, and jetty rocks where they hunt for crabs and shrimp. Once the water warms up in late spring, the action stays hot through fall. What makes redfish so popular is their aggressive strikes and bulldogging fights that'll wear you out. Plus, they're excellent eating with mild, sweet meat. The secret is sight fishing when possible - look for their copper backs or tails in shallow water, then cast just ahead of them. When they hit, get ready for a battle. They'll make several strong runs before coming to the boat.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are one of our most consistent performers as the water warms up around the jetty. These beauties typically run 14-24 inches and pack great fights for their size. You'll recognize them by those distinctive black spots scattered across their silvery sides. They love grass flats and shallow areas, especially at dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding on shrimp and small baitfish. Late spring through early fall gives you the best action, and they tend to school up in winter in deeper water. Guests really enjoy the steady action and the fact that specks are some of the best eating fish in these waters - tender, white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. The key trick is to fish them light and fast. When you feel that tap, set the hook immediately. Specks have soft mouths, so once you hook up, keep steady pressure but don't horse them in or you'll lose them at the boat.
Paralichthys LethostigmaThese master ambush predators are one of our most unique catches around the jetty. Southern flounder typically run 15-18 inches and about 5 pounds, though we've seen some beauties push 20+ pounds. What makes them special is having both eyes on their left side and the ability to perfectly camouflage against sandy or muddy bottoms. They hang out in shallow coastal waters, especially around structure where they can bury themselves and wait for prey. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they're actively feeding on shrimp and small fish. Guests love the challenge of spotting these flat fighters, and the white, flaky meat is excellent table fare. Pro tip: when you feel that subtle tap-tap on your line, let them run with it for a few seconds before setting the hook. They like to grab bait sideways before turning to swallow it.
Platichthys StellatusStarry flounder are one of our more unique catches, especially during spring runs when they move into shallow bays to spawn. These flat fighters typically weigh 2-5 pounds, though we've caught some bruisers pushing 15+ pounds. What sets them apart from other flounders are those rough, star-shaped scales and distinctive black bars on their fins. They prefer muddy bottoms in brackish water where they bury themselves and wait to ambush prey. Spring gives you the best shot when they come inshore from deeper Pacific waters. Guests enjoy the challenge of targeting these camouflage experts, and the meat is excellent - soft and sweet like other flounders. Here's the trick: use live shrimp or small crabs on the bottom, but give your bait a subtle twitch every few minutes. When you feel that characteristic flounder bite - more like a gentle tapping - let them take it and run for a few seconds before setting the hook. They grab bait sideways first.
Galveston, TX