Galveston Bay Inshore Fishing Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fivehour inshore fishing adventure in Galveston Bay watersTarget premium saltwater species in eastern and western areasAccommodates up to three guests with professional charter service
When you're looking for a top-rated inshore fishing adventure that delivers both action and variety, this 5-hour charter on Galveston Bay hits all the right marks. Captain and crew from Knot Working Fishing Charters know these waters like the back of their hands, and they'll put you on fish whether we're working the eastern flats or the western shorelines. With a maximum of 3 anglers, you get the personalized attention that makes the difference between just casting lines and actually filling the cooler. The bay's year-round fishery means there's always something biting, and with species like redfish, flounder, and black drum calling these waters home, you're in for some serious rod-bending action.
This isn't your typical crowded party boat experience. With just 3 spots available, you'll have plenty of elbow room and direct access to your captain's local knowledge. We'll start the day by reading conditions and deciding whether the eastern or western sections of the bay are firing. The eastern areas tend to hold more structure and deeper pockets where big black drum and sheepshead hang out, while the western flats are redfish and flounder country. Your captain will adjust tactics based on tides, weather, and what's been producing lately. The 5-hour window gives us enough time to hit multiple spots and adapt if one area isn't cooperating. You'll be fishing from a well-equipped inshore boat that can get into the skinny water where the big fish feed, but also handle the deeper channels when we need to make moves. Live bait runs $20-$30 per angler and it's worth every penny – nothing beats the real deal when these fish are being picky.
Inshore fishing in Galveston Bay is all about reading the water and matching your approach to what the fish want. We'll be using a mix of live bait and artificials depending on conditions and target species. For redfish, expect to throw everything from topwater plugs at first light to soft plastics along the grass lines. The captain provides all rods, reels, and terminal tackle, so you don't need to worry about rigging up. When we're targeting flounder, we'll be drift fishing with live shrimp or finger mullet near drop-offs and channel edges. Black drum require a different approach entirely – we'll anchor up over shell reefs and oyster bars with heavy tackle and fresh crab. The beauty of this bay system is the variety of structure. One minute you're sight-fishing shallow flats, the next you're working deeper ship channels or around oil rigs. Your captain will coach you through each technique, whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time. The key here is staying mobile and letting the fish tell us what they want.
Southern Flounder are the bay's ultimate ambush predators, lying flat on sandy bottoms waiting for unsuspecting baitfish to swim by. These flatfish can reach impressive sizes in Galveston Bay, with keeper fish running 15-20 inches and the occasional doormat pushing 5+ pounds. Fall and winter months are prime time for flounder fishing as they stage near bay mouths preparing for their offshore spawning run. What makes them exciting to catch is the subtle bite – you'll feel more like a gentle tapping than an aggressive strike. Once hooked, they put up a surprising fight with that wide, flat body creating plenty of resistance in the current.
Black Drum are the bay's bulldozers, with mature fish capable of reaching 30-40 pounds or more. These bottom-dwellers love structure, particularly oyster reefs and shell beds where they use their powerful pharyngeal teeth to crush crabs and mollusks. Peak season runs from late fall through early spring when cooler water temperatures bring the big fish into shallower areas. The fight is all about power – black drum don't make long runs, but they'll use their bulk to try and get back to structure. The key to success is using heavy enough tackle and keeping steady pressure to turn their heads away from the rocks.
Sheepshead earn their nickname as the "convict fish" with distinctive black and white stripes, but anglers know them better as one of the most challenging species to hook. These bait thieves have human-like teeth perfect for picking crabs and barnacles off structure, making them notorious for stealing bait without getting hooked. Winter months bring the best sheepshead action around jetties, piers, and any hard structure. When you do connect with one, you'll understand why they're prized table fare – few fish can match their delicate, sweet flavor.
Redfish are the bay's signature species and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters are aggressive feeders that will hit everything from topwater plugs to live bait with authority. Slot-sized fish (20-28 inches) provide the perfect combination of fight and table fare, while oversized "bull reds" offer pure adrenaline with their drag-screaming runs. Redfish are year-round residents, but fall brings some of the best action as they school up in shallow water. What makes them special is their willingness to eat – redfish aren't usually finicky, and when you find a school, the action can be non-stop.
Cobia are the bay's seasonal visitors, showing up in warmer months as they follow rays and other prey through the deeper channels. These brown sharks (as they're often called) can reach impressive sizes quickly, with fish in the 20-40 pound range not uncommon. Cobia are curious fish that will often approach the boat, giving anglers a chance to sight-cast to individual fish. Their powerful runs and dogged fighting ability near structure make them one of the most sought-after inshore species. When cobia are around, your captain will have you ready with live bait or large artificials to capitalize on these world-class game fish.
Hit the productive waters of Galveston Bay aboard this smooth-riding, deep-sided motorboat built for serious inshore fishing. The spacious T-top provides much-needed shade during those blazing Texas afternoons while you work the eastern and western flats for redfish, trout, and flounder. This family-friendly vessel cuts through bay chop with ease and comes loaded with everything you need to put fish in the cooler - advanced fish finder to locate structure and baitfish, wireless trolling motor for stealthy approaches to shallow spots, GPS navigation to hit your favorite honey holes, and radar for those foggy morning trips. The onboard multimedia system keeps everyone entertained between bites, while the VHF radio ensures safe communication with other anglers and marina. After a long day of casting and fighting fish, rinse off the salt and sunscreen with the convenient onboard shower. Perfect for up to 3 anglers looking to experience some of the Gulf Coast's best inshore action.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of Galveston Bay, typically running 5-30 pounds but capable of hitting 50+ pounds. These powerful fish love oyster beds, muddy flats, and shallow structure where they use their crushing jaws to eat crabs, oysters, and shrimp. You'll hear them "drumming" underwater during spring spawning season - that's when they school up and fishing gets hot. They're tough fighters that test your drag system, and the smaller ones under 15 pounds make great table fare with flaky white meat. Black drum adapt to different salinities, so we find them in everything from brackish creeks to saltier bay areas. My go-to tip: use fresh crab on a Carolina rig and fish it right on the bottom. When you feel that steady pull, don't horse them - let them run and tire out first.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the "brown sharks" that get your heart racing until you see that distinctive flat head and single dorsal fin. These fish are serious business, averaging 30-50 pounds with some pushing 60+ pounds in our waters. They're usually loners cruising around buoys, channel markers, and structure in 15-40 feet of water. Spring and early summer are prime time when they move through on their migration routes. What guests love is the visual fishing - spotting these bronze torpedoes near the surface before casting. They fight hard with long runs and are considered some of the best eating fish in the Gulf. Cobia will eat almost anything, but bucktail jigs and live bait work best. Here's the key: when you spot one, get your bait in front of them quickly but don't splash it down right on their head - they spook easy.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of Galveston Bay inshore fishing. These copper-colored beauties with their signature black spots love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. Most run 20-30 inches, but we regularly see slot-sized fish that put up serious fights. They cruise oyster reefs, grass flats, and muddy shorelines hunting shrimp, crabs, and small fish. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall brings some of the best action when they school up. What makes them special is their aggressive strikes and bulldogging fights, plus they're great eating. Redfish aren't spooky like some species - they'll eat topwater plugs, soft plastics, and live bait. My favorite technique is working a gold spoon over shallow grass beds on an incoming tide. Keep your eyes peeled for their tails and backs in skinny water.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" of Galveston Bay with their distinctive black stripes and human-like teeth. These clever fish typically run 1-8 pounds and love hanging around any structure - docks, pilings, jetties, and oyster beds where they feed on barnacles and crabs. They're notorious bait thieves that'll clean your hook without you feeling it, which makes them a fun challenge. Spring is prime time, especially around spawning season in February through April. What guests love is the puzzle of outsmarting them, plus they're outstanding table fare with sweet, flaky white meat. The trick is getting your bait tight to structure and feeling for those subtle nibbles. Once you detect any weight or movement, set the hook hard - their bony mouths require some authority. Fresh shrimp on a small hook works great.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are masters of disguise that lie flat on muddy and sandy bottoms throughout Galveston Bay. These unique fish have both eyes on their left side and can change color to match the seafloor perfectly. Most run 15-18 inches and weigh around 5 pounds, though we see some pushing 20+ pounds. They're ambush predators that bury themselves and wait for shrimp, crabs, and small fish to pass by. Fall and winter are prime time when they're moving toward deeper water to spawn. What makes them special is that flat profile and camouflage ability - plus they're some of the best eating fish in the bay. Here's a local trick: when drift fishing, work your bait slowly along the bottom and watch for that subtle tap-tap bite. Set the hook quickly because they'll spit it fast.
Galveston