Galveston Bay Jetty Fishing Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Inshore fishing adventure targeting Galveston Bay jetties and watersSmall group trips accommodate maximum three guests per charterBest fishing conditions occur during cooler nonsummer months
Want to hit some of the most productive fishing waters along the Texas coast? Captain at Knot Working Fishing Charters knows exactly where to find the action in Galveston Bay and around the jetties. This isn't your typical bay fishing – we're talking about targeting structure-loving species that hang around the rocks and deeper channels where the big fish feed. With space for just three anglers, you'll get personalized attention and plenty of room to work your lines without bumping elbows.
Your day starts with a quick briefing on the plan – whether we're working the jetty structure or exploring the bay's prime fishing spots depends on conditions and what's biting. The captain reads the water like a book, adjusting tactics based on tides, wind, and recent fish activity. You'll be fishing productive structure around the jetties where black drum and sheepshead love to hang, or working the bay's grass flats and drop-offs for redfish and trout. The boat stays comfortable with just three guests, so you're not fighting for space or waiting forever for your turn to cast. Fair warning though – this trip works best outside summer months when the brutal Texas heat doesn't stress the fish (or you). Live bait runs $20-$30 per person and it's worth every penny when you see how these fish react to the real deal.
We'll be bottom fishing around the jetty structure using medium to heavy tackle that can handle the rocks and the bruising fights these species dish out. Circle hooks are the name of the game here – they hook fish clean and give you better hookup ratios on species like black drum and sheepshead that can be finicky biters. When we're working the bay, expect to switch between bottom rigs for drum and free-lining live bait for aggressive redfish and trout. The captain provides all tackle, but feel free to bring your favorite rod if you've got one you trust. Live bait makes all the difference in Galveston Bay – fresh shrimp, finger mullet, and mud minnows trigger strikes from fish that might ignore artificials. The jetty fishing requires patience and feel – you're detecting subtle bites among the current and structure, while bay fishing can range from steady action to explosive strikes that'll test your drag.
Black drum are the heavyweight champions of Galveston Bay, and these fish don't mess around. Adults can push 30-50 pounds and will test every component of your tackle setup. They love hanging around the jetty pilings and oyster reefs, using their powerful pharyngeal teeth to crush shellfish and crabs. Spring and fall are prime time for big black drum, when they move into the bay system for feeding and spawning. What makes them exciting? Pure brute strength – once hooked, they'll use every trick including running straight for the nearest piling or oyster bed to break you off. The fight is all power and endurance, and landing a big drum feels like winning a tug-of-war with a freight train.
Sheepshead earn their reputation as the "convict fish" with those distinctive black stripes, but more importantly, they're notorious bait stealers that'll humble any angler. These guys have human-like teeth designed for crushing barnacles and shellfish off the jetty structure. They bite so lightly you'll swear something's wrong with your bait, then suddenly your rod loads up with a fish that fights like it's twice its size. Fall through early spring offers the best sheepshead action in Galveston Bay, when they school up around structure in decent numbers. What's exciting about sheepshead? They're the ultimate finesse challenge – you need perfect bait presentation, sharp hooks, and lightning-fast reflexes to hook them before they steal your bait and swim away laughing.
Sea trout, or speckled trout as locals call them, are the bread-and-butter gamefish of Texas bays. These spotted beauties love the grass flats and drop-offs throughout Galveston Bay, especially during spring and fall when water temperatures hit that sweet spot. Trout are aggressive feeders that'll hit live bait, artificials, and topwater plugs with equal enthusiasm. They're not the biggest fish in the bay, but they make up for it with numbers and fight – a good trout will jump, run, and generally raise hell until you get it to the boat. Winter months can produce some true giants when the big females move into deeper channels, while spring brings consistent action with schooling fish that'll keep your rod bent all day.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Texas inshore fishing, and Galveston Bay grows them big and feisty. These copper-colored bruisers patrol the shallows looking for crabs, shrimp, and baitfish, often feeding so aggressively you can see their backs out of the water. Reds are year-round residents, but fall produces the most consistent action when they school up in massive numbers. What makes redfish special? They fight dirty – using their broad shoulders and powerful tails to make blistering runs that'll smoke your drag. A slot-sized red (20-28 inches) will give you a fight you won't forget, while the oversized bulls push 30+ inches and fight like they've got something to prove. They're not picky eaters either, crushing live bait with the kind of aggressive strikes that'll nearly pull the rod out of your hands.
Galveston Bay fishing with Knot Working Fishing Charters delivers exactly what serious anglers want – productive water, knowledgeable guidance, and fish that'll test your skills and tackle. The intimate three-person setup means you get the captain's full attention and coaching, whether you're learning to read jetty structure or perfecting your bottom-fishing technique. Remember to plan your trip for cooler months when the fish are most active and the Texas sun won't beat you
Hit the waters of Galveston Bay aboard this smooth-riding, deep-sided motorboat built for serious fishing comfort. The spacious T-top provides much-needed shade during those blazing Texas afternoons, while the wireless trolling motor keeps you positioned quietly over prime fishing spots without spooking the fish. With onboard fish finder technology, you'll locate schools and structure with ease around the jetties and bay flats. The boat's high sides offer stability and safety when fighting bigger fish, plus there's a convenient onboard shower to rinse off after a productive day on the water. GPS navigation and radar ensure you can find those honey holes and get back safely, while the VHF radio keeps you connected. The multimedia system adds entertainment between bites. Perfect for up to 3 anglers targeting redfish, speckled trout, and flounder in Galveston's productive inshore waters. Captain provides local knowledge of seasonal patterns and productive areas.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the big bruisers of Galveston Bay, running anywhere from 5-30 pounds with some monsters hitting 90 pounds. They love hanging around oyster beds and shallow muddy flats where they crush shellfish with those powerful jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - makes them much easier to target. These fish are real bottom huggers, so you'll want to keep your bait right on the deck. What makes them special is that drumming sound they make, plus they put up a solid fight on medium tackle. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make great table fare with flaky white meat. Pro tip: use fresh crab for bait - it stays on the hook better and catfish won't steal it like they do with shrimp.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our inshore fishing, with that copper-bronze color and signature black spot near the tail. Most run 20-35 inches, but we get some real bulls pushing 40+ inches and 30 pounds. They love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. Look for them around grass flats, oyster reefs, and muddy shorelines where they're rooting for crabs and shrimp. Cooler months are prime since they're not dealing with summer heat stress. What guests love most is watching them blow up on topwater lures in inches of water - pure adrenaline. They're also fantastic eating when kept in slot. Pro tip: when you see them tailing in shallow water, cast well ahead of where they're moving and let your bait sit still.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are the bread and butter of Galveston Bay, typically running 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds. These silvery beauties with black spots love grass flats and shallow waters, especially during cooler months when they're not stressed by summer heat. They're active feeders on shrimp, small crabs, and baitfish. What makes them popular is their willingness to hit artificial lures and their excellent table fare - soft, flaky white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. They're great fighters for their size and will jump when hooked. Best fishing is early morning and late evening over grass beds. My go-to technique is working a soft plastic shrimp or topwater plug slowly through the grass. Remember not to overcook them - the meat gets mushy fast.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with those distinctive black and white stripes, usually running 1-8 pounds in our waters. They're structure lovers - any dock, pier, or jetty with barnacle-covered pilings is prime territory. These fish have human-like teeth for crushing shellfish, which makes them notorious bait thieves. They'll nibble and pick at your bait trying to steal it clean off the hook. Spring months are your best bet when they're spawning around structures. Guests love targeting them because they're tricky to catch and excellent eating - mild, sweet white meat that's hard to beat. The key is getting your bait right tight to the structure and setting the hook hard the moment you feel weight. Use fiddler crabs or shrimp and keep that bait pinned on solid.
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