5.0(2 Reviews)5 Hour Night Bay Fishing Trip - Galveston TX
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
5hour night bay fishing trip accommodates all skill levelsFamilyfriendly charter includes all equipment and tackle providedSmall group experience with maximum 2 guests per trip
When the sun goes down in Galveston Bay, that's when the real action starts. Our 5-hour night fishing charter takes you out to the prime spots where the big fish come to feed under the lights. This isn't your typical sunset cruise – we're talking serious fishing in some of Texas's most productive inshore waters. Captain Anthony and the LIV Fishing Charters crew know exactly where to position the boat to put you on fish, and with all gear provided, you just need to show up ready to cast some lines.
Night fishing in Galveston Bay is a whole different game than daytime angling. The cooler temperatures bring fish closer to shore, and the artificial lights create feeding zones that attract everything from redfish to flounder. We'll anchor up near productive structure or drift over grass flats, depending on what's biting best. The bay stays relatively calm after dark, making it perfect for families – even the kids can handle the conditions out here. You'll be fishing with quality rods and reels, not the bargain stuff some charters throw at you. We've got the tackle boxes stocked with everything from live shrimp to soft plastics, plus all the terminal gear you need. The whole setup is designed so you spend more time with a line in the water and less time messing around with knots and rigs.
Fishing under the lights requires a different approach than daytime tactics. We'll primarily use bottom rigs with circle hooks for the drum and sheepshead, while switching to lighter setups for flounder and redfish. The key is reading the water around the lights – you'll see baitfish getting pushed to the surface, and that's where the predators are waiting. We use a mix of live bait and artificials depending on what the fish are telling us. Sometimes a slow-rolled soft plastic does the trick, other times it's all about a perfectly presented live shrimp on the bottom. The guides will walk you through each technique as we go, so whether you're new to saltwater fishing or just want to dial in your night game, you'll pick up some solid skills. The boat carries multiple rod setups so we can quickly adapt to changing conditions or switch between species without missing a beat.
"Anthony was phenomenal! I couldn't even count how many fish we caught! My husband told him he really wanted to catch a red fish….and he caught a red fish! Would definitely recommend Anthony to everyone looking to catch fish. We had an awesome time!!!" - Jerry
"Captain Hewitt was very kind and knowledgeable my grandson and I learned a few more fishing tricks and he was very pleasant, I would recommend booking to anyone ." - Ephraim
Southern Flounder are the crown jewel of Galveston night fishing. These flatfish are ambush predators that love to hunt in shallow water after dark, especially around lights where they can pick off disoriented baitfish. Most of our flounder run between 2-4 pounds, but don't be surprised if you hook into a door-mat pushing 6 pounds or better. Fall and early winter are prime time for big flounder, and they put up a surprisingly good fight for a flatfish. The thrill comes from that initial hit – one second your bait is sitting still, the next you're getting hammered by what feels like a much bigger fish.
Black Drum are the workhorses of the bay, and night fishing puts you right in their wheelhouse. These bottom-dwellers cruise the shallows after sunset, using their barbels to root around for crabs and shrimp. The smaller "puppy drum" in the 2-8 pound range are excellent table fare, while the big bulls can push 20-30 pounds and test your drag system. They're not flashy fighters, but they've got serious pulling power and won't give up easy. Black drum are available year-round in Galveston Bay, making them a reliable target when other species are finicky.
Sheepshead earn their reputation as bait stealers, but that's what makes them so rewarding to catch. These convict-striped fish have human-like teeth designed for crushing shellfish, and they can strip a hook clean before you know what hit you. The trick is feeling that subtle tap-tap and setting the hook immediately. Most sheepshead around the bay run 2-4 pounds, with the occasional 6-pounder to keep things interesting. They're most active in cooler months and are hands-down some of the best eating fish in Texas waters – firm white meat that's perfect for the dinner table.
Redfish are the superstars of Texas inshore fishing, and night trips give you a shot at both the slot-sized keepers and the oversized bulls. Reds feed aggressively after dark, often pushing bait right up to the surface around lights. A 20-something inch red is perfect for the cooler, while the big bulls over 28 inches provide serious bragging rights before you release them. These copper-colored fighters are built for power, using their broad tails to make long runs that'll make your reel sing. Peak season runs from spring through fall, but you can find reds in the bay year-round.
Alligator Gar are the wild cards of Galveston Bay fishing – prehistoric monsters that can stretch over 6 feet and weigh 100+ pounds. These living fossils are more common than most people realize, and hooking one is like winning the fishing lottery. They're ambush predators with rows of needle-sharp teeth, and they'll absolutely destroy lighter tackle. Most of the gar we encounter are in the 3-4 foot range, but even a smaller one will give you a fight you won't forget. They're catch-and-release only, but getting a photo with one of these ancient predators is
Your Galveston night fishing adventure awaits aboard our reliable 23' Sea Hunt center console boat, perfectly suited for navigating the productive inshore waters of Galveston Bay. This spacious fishing platform comfortably handles up to 5 anglers and comes loaded with serious fishing technology including GPS navigation, radar for those misty bay nights, and a quality fish finder to locate where the fish are holding. The onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and your drinks cold throughout the 5-hour trip. We've got you covered with top-shelf rods, reels, and all the tackle you'll need to target the bay's best species. The boat's center console design gives everyone plenty of room to fish while staying out of each other's way. Whether you're bringing the kids for their first night fishing experience or you're a seasoned angler looking to work the lights for speckled trout and redfish, this vessel delivers the stability and features needed for a productive night on Galveston's waters. The magic really happens as we position near the glowing lights where baitfish gather and the predators follow.
Atractosteus SpatulaAlligator Gar are the dinosaurs of our waters - these prehistoric giants can reach 4-6 feet and 100+ pounds, making them the ultimate trophy fish. They look like swimming alligators with their long snouts full of needle-sharp teeth and armor-like scales. You'll find them in deeper holes and river bends connected to our bay system, especially during hot summer months when they come up to gulp air. They're living fossils that can breathe both water and air, which always amazes guests. While they look intimidating, they're actually pretty docile around people. The fight is something else - pure power and endurance that'll test your tackle and patience. We practice catch and release only since they're protected. Late summer offers the best shots when they're most active in the heat. My advice: bring heavy gear and patience. Use cut bait on a big circle hook and be ready to wait - when one hits, you'll know it. The battle can last 30 minutes or more.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of our night fishing trips, and they love feeding under the lights we fish around. These bruisers typically range from 5-30 pounds, but don't be surprised if you hook into something pushing 50+ pounds. They're bottom feeders with powerful jaws built for crushing oysters and crabs, so expect a solid fight that'll test your gear. You'll find them in the brackish waters around Galveston Bay, especially near oyster reefs and muddy flats in 3-15 feet of water. Spring spawning season is prime time when they school up and become easier to target. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. Bigger fish are better released for the next angler. Here's my go-to tip: use fresh crab for bait and make sure it stays on the bottom. These fish have great noses but terrible eyesight, so scent is everything.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are our bread and butter here in Galveston - these copper-colored beauties with their signature black spots near the tail are what dreams are made of. Most slot fish run 20-28 inches, perfect for the dinner table with their mild, sweet flavor. They love our shallow flats, oyster reefs, and marsh grass in 1-4 feet of water. You'll often see their backs out of the water when they're feeding - we call it "tailing." Fall and spring provide the hottest action when they school up in big numbers. What makes them special is their aggressive strikes and strong runs that'll get your heart pumping. They hit everything from topwater plugs to live shrimp. The explosive surface strikes are what keep folks coming back trip after trip. Night fishing under lights brings out their feeding instincts. Here's a local secret: when you see nervous water or bait jumping, cast just beyond it and work your lure back through slowly.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" of Galveston waters, sporting those distinctive black and white stripes that make them easy to spot. Most run 1-8 pounds and 14-20 inches, though we occasionally see some real slabs pushing 15+ pounds. They hang tight to structure - bridge pilings, jetties, and anything covered in barnacles where they love to feed. These fish have human-like teeth perfect for crushing shellfish, which makes for great conversation starters with guests. Winter months are prime time when they school up around structures. They're fantastic eating with sweet, white meat that's worth the effort to clean around those tough scales. The challenge with sheepshead is their notorious bait-stealing ability - they'll nibble your hook clean without you feeling a thing. My trick: use a small hook with fresh shrimp and watch your rod tip like a hawk. The second you see any movement, set that hook hard.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are one of our most popular targets on night trips around Galveston's lights. These flat, ambush predators typically run 15-18 inches and 3-5 pounds, though we see some pushing 25+ inches. They're masters of disguise, burying in sand and mud bottoms waiting for baitfish to pass overhead. Both eyes sit on their left side, giving them that unique "flatfish" look that always gets guests excited. Spring through fall offers the best action in our shallow bay waters and around structure. What makes them special is their delicate white meat - some of the best eating you'll find. They put up a surprisingly good fight for their size too. Pro tip: when you feel that subtle tap, don't set the hook right away. Let them run with it for a few seconds, then set firm. They're notorious for just mouthing the bait at first.
5.0 out of 5.0Anthony was phenomenal! I couldn’t even count how many fish we caught! My husband told him he really wanted to catch a red fish….a...
Captain Hewitt was very kind and knowledgeable my grandson and I learned a few more fishing tricks and he was very pleasant, I wou...
Galveston, TX