5.0(2 Reviews)Night Bay Fishing in Galveston Waters
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Five-hour night bay fishing trip accommodates all skill levelsFamily-friendly charter includes all equipment and tackle providedTwo-guest capacity inshore fishing around illuminated waters
There's something magical about fishing under the stars in Galveston Bay, and this 5-hour night charter gives you front-row seats to one of the Gulf Coast's best-kept secrets. When the sun goes down, the fish come alive, and our experienced captains know exactly where to put you on the bite. This isn't your typical day trip - we're talking about serious fishing action when most people are settling in for the evening. The bay transforms at night, and so does your chance of landing trophy fish that have been lying low during the daylight hours.
Your night fishing adventure kicks off as the sun starts to dip, giving you that perfect golden hour transition into prime fishing time. We've got you covered with top-quality rods, reels, and all the tackle you'll need - no need to raid your garage or make a tackle shop run. The boat is equipped with everything from live bait to the right weights for these bay conditions. What makes this trip special is how we position around the lights - that's where the magic happens. The artificial lights attract baitfish, and where there's bait, there are hungry predators ready to strike. Don't worry if you're new to this - our captains will walk you through everything from setting the hook to fighting fish in low light conditions. Families love this trip because kids get to experience something totally different from daytime fishing, and there's something about being on the water at night that creates memories that stick.
Night fishing in Galveston Bay is all about working the lights and understanding how fish behave after dark. We use a combination of live bait and artificials, depending on what's working best that evening. The key is staying quiet and letting the fish come to you - they're more cautious at night but also more aggressive when they decide to feed. We'll anchor up near productive light structures where baitfish congregate, creating a natural feeding zone that draws in everything from drum to redfish. The tackle setup is crucial here - we use heavier weights to get baits down quickly and circle hooks to improve hookup rates in the dark. You'll learn how to feel bites rather than see them, which is a skill that will make you a better angler overall. The boat's lighting system is designed to give you just enough visibility to work with your gear without spooking the fish below.
"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 stars of the night fishing show in Galveston Bay. These flatfish become incredibly active after dark, moving into shallow waters to ambush prey. They're ambush predators that lie buried in the sand, waiting for unsuspecting baitfish to swim by. What makes catching flounder so satisfying is their fight - they don't jump like redfish, but they pull hard and use their flat body to create drag against the current. Most flounder here run 14-20 inches, with keeper-sized fish being anything over 15 inches. Fall through early winter is prime time for doormat flounder, and night fishing gives you a serious advantage over daytime anglers.
Black Drum are the heavyweights of the bay, and night fishing gives you your best shot at the big ones. These fish can grow massive - we're talking 30, 40, even 50-pound fish that will test your tackle and your patience. They're bottom feeders that cruise the shallows at night looking for crabs and shrimp. When a big drum takes your bait, you'll know it - they make long, powerful runs that will have your reel screaming. The smaller "puppy drum" (under 30 inches) are great eating, while the big bulls are typically catch-and-release fish. They're most active during cooler months and respond well to fresh dead shrimp and blue crab.
Sheepshead are the pickiest eaters in the bay, but night fishing can turn them into more aggressive feeders. These black and white striped fish have human-like teeth that they use to crush shellfish and crabs. They're notorious bait stealers during the day, but under cover of darkness, they become less cautious. Structure is key with sheepshead - they hang around docks, pilings, and reefs where they can find their favorite foods. When you hook one, they head straight for cover, so be ready to turn them quickly. They're excellent table fare with sweet, flaky white meat that rivals any reef fish.
Redfish are what most anglers dream about when they think about Texas coastal fishing. These copper-colored bruisers are built for power, and when they hit your bait, there's no mistaking it. Night fishing for reds is productive because they move into shallow water to feed, often in just a few feet of water. They'll crush live shrimp, finger mullet, or cut bait, and their initial run will test your drag system. Slot-sized reds (20-28 inches) are perfect for the dinner table, while oversized bulls are catch-and-release. The sound of a redfish blowing up on topwater bait in the dark is something you'll never forget.
Alligator Gar are the prehistoric monsters of Texas waters, and night fishing gives you a legitimate shot at these living dinosaurs. These ancient fish can reach lengths of 6-8 feet and have been around since the time of the dinosaurs. They're ambush predators that cruise the surface at night, and when one hits your b
Our 23' Sea Hunt center console is built for serious night fishing in Galveston's productive bay waters. This spacious boat handles up to 5 anglers comfortably, though we keep groups intimate at 2 guests for the best fishing experience. The wide deck gives everyone room to cast and fight fish without tangling lines. Smart electronics make all the difference when fishing after dark. Our GPS keeps us on the productive spots, while radar helps navigate safely in low light. The fish finder pinpoints schools of redfish, speckled trout, and flounder lurking near lighted structures where baitfish gather. The center console design puts you close to the action with 360-degree fishing access. An icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during the 5-hour trip. Whether you're targeting slot reds around dock lights or drifting for trout over grass flats, this boat delivers the stability and features needed for productive bay fishing. Perfect for families wanting to experience Galveston's night bite when fish feed aggressively under artificial lights.
Atractosteus SpatulaAlligator gar are living dinosaurs that can stretch 4-6 feet and weigh over 100 pounds - the biggest freshwater fish you'll encounter in Texas waters. These prehistoric beasts prefer the brackish areas where fresh water meets salt, often lurking in deep bends near shallow flats. Late summer during hot, dry spells is when they're most active and easier to spot. What draws anglers is the sheer size and ancient look of these fish - it's like hooking into a piece of natural history. They're catch-and-release only, which keeps the experience pure. Their bony, armor-like scales and rows of needle-sharp teeth make them look intimidating, but they're actually pretty docile around humans. Here's the deal: use big live bait like mullet or carp on heavy tackle, and when one takes your bait, give it time to turn the bait before setting the hook - their bony mouths are tough to penetrate.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweight champions of our bay, commonly running 10-30 pounds with some monsters hitting 50+ pounds. These dark, powerful fish love hanging around oyster reefs, bridge pilings, and shallow mudflats where they crush crabs and oysters with their pharyngeal teeth. Spring is prime time, especially during their spawn when they school up and make that distinctive drumming sound you can actually hear through the boat hull. They're tough fighters that use their broad sides to pull hard in the current. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are excellent table fare, while the big ones are better released since the meat gets tough. My go-to trick is using fresh blue crab on a Carolina rig, and here's the key - make sure your drag is set properly because these fish will test every knot you've tied.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of Texas fishing, easily recognized by their copper-red color and that distinctive black spot near the tail. Most slot fish run 20-28 inches, but you'll occasionally tie into a bruiser over 30 inches. They love our shallow grass flats, oyster reefs, and shorelines in 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. Year-round fishing is good, but fall and spring are prime when they're most active. What makes them special is their willingness to eat almost anything and their strong, drag-screaming runs. Plus they're fantastic table fare with firm, mild meat. During our night trips, they often move into the lights to feed on baitfish and shrimp. My local trick: when sight fishing, cast well ahead of cruising fish and let your bait settle naturally - they spook easily in skinny water.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the bait thieves of Galveston Bay, famous for their human-like teeth and black stripes that earned them the nickname "convict fish." Most run 2-5 pounds and 14-18 inches, though 8+ pounders lurk around the deeper structures. You'll find them glued to any hard structure - dock pilings, jetties, and oil rigs where they pick barnacles and crabs. Winter through early spring is peak season when they're most aggressive before spawning. What makes them challenging and fun is their light bite - they'll steal your bait clean off the hook if you're not paying attention. The reward is some of the best-tasting fish in our waters with sweet, flaky white meat. Here's my tip: use a small hook with fresh shrimp, keep your bait tight to the structure, and when you feel that subtle nibble, set the hook fast and hard.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are masters of disguise, lying flat on sandy and muddy bottoms where they blend in perfectly. These flat fish typically run 15-18 inches and 3-5 pounds, though you might hook into one pushing 8+ pounds if you're lucky. They're scattered throughout our bay system, especially around shell reefs and soft bottoms in 3-15 feet of water. Fall and early winter are prime time when they're fattening up before their offshore spawn. What makes them fun is that perfect ambush strike - one second nothing, next second your rod's bent double. They're also some of the best eating fish in the bay with sweet, white meat. Pro tip: when you feel that subtle tap-tap on your bait, don't set the hook immediately. Let them swallow it for a count of three, then drive it home hard.
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