Private 6 Hour Shark Fishing in Galveston
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target blacktip, bonnetthead, and bull sharks off Galveston coastCaptain Mike provides safe guidance for up to three anglersSixhour inshore fishing adventure suitable for all experience levels
Looking for the ultimate test of your angling skills? Captain Mike's private shark fishing charter off Galveston delivers the kind of heart-pounding action that keeps serious anglers coming back season after season. With just you and up to two buddies on board, you'll spend six solid hours targeting some of the Gulf's most powerful predators in waters that consistently produce trophy-class sharks. This isn't your typical inshore trip – we're talking about going toe-to-toe with bulls, blacktips, and bonnetheads in their own backyard.
Your morning starts early at the Galveston docks, where Captain Mike will brief you on the day's game plan based on current conditions, tides, and recent shark activity. The beauty of a private charter is the flexibility – if the sharks are hitting better on the south jetties versus the ship channel, that's where we're headed. Mike runs a well-equipped boat designed specifically for shark fishing, with heavy-duty rod holders, a solid fighting chair, and all the terminal tackle you'll need. The Gulf waters off Galveston offer incredible diversity, from the shallow flats where bonnetheads cruise to the deeper drop-offs where bigger bulls patrol. You'll be fishing in 15 to 40 feet of water most of the day, depending on what's biting and where the bait schools are holding. The small group size means everyone gets plenty of rod time, and Captain Mike can provide hands-on coaching whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who's never tangled with a shark before.
Shark fishing requires serious tackle, and Mike's got you covered with heavy conventional reels spooled with 50-80 pound test line. We're talking circle hooks in the 8/0 to 12/0 range, depending on target species, paired with wire leaders that can handle those razor-sharp teeth. The technique revolves around bottom fishing with cut bait – fresh mullet, jack crevalle, and bonito work exceptionally well in these waters. You'll learn proper baiting techniques, how to set the drag for a long fight, and when to let a shark run versus when to put pressure on. Captain Mike uses a combination of anchoring and slow-drifting techniques, reading the bottom structure and current to position baits where sharks are most likely to be feeding. The boat's equipped with quality fish finders to locate structure and bait schools, plus a good sound system to keep spirits up during slower periods. Don't worry about bringing tackle – everything's provided, though you're welcome to bring your own heavy gear if you've got preferences.
Bull sharks are the kings of Galveston waters, and for good reason – these bruisers can top 200 pounds and fight like nothing else in the Gulf. They're most active during warmer months from May through October, with peak activity in summer when they move into the bay systems to feed and reproduce. Bulls are ambush predators with incredibly powerful jaws, and once hooked, they'll make blistering runs and aggressive head shakes that'll test your drag system and your arms. What makes them special is their unpredictability – you never know if you're tied into a 50-pounder or something pushing triple digits until the fight develops.
Blacktip sharks bring a different kind of excitement with their spectacular aerial displays and lightning-fast runs. These athletic sharks typically range from 20 to 80 pounds in Galveston waters and are most abundant from spring through fall. Blacktips are notorious for their jumping ability – they'll launch completely out of the water multiple times during a fight, making for some incredible photo opportunities. They're also one of the more aggressive feeders, often hitting baits hard and hooking themselves. The key with blacktips is keeping steady pressure and being ready for those sudden direction changes that can snap lighter leaders.
Bonnethead sharks might be the smallest of the three target species, typically running 2 to 8 pounds, but they're perfect for building confidence and learning proper shark handling techniques. These unique hammer-shaped sharks are year-round residents of Galveston Bay and are incredibly abundant in the warmer months. They're actually omnivores, feeding on crabs, shrimp, and even seagrass, which makes them somewhat easier to target with smaller baits. Bonnetheads are great for kids or first-time shark anglers because they're manageable in size but still provide that authentic shark fishing experience with their distinctive appearance and spirited fights.
Captain Mike's private shark fishing trips consistently rank as a customer favorite for anglers wanting to experience world-class shark action without dealing with crowded party boats or rigid schedules. The six-hour duration gives you real time to locate and fight multiple species, and the three-angler limit ensures everyone gets quality time on the rod. Whether you're looking to check shark fishing off your bucket list, introduce someone to the sport, or just want to test your skills against some serious predators, this charter delivers the goods. The Galveston area offers some of the most consistent shark fishing on the Texas coast, and Captain Mike knows these waters like the back of his hand. Book early, especially for summer and fall dates when shark activity peaks – spots fill up fast for this top-rated charter experience.
Captain Mike's restored 24-foot Kenner center console is built for serious shark hunting in Galveston waters. This 1998 boat got a complete makeover in 2017 and runs on a powerful 250HP Honda that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast—hitting speeds up to 40 knots when conditions are right. The center console design gives you plenty of room to move around when battling blacktips, bulls, and bonnetheads. With GPS to navigate the Gulf waters and a fish finder to locate bait schools where sharks patrol, you're set up for success. The boat handles three anglers comfortably, so there's space to fight fish without getting tangled up. Whether you're after your first shark or looking to land something bigger, this setup gets you where the action is and back to shore safely.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are the acrobats of the shark world - sleek, fast, and known for those spectacular jumps when hooked. They average 4-6 feet and have those signature black-tipped fins that give them their name. These guys patrol the edges of reefs and structure in 30-100 feet, always on the move hunting schools of baitfish. Spring through fall is peak season when the water warms up and bait moves in close. What makes them special is their athletic fight and aerial displays that'll have everyone on deck cheering. They're also one of the more social sharks, so where you find one, there's usually more around. My best tip is to get a good chum slick going with ground mackerel or herring. Once they're fired up and competing for food, they lose that natural caution and become much easier targets.
Sphyrna TiburoBonnetheads are the most approachable of the hammerhead family, running 3-4 feet with that distinctive shovel-shaped head that makes them easy to spot. They're actually pretty timid compared to other sharks, but don't let that fool you - they'll still give you a solid scrap once hooked. These guys love shallow bays and grass flats where they hunt crabs and small fish. Summer and early fall are prime time when they school up in good numbers. What guests love is how active they are - you'll often see multiple fish per trip. They cruise in 5-20 feet of water around structure and drop-offs. Here's my local secret: cut blue crab is absolutely deadly. Hook it through a leg joint and let it sit on the bottom. The scent drives them crazy, and that natural presentation is hard to beat.
Carcharhinus LeucasBull sharks are the heavyweights of our local waters, averaging 8-10 feet and 200-300 pounds of pure muscle. These thick-bodied predators love shallow coastal areas and can handle both salt and brackish water, which makes Galveston Bay perfect hunting grounds. They're most active during warmer months when baitfish are plentiful. What makes them special is their aggressive nature and powerful fight - they'll test your gear and your arms. We typically find them cruising near structure in 10-40 feet of water. My go-to trick is using fresh stingray or big chunks of mullet on the bottom with heavy tackle. When one grabs your bait, you'll know it - they hit hard and don't give up easy. These apex predators give anglers a real taste of what's lurking beneath the surface.
Galveston