Private 6 Hour Shark Fishing Trip In Galveston
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Six-hour private charter targets multiple shark species offshoreMaximum three anglers with experienced Captain Mike guidanceBlacktip, Bonnetthead, and Bull Shark fishing opportunities
Looking for a fishing adventure that'll get your blood pumping? Captain Mike's private 6-hour shark fishing trip out of Galveston is exactly what you're after. This isn't your typical bay fishing—we're talking about going head-to-head with some of the most powerful predators in the Gulf. You'll be targeting bull sharks, blacktip sharks, and bonnetheads in waters where these apex hunters cruise looking for their next meal. With just 3 anglers max, you get personalized attention and plenty of room to fight these monsters without bumping elbows. Captain Mike knows these Galveston waters like the back of his hand, and he'll put you on fish whether you've been shark fishing for years or this is your first time wrestling with something that has teeth bigger than your thumb.
Your morning starts early—shark fishing is best when the water's still cool and these predators are most active. We'll head out to Captain Mike's proven spots where the drop-offs and structure hold baitfish, which means sharks aren't far behind. The boat's equipped with heavy-duty tackle that can handle anything from a scrappy bonnethead to a massive bull shark that'll test every ounce of your strength. You'll be fishing with circle hooks and fresh bait—usually cut mullet, stingray, or hardhead catfish that these sharks can't resist. The boat stays positioned over prime structure while you wait for that screaming run that signals game on. Captain Mike keeps the atmosphere relaxed but ready—shark fishing requires patience, but when it happens, everything changes in a heartbeat. The drag starts screaming, the rod doubles over, and suddenly you're connected to something that doesn't want to come to the boat.
We're talking serious gear here—7-foot heavy action rods paired with reels that can handle 50-80 pound test line. Circle hooks in the 8/0 to 12/0 range depending on what we're targeting, and wire leaders that won't get cut by razor-sharp teeth. The technique is straightforward but effective: fresh cut bait on the bottom in 20-40 feet of water where sharks patrol the edges of channels and structure. Captain Mike uses a mix of pyramid sinkers and egg sinkers depending on current and bottom composition. We'll deploy multiple lines at different depths and distances from the boat, creating a chum slick with ground bait to draw sharks into the area. The key is staying patient and keeping your drag set right—too loose and you won't get a good hookset, too tight and that first run will snap your line. When a shark picks up your bait, you'll feel the weight and then the run. That's when Captain Mike coaches you through the fight, telling you when to pump and wind, when to let the fish run, and how to work it toward the boat for a clean release.
Bull sharks are the heavyweights of this fishery, and Galveston's murky inshore waters are perfect habitat for these aggressive predators. These thick-bodied bruisers can push 200+ pounds and fight like they're twice that size. They're most active during warmer months from May through September, and they don't give up easy. What makes bull sharks special is their ability to tolerate fresh water—they'll cruise right up into the bay systems chasing stingrays and hardhead catfish. When you hook one, expect multiple runs toward structure and a fight that'll leave your arms burning. The bite is usually solid—bulls don't nibble, they crush your bait and take off.
Blacktip sharks bring speed and aerial acrobatics to the table. These sleek predators average 20-50 pounds and are famous for their jumping ability when hooked. Spring and summer months offer the best blacktip action as they move into Galveston's nearshore waters to feed and spawn. They school up around baitfish, making multiple hookups possible when you find them. Blacktips fight clean and fast—long runs followed by spectacular jumps that'll have everyone on the boat reaching for their phones. They're also excellent table fare if you decide to keep one within regulations, with firm white meat that's perfect for the grill.
Bonnethead sharks might be the smallest of our target species, but they're scrappy fighters that provide steady action. These unique hammer-shaped sharks rarely exceed 15 pounds but make up for size with attitude. They're year-round residents in Galveston Bay, feeding on crabs, shrimp, and small fish in shallow water. Bonnetheads are perfect for first-time shark anglers—big enough to bend your rod and get your heart racing, but manageable enough that kids and beginners can successfully fight and land them. They're also fascinating to observe up close, with their distinctive shovel-shaped heads and surprisingly gentle demeanor once brought to the boat.
Captain Mike's shark fishing trips book up fast, especially during peak season when these predators are most active. This top-rated experience gives you six full hours to tangle with some of the Gulf's most powerful fish, and with only 3 anglers max, you're guaranteed personal attention and plenty of fishing time. Whether you're looking to check shark fishing off your bucket list or you're a seasoned angler wanting to target trophy bulls and blacktips, this trip delivers the goods. The memories of fighting these apex predators in Galveston's productive waters will last long after your arms stop aching. Don't wait—these world-class shark fishing opportunities fill up quickly, and Captain Mike's expertise and local knowledge make this the best way to experience what many consider the ultimate fishing challenge.
Captain Mike's restored 1998 Kenner Center Console is your ticket to the shark-filled waters off Galveston. This 24-footer got a complete makeover in 2017 and packs a serious 250HP Honda that'll get you out to the fishing grounds fast, cruising at speeds up to 40 knots. Built for three anglers max, so you'll have plenty of room to battle those Bull Sharks and Blacktips without bumping elbows. The GPS keeps you on course while the fish finder helps locate where the big predators are cruising. Perfect setup for targeting the toothy critters that call these Texas waters home.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are the acrobats of shark fishing - sleek, fast sharks that'll jump clear out of the water when hooked. They average 4-5 feet with those telltale black fin tips that give them their name. We find them patrolling the surf line and nearshore reefs, usually in 30-100 feet of water. Spring through fall is your best bet when they're feeding heavily on baitfish. What makes them special is the show they put on - these sharks go airborne multiple times during the fight, spinning and tail-walking like a tarpon. They're also one of the most common sharks we see, so your odds are good. The fight is fast and furious with long runs and plenty of jumps. Best approach is live or fresh cut mackerel with a good chum slick going. Keep your drag smooth - they'll throw the hook if you put too much pressure on during those aerial displays.
Sphyrna TiburoBonnetheads are the friendly face of shark fishing - small hammerheads with that distinctive shovel-shaped head that makes them easy to spot. They run 3-4 feet on average and travel in schools, so once you find one, you'll usually catch several. These guys stick to shallow water near shore, especially around grass flats and sandy bottoms where they hunt crabs and small fish. Summer through fall is prime time when they're most active in our area. What guests love is they're perfect for beginners - aggressive enough to bend the rod but not intimidating like their bigger cousins. They fight surprisingly hard for their size with quick, darting runs. The key to consistent success is fresh blue crab cut in half - thread your circle hook right through a leg joint and let it sit on bottom with just enough weight to hold.
Carcharhinus LeucasBull sharks are the heavyweights of our waters - thick, powerful fish that average 8-12 feet and pack serious attitude. These gray bruisers with dark-tipped fins love our shallow coastal waters year-round, especially during warmer months. What makes them special is they can handle both salt and fresh water, so we find them cruising everywhere from the surf to way up rivers. They're aggressive feeders and put up one hell of a fight - pure muscle from head to tail. The bite is incredible, with runs that'll test your drag and your arms. For bait, nothing beats fresh cut mullet or a whole hardhead catfish on the bottom. Pro tip: use a wire leader and keep that drag loose on the initial run - these bulls will straighten hooks if you try to muscle them early.
Galveston