Galveston Dawn Fishing: 6-Hour Inshore Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
6hour morning fishing charter starts at 6:30 AM dailyExpert guides target inshore waters around Galveston BaySmall group experience accommodates maximum 3 guests
There's something special about being on the water before the sun comes up, and that's exactly what you'll get with Muckleroy's Guide Service. This 6-hour morning charter kicks off at 6:30 AM sharp, putting you right in the heart of Galveston's best inshore fishing when the fish are most active. You'll be targeting redfish and southern flounder in some of the most productive waters along the Texas coast. With only 3 anglers max per trip, you're getting personalized attention and plenty of elbow room to work your technique. No crowds, no rushed fishing – just you, your buddies, and some seriously good fishing in waters that have been producing quality catches for decades.
We'll be working the flats, back lakes, and marsh edges where redfish love to cruise and flounder lay in wait. The early start means cooler temperatures and calmer conditions – perfect for sight fishing when the water's glass-smooth. You'll be fishing from a shallow-draft boat that can get into those skinny water spots where the big reds hang out. The guide knows every oyster reef, every grass bed, and every drop-off that holds fish in this area. Galveston Bay's complex system of marshes and flats creates perfect habitat, and we'll move between spots based on tide, wind, and what the fish are telling us. Expect to cover some serious water as we chase the bite, but also be ready to slow down and work structure when we find active fish.
We'll be running a mix of live bait and artificials depending on conditions and what the fish want. Live shrimp under popping corks work magic for both species, while soft plastics on jig heads let you work the bottom where flounder hide. For redfish, we might throw topwater plugs early when they're feeding aggressively in shallow water – nothing beats that surface explosion. The tackle is medium-light spinning gear that gives you the sensitivity to feel those subtle flounder bites while having enough backbone for a bull red. We'll adjust leader length and weight based on water depth and current. When the tide's moving, we'll fish heavier jigs to stay in contact with bottom. During slack tide periods, we can go lighter and work baits more naturally. Your guide will have you rigged and ready, but don't be afraid to ask questions about technique – that's how you become a better angler.
Redfish are the stars of Galveston's inshore scene, and for good reason. These copper-colored bulldogs fight like nothing else in shallow water, making screaming runs and using their broad tails to stay deep. Spring through fall offers the best action, with fish ranging from slot-size reds around 20-28 inches up to oversized bulls pushing 40+ inches. They're structure-oriented fish that love oyster reefs, grass beds, and marsh points. What makes reds so exciting is their aggressive feeding – they'll crush topwater baits, inhale live shrimp, and absolutely demolish soft plastics worked along bottom transitions. The key is finding them in skinny water where they can't use depth to their advantage.
Southern flounder bring a completely different challenge to your Galveston fishing trip. These flat, bottom-dwelling predators are masters of camouflage and ambush tactics. They're most active during cooler months, with fall being prime time when they're fattening up for their offshore spawn. Flounder hit differently than reds – it's often just a slight tick or change in weight on your line. They'll grab a bait and hold it, so you need patience before setting the hook. What's exciting about flounder fishing is the hunt – working likely structure methodically, feeling for that subtle bite, then bringing up a quality fish that'll make excellent table fare. A 20+ inch "doormat" flounder is a trophy that many anglers specifically target in these waters.
This 6-hour morning trip gives you prime fishing time when inshore species are most active, all while avoiding the afternoon heat and boat traffic. With Muckleroy's Guide Service, you're getting local knowledge that takes years to develop, quality tackle, and access to productive water that consistently holds fish. The 3-angler limit means you're not fighting for space or competing for the guide's attention. Whether you're looking to put fish in the cooler, learn new techniques, or just enjoy some quality time on the water, this trip delivers. Galveston's inshore fishing is world-class, and early morning is when it's at its absolute best. Don't wait – these morning slots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons when the fishing is hot.
Hit the waters around Galveston aboard our reliable 2008 Kenner center console, a solid 24-footer that knows how to handle the Gulf's inshore action. The 250HP Mercury gets you to the fishing grounds fast and brings you back with a cooler full of fish. This boat's built for serious anglers - the fish finder helps locate where they're biting, while the wireless trolling motor lets you sneak up on spooky redfish and trout without spooking them. Keep your catch fresh in the icebox and your bait ready as you work the flats, channels, and structure where Galveston's best fish hang out. With room for up to 3 anglers, there's plenty of space to cast without tangling lines, and the center console design gives everyone easy access to the action whether you're sight fishing the shallows or working deeper water for bigger fish.
Sciaenops OcellatusRed drum are hands-down one of our most popular targets here in Galveston Bay. These copper-colored beauties average 20-30 inches and love hanging out in 2-4 feet of water around oyster reefs, grass flats, and jetties. Look for that distinctive black spot near their tail - it's their signature mark. They're active year-round but really turn on during spring and fall when water temps are comfortable. What makes them special? They fight hard, pulling drag and making runs that'll test your skills. Plus, they're fantastic table fare with sweet, flaky white meat. My go-to trick: when you spot one tailing in shallow water, cast your bait about 3 feet ahead of where they're headed. Live shrimp or soft plastics work great. These fish spook easily, so keep noise to a minimum and make accurate casts count.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are masters of disguise that bury themselves in sandy and muddy bottoms throughout Galveston's bays and nearshore waters. These flatfish typically run 15-18 inches, though we catch some nice 3-5 pounders regularly. Both eyes sit on their left side, which looks weird but helps them spot prey from their hideout on the bottom. Fall through early winter is prime time when they're moving toward deeper water to spawn. What guests love about flounder fishing is the challenge - you're sight fishing for fish that are practically invisible until they move. They're also some of the best eating fish in the Gulf. Pro tip: look for subtle depressions or "potholes" in the sand where they like to ambush baitfish. Drag a live finger mullet or bull minnow slowly along the bottom, and when you feel that distinctive tap-tap bite, count to three before setting the hook.
Galveston