Half Day Morning Fishing Trip in Galveston, TX
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Early morning start at 6:30 AM for optimal fishing conditionsAll bait and gear provided by experienced Captain MikeFourhour inshore trip accommodating up to three guests
There's nothing quite like getting on the water early in Galveston Bay with Captain Mike for a solid 4-hour fishing session. This top-rated morning trip kicks off at 6:30 AM when the fish are active and the bay is calm – perfect conditions for hooking into some quality Gulf Coast species. Whether you're bringing the family for their first taste of saltwater fishing or you're a seasoned angler looking to add some Galveston redfish to your logbook, this trip delivers. Captain Mike handles all the gear and bait, so you can focus on what matters most: putting fish in the boat and enjoying your time on Texas waters.
Your morning starts early, but trust me – it's worth it. Captain Mike meets you at the dock before sunrise, and within minutes you're cruising through Galveston Bay's protected waters. The boat comfortably handles up to 3 guests, making it perfect for intimate family outings or small groups who want personalized attention. The early start isn't just about beating the crowds; it's when the fish are most active. As the sun rises over the bay, you'll be positioned on productive structure where redfish, trout, and flounder are feeding. The calm morning conditions make for comfortable fishing, and Captain Mike's local knowledge puts you on fish fast. No need to worry about tackle or bait – everything's provided, from rods and reels to live shrimp and artificial lures.
Captain Mike runs a variety of techniques depending on conditions and what's biting. You'll likely start with live bait fishing around structure – think oyster reefs, grass flats, and channel edges where fish ambush prey during tidal movements. The shallow waters of Galveston Bay are perfect for sight fishing when conditions allow, especially targeting redfish cruising the flats. Artificial lures come into play when fish are aggressive, with soft plastics and topwater plugs producing explosive strikes. The boat is equipped with quality spinning gear that's perfect for beginners but capable enough for experienced anglers. Captain Mike adjusts tactics throughout the trip, reading the water and fish behavior to keep you connected. Whether you're bouncing jigs along the bottom for flounder or working the grass beds for speckled trout, you'll learn productive techniques that work in these waters.
Summer flounder are one of the most rewarding catches in Galveston Bay, and these flatfish are masters of camouflage. They bury themselves in sandy bottoms near structure, waiting to ambush baitfish. Spring through fall offers the best action, with fish ranging from keeper size to impressive doormat flounder pushing 5+ pounds. What makes them exciting is their fight – they pull hard and stay deep, using their flat profile to their advantage. Plus, they're excellent table fare, making them a customer favorite for families wanting to take dinner home.
Sheepshead are the bay's resident thieves, known for stealing bait with surgical precision. These black-and-white striped fish hang around pilings, reefs, and any hard structure where barnacles and crustaceans grow. They have human-like teeth that can crush shellfish, making them fascinating to examine up close. Peak season runs from late fall through early spring when they school up for spawning. Hooking a sheepshead requires patience and quick reflexes – they're notorious bait stealers, but landing one feels like a real accomplishment. Their firm, white meat rivals any restaurant fish.
Speckled trout are Galveston Bay's bread-and-butter species, available year-round with peak action in spring and fall. These beautiful fish prefer grass flats and shell reefs where they feed on shrimp and small baitfish. They're aggressive strikers that hit both live bait and artificials with authority. What anglers love most is their willingness to bite throughout the day and their acrobatic fights – they jump, shake, and put on a show. Trout in the 15-20 inch range are common, with trophy fish over 25 inches possible during prime conditions.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Texas coastal fishing, and Galveston Bay produces some beauties. These copper-colored fighters are built for power, using their broad tails and bulldog strength to test your drag system. They're available year-round but peak during fall months when they school up in impressive numbers. What makes reds special is their versatility – they'll eat live bait, crush topwater lures, and provide sight-fishing opportunities in shallow water. The distinctive black spots near their tails and bronze coloration make them unmistakable, and their hard-pulling fights create lasting memories for anglers of all skill levels.
This renowned half-day trip offers everything you need for a successful morning on Galveston Bay. Captain Mike's local expertise, quality equipment, and prime departure time create the perfect recipe for productive fishing. Whether you're targeting your first redfish or adding to your Texas slam, these waters deliver consistent action in a comfortable setting. The 4-hour duration gives you enough time to work different areas and species without wearing out younger anglers. With all gear and bait included, this customer favorite removes the guesswork and lets you focus on making memories. Book your spot now and experience why Galveston Bay fishing keeps anglers coming back season after season.
Captain Mike's 2022 Mako bay boat cuts through Galveston Bay's waters with confidence, delivering you to the best fishing spots before the sun gets high. This 22-footer runs smooth and quiet with its 225HP Mercury engine, perfect for early morning starts when the fish are biting. The wireless trolling motor keeps things silent when you're working prime areas, while the GPS and fish finder help locate where the action is happening. Built specifically for bay fishing, this boat handles Galveston's shallow waters and changing conditions with ease. With room for up to 3 anglers, there's plenty of space to cast, fight fish, and move around the deck comfortably. The stable platform makes it great for families and first-time bay fishers who want to focus on fishing instead of worrying about the boat.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bronze bulldogs of the bay, easily identified by their copper-red backs and distinctive black spots near the tail. Most slot fish run 18-27 inches, perfect for the table, while bull reds over 28 inches provide serious fights in deeper water. You'll find them cruising shallow flats, oyster reefs, and around structures in 1-4 feet of water. They're year-round residents but really turn on during spring and fall when they're most aggressive. Guests love reds because they eat almost anything, fight hard, and the smaller ones make outstanding table fare with firm, sweet meat. These fish are visual hunters, so sight-fishing them in shallow water creates some of the most exciting action we offer. Here's my local trick - look for nervous water or "push wakes" on calm mornings. When you spot one, cast well ahead and work your bait slowly past them. They can't resist a well-presented shrimp or gold spoon.
Salmo TruttaSpotted Sea Trout, or "specks" as we call them locally, are one of Galveston Bay's most popular targets. These silvery fish with dark spots typically range 14-20 inches with occasional gators pushing 5-6 pounds. They love grass flats and shallow waters, especially around dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding on shrimp and small baitfish. Spring and fall offer the best action when water temperatures are ideal. What guests love about trout is their willingness to hit artificial lures and their excellent eating quality - mild, flaky white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. The key to consistent trout fishing is working the grass edges quietly with soft plastics or topwater plugs early in the morning. My go-to tip is to fish them slow and low in 3-6 feet of water. When you hook one, don't horse them in - their mouths are soft and they'll throw the hook easily.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" of Galveston Bay with their distinctive black and white stripes and human-like teeth. Most run 1-3 pounds and 14-18 inches, though we catch some bruisers up to 8 pounds around the jetties and bridge pilings. They're structure huggers, feeding on barnacles, crabs, and oysters around any hard bottom. Spring months from February through April are peak season when they spawn around the passes. Anglers love them for two reasons - they're excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat, and they're crafty fighters that test your skills. The trick with sheepshead is getting tight to structure without spooking them. I always tell my guests to use small hooks with fresh shrimp and keep that bait pinned tight - they're notorious bait thieves. When you feel that subtle nibble, set the hook hard because those crusher jaws can straighten light wire.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer Flounder are flatfish that live on sandy bottoms, perfectly camouflaged with their brownish coloring and light spots. These "left-eyed" fish typically run 15-20 inches, but we see some real nice ones pushing 5-6 pounds. They're ambush predators that bury in the sand waiting for baitfish to swim by. Fall months from September through November are prime time when they're most active and easier to locate. What makes them special is their incredible ability to change color like chameleons to match the bottom. They make excellent table fare with sweet, white meat. Here's the key - use circle hooks and fish right on the bottom with live minnows or sea worms. When you feel that subtle tap, give them a second to fully take the bait before setting the hook. They're notorious for stealing bait if you're too quick.
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