Full Day Light Tackle Fishing In Galveston Bay
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour inshore fishing trip targeting redfish and speckled troutProfessional 26ft Robalo boat with twin 200HP Suzuki enginesMultiple fishing techniques including bottom fishing and drift fishing
When you're looking for a solid day on the water targeting some of Texas' best inshore species, this 6-hour light tackle trip with Only Chance Charters delivers exactly what serious anglers want. We're talking about getting out on Galveston Bay at first light aboard a well-rigged 26ft Robalo powered by twin 200HP Suzuki engines – the kind of setup that gets you to the fish fast and keeps you comfortable all day long. Captain and crew know these waters like the back of their hand, and they're dialed in on where the redfish, speckled trout, flounder, drum, and sheepshead are holding depending on tides, weather, and season.
This trip kicks off at 7 AM sharp from The Galveston Yacht Marina, which gives you that perfect early morning bite when fish are most active. The boat handles up to 3 guests comfortably, so you're not dealing with a crowded deck – there's plenty of room to work your lines and fight fish without bumping elbows. The captain will read conditions and adjust the game plan accordingly, whether that means working shallow grass flats for reds, targeting structure for sheepshead, or drifting deeper water for trout and drum. You'll cover serious ground with those twin 200s, hitting multiple spots throughout the day to keep the action consistent. The light tackle approach means you're using appropriate gear that lets these fish show their fight – we're not horsing them in with heavy rods, but giving them room to run and jump.
The beauty of this trip lies in the variety of techniques you'll use throughout the day. Bottom fishing is the bread and butter for targeting drum and sheepshead around structure – think bridge pilings, reefs, and oyster bars where these fish feed. Cork fishing (or popping cork as locals call it) is deadly effective for speckled trout, especially when they're suspended in the water column chasing baitfish. The captain will set you up with the right cork depth and retrieve speed based on what the fish are telling you. Trolling comes into play when covering water to locate schools of trout or when the bite gets tough – sometimes pulling lures through likely areas triggers strikes when stationary fishing doesn't produce. Drift fishing lets you cover structure methodically, bouncing baits along the bottom where flounder and drum cruise for crabs and shrimp. Each technique requires different rigging and presentation, but the crew will have you sorted with proper tackle and show you the nuances that make the difference between okay fishing and fish-in-the-box fishing.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Galveston Bay inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-28 inches in the bay, with bigger bulls showing up regularly during their fall run. Reds are aggressive feeders that hit cut bait, live shrimp, and artificial lures with equal enthusiasm. They're found year-round but really turn on during cooler months when they school up in deeper water. What makes them special is their fight – they'll make long, powerful runs and use their broad sides to dog you all the way to the boat. Speckled trout are the most consistent producers in these waters, running anywhere from 14-20 inches with occasional 3-4 pound specimens that'll test your drag. They're most active during spring and fall transitions when water temps are in their comfort zone. Trout are finicky feeders that respond well to live bait under corks, but they'll also crush topwater plugs during low-light periods. Southern flounder are the ultimate ambush predators, lying flat on sandy bottoms waiting for baitfish and crabs to drift within striking distance. Fall is prime time for flatfish as they stage for their offshore spawning run, with fish up to 5-6 pounds common in the bay. Black drum are the heavyweights of the bunch, with mature fish weighing 10-30 pounds providing serious pulling power. They're structure-oriented fish that love crab baits and are most active during their spring spawning runs. Sheepshead round out the crew as the most technical species to target – they're notorious bait stealers with human-like teeth designed for crushing barnacles and crabs off structure. Landing a quality sheepshead requires patience and quick hook-sets, but their excellent table fare makes the effort worthwhile.
Bottom line – this trip offers everything you want in a top-rated Galveston Bay fishing charter. You're getting a full day on proven waters with experienced crew, quality equipment, and access to some of Texas' best inshore species. The 7-day cancellation policy gives you flexibility if weather doesn't cooperate, and the early departure time puts you on fish during prime feeding periods. Just remember to bring your valid Texas fishing license and be ready for a day of steady action. Whether you're a local angler looking to dial in your technique or visiting from out of state wanting to experience world-class bay fishing, this charter delivers the goods. The combination of multiple fishing methods, diverse species, and professional guidance makes this a customer favorite that keeps anglers coming back season after season.
Your fishing adventure starts aboard our freshly restored 26ft Robalo center console, completely rebuilt in 2025 and equipped with twin 200HP Suzuki engines that'll get you to the fish fast. This bay boat cuts through Galveston's waters at 35mph, delivering you to prime redfish and sheepshead spots while you stay comfortable and dry. The spacious deck gives your group of up to 3 plenty of room to work your lines without getting tangled up. Modern fish finder technology helps locate schools and structure, while GPS navigation ensures we hit the productive areas efficiently. Whether you're bottom fishing for drum, drift fishing for specks, or sight casting to reds in the shallows, this boat handles it all with the reliability you need for a successful day on the water. The twin outboards provide backup security and smooth performance, so you spend more time with lines wet and less time worrying about getting back to the dock.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the bulldozers of Galveston Bay, and they'll test your drag when hooked. These bruisers typically weigh 5-30 pounds, but we regularly see fish pushing 50+ pounds around oyster reefs and shell beds. They love crushing crabs, oysters, and shrimp with their powerful jaws in shallow muddy areas and around structure. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - you can actually hear them drumming underwater during this period. What guests love about drum fishing is the raw power these fish bring to the fight, plus the smaller ones under 15 pounds make excellent table fare with firm, white meat. The bigger ones are great for photos before release. Pro tip: fresh blue crab or peeler crab works best - thread it on a circle hook and let it sit on bottom near oyster beds. The key is staying patient since they're methodical feeders.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our inshore fishing, identifiable by their copper-bronze color and distinctive black spot near the tail. Most slot-size fish run 18-27 inches and 3-8 pounds, though we see plenty of oversized bull reds exceeding 30+ pounds that provide arm-burning fights. These fish cruise shallow flats, oyster reefs, and grass beds in 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. Fall months are absolute dynamite when they school up in massive numbers. What makes redfish so special is their aggressive nature, willingness to eat almost anything, and that explosive topwater strike that gets everyone's adrenaline pumping. Plus, slot fish make outstanding table fare. The secret weapon here is live shrimp under a popping cork over shallow grass, but don't overlook throwing gold spoons or topwater plugs when you see them tailing. Keep noise to a minimum in skinny water.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are the bread and butter of Galveston Bay, running 14-20 inches and 1-3 pounds on average, with occasional "gator trout" pushing 5+ pounds. These spotted beauties love grass flats, shell reefs, and drop-offs in 2-8 feet of water where they feed on shrimp and small baitfish. Fall and spring offer the best action when water temps are in the 60s-70s, though we catch them year-round. Early morning and evening bites are prime. What guests love about trout is their willingness to hit both live bait and artificials, plus they put up a decent fight and make excellent table fare with delicate, flaky meat. The key is working live shrimp under a popping cork over grass beds, or throwing soft plastics on 1/8-ounce jigheads. Keep your bait moving slowly and watch for that telltale cork pop - set the hook immediately since they have soft mouths.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish of the bay with their distinctive black stripes, and they're notorious bait thieves with human-like teeth made for crushing barnacles off pilings. These crafty fish typically run 1-3 pounds and 12-16 inches, though we catch plenty of 5+ pounders around docks, jetties, and any structure covered in barnacles. Winter through early spring is peak season when they school up tight around structure before spawning. What makes sheepshead so popular is their challenge - they require finesse and quick reflexes - plus they're some of the best eating fish in the bay with sweet, firm white meat. The trick is using small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs, getting your bait right against the structure, and setting the hook fast when you feel them pecking. They'll steal your bait all day if you're not quick enough.
Paralichthys LethostigmaThese flatfish are masters of disguise, burying themselves in sand and mud on bay bottoms where they ambush shrimp, crabs, and small fish. Most run 15-18 inches and weigh around 2-5 pounds, though we occasionally see doormat-sized fish pushing 20+ pounds. You'll find them along channel edges, shell reefs, and muddy flats in 3-15 feet of water. Fall and winter months are prime time when they're fattening up before their offshore spawning run. What makes flounder special is their unique appearance - both eyes on one side of their head - and they're absolutely fantastic eating with sweet, flaky white meat. Here's the trick: use live finger mullet or shrimp on a Carolina rig, and when you feel that telltale tap-tap-tap, count to three before setting the hook. They need time to turn the bait headfirst.
Galveston