Offshore Galveston Fishing for Big Game Species
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Sixhour offshore fishing targeting snapper, kingfish, and sharksModern 26ft Robalo with twin engines accommodates three guestsDeparts 7 AM from Galveston Yacht Marina
Looking for some serious fishing action just outside Galveston Bay? This 6-hour offshore trip with Only Chance Charters puts you right where the big fish live. We're talking about staying within state waters – that sweet spot within 9 miles of shore where red drum, cobia, king mackerel, and sharks cruise the drop-offs and structure. You'll be fishing from a well-equipped 26ft Robalo Bay Boat powered by twin 200HP Suzuki engines, giving you the speed and stability to hit multiple spots during your day on the water. With space for up to 3 anglers, this isn't a crowded cattle boat situation – you'll have plenty of room to work your lines and land that fish of a lifetime.
Your day kicks off at 7 AM sharp from The Galveston Yacht Marina, so grab your coffee and get ready to run some serious water. The twin Suzukis will have you out to the productive zones quickly, and that's where the real fun begins. We're targeting structure, drop-offs, and current breaks where predator fish ambush baitfish. The Gulf waters off Galveston hold some of the most diverse fishing opportunities on the Texas coast, and staying within that 9-mile range keeps us in state waters while still accessing world-class fishing spots. Your captain knows these waters like the back of his hand – every reef, every drop-off, every piece of structure that holds fish. The boat's got all the electronics you need to mark fish and bait, plus plenty of rod holders and fighting space when things get wild. Don't forget to bring your valid Texas fishing license – it's required and they do check.
We're fishing multiple techniques depending on what's biting and where we find the action. Live bait fishing with croakers, pigfish, and shrimp is deadly for red drum and cobia, especially around structure. When targeting king mackerel, we'll troll with spoons, plugs, and live bait rigs at varying depths to find where they're feeding. For sharks, we're talking about serious bottom rigs with fresh cut bait – these Gulf sharks don't mess around. The boat comes equipped with quality rods and reels suitable for everything from 20-pound kings to 100-pound bull sharks. Circle hooks are the name of the game for most species, and your captain will set you up with the right terminal tackle for each situation. When a cobia shows up boat-side, we switch to sight casting with jigs or live bait – that's when things get really exciting and you'll understand why these fish are called brown bombers.
King Mackerel are the speed demons of the Gulf, and Galveston's offshore waters produce some fantastic fish from spring through fall. These silver bullets typically run 15-40 pounds in our area, with larger fish showing up during peak season. Kings are aggressive predators that'll slam a trolled spoon or live bait with authority. They're built for speed with razor-sharp teeth, so wire leaders are essential. The fight is pure adrenaline – long runs, spectacular jumps, and that distinctive head-shaking that'll test your drag system. What makes them special here is the variety of techniques that work – from high-speed trolling to slow-trolling live bait over structure.
Redfish in the offshore zone are a completely different animal than their shallow-water cousins. Out here, we're talking about bull reds – fish that can push 40+ inches and provide serious fights on appropriate tackle. These copper-colored bruisers patrol structure and drop-offs, feeding on crabs, shrimp, and baitfish. They're year-round residents, but fall months typically produce the largest specimens as they move toward spawning areas. What's exciting about offshore reds is their power – they'll use every bit of structure to try to break you off, and that first run will test your knees and your drag.
Crevalle Jack might not win beauty contests, but they'll absolutely school you on what a real fight feels like. These golden bulldogs typically run 10-25 pounds in our waters and fight like fish twice their size. They're ambush predators that travel in schools, so when you find one, there are usually more around. Jacks are notorious for their stamina – just when you think you've got them whipped, they'll make another blistering run. They're excellent table fare when prepared properly, and their aggressive nature makes them a blast on lighter tackle.
Cobia are the holy grail for many Gulf Coast anglers, and Galveston's offshore waters produce some beautiful fish from spring through fall. These brown submarines can exceed 50 pounds and are known for their curious nature – they'll often approach the boat for a look. Sight fishing for cobia is as good as it gets, watching a 40-pound fish slowly cruise up to check out your bait. They're powerful fighters that prefer to stay deep, using their broad tail and streamlined body to maximum advantage. The bite can be subtle, but once they feel the hook, it's game on.
Red Snapper season brings some of the most exciting fishing of the year to Galveston's offshore waters. These ruby-red beauties are structure-oriented fish that require pinpoint presentation and quick reflexes. They're notorious bait stealers with sharp teeth and lightning-fast reflexes. A quality red snapper will run 15-25 pounds in our area, though larger specimens are always possible. The key is getting your bait down quickly and maintaining bottom contact – snapper don't chase food very far. When the bite is on, it's fast and furious action that'll keep everyone busy. Their excellent table quality makes them one of the most sought-after species in the Gulf.
This offshore fishing adventure delivers the kind of action that keeps anglers coming back
Our freshly restored 26ft Robalo center console is your ticket to productive fishing in Galveston's waters. Twin 200HP Suzuki engines push this boat at a comfortable 35mph cruise, getting you to the fish faster and keeping you stable once you're there. The complete 2025 restoration means everything works like it should - from the GPS that'll mark your hot spots to the fish finder that shows what's swimming below. Built for serious anglers, this Robalo handles Gulf chop with ease while giving you plenty of room to fight red drum, cobia, and sharks. The center console design keeps tackle organized and gives everyone clear casting lanes. VHF radio keeps you connected to other boats and marine traffic, while the spacious layout means you're not bumping elbows when the action heats up. Whether you're working live bait or throwing artificials, this boat puts you in position to catch fish in Galveston's productive near-coastal waters.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are loners that can reach 40-60 pounds, making them one of our most prized catches. They hang around structure like oil rigs, buoys, and wrecks in 30-100 feet of water. Spring migration from March through May is prime time, but we catch them through summer. What makes cobia special is they're curious fish that often approach the boat, giving you sight-fishing opportunities. They're also fantastic eating - firm, white meat that rivals any fish on the table. Cobia fight hard with long runs and powerful head shakes. Here's my go-to method: when you spot one near the surface around structure, drop a bucktail jig right in front of its nose. They rarely refuse a well-placed jig, and the bite is usually aggressive.
Caranx HipposJack crevalle are the bulldogs of the Gulf - pure muscle that'll average 15-25 pounds and fight like they're twice that size. They roam both shallow flats and deeper structure up to 100 feet, but we usually find them busting bait on the surface. Look for bird activity diving on schools of mullet or sardines. Spring through fall is prime time when they're actively feeding. What makes jacks fun is their aggressive nature and bulldogging fight - they'll never give up. They're not great table fare, but they're perfect for catch-and-release sport fishing. Pro tip: when you spot a school feeding on top, cast past them and retrieve fast. These fish love the chase, and the faster you move that lure, the more likely you'll get a strike.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel, or kingfish as we call them, are built for speed and can hit 30+ pounds regularly. They cruise the Gulf waters from 40-150 feet deep, often around structure or temperature breaks. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're actively feeding on baitfish near the surface. What makes kings special is their blazing runs - they'll peel line off your reel faster than almost any fish out here. The meat's decent grilled, though it's got higher mercury levels. My tip: always use a wire leader and rig two hooks on live bait - kings love to bite the tail end of a mullet or hardtail, so that trailing hook saves a lot of missed fish. Watch for diving birds marking bait schools.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the gold standard of Gulf fishing, typically running 15-25 inches in our waters with some real trophies over 30. They live on hard bottom, reefs, and structure from 60-200 feet deep. Summer months during open season offer the best action, though we catch them year-round on our trips. Snapper are prized for their sweet, mild meat and challenging fight - they'll head straight for cover when hooked. The bright red color and distinctive profile make them easy to identify. My advice: use circle hooks with fresh squid or live bait, drop straight down to bottom, then reel up a few cranks. When they bite, don't jerk - let that circle hook do its job. Keep steady pressure because they'll wrap you in structure if given slack.
Sciaenops OcellatusBull reds are some of the hardest-fighting fish in our near-shore waters, averaging 28-35 inches with plenty over 40. They love shallow structure - oil rigs, jetties, and grass beds in 10-30 feet. Look for that distinctive black spot near the tail and copper-bronze coloring. Spring and fall migrations bring the biggest schools, but we catch them year-round. What guests love is the pure power - these fish will drag you around the boat and test your tackle. They're also excellent eating with mild, flaky white meat. Here's a local trick: when you see them tailing in shallow water, cast well ahead of the school and let your bait drift naturally into their path. They spook easily but bite aggressively when they don't see you coming.
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