Galveston Bay 8-Hour Private Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Private 8hour inshore fishing charter for two guests maximumExpert guides accommodate all fishing styles and skill levelsCustomizable trip targeting diverse Galveston Bay fish species
There's something special about having Galveston Bay all to yourself for eight solid hours of fishing. This isn't your typical crowded charter—it's just you, your fishing buddy, and one of our seasoned guides who knows every productive spot, structure, and seasonal pattern in these waters. Whether you're the type who loves working topwater plugs at dawn, sight-casting to cruising reds in skinny water, or just want to soak some bait and enjoy the day, we'll shape this trip around exactly what gets you excited about fishing.
Your day starts early when the bay is calm and the fish are most active. We'll pick you up right from the dock and head to wherever the bite is hottest—could be shallow grass flats where redfish cruise looking for crabs, deeper shell reefs holding trout and drum, or protected coves where flounder ambush baitfish. With eight hours to work with, we're not rushing from spot to spot. If the action's hot, we'll stay put. If it's slow, we've got time to relocate and find the fish. Our guides read these waters like an open book, watching tide movement, bait activity, and weather patterns to keep you on productive water all day. You'll fish multiple techniques too—maybe start with topwaters during the morning bite, switch to soft plastics during midday, then finish with live bait as the sun gets low. It's the kind of day where you really get to understand how this bay fishes.
We've got you covered with quality rods, reels, and terminal tackle, but feel free to bring your own setup if you've got favorites. Our boat's rigged with everything needed for Galveston Bay's diverse fishing—from light spinning gear for trout to heavier baitcasting setups for bigger drum and reds. We'll match the tackle to conditions and target species, using everything from 1/4-ounce jigheads with soft plastics to popping corks with live shrimp. If you're into fly fishing, we absolutely encourage bringing your gear—sight-casting to tailing reds with a fly rod is about as good as it gets. Our guides know how to position the boat for good casting angles and will coach you through techniques like working a spoon through a school of trout or bouncing a jig along an oyster reef drop-off. The beauty of eight hours is we can really dial in what works and help you master techniques you might have struggled with on shorter trips.
Redfish are the stars of Galveston Bay, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters average 20 to 28 inches and provide some of the most consistent action you'll find anywhere along the Gulf Coast. They're year-round residents, though spring and fall offer the best opportunities when they school up in large numbers. What makes reds so special is their willingness to eat almost anything—live shrimp, cut bait, soft plastics, topwater plugs, you name it. They'll cruise shallow flats during higher tides, hunt around oyster reefs, and even push bait in open water. When a good red hits your line, you'll know it immediately—they make strong initial runs and fight hard all the way to the boat.
Sea trout might be the most technical fish we target, but they're worth the effort. These beautiful spotted fish school up over grass beds and shell reefs, especially during cooler months when they move to deeper water. The best trout fishing typically happens from October through March, with winter producing some real trophy fish over 25 inches. They're selective feeders that respond well to soft plastics fished slowly along the bottom, though they'll absolutely crush a topwater on calm mornings. Trout have soft mouths, so fighting them requires finesse—no horsing them in or you'll lose fish right at the boat.
Black drum are the bay's heavyweights, with fish over 30 inches and 20 pounds showing up regularly around deeper shell reefs and structure. These bottom-dwellers are most active during cooler months and are suckers for fresh crab or cut bait fished right on the bottom. They're not flashy fighters like reds, but they use their size and weight to make powerful runs toward structure. The bigger drum are actually spawning females and should be released quickly, but the 16 to 20-inch fish make excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat.
Southern flounder are the bay's masters of camouflage, lying buried in sand and mud waiting to ambush passing baitfish. They're most active during fall months when they're fattening up before their spawning migration to deeper Gulf waters. Flounder fishing requires patience and the right technique—slow-dragging live finger mullet or soft plastics along sandy bottoms near structure changes. When a flounder hits, it often feels like you've snagged the bottom until the fish realizes it's hooked and starts that distinctive head-shaking fight. These flatfish are prized for their mild, white meat that's perfect for grilling or frying.
Eight hours on Galveston Bay with your own private guide is the kind of fishing trip that spoils you for anything shorter. You'll get to experience different techniques, target multiple species, and really learn how this world-class fishery works. Our guides take pride in putting clients on fish while sharing the knowledge that makes each trip better than the last. Whether you're planning a special celebration, want to introduce someone to saltwater fishing, or just need a full day to satisfy that fishing itch, this charter delivers. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so check our Trips & Rates page for booking details. Don't wait too long—the best dates fill up fast, especially during peak seasons when the fishing is hottest.
Our 25-foot Haynie is built for serious fishing in Galveston Bay's productive waters. This motorboat handles up to 5 anglers but we're keeping it intimate with just 2 guests for maximum comfort and fishability. The wireless trolling motor lets us position quietly over structure without spooking fish, while the GPS and fish finder combo helps locate schools and mark productive spots. Whether you're throwing topwater plugs at dawn, working soft plastics along drop-offs, or fly fishing the flats, this boat gets you where the fish are biting. The shallow draft design accesses skinny water areas where reds and trout feed, and the stable platform gives you solid footing for fighting fish. Our guides know every oyster reef, grass bed, and current break in the bay system. Perfect for couples or fishing buddies who want personalized attention and access to prime fishing grounds without the crowds.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of Galveston Bay, ranging from schoolie 5-pounders up to massive 40+ pound bulls that'll test your tackle. They're bottom feeders with powerful jaws built for crushing oysters and crabs, which is exactly where you'll find them - around oyster reefs, shell banks, and muddy flats. Spring spawning season is prime time when they school up in shallow water and get aggressive. What guests love most is the raw power - big drums will peel drag and make multiple runs. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are excellent eating with firm white meat. Here's the key: use fresh crab or cut mullet on the bottom with enough weight to stay put. When you feel that steady pull, don't set the hook hard - just start reeling and let the fish hook itself.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the signature species of our shallow water fishery, averaging 20-28 inches with that classic copper color and black spot near the tail. They cruise oyster reefs, grass flats, and marsh edges in water so shallow their backs sometimes show. Year-round fishing is good, but fall brings the best action when they school up for their spawning runs. What makes reds special is their aggressive strikes and bulldogging fights - they'll make long runs and really bend your rod. They're also great eating in the slot size range. The key to consistent redfish success is sight fishing - polarized glasses and a quiet approach are essential. Watch for wakes, tails, or that telltale copper flash. When you spot them, cast ahead of the school with a gold spoon or topwater plug and hang on tight.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout are bread-and-butter fish in Galveston Bay, typically running 14-20 inches with plenty of keepers in the 2-4 pound range. They love grass flats, shallow reefs, and drop-offs where they hunt shrimp and small baitfish. Fall and winter are peak times when they school up in deeper holes and channels. What makes trout fishing fun is their willingness to hit both live bait and artificials - topwater plugs, soft plastics, and live shrimp all work great. They're also fantastic table fare with tender, flaky white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. Trout have soft mouths, so once you hook up, keep steady pressure without horsing them. My best advice: look for slicks on the surface where they're feeding, and try a popping cork with live shrimp underneath - it's deadly effective.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are ambush predators that bury themselves in sandy or muddy bottoms waiting for prey to swim by. Most run 15-18 inches, but we catch plenty in the 3-5 pound range with some real doormat-sized fish pushing 8+ pounds. They're masters of camouflage with both eyes on one side of their head. You'll find them in shallow bays, around structure, and near drop-offs from spring through fall. What makes them special is their excellent table fare - sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They put up a solid fight once hooked, often making several strong runs. My go-to tip: use a slow drift with live shrimp or bull minnows on a Carolina rig. Keep your bait moving just off the bottom and be ready for that subtle tap - they don't always slam it.
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