Full Day Shark And Tarpon Fishing In Galveston Bay
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fullday guided shark and tarpon fishing adventureExpert guidance with personalized attention for all skill levelsEight hours targeting tough fighting species in Texas waters
If you're looking to test your skills against some of Texas' strongest fighting fish, this full-day guided trip in Galveston Bay is exactly what you need. We're talking 8 solid hours on the water hunting for tarpon and sharks in the productive shallows and nearshore waters where these bruisers love to prowl. Captain Saucier knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll put you on fish whether you've been doing this for decades or you're just getting your feet wet. The bay system here is absolutely loaded with structure, baitfish, and the kind of conditions that make big fish happy - which means you're going to have some serious bent rods and screaming drags.
This isn't your typical bay fishing trip where you're sitting still waiting for something to bite. We're actively hunting these fish, moving between spots based on tides, bait movement, and what the conditions are telling us. You'll spend the day working the shallows where tarpon roll and cruise, plus hitting the nearshore structure where blacktip sharks patrol looking for an easy meal. The boat holds up to 4 anglers, so you'll get plenty of personalized attention and coaching throughout the day. Captain Saucier will have you rigged up with the right tackle for the job - heavy enough to handle these powerful fish but balanced enough that you can actually enjoy the fight. Expect to cover some serious water as we chase schools of bait and look for signs of feeding activity.
We're fishing heavy spinning gear and conventional setups that can handle 30-50 pound fish without breaking a sweat. For tarpon, we'll be throwing live bait like mullet, crabs, and shrimp around structure and drop-offs where they like to ambush prey. The key is getting that bait in the strike zone and being ready when one of these silver kings decides to eat - because when they do, all hell breaks loose. Shark fishing requires a different approach with circle hooks, wire leaders, and chunk baits that put out a serious scent trail. We'll set up on productive structure and let the sharks come to us, but don't think it's passive fishing - these fish will test every knot and connection you've got. The captain provides all the tackle, so you don't need to worry about having the right gear for the job.
Tarpon are hands down one of the most exciting fish you can hook in Texas waters. These silver bullets can push 100+ pounds and when they eat your bait, the first thing they do is launch themselves completely out of the water trying to throw the hook. They're incredibly strong fighters that will drag you all over the bay, and landing one requires patience, technique, and a little bit of luck. The best action typically happens from late spring through early fall when water temperatures are warm and baitfish are abundant. What makes tarpon so special is their prehistoric look and the way they fight - they're like hooking into a submarine with an attitude problem.
Blacktip sharks are the perfect introduction to shark fishing because they're aggressive, fight hard, and grow to a respectable size without being too overwhelming. These guys typically run 20-40 pounds in the bay and they're not shy about eating a well-presented bait. They're incredibly fast swimmers that will make blazing runs when hooked, and they've got enough stamina to keep you busy for 15-20 minutes. Blacktips are year-round residents but the action really picks up during the warmer months when they move into shallower water to feed. They're also one of the few sharks that will jump when hooked, which always gets everyone on the boat excited.
This top-rated full-day trip fills up fast, especially during prime season when the tarpon and sharks are most active. You're getting world-class fishing in one of Texas' most productive bay systems with a captain who lives and breathes these waters. Whether you're looking to check tarpon off your bucket list or want to experience the raw power of a hooked shark, this trip delivers the kind of action that keeps anglers coming back year after year. The 8-hour format gives you the best shot at multiple species and lets you really dial in your technique throughout the day. Keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your dates work before booking. Ready to bend some rods and make some memories? This is the trip that'll have you planning your next visit to Galveston Bay before you even get back to the dock.
Hit the waters of Galveston Bay aboard our fully restored 2017 Boston Whaler 25ft center console, built for serious shark and tarpon fishing. This proven fishing machine seats up to 4 anglers and packs a powerful 250HP Evinrude E-TEC engine that'll get you to the hot spots fast, cruising at 45 knots when conditions call for it. The center console design gives everyone room to fight fish and move around the deck. You'll have everything needed for a successful day - GPS to navigate the bay's channels, fish finder to locate schools and structure, plus an icebox to keep your catch fresh and drinks cold. The wireless trolling motor lets you quietly stalk shallow water targets without spooking fish. Perfect setup for targeting those hard-fighting Gulf Coast species that make Texas fishing legendary.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktip sharks are some of the most exciting fish we target in Galveston Bay. These streamlined hunters average 4-5 feet but can hit 9 feet and 270 pounds. You'll spot them by the distinctive black-tipped fins that give them their name. They cruise our nearshore waters, typically in 30-100 feet, hunting schools of croaker, mackerel, and sardines. What makes them fun is their attitude - they're scrappy fighters that'll jump clean out of the water when hooked, sometimes right into the boat! Spring through fall are prime time when baitfish are thick. They put up a solid fight on medium-heavy tackle and make great table fare if you keep one. Pro tip: use oily bait like cut mackerel or live sardines, and don't be shy with the chum. These sharks follow their nose, and a good scent trail brings them right to you.
Megalops AtlanticusThe "Silver King" is what we're after here in Galveston Bay - these prehistoric giants can reach 6-8 feet and pack serious muscle. You'll find them cruising our shallow flats and deeper channels, especially during late spring through summer when they migrate through Texas waters. What makes tarpon special isn't the eating (we release these beauties), it's the fight. When hooked, they'll launch themselves 10 feet out of the water in spectacular jumps that'll get your heart racing. These fish can live 50+ years and weigh up to 280 pounds, so landing one is a real achievement. They feed on baitfish like mullet and sardines. My tip: keep steady pressure but bow to the fish when it jumps - that slack line often saves you from a thrown hook. Medium tackle works fine; it's all about technique and patience with these athletic legends.
Galveston Bay