Eight Hour Galveston Inshore Adventure Awaits Your Crew
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Eighthour inshore charter targeting redfish and speckled troutAll tackle and equipment included for up to six anglersMultiple fishing locations including bays and jetties explored
When you're looking for a serious day on the Galveston waters, this full-day charter with Second Chance Fishing Charters LLC delivers exactly what you're after. Eight hours on the water means you're not rushing through spots or cutting your day short just when the bite picks up. Starting at 7 a.m., you'll have the entire day to work different areas around Galveston Bay, hit the jetties when conditions are right, and really get into the rhythm that separates good fishing days from great ones. The boat holds up to six anglers, though it's priced for three, so you can keep it intimate or bring along your fishing buddies.
This isn't a cookie-cutter trip where you fish one spot all day. Your captain knows that eight hours gives you the luxury of moving around, reading the conditions, and adapting as the day unfolds. You might start working shallow flats for redfish in the morning, then head to deeper structure when the sun gets high and the fish move. The jetties are always in play when the weather cooperates – that's where you'll find Spanish mackerel and crevalle jack when they're running. Everything you need is on board: quality rods and reels matched to what you're targeting, fresh bait, and tackle boxes stocked with the lures and rigs that produce in these waters. Whether you've been fishing these waters for years or you're just getting your feet wet, the crew adjusts the approach to match your experience level. Just remember to grab your Texas fishing license before you head out – it's required for everyone 17 and older.
The beauty of a full-day charter is having time to run through different techniques as conditions change. You'll likely start with live bait rigs – croaker and shrimp are staples that work year-round for redfish and trout. When you're working the grass flats, expect to use popping corks with soft plastics or live shrimp suspended about two feet under the cork. The sound draws fish from a distance, and you can cover water efficiently. For deeper structure and around the jetties, you'll switch to bottom rigs with pyramid sinkers to hold your bait in the current. When Spanish mackerel are around, the captain will break out the light tackle with small spoons or gotcha plugs – these fish are fast and fun on lighter gear. Don't be surprised if you're throwing topwater plugs early in the morning or late in the day when trout are busting bait on the surface. The crew knows which presentations work best in each spot and will get you rigged up properly for whatever you're targeting.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Galveston Bay fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters range from schoolie-sized fish around 20 inches up to bull reds that can stretch past 40 inches and give you a serious workout. They're year-round residents, but fall and winter often produce the best numbers as they school up in deeper water. What makes reds special is their willingness to eat and their ability to fight in shallow water – watching a big red tail-walk across a flat is something that never gets old. Speckled trout are the other mainstay, and Galveston Bay holds some genuine quality fish. These spotted beauties are most active in cooler months, and a good trout weighing three to five pounds will test your drag and jump like a small tarpon. They're also excellent table fare, making them a favorite for anglers who like to keep a few for dinner. Black drum don't get the attention they deserve, but they're powerful fighters that can reach impressive sizes in these waters. They're bottom feeders that respond well to crab and cut bait, and a big drum will give you a long, steady fight that's all about leverage and endurance. Spanish mackerel show up seasonally, usually in spring and fall, and they bring non-stop action when they're around. These streamlined speedsters hit fast and fight hard on light tackle, often jumping and making screaming runs that get everyone on the boat excited. Crevalle jack round out the mix as the ultimate light-tackle adversary – pound for pound, there might not be a stronger fish in the bay, and they'll take you straight to your backing if you're not careful with your drag.
A full day on Galveston Bay with experienced guides gives you the best shot at consistent action and learning the water. Eight hours means you're not watching the clock or feeling rushed – you can enjoy the process, try different techniques, and really make the most of your time on the water. The trip includes everything except your fishing license and gratuity (15-20 percent is standard), so all you need to bring is yourself and maybe some snacks and drinks for the day. Keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable, so check the weather forecast and plan accordingly. This charter consistently delivers for both novice anglers looking to learn and experienced fishermen who want to focus on fishing rather than running their own boat. Book your spot with Second Chance Fishing Charters LLC and get ready for a proper day of Galveston Bay fishing.
Your fishing adventure starts aboard a 24-foot Sea Fox center console, powered by a reliable 200 HP Honda four-stroke that'll get you to the hot spots fast. This boat handles Galveston's bays and nearshore waters like a champ, with plenty of room for up to six anglers to fish comfortably without bumping elbows. The GPS keeps you on course while the fish finder does the heavy lifting, marking schools and structure where redfish and speckled trout like to hang out. Whether you're working the jetties for black drum or drifting the flats for specs, this rig's got the stability and gear to handle whatever Galveston's waters throw at you. Clean, well-maintained, and ready to put you on fish.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights around here, commonly running 15-30 pounds with some pushing 50 or more. These gray-black bruisers have powerful jaws built for crushing oysters and crabs. You'll find them on muddy flats, around oyster reefs, and in deeper bay channels. Spring spawning season is prime time when they school up in shallow water. What makes them special is that deep, steady pull - no flashy jumps, just raw power that'll test your back and gear. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make good eating with firm white meat. My go-to trick is using fresh blue crab on a fish finder rig right on the bottom near oyster structure. Let them run with it before setting the hook - they're not going anywhere fast anyway.
Caranx HipposCrevalle Jacks are the bullies of the bay - brassy green backs with bright yellow tails and serious attitude. Most run 15-25 inches and 3-8 pounds, but the big ones can hit 20+ pounds. They roam open water, jetties, and anywhere baitfish gather. Warm months bring the best action when they school up and push bait to the surface. Jacks fight harder than almost anything their size - long, powerful runs that'll burn your arms. They're not great eating, but the fight makes up for it. Watch for diving birds to locate feeding schools. When you find them, cast silver spoons or topwater plugs and retrieve fast - they love the chase. Here's the trick: some anglers report smelling watermelon when big schools are feeding nearby.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the most popular target around Galveston for good reason. These copper-colored fish with distinctive black spots typically run 20-35 inches and fight like trucks. They love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs are showing. Look for them on grass flats, around oyster reefs, and in back lakes. Fall and spring are peak times, but they bite year-round. What guests love most is watching them cruise the shallows and that powerful run when hooked. They're also great table fare with firm, sweet meat. The black spot near their tail fools predators into attacking the wrong end. My favorite technique is sight-casting topwater plugs or soft plastics to fish you can see cruising. Stay quiet, lead them by a few feet, and be ready for that explosive strike.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled Trout are our bread-and-butter fish, running 14-20 inches on average with plenty of 2-4 pounders mixed in. These silvery fish with dark spots love grass flats, drop-offs, and areas with good current flow. They're most active during cooler months and low-light periods like dawn and dusk. Trout have a soft mouth and fight with quick runs and head shakes - not the strongest fighters but they're smart and fun on light tackle. The meat is excellent - white, flaky, and mild. They're perfect for beginners since they bite well and aren't too picky. Best local tip is to work soft plastics under a popping cork around grass beds. Keep your drag loose since those soft mouths tear easily, and don't horse them to the boat.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish Mackerel are fast, aggressive fish that typically run 1-3 pounds around Galveston, though larger ones show up. You'll spot them by their silver sides with yellow spots and that classic streamlined build. They travel in schools near the surface around jetties, piers, and open bay areas. Spring through fall gives you the best action when water temps warm up. These fish hit hard and make screaming runs that'll test your drag. They're some of the best eating fish we catch - mild, flaky white meat that's perfect grilled or blackened. Pro tip: when you see birds diving, get there quick and cast small spoons or jigs fast through the school. They spook easy, so stay back and let your lure do the work.
Galveston