Full Day Mackerel & Dolphinfish Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Beginnerfriendly 8hour guided fishing trip with all gear providedTarget redfish, trout inshore or mahi mahi, king mackerel offshoreProfessional captain instruction with fully equipped boat for four guests
Looking to get your feet wet in the fishing world? This 8-hour guided trip with Captain Joel Taylor and SharkTooth Charters is exactly what you need. We're talking about a perfect blend of inshore action targeting Redfish and Speckled Trout, with the possibility of pushing offshore when conditions allow for some serious Mahi Mahi and King Mackerel action. Running from March through September, this seasonal charter accommodates up to 4 anglers and provides everything you need except the fish stories—you'll be making plenty of those yourself.
Captain Joel keeps things relaxed but productive on this full-day adventure out of Galveston. You'll start early, hitting the productive inshore waters where Redfish cruise the shallows and Speckled Trout work the grass flats. The beauty of this trip is its flexibility—when the Gulf conditions are favorable, you might find yourself heading offshore to tangle with pelagic species like Cobia, King Mackerel, or the always-exciting Mahi Mahi. The boat comes fully rigged with quality tackle, so whether you're a complete beginner or just new to these waters, you're set up for success. Captain Joel's approach is all about teaching while fishing, so expect to learn proper techniques, local hotspots, and what makes each species tick. The pace stays comfortable, giving everyone plenty of opportunities to get hands-on experience without feeling rushed.
This charter runs the full spectrum of fishing methods depending on what's biting and where we're fishing. In the inshore waters, you'll work with medium-action spinning rigs using live bait like shrimp and finger mullet for the Reds and Trout. Captain Joel will show you how to read the water, identify structure, and present your bait naturally to spooky fish. When we head offshore, the game changes completely—trolling spread with ballyhoo and artificials for Mahi and Kings, or live bait fishing near structure for Cobia. The boat carries everything from light tackle for finesse fishing to heavier gear for when the big boys show up. You'll learn to work different depths, adjust your drag properly, and handle fish safely for photos and release. All rods, reels, tackle, and bait are included, so you can focus on learning and landing fish rather than worrying about gear.
King Mackerel are the speed demons of the Gulf, and when they hit your trolled bait, you'll know it immediately. These toothy predators typically run 15-30 pounds in these waters, with the occasional 40+ pounder making appearances during peak season from May through August. They're built for speed and endurance, so expect a fight that tests your arms and your drag system. What makes Kings so exciting is their explosive initial run—they'll strip line faster than you can blink, often jumping clear of the water in their attempt to throw the hook.
Mahi Mahi, also called Dolphinfish, are hands-down one of the most beautiful fish in the Gulf. These golden-green beauties are pure dynamite on the line, known for their acrobatic displays and stubborn fighting spirit. Most Mahi in Galveston waters range from 5-20 pounds, though schools of larger bulls occasionally move through. They're typically found around floating debris, sargassum lines, or temperature breaks from late spring through early fall. The best part about Mahi fishing is that where you find one, you usually find more—they're schooling fish that stick together.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Texas inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers are abundant year-round in Galveston's shallow waters, typically ranging from 20-35 inches. Reds are perfect for beginners because they're aggressive feeders and strong fighters without being too overwhelming. They love structure—oyster reefs, grass flats, and shallow drop-offs are prime real estate. The slot-size fish (20-28 inches) make excellent table fare, while the oversized bulls provide memorable battles in skinny water.
Speckled Trout are the finicky cousins of the inshore world, requiring a bit more finesse but rewarding patient anglers with excellent fights and great eating. These spotted beauties prefer soft bottoms with nearby structure, and they're most active during moving tides. Spring and fall produce the largest specimens, with some "gator trout" exceeding 25 inches. What makes Specks special is their temperamental nature—they can be picky about bait presentation and water temperature, making each catch feel earned.
Cobia are the wild cards of this fishing adventure. These brown sharks-lookalikes are curious fish that often approach the boat, giving anglers shot opportunities with sight fishing. They're powerful fighters that love to dive deep and test your tackle, typically running 20-40 pounds in these waters. Peak Cobia season runs from March through June when they're migrating through the Gulf. They're often found near structure, following rays, or just cruising in open water—always ready to investigate a well-presented bait.
This top-rated Galveston fishing charter delivers exactly what beginner anglers need: expert guidance, quality equipment, and access to some of the Gulf's best fishing grounds. Captain Joel Taylor's approach makes learning fun and productive, whether you're working the inshore flats or chasing pelagics in blue water. With the seasonal window running March through September, you're looking at prime fishing months when multiple species are active and feeding. The 4-angler capacity keeps things personal and ensures everyone gets plenty of individual attention. Don't let another season pass without experiencing what makes Galveston fishing so special—book your full-day adventure with SharkTooth Charters and discover why anglers
Get ready to hit the Galveston waters aboard our well-rigged 26' Tiara center console! This fishing machine packs a reliable 200 HP Mercury engine that'll get you to the hot spots fast. Captain Joel has this boat dialed in with everything you need - GPS to find the best fishing grounds, a fish finder to locate schools below, and a live bait tank to keep your offerings fresh. The spacious center console design gives all 4 anglers plenty of room to cast and fight fish without getting tangled up. An icebox keeps your drinks cold and your catch fresh on the way back to dock. Whether we're working the inshore grass flats for reds and trout or making a run offshore when conditions allow for mahi and kings, this setup handles it all. The VHF radio keeps us connected to other boats and weather updates. Perfect platform for beginners to learn proper techniques while having a real shot at some quality fish.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the gentle giants of our offshore waters - brown, shark-looking fish that can reach 50+ pounds and fight like freight trains. These loners cruise around reefs, wrecks, and oil rigs in 30-100 feet of water. Spring through early summer is prime time when they're moving through our area for spawning. What guests love about cobia is the sight fishing aspect - you can actually see these big fish swimming near the surface. They're also incredible table fare with firm, white meat that rivals any fish in the Gulf. The fight is a steady, powerful battle that'll test your endurance. Here's the key: when you spot a cobia, cast a bucktail jig or live bait well ahead of where it's swimming. They're curious but spook easily, so patience and precise casting usually pays off with one of the best eating fish in the Gulf.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are speed demons that'll test your tackle and skills. These silvery torpedoes typically run 15-30 pounds, but we've seen monsters over 50. They cruise offshore waters 40-150 feet deep, especially around structure and bait schools. Spring through early fall gives us the best action when they're feeding heavily on our abundant baitfish. What makes kings so popular is their blistering runs - they'll strip line faster than almost any fish in the Gulf. Plus, they're excellent eating with firm, flaky meat. My go-to tip: use a wire leader with two hooks on your live bait - one through the nose, another free-swinging near the tail. Kings love to hit bait from behind, and that trailing hook saves the day more often than not.
Coryphaena HippurusMahi are pure excitement - brilliant gold and green fish that put on a color show when hooked. These offshore beauties average 15-30 pounds and are some of the strongest fighters pound-for-pound you'll encounter. We find them around floating debris, weed lines, and current breaks in 100+ feet of water. Late spring through summer gives us our best shots when conditions allow us to run offshore. What makes mahi so popular is their acrobatic fights - they'll jump, dive, and change colors while battling. Plus, they're top-shelf eating with firm, mild meat that's hard to beat. They travel in schools, so where there's one, there's usually more. My best advice: once you hook one, keep a bait in the water. The hooked fish will keep the school around, and you can often catch several before they disappear.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the ultimate shallow water game fish around Galveston. These copper-colored bruisers typically run 20-35 inches and pack serious power in just 1-4 feet of water. Look for them tailing in the grass flats, around oyster reefs, and near structure like old piers. They're year-round residents, but spring through fall offers the most consistent action. What makes reds special is their aggressive strikes and bulldogging fights - they'll head straight for cover and test your drag. They're also fantastic table fare with mild, flaky meat. The sight fishing is addictive when you spot their backs cruising the shallows. Pro tip: when you see a red tailing in skinny water, cast well past it and work your bait back slowly. They spook easily, but a well-placed soft plastic or live shrimp will usually get their attention.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are our bread-and-butter inshore fish, and for good reason. These spotted beauties typically run 14-24 inches and fight with surprising strength for their size. You'll find them over grass flats, around oyster reefs, and in shallow bays - anywhere from 2-8 feet deep. They love structure and moving water. Spring through fall gives us consistent action, with dawn and dusk being prime time. What guests love about specks is their willingness to bite and their delicate, sweet meat that's hard to beat on the dinner table. They're also perfect for beginners since they're forgiving and plentiful. Here's a local trick: when fishing grass flats, use a popping cork with live shrimp about 18 inches below. The noise draws them in, and that natural presentation seals the deal.
Galveston