Galveston Inshore Charter: Reds, Trout & Sharks
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Five-hour inshore charter targeting redfish, trout, and sharksAll fishing equipment provided by experienced SharkTooth Charters crewSmall group capacity of four guests maximum per trip
Picture this: you're casting into the productive waters off Galveston, Texas, with a crew that knows exactly where the fish are biting. SharkTooth Charters runs a top-rated five-hour inshore fishing trip that puts you right in the action for some of the Gulf Coast's most sought-after species. Whether you're after the bronze flash of a redfish or the adrenaline rush of hooking into a scalloped hammerhead, this seasonal charter delivers the goods from March through September when conditions are prime.
This isn't your typical tourist boat ride – it's a proper fishing trip designed for anglers who want results. The captain and crew know the Galveston Bay system like the back of their hand, from the grass flats where redfish cruise to the deeper channels where sea trout stack up. You'll spend five solid hours working different spots, adjusting techniques based on tides, weather, and what the fish are telling you. The boat accommodates up to four guests, so you're not fighting for rail space or waiting your turn to fish prime water. All your tackle, bait, and gear come included, which means you can focus on fishing instead of rigging lines. Just bring yourself, some snacks if you want them, and the patience every good angler needs.
Galveston's inshore waters offer incredible variety, and your captain will match the approach to current conditions. You might start the morning working live shrimp under popping corks over grass beds where redfish are tailing, then switch to soft plastics when you move to structure for sea trout. When targeting sharks, expect to use circle hooks with cut bait – mullet, hardhead, or whatever's fresh that day. The crew knows which reefs, drop-offs, and flats produce consistently, adjusting the game plan based on tide movement and seasonal patterns. Spring and early summer bring the most action, with fish moving shallow to feed and spawn. Later in the season, you'll work deeper water as baitfish schools migrate. The boat's electronics help locate structure and schools, but local knowledge makes the real difference in putting fish in the box.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Galveston inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters average 20-30 inches in these waters, with bigger bulls showing up during their fall spawning runs. Reds feed aggressively in shallow water, often with their backs out of the water as they root around oyster bars and grass flats. They hit hard and fight harder, making long runs that'll test your drag system. The best action happens during moving tides when they're actively hunting crabs and shrimp in the shallows.
Sea trout might be the most popular inshore species along the Texas coast, and Galveston Bay holds some beauties. These spotted fighters prefer slightly deeper water than reds, usually hanging around shell reefs, drop-offs, and channel edges. A good trout will go 15-20 inches, with trophy fish pushing 25 inches or more. They're structure-oriented fish that respond well to soft plastics worked slowly along the bottom. Spring and early summer offer the most consistent action as they move shallow to spawn, making them accessible to light tackle anglers.
Scalloped hammerhead sharks add serious excitement to any inshore trip. These prehistoric predators cruise Galveston's deeper channels and reef areas, typically running 3-6 feet in length. They're incredibly strong fighters that'll take you into your backing faster than you can blink. Hammerheads are most active during warmer months when baitfish are abundant, and they often show up near structure where smaller fish congregate. Landing one of these apex predators on relatively light inshore tackle creates memories that last a lifetime.
SharkTooth Charters has built a reputation for putting clients on fish, and this inshore trip showcases exactly why anglers keep coming back to Galveston. The seasonal schedule runs March through September, hitting the sweet spot when these species are most active and accessible. With only four spots available per trip, the fishing stays personal and productive – no crowded decks or long waits between fish. The crew provides everything you need tackle-wise, so you can travel light and fish hard. Keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable, and there may be additional fuel costs for longer runs to offshore structure. But when you're fighting a bull red in three feet of water or watching a hammerhead peel drag off your reel, you'll understand why this trip books up fast. Reserve your spot now and get ready to experience some of the best inshore fishing the Texas Gulf Coast has to offer.
Sciaenops OcellatusRed drum are the bread and butter of Texas coastal fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored beauties average 20-30 inches but can push 40+ inches and 30 pounds. Look for that distinctive black spot near the tail - it's like nature's bullseye. Reds love super shallow water, often cruising flats so skinny their backs stick out. They hang around oyster reefs, grass beds, and muddy bottoms in 1-4 feet of water. Our March to September season is prime time when they're actively feeding and more aggressive. What guests love most is their bulldogging fight - they'll make long, powerful runs that test your drag. Plus, they're fantastic eating with mild, sweet meat. They're not picky eaters either, hitting everything from topwater plugs to live shrimp. Here's the local secret: sight-cast to cruising fish in shallow water using weedless spoons or soft plastics - watch for their wakes and tailing behavior.
Sphyrna LewiniThese distinctive sharks with their flattened, scalloped heads are one of the most recognizable species in Gulf waters. Females grow up to 8 feet and 180 pounds, while males stay smaller around 6 feet. They cruise tropical coastal waters up to 1,600 feet deep, moving closer to shore during the day and heading offshore at night to hunt. Their unique head shape gives them superior sensory abilities to detect prey buried in sand. March through September offers the best conditions when they're more active in warmer waters. Guests love the thrill of hooking into these powerful swimmers - they're incredible fighters with serious stamina. Since they're critically endangered, we practice strict catch and release. Pro tip: use heavy tackle and fresh cut bait fished near the bottom around structure - their high metabolism means they're always hunting for an easy meal.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks" as locals call them, are beautiful silvery fish covered in distinctive black spots. They typically run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, though we occasionally see some pushing 8 pounds in deeper winter holes. These fish love grass flats, shallow bays, and areas with good structure in 2-8 feet of water. They're most active during our season from March through September, especially in early morning and evening. What makes trout fishing special is their willingness to hit topwater lures - nothing beats watching one explode on a surface plug at dawn. They're also excellent table fare with delicate, flaky white meat. During cooler months, they school up in deeper channels, but spring and summer finds them scattered across the flats. Local trick: work your lure slow and steady - trout are ambush predators that like to study their prey before striking.
Galveston