5.0(1 Reviews)3 Person Inshore Fishing Charter in Galveston Bay
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Small group inshore charter targets five popular bay speciesMorning and afternoon departure times accommodate different schedulesAll fishing equipment and bait provided with expert guidance
Looking for a solid day of fishing without the crowds? Captain Justen's 3-person inshore charter in Galveston Bay delivers exactly what serious anglers want—productive waters, multiple species, and the kind of personalized attention you can only get with a small group. Whether you're an early riser ready for the 7:00 AM departure or prefer the afternoon bite starting at 1:00 PM, this top-rated charter puts you right where the fish are feeding. We're talking Redfish, Speckled Trout, Flounder, Black Drum, and Sheepshead—all in waters that have been producing consistent catches for decades.
This isn't your typical crowded party boat situation. With just three anglers max, Captain Justen can focus on what each person needs, whether you're learning to read structure or perfecting your drag technique. The bay's shallow flats, grass beds, and oyster reefs create perfect habitat for multiple species, and Justen knows exactly which spots are firing based on tide, weather, and seasonal patterns. All your tackle and bait come included—we're talking quality gear that can handle everything from schoolie trout to bull reds. The only thing you need to bring is a valid Texas fishing license and maybe some snacks if you get hungry between hookups. Morning trips often start with topwater action as the sun comes up, while afternoon charters can be money when the wind lays down and fish start feeding again after the midday lull.
Galveston Bay fishing is all about reading the water and adapting your approach. We'll work everything from soft plastics on jig heads over shell beds to live bait under popping corks around structure. The bay's extensive grass flats hold trout and reds year-round, while the deeper ship channels and turning basins are where you'll find the bigger black drum and sheepshead. Captain Justen uses a combination of artificial lures and live bait depending on conditions—sometimes the fish want a slow-rolled paddle tail, other times they're crushing topwater plugs or can't resist a fresh shrimp. The boat stays positioned with the trolling motor so you can work productive water without spooking fish, and Justen will coach you through everything from proper hooksets to fighting techniques that keep big fish buttoned up.
"Thanks a lot! It was a great fishing experience even weather wasn't good. I should go there again and try to catch more bigger one!" - Nori
Black Drum in Galveston Bay can range from schooling "puppy" drum around pilings to massive bulls that'll test your drag system. These fish feed heavily on crabs and shellfish around oyster reefs, making them perfect targets for bottom fishing with cut bait or live shrimp. The bigger fish—we're talking 20 to 40+ pounds—are most active during cooler months and provide the kind of arm-burning fight that keeps anglers coming back. What makes drum fishing so addictive is their power; even smaller fish will surprise you with their pulling ability.
Summer Flounder, or "doormat" flounders as locals call the bigger ones, are ambush predators that lie buried in sand waiting for baitfish to swim by. These flatfish are masters of camouflage and can be tricky to locate, but Captain Justen knows the drop-offs and channels where they concentrate. Flounder fishing requires patience and the right presentation—usually a slow retrieve with soft plastics or live finger mullet. When you hook into a good one, they'll make powerful runs and shake their heads like crazy trying to throw the hook.
Sheepshead are often called the "convict fish" because of their black and white stripes, and they're hands-down some of the best eating in the bay. These structure-oriented fish have human-like teeth for crushing barnacles and crabs, which makes them notorious bait stealers. Finding sheepshead means looking around pilings, reefs, and other hard structure where they feed. They're year-round residents but fish best during cooler months when they move shallow to spawn. The challenge with sheepshead is detecting their subtle bite—they'll pick up your bait and swim off without you even knowing it.
Sea Trout, specifically Speckled Trout, are the bread and butter of Galveston Bay fishing. These beautiful fish with distinctive black spots are aggressive feeders that'll hit everything from topwater plugs to soft plastics. Spring and fall provide the best trout fishing when schools move shallow to feed, but you can catch them year-round if you know where to look. Trout are structure-oriented and love grass beds, drop-offs, and areas where baitfish concentrate. What makes speckled trout so popular is their willingness to bite artificials and their excellent table fare—plus they fight harder than their size suggests.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Texas inshore fishing, and Galveston Bay holds some true giants. These copper-colored bruisers with distinctive black spots near their tails are aggressive predators that'll eat just about anything you throw at them. Reds feed in shallow water, often with their backs out of the water as they root around for crabs and shrimp. The sight fishing opportunities here are world-class, especially during warmer months when big schools move into the shallows. Bull reds over 27 inches provide incredible fights on light tackle, often making multiple long runs that'll have your reel screaming.
Captain Justen's 3-person charter offers the perfect balance of productivity and personal attention that serious anglers appreciate. With morning and afternoon options, quality gear included, and access to some of the Gulf Coast's most consistent fishing waters, this customer
Our 2021 Nautic Star 23-foot center console cuts through Galveston Bay's waters with ease, powered by a reliable 200HP Mercury engine that gets you to the fishing grounds fast. This boat handles the bay's varying conditions beautifully, whether you're working the shallow flats for redfish or heading to deeper drops for speckled trout. The center console design gives everyone plenty of room to cast and fight fish without getting tangled up. You'll appreciate the wireless trolling motor for sneaking up on those spooky redfish in skinny water, while the fish finder helps locate structure where flounder and black drum like to hang out. The GPS keeps us on productive spots, and the onboard icebox means your catch stays fresh and your drinks stay cold. With space for up to 5 anglers but limited to 3 guests for maximum comfort, you'll have plenty of elbow room to work your lines. The boat's shallow draft opens up backcountry areas where bigger boats can't go, giving you access to prime fishing spots throughout the bay system.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of Galveston Bay, typically running 5-30 pounds but capable of hitting 90+ pounds. These gray-black bruisers have powerful jaws built for crushing oysters and crabs around structure. You'll find them on shallow muddy flats, oyster reefs, and around pier pilings in 2-20 feet of water. Spring brings the best action when they school up for spawning - February through April is prime time. They're famous for that deep, drumming sound they make underwater. Guests love the strong, steady fight they put up, though smaller ones under 15 pounds taste better on the table. My tip: use fresh crab bait and fish it right on the bottom near oyster beds - they won't chase anything far from structure.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our bay fishing - bronze-colored fish with that signature black spot near the tail. They range from slot-sized 20-28 inchers up to big bull reds over 40 inches and 30+ pounds. You'll find them cruising shallow flats, oyster reefs, and marsh edges in 1-4 feet of water, sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. Fall and spring offer the best action, but they bite year-round in our warm Gulf waters. Guests love watching these fish cruise the shallows and the powerful runs they make when hooked. The smaller slot fish are excellent table fare with mild, sweet meat. My go-to advice: look for tailing fish in skinny water and cast topwater plugs or gold spoons just ahead of where they're heading. Keep it quiet and stay low.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled Trout are the bread and butter of Galveston Bay, running 14-24 inches with most fish in the 1-5 pound range. These silver beauties with black spots love grass flats and shell reefs in 2-8 feet of water, especially around dawn and dusk. They're most active in spring and fall when water temps are in the 60-75 degree range, though we catch them year-round. What makes them special is that aggressive strike - they'll slam topwater plugs and create some serious surface action. The meat is tender and flaky, perfect for the dinner table, but don't overcook it or it gets mushy. Best trick I can share: work soft plastics under a popping cork over grass beds early morning or late evening. The sound brings them running from a distance.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish of Galveston Bay with their black and white stripes, but what really gets attention are those human-like teeth. Most range 2-8 pounds and 14-20 inches, perfect eating size. They live around any hard structure - pier pilings, bridge supports, rock piles, and jetties where they pick barnacles and crabs off the surfaces. Winter through early spring is peak season when they school up to spawn around February and March. Guests get a kick out of their weird teeth and the challenge they present - these guys are notorious bait thieves who'll clean your hook without you feeling it. The white, flaky meat is some of the best eating in the bay. My secret: use small pieces of fresh shrimp on a sharp hook and set it hard the instant you feel weight.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer Flounder are the masters of disguise - these flatfish lie camouflaged on sandy and muddy bottoms waiting to ambush prey. Most run 15-20 inches, but we see some nice ones pushing 4-5 pounds in Galveston Bay. They hang out on structure transitions where sand meets grass beds, usually in 8-25 feet of water. Fall months from September through November give you the best shot at hooking up when they're feeding heavily before winter. What makes them fun is that sneaky bite - they'll grab your bait and just sit there, so you've got to feel for that weight. The meat is excellent, white and flaky. Pro tip: use a slow drift with live mud minnows or finger mullet on a circle hook, and give them a few seconds to swallow before setting.
5.0 out of 5.0Thanks a lot! It was a great fishing experience even weather wasn’t good. I should go there again and try to catch more bigger one...
Galveston Bay, Texas Gulf Coast, TX, United States