5.0(1 Reviews)4 Person Fishing Trip Galveston Bay AM or PM
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Half-day inshore fishing trips departing 7 AM or 1 PM dailyTarget redfish, speckled trout, flounder, and black drum speciesAll fishing equipment and bait provided for groups of four
Captain Justen knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious fish in the productive waters north and west of Galveston Bay. Whether you're an early bird who wants to hit the water at 7:00 AM or prefer the afternoon bite starting at 1:00 PM, this top-rated charter delivers consistent action for groups of four. All your tackle and bait come included, so you can focus on what matters most – landing fish and making memories with your crew.
This isn't your typical bay boat experience. Captain Justen runs a tight ship and knows exactly where to find the fish based on tides, weather, and seasonal patterns. You'll spend your half-day working multiple spots throughout the northern and western sections of Galveston Bay, targeting structure, grass beds, and current breaks where the fish love to hang out. The morning trips often start strong with the dawn bite, while afternoon charters take advantage of moving water and active feeding periods. Each trip is limited to just four anglers, so you'll get plenty of personal attention and coaching from a captain who genuinely wants to see you succeed.
Captain Justen provides all the gear you'll need, from spinning rods spooled with braided line to a tackle box full of proven baits. Depending on conditions and target species, you'll be throwing everything from soft plastics rigged on jig heads to live shrimp under popping corks. The captain switches up techniques based on what's working best – maybe that's working a paddle tail along a drop-off for redfish, or bouncing a gulp shrimp near oyster reefs for speckled trout. Don't worry if you're new to inshore fishing; Justen takes time to show proper casting techniques, how to work different lures, and when to set the hook. Experienced anglers will appreciate his knowledge of local hotspots and willingness to try different approaches until you find what triggers the bite.
"Justen was great. He is very knowledgeable with technique and has an outstanding attitude while working. He put us on eight different species of fish. Will book again. Thanks!" - JUSTIN
Redfish are the bread and butter of Galveston Bay fishing, and these bronze beauties are what most anglers dream about when they think Texas inshore. They range from schoolie-sized fish around 20 inches up to bull reds pushing 30 pounds or more. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, with fish feeding aggressively in shallow water around oyster reefs and grass flats. What makes reds so special is their fighting ability – they'll make long, powerful runs and use their broad shoulders to battle you all the way to the boat. Captain Justen knows where to find them feeding in just two to three feet of water, creating visual excitement you won't get with many other species.
Speckled trout are the other crown jewel of the bay system, and they're arguably the best eating fish you'll find in these waters. These spotted fighters typically run between 14 and 20 inches, with trophy specimens reaching 25 inches or better. They're most active during cooler months but can be caught year-round if you know where to look. Specks are structure-oriented fish that love shell reefs, drop-offs, and areas with good current flow. They hit a variety of baits but are particularly fond of soft plastics worked slowly along the bottom. The fight isn't as bulldogging strong as a redfish, but they make up for it with acrobatic jumps and head-shaking runs.
Summer flounder, or "doormats" as locals call the big ones, provide excellent table fare and a unique fishing experience. These flatfish can be tricky to locate since they bury themselves in sandy bottoms near structure, but Captain Justen knows the productive ledges and channels where they ambush prey. Most bay flounder run 15 to 18 inches, but fish over 20 inches aren't uncommon during peak summer months. They require a bit more finesse than other species – you'll need to let them fully take the bait before setting the hook, as they tend to mouth it first before committing.
Black drum are the heavyweights of the group, with mature fish often exceeding 30 pounds in these waters. They're bottom feeders that love crab and shrimp, making them perfect targets for live bait or scented artificials. Spring brings the best black drum fishing as schools move into shallow water for spawning, but they're catchable throughout most of the year. Don't expect blazing runs like you'd get from a redfish – black drum fights are more about power and endurance. They'll use their weight and broad profile to fight you with steady, determined pulls that test your tackle and patience.
Sheepshead round out the slam with their distinctive black and white stripes and impressive dental work. These fish are notorious bait thieves, but that's what makes them so challenging and rewarding to catch. They love structure like piers, reefs, and dock pilings where they feed on barnacles, oysters, and crabs. Most sheepshead in the bay run between 12 and 16 inches, but fish over 18 inches provide excellent fillets. You'll need to stay alert when targeting sheepshead – they're experts at stealing bait without getting hooked, so quick reflexes and sharp hooks are essential.
This customer favorite charter fills up fast, especially during peak fishing seasons. Captain Justen's reputation for putting clients on multiple species and providing excellent customer service means return bookings are common. Remember to bring your Texas fishing license – it's required for anyone 17 and older. With all gear and bait included, plus a captain who's
Your fishing adventure awaits aboard our 2021 Nautic Star 23-foot center console, perfectly rigged for chasing redfish and speckled trout in Galveston Bay's productive waters. This sleek boat cuts through the bay with ease thanks to its reliable 200HP Mercury engine, getting you to the hot spots quickly while the fish are biting. The center console design gives everyone plenty of room to cast and fight fish, plus you'll stay organized with the built-in icebox keeping your catch fresh and drinks cold. Our wireless trolling motor lets Captain Justen position the boat silently over structure where big reds like to hang out, while the GPS and fish finder combo ensures we're always on top of the action. Whether you're targeting flounder in the shallows or working deeper drops for black drum, this boat handles it all with room for your whole crew to fish comfortably.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of Galveston Bay, typically running 5-30 pounds but capable of hitting 90+ pounds. These powerful fish hang around oyster beds and muddy flats where they crush shellfish with their strong jaws - you'll actually hear them "drumming" underwater during spawning season in spring. They're most active in shallow water early morning and late afternoon, making them perfect for our AM/PM trips. Smaller fish under 15 pounds make excellent table fare with mild, flaky meat. The key to hooking these bait stealers is using fresh crab and keeping your bait right on the bottom - they rarely venture far from structure.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the ultimate sight-fishing target in Galveston Bay, cruising shallow flats in 1-4 feet of water with their copper-bronze backs and signature black spots near the tail. These fish run 20-40 inches and put up serious fights with powerful runs that'll test your drag. They're year-round residents but really turn on during warmer months when they're actively feeding in skinny water. Reds are excellent eating when kept within slot limits, with firm, mild-flavored meat. The key is staying quiet and making accurate casts ahead of cruising fish - they spook easily in shallow water, so approach slowly and keep noise to a minimum for the best shots.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled Trout are the bread and butter of Galveston Bay fishing, typically running 14-24 inches with beautiful spots covering their silver bodies. These grass flat specialists love shallow waters around 2-6 feet deep, especially near drop-offs and structure changes. They're most active during cooler months and low-light periods like dawn and dusk. Specks are aggressive fighters that'll jump and make drag-screaming runs, plus they're top-notch table fare with tender, flaky white meat. The trick is working soft plastics or topwater lures over grass beds slowly - trout are ambush predators that like to study their prey before striking, so patience pays off.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" of Galveston Bay with their distinctive black and gray stripes, but what really sets them apart are those human-like teeth. These 1-8 pound structure huggers love hanging around docks, pilings, and oyster beds where they munch on barnacles and crabs. Spring months during spawning season offer the best action when they school up near structures. They're notorious bait thieves with lightning-quick nibbles, but once hooked, they fight hard and make some of the best eating in the bay. The secret is getting your bait right against the structure and setting the hook aggressively the moment you feel weight - hesitate and they'll steal your bait every time.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer Flounder are the chameleons of the bay, blending perfectly with sandy bottoms using their flat, sideways body design. Most run 15-20 inches but can reach impressive sizes up to 26 pounds. These ambush predators lie buried in sand waiting to strike, making them a fun challenge to locate. Fall months from September through November offer the best action when they're actively feeding before moving offshore. They put up a surprisingly good fight for a flatfish and make outstanding table fare with sweet, white meat. My best tip: use a circle hook with live minnows and work them slowly along the bottom - flounder won't chase fast-moving baits.
5.0 out of 5.0Justen was great. He is very knowledgeable with technique and has an outstanding attitude while working. He put us on eight differ...
Galveston Bay, Texas Gulf Coast, TX, United States