Half Day Guided Fishing Trip In Texas City
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Halfday inshore fishing targeting redfish, sheepshead, and sea trout.Expert Captain Gabriel guides up to 4 guests aboard 22' boat.Morning or afternoon trips available on Galveston Bay waters.
Captain Gabriel Vasquez knows these Texas City waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some quality fish. His 22-foot center console Southern Water Pathfinder is perfectly rigged for chasing redfish, sheepshead, and whatever else is biting in Galveston Bay. With room for up to 4 anglers, a solid livewell system, and outriggers ready to deploy, this half-day trip gives you everything you need for a productive morning or afternoon on the water. Whether you're bringing the family or looking to dial in your inshore technique, Captain Gabriel's got the local knowledge to make it happen.
Your 4-hour adventure kicks off either at 6:00 AM for the morning bite or 1:00 PM for afternoon action. Captain Gabriel runs a tight ship – the Southern Water Pathfinder comes loaded with all the gear you'll need, from rods and reels to tackle boxes full of proven lures. The boat's outrigger setup lets you cover more water when conditions call for it, while the reliable livewell keeps your bait fresh and your catch healthy. Morning trips usually mean cooler temps and active fish, while afternoon sessions can be perfect when the tide's moving just right. Captain Gabriel reads the water conditions daily and adjusts the game plan accordingly – some days that means working the grass flats for reds, other times it's picking apart structure for sheepshead. The beauty of Galveston Bay is its variety, and this trip showcases exactly why Texas City has become such a hot spot for inshore fishing.
Captain Gabriel runs a mix of techniques depending on what the fish are telling him. Live bait fishing with shrimp or small crabs works magic on sheepshead around structure, while soft plastics and topwater plugs can absolutely fire up redfish when they're cruising the shallows. The boat's equipped with medium-action spinning rods that handle everything from finesse presentations to pulling solid fish out of heavy cover. When the bite gets tough, Captain Gabriel switches things up – maybe that means downsizing to lighter tackle or moving to a completely different area where the water temperature or structure looks more promising. The Galveston Bay system offers everything from shallow grass beds to deeper channels, and each spot requires its own approach. You'll learn to read the water, watch for bird activity, and understand how tide movement affects fish behavior. The outrigger setup really shines when covering larger areas or when fish are scattered – it's like having extra hands working for you while you focus on the technique.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Texas City fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers love the shallow flats and can put up a serious fight when hooked. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, with fish ranging from schoolie-sized 18-inchers to bull reds pushing 30-plus pounds. What makes redfish so special is their willingness to eat – they'll crush a topwater plug at sunrise or sip a carefully presented live shrimp in skinny water. The sight fishing opportunities here are world-class when conditions align.
Sheepshead earn their reputation as the "convict fish" with those distinctive black stripes, but don't let their looks fool you – these are some of the tastiest fish in the bay. They hang around structure like pier pilings, jetties, and oyster reefs, using their crushing jaws to pick off crabs and barnacles. Peak season runs from late fall through early spring when they're staging for their spawning runs. Landing a quality sheepshead requires patience and finesse – they're notorious bait stealers with incredibly light bites. When you feel that subtle tick on your line, set the hook immediately.
Southern flounder are the ultimate ambush predators, lying buried in sand waiting for unsuspecting prey to swim by. These flatfish can be tricky to locate, but Captain Gabriel knows the current breaks and drop-offs where they typically hold. Fall migration brings some of the biggest doormat flounder of the year as they head to deeper water. There's something incredibly satisfying about feeling that distinctive flounder bite – it's not aggressive like a redfish, but rather a deliberate pull that says "I've got your bait and I'm not letting go."
Sea trout, or speckled trout as locals call them, are abundant throughout the Galveston Bay system and provide consistent action year-round. These sleek predators love grass beds and shell reefs, especially during moving tides. Spring and fall offer the best opportunities for larger specimens, with fish over 20 inches becoming more common. Their distinctive canine teeth and beautiful spotted pattern make them a customer favorite, plus they're excellent table fare when handled properly.
At $550 for two anglers and $150 for each additional guest, this half-day trip with Captain Gabriel delivers serious value for money. You're getting a top-rated guide, a well-maintained boat, quality gear, and access to some of the most productive inshore fishing Texas has to offer. Don't forget to grab your Texas state fishing license before heading out – it's required for anyone over 17. Captain Gabriel can point you toward bait if needed, and remember that 15-20% gratuity is standard for good service. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to explore new water or a family wanting to create lasting memories, this Texas City fishing adventure hits all the right notes. The combination of Captain Gabriel's expertise, the Southern Water Pathfinder's capabilities, and Galveston Bay's incredible fishery makes for a winning formula that keeps anglers coming back season after season.
The Southern Water Pathfinder is your ticket to some serious fishing action on Galveston Bay. This 22-foot center console cuts through Texas waters with a reliable 200hp Yamaha engine, getting you to the prime redfish and sheepshead spots without wasting time. The boat's designed for serious anglers - you'll find a livewell to keep your catch fresh, outriggers for trolling, and a fish finder that'll show you exactly what's swimming below. GPS navigation keeps you on course while the VHF radio ensures safety on the water. With space for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of room to cast lines and fight fish without bumping elbows. Captain Gabriel keeps all the essential tackle and gear on board, so you can focus on landing that trophy redfish or battling a stubborn sheepshead around the pilings. The center console layout gives everyone access to the action, whether you're targeting flounder in the shallows or working the deeper channels for sea trout.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are the most popular gamefish in Texas waters, and once you hook one, you'll understand why. These spotted beauties average 14-24 inches and usually weigh 1-5 pounds, though bigger "gator trout" lurk in deeper holes. They love grass flats, channel edges, and shell reefs throughout Galveston Bay. Spring and fall provide the hottest action, but they bite year-round if you know where to look. What makes them special is their willingness to hit topwater lures at dawn and dusk - explosive strikes that get your heart pumping. They're also excellent eating with tender, white meat. Winter months they school up in deeper channels where you can load the boat. Local secret: work soft plastics under a popping cork around shell pads during moving water. The cork attracts them, and the jig seals the deal.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusKnown as "convict fish" for their black and white stripes, sheepshead are the pickiest eaters in Galveston Bay - but that's what makes them fun. They run 1-8 pounds typically, though 20-pounders show up around jetties and oil rigs. You'll find them hugging any structure with barnacles: docks, pilings, reefs. They've got human-like teeth for crushing crustaceans, so they're notorious bait thieves. Spring spawning season (February-April) brings the best action when they school up around passes and structures. Guests love the challenge - it's like playing chess with a fish. The payoff is sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat on the table. My tip: use small hooks with fresh shrimp and keep your bait tight to structure. When you feel them nibbling, set the hook hard and fast before they steal your bait.
Paralichthys LethostigmaThese flatfish are masters of disguise, burying themselves in sandy and muddy bottoms around Galveston Bay. Most run 15-18 inches and weigh around 5 pounds, though you might hook into one pushing 20+ pounds. They're ambush predators that lie perfectly camouflaged until prey swims by. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, especially around structure and drop-offs. Fall and winter are prime time when they move through our area heading to spawn offshore. What makes them special is watching that "doormat" fight - they pull sideways and really test your drag. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in these waters. Here's a local trick: when drift fishing, bounce your bait slowly along bottom. Once you feel that subtle tap, count to three before setting the hook - they need time to fully take the bait.
Sciaenops OcellatusReds are the bread and butter of Galveston Bay fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored beauties with their signature black spots average 20-30 inches, but bulls over 40 inches will test your tackle. They cruise super shallow flats - sometimes with their backs showing - hunting around grass beds, oyster reefs, and drop-offs. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall brings the best action as they school up. What guests love most is their aggressive strikes and bulldogging fights. They'll hit everything from topwater plugs to live shrimp. The smaller "slot" fish make excellent table fare with mild, flaky meat. Here's what works: in shallow water, approach quietly and cast past them, then work your lure back through their zone. They spook easily in skinny water, so keep your distance and let the lure do the talking.
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