Premium 4 Hour Galveston Bay Inshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour inshore fishing charter targeting redfish, flounder, and troutCaptain Michael Bullock provides expert guidance and all equipmentSmall group experience accommodates up to three guests maximum
Captain Michael Bullock knows Galveston Bay like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on fish. This 4-hour afternoon charter gives you prime time on some of Texas' most productive inshore waters, where redfish, speckled trout, and flounder are waiting to test your skills. You'll fish the shallow flats, grass beds, and oyster reefs that make this bay system famous among Gulf Coast anglers. Whether you're trying to land your first red or you're chasing a personal best speck, Captain Michael's got the local knowledge to make it happen. The boat accommodates up to three anglers, so grab a couple friends or make it a family trip – just don't forget your fishing license and pack some snacks for the ride.
Your afternoon starts at the Texas City boat launch, where Captain Michael will have everything rigged and ready to roll. The beauty of inshore fishing in Galveston Bay is the variety – one cast might have you working a grass flat for trout, while the next has you sight-casting to tailing reds in knee-deep water. The bay stays fishable year-round, but these afternoon trips really shine when the morning crowds thin out and fish start moving into feeding mode. You'll cover water efficiently, hitting multiple spots based on tides, wind, and what's biting that day. The captain provides all tackle, bait, and gear, so you can focus on what matters most – putting fish in the cooler. This is hands-on fishing where you'll learn to read the water, spot fish movement, and perfect your technique with every cast.
Captain Michael runs a well-equipped inshore boat designed for navigating Galveston Bay's shallow waters and structure. You'll primarily fish with medium-action spinning rods spooled with 15-20 lb braided line – perfect for feeling those subtle trout bites and handling the drag-screaming runs of slot reds. Live shrimp under popping corks is the go-to setup for trout over grass, while soft plastics on jigheads work magic around oyster reefs and drop-offs. When conditions are right, you might throw topwater plugs for explosive surface strikes or work gulp baits along muddy bottoms where flounder ambush prey. The captain reads water temperature, salinity, and current to determine which techniques will produce. You'll learn to work different depths, from two-foot flats where reds cruise with their backs out of water, to eight-foot channels where big trout suspend near structure.
Speckled trout are the bread and butter of Galveston Bay fishing, and these spotted beauties fight harder than their size suggests. Most specks run 14-18 inches, but the bay holds plenty of "gator trout" pushing 20-plus inches that'll make your drag sing. Spring and fall offer the best trout action when water temperatures hit that sweet spot between 65-75 degrees. These fish love grass beds and shell reefs where they can ambush shrimp and small baitfish. What makes trout fishing addictive is their finicky nature – some days they want live bait presented perfectly still, other days they crush fast-moving artificials. The take is often subtle, just a slight tick on your line, which keeps you focused and engaged throughout the trip.
Redfish are the bay's signature species, and hooking into a slot red is guaranteed to get your heart pumping. These copper-colored bruisers typically run 20-28 inches in the bay and fight like fish twice their size, making long runs and using their broad sides to leverage against your drag. Reds feed year-round but really turn on during warmer months when they move into ultra-shallow water to hunt crabs and shrimp. You'll spot them by their bronze backs cutting through skinny water or their distinctive black spots when they're tailing in the shallows. What makes redfish special is their willingness to eat – they're aggressive feeders that will crush everything from live bait to loud topwater plugs, making them perfect for anglers of all skill levels.
Southern flounder might be the most underrated fish in the bay, but don't let their flat profile fool you – these ambush predators are pure eating quality. Most flounder caught run 14-20 inches, with occasional "doormat" fish stretching past 24 inches. Fall is prime time for flounder as they stage near bay mouths before heading to deep Gulf waters to spawn. These masters of camouflage bury themselves in sand and mud, waiting to engulf passing prey in one lightning-fast strike. Flounder fishing requires patience and technique – you'll work soft plastics slowly along the bottom, feeling for that distinctive "thump" when a flatfish grabs your bait. Landing a nice flounder means you've got some of the best table fare the Gulf Coast has to offer.
Captain Michael's afternoon charters fill up fast, especially during peak fishing seasons when the bite is hot. This 4-hour trip gives you serious fishing time without eating up your entire day, perfect for families, visiting anglers, or locals looking to get on the water after work. You'll come back with fresh fish for dinner, new techniques under your belt, and stories about the ones that didn't get away. The captain's local knowledge and provided gear make this a hassle-free way to experience world-class inshore fishing in one of Texas' most productive bay systems. Remember, deposits are non-refundable, so once you're booked, start checking the weather and get ready for some of the best inshore action the Gulf Coast has to offer.
Captain Michael's 2000 Kenner 21'7 V is your ticket to some serious fishing action on Galveston Bay. This reliable 21-footer runs on a strong 2019 150hp Mercury that'll get you to the hotspots where redfish, flounder, and speckled trout are biting. The boat's designed for up to 3 anglers, giving everyone plenty of room to cast and fight fish without getting tangled up. Equipped with VHF radio for safety and communication on the water, this fishing machine is built for productive inshore adventures. The shallow draft lets Captain Michael navigate the bay's backwaters and flats where the big fish hide. Whether you're targeting reds in the grass beds or working the drop-offs for trout, this boat puts you right where you need to be for a successful day of fishing.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of Texas bay fishing. Most run 18-30 inches, but we catch some real bulls pushing 40+ inches. Look for that distinctive black spot near the tail and copper-bronze coloring. They cruise super shallow flats, often with their backs showing in 1-3 feet of water. Fall and spring are prime time when they school up heavy. What guests love is the visual fishing - you can actually see these fish tailing in skinny water. They fight hard and taste great with that mild, sweet flavor. Pro tip: cast past a tailing redfish and work your bait back toward them. They spook easy if you land right on their head.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout run 14-24 inches and typically weigh 1-5 pounds in Galveston Bay. These silvery fish with black spots love shallow grass flats and structure like reefs during warmer months. They're most active early morning and evening, especially around baitfish schools. What makes them fun is their aggressive strikes on topwater plugs and soft plastics - they'll hammer a well-placed lure. The meat is white, flaky, and delicate when cooked right. My tip: work your plastic tail grubs slow along the bottom near oyster beds. Speckled trout are ambush predators, so let that bait sit a second after it hits structure before you start your retrieve.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are the masters of disguise in Galveston Bay. These flatfish typically run 15-18 inches and blend perfectly with sandy or muddy bottoms. Both eyes sit on their left side, and they can change color to match whatever they're lying on. Fall is prime time when they move through the bay heading to spawn offshore. They're ambush predators that bury in the mud and strike anything that passes overhead. Guests love the challenge of sight fishing for them on clear days. The fillets are pure white and some of the best eating fish in the bay. My secret: drag a live shrimp or mullet right along the bottom near channel edges where they wait to ambush baitfish.
Galveston Bay