Galveston Bay Family Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Flats/Shallows Fishing
Twohour familyfriendly fishing charter on Galveston Bay with Captain Tim.Multiple daily departure times available with customized scheduling options.Accommodates up to six guests with water, ice, and pets welcome aboard.
Looking for a perfect introduction to inshore fishing that won't eat up your entire day? Captain Tim's 2-hour family fishing charter on Galveston Bay hits the sweet spot for families, first-timers, and anyone wanting to wet a line without the commitment of a full-day trip. This top-rated charter runs multiple times daily at 8 a.m., 11 a.m., 2 p.m., and 5 p.m., giving you flexibility to fish around your schedule. At $400 for up to four anglers, with room for two more at $50 each, it's hands-down one of the best values on the bay. Plus, your furry fishing buddy is welcome aboard – because sometimes the family dog needs to experience the thrill of the catch too.
Galveston Bay's shallow flats and protected waters create the perfect classroom for new anglers while still delivering plenty of action for seasoned fishermen. Captain Tim knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll put you on fish while keeping things relaxed and educational. The boat comes equipped with all the tackle you'll need, plus ice and water to keep you comfortable during your two hours on the bay. Don't worry about experience level – Tim's patient teaching style has turned countless fishing rookies into confident anglers. The bay's calm conditions mean even the youngest crew members can handle the rod without getting seasick or overwhelmed. Weather permitting, you'll be casting into some of the most productive inshore waters along the Texas coast, where the action can be fast and furious once you find the right spots.
Galveston Bay fishing revolves around reading the water and matching your technique to what the fish are doing. Captain Tim will have you working with light tackle and artificial lures most of the time – think soft plastics rigged on jig heads, topwater plugs when the fish are aggressive, and maybe some live bait when the bite gets tough. The bay's grass flats, shell reefs, and drop-offs each require different approaches, and Tim will walk you through the basics of each technique as you move around. You'll learn to feel the difference between a fish bite and bottom contact, how to work a lure to trigger strikes, and when to set the hook for a solid hookup. The shallow water means you can actually watch fish follow your lure, which adds a visual element that gets everyone excited. Tim provides all the rods, reels, and tackle, but feel free to bring your own gear if you've got favorites you like to fish with.
Sea trout are the bread and butter of Galveston Bay fishing, and for good reason. These speckled beauties are aggressive feeders that hit both live bait and artificials with enthusiasm. Most bay trout run 14 to 18 inches, with the occasional keeper pushing over 20 inches and providing serious bragging rights. They're most active during spring and fall, but summer and winter fishing can be just as productive if you know where to look. Trout love structure – think shell beds, grass edges, and drop-offs where they can ambush prey. The fight isn't overly aggressive, making them perfect for kids and beginners who are still learning rod handling techniques.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Texas inshore fishing, and Galveston Bay holds some genuine trophies. These copper-colored bulldogs average 20 to 28 inches in the bay, with slot fish providing the best combination of fight and table fare. Reds are year-round residents, but fall brings the best action as they school up for their offshore spawning runs. Unlike trout, redfish will absolutely test your drag and your patience – they're notorious for making long, powerful runs that get everyone on the boat excited. You'll find them cruising shallow flats, tailing in skinny water, and hanging around structure where crabs and shrimp are plentiful.
Southern flounder add a different dimension to your Galveston Bay fishing experience. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, lying buried in sand and mud waiting to ambush unsuspecting prey. Most bay flounder run 14 to 18 inches, with fall migration bringing larger fish through the system. They're not flashy fighters, but there's something deeply satisfying about fooling a flounder with a well-placed lure. The bite feels like you've hooked bottom, then suddenly your "bottom" starts swimming sideways. Flounder fishing requires patience and a different mindset, but the payoff is some of the best eating fish in the bay.
Captain Tim's 2-hour family charter delivers everything you want in a fishing trip – action, education, and memories that'll last long after you've cleaned your catch. The flexible scheduling means you can squeeze in some world-class fishing whether you're starting your day early or looking for an afternoon adventure. With all gear provided and a captain who genuinely loves introducing new anglers to the sport, this trip removes every barrier between you and some of the best inshore fishing Texas has to offer. The $400 base rate for four people makes it an affordable way to test the waters before committing to longer charters. Book your spot now and discover why Galveston Bay has earned its reputation as one of the premier inshore fishing destinations on the Gulf Coast.
Our 20-foot 2025 Weld Craft jon boat is your ticket to productive fishing on Galveston Bay's shallow flats. Built tough for inshore waters, this skiff-style vessel cuts through the bay at speeds up to 35 knots thanks to its reliable 150HP Yamaha engine. The shallow draft design gets you into those honey holes where redfish and speckled trout love to hang out. With comfortable seating for up to four anglers, everyone gets plenty of casting room without feeling crowded. The onboard fish finder helps locate schools of baitfish and structure, while GPS navigation keeps us on the most productive spots. An icebox keeps your drinks cold and your catch fresh during those hot Texas afternoons. Whether you're teaching the kids to fish or trying to land your personal best, this stable platform gives you the perfect setup for making memories on Galveston Bay's legendary fishing grounds.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bronze bulldozers of the bay, easily recognized by their copper-colored backs and signature black spot near the tail. Most of our bay reds run 20-28 inches and pack serious muscle - they'll test your drag and give kids a thrill. Look for them in super shallow water around oyster reefs, grass beds, and muddy flats where they root around for crabs and shrimp. Spring through fall are prime time, especially on warmer afternoons when they're actively feeding. What makes them special is their willingness to eat just about anything and their explosive topwater strikes. They're also fantastic eating with firm, mild flesh. My go-to trick: work your bait slow along the bottom - reds are opportunistic and rarely pass up an easy meal.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are one of Galveston Bay's most popular targets, and for good reason. These silvery fish with distinctive black spots typically run 15-24 inches and put up a solid fight on light tackle. You'll find them cruising grass flats and shallow areas, especially early morning and evening when they're actively feeding on shrimp and small baitfish. They make excellent table fare with flaky white meat that's perfect for the family dinner. What guests love most is how willing they are to bite - whether you're using live shrimp, soft plastics, or topwater plugs. Pro tip: when working the grass flats, make some noise with your lure. These fish are curious and that popping sound often triggers aggressive strikes.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are the masters of disguise in our bay waters. These flatfish blend perfectly with sandy and muddy bottoms, lying in wait to ambush passing shrimp and small fish. Most run 15-18 inches, though we catch some real doormat-sized ones pushing 20+ inches that'll surprise you with their strength. Fall migration time is when they really turn on, moving through the bay system toward deeper water. What guests enjoy about flounder fishing is the detective work - reading bottom structure and feeling those subtle bites. They're also among the best eating fish in the bay with sweet, white fillets. Here's my trick: when you feel that tap-tap bite, count to three before setting the hook. Flounder grab prey sideways first, then turn to swallow it headfirst.
Galveston Bay