Galveston Guided Fishing: Reds, Snook & More
Private Trip
Backcountry Fishing
5hour backcountry fishing adventure targeting redfish and speckled troutLight tackle techniques across flats and inshore watersProfessional guide service accommodating up to 3 anglers
Looking for a top-rated fishing charter that puts you on some of the Gulf Coast's best fish? Our 5-hour guided trip launches at 6:30 AM sharp, targeting the prime feeding hours when redfish, snook, and speckled trout are most active. At $550 for up to three anglers, you're getting world-class access to Galveston's backcountry waters with a captain who knows these flats like the back of his hand. We're talking about serious fishing here – the kind where your drag screams and you remember why you fell in love with this sport in the first place.
We'll be working the productive inshore waters around Galveston Bay, hitting everything from shallow grass flats to deeper channels where the big fish cruise. This isn't a sit-and-wait kind of trip – we're constantly moving, reading the water, and putting you on active fish. You'll experience multiple fishing styles throughout the day, from sight-casting to cruising redfish on the flats to working structure for flounder and black drum. The variety keeps things exciting, and it means we can adapt to whatever the fish are doing that particular morning. Early starts are key down here – by 6:30 AM, we're already positioning ourselves where the fish feed before the boat traffic picks up and the sun gets too high.
We fish light tackle exclusively because it's simply more fun and effective in these waters. You'll be throwing everything from topwater plugs that create explosive strikes to soft plastics that mimic the shrimp and baitfish these species feed on daily. Spinning gear lets us make accurate casts to specific targets – like that redfish tailing in two feet of water or the snook lurking under a dock. We also employ drift fishing techniques when working deeper areas for flounder and black drum, letting the current do the work while we cover more water. Popping corks are another customer favorite, especially when the trout are schooled up and feeding aggressively. All gear is provided, but if you've got a lucky rod or favorite reel, bring it along.
Southern flounder are the sneaky stars of Galveston Bay, and they're why so many anglers become obsessed with these waters. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, lying buried in sand and mud waiting to ambush prey. Best targeting happens during moving tides when they position themselves along drop-offs and channel edges. What makes them special is the fight – they don't jump like a trout or run like a redfish, but they pull hard and steady, testing your drag and patience. Plus, they're fantastic table fare, which makes the cooler pretty heavy on good days.
Snook are the crown jewel of our local fishery, and landing one is something every angler remembers. These fish are particular about water temperature and salinity, which makes them more challenging but incredibly rewarding to target. They love structure – docks, bridge pilings, mangrove shorelines – anywhere they can ambush baitfish. When hooked, snook make powerful runs and often jump, showing off that distinctive black lateral line. They're most active during warmer months, and early morning trips give us the best shot at finding them in feeding mode.
Sheepshead are the tackle-testers of the bunch, with mouths full of human-like teeth designed for crushing shellfish and crabs. They're notorious bait stealers, which makes hooking one feel like a real accomplishment. These fish hang around structure – oil rigs, jetties, bridge pilings – where they feed on barnacles and small crustaceans. The key is using small hooks and staying alert to subtle bites. When you do connect, sheepshead fight hard and are excellent eating, making them a customer favorite despite their reputation for being tricky.
Sea trout, particularly our speckled trout, are probably the most consistent fish we target, and they're perfect for anglers of all skill levels. These fish school up over grass flats and are aggressive feeders, especially in the cooler months. They'll hit both live bait and artificials with enthusiasm, and when you find a school, the action can be non-stop. Speckled trout have a distinctive spotted pattern and are known for their delicate mouths – hence the name "weakfish" in some areas. They're also one of the best-eating fish in our waters.
Redfish are the workhorses of Galveston Bay and the reason many folks get serious about inshore fishing. These copper-colored fighters are built for the shallow flats, with powerful tails that can push them through inches of water while feeding. The sight of a redfish tailing in skinny water gets every angler's heart pumping. They're year-round residents, though fall brings the best action when they school up in massive numbers. Reds fight hard, pulling drag and making runs that test your equipment. The slot-sized fish (20-28 inches) are perfect for the dinner table, while the oversized bulls provide pure adrenaline.
This is the kind of fishing trip that reminds you why Galveston Bay has such a renowned reputation among serious anglers. We're covering multiple techniques, targeting various species, and fishing prime hours when the bite is best. Whether you're looking to put some fresh fish in the cooler or just want to feel that rod bend with a good fish on the other end, this charter delivers. The 6:30 AM start time might seem early, but trust me – that's when the magic happens out there. Ready to get on some fish? Let's make it happen.
Our 2022 Majek 25-footer is built for serious Galveston backcountry fishing. This center console runs on a 250HP Yamaha that'll get you to prime redfish and snook waters fast, hitting 50 knots when conditions allow. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're working shallow flats where speckled trout and flounder hang out. GPS navigation gets you to productive spots, while the fish finder helps locate structure holding black drum and sheepshead. An icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those long mornings chasing mangrove snapper. With room for three anglers, there's plenty of deck space for light tackle work and drift fishing. This boat handles Galveston's backcountry waters like it was made for them – because it was.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the ultimate sight-fishing target with their copper-bronze backs and signature black spots near the tail. In our shallow waters, you'll catch mostly 20-28 inch "slot fish" that fight like bulldogs. They cruise oyster reefs, grass flats, and marsh edges in 1-4 feet – sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. Year-round fishing here, but fall is magic when big schools push into the shallows. What hooks people is watching them cruise the flats and that powerful run when hooked. Plus they're great eating with mild, sweet meat. They're not picky eaters but spook easily in skinny water. My favorite approach: sight-cast gold spoons or live shrimp ahead of cruising fish in the shallows. Here's the key – lead them by 3-4 feet and work the bait slowly. If they don't see it right away, sometimes a little splash gets their attention without spooking them.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are the bread and butter of Gulf Coast fishing – silver sides covered in distinctive black spots. Most run 12-18 inches, but those chunky 20+ inch "gator trout" are real trophies. They roam grass flats, bayous, and shallow reefs in 2-8 feet of water, following baitfish and shrimp. Spring and fall fishing is phenomenal, while summer early mornings and late evenings produce best. What makes them special is their willingness to hit both live bait and artificials, plus they're outstanding table fare with flaky white meat. They can be finicky though – one day they want topwaters, next day soft plastics. My reliable pattern: work a soft plastic shrimp under a popping cork over grass beds at first light. Keep it subtle with light line and small hooks. When water temps drop below 60, look for them in deeper channels where they school up tight.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish of the bay with their black and white stripes, but what really sets them apart are those freaky human-like teeth. They run 14-20 inches typically, though 8+ pounders show up around heavy structure. You'll find them glued to anything with barnacles – bridges, piers, oil rigs, jetties – in 10-30 feet of water. Winter and spring are best when they school up for spawning. Guests get a kick out of their weird appearance and they're some of the best eating fish in the Gulf with sweet, white meat. Fair warning though – they're notorious bait thieves with those crushing jaws. My go-to setup is fresh shrimp on a small hook fished right against the pilings. Key trick: when you feel them picking at the bait, don't hesitate – slam that hook set hard or they'll clean you out without ever getting hooked.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are the ultimate inshore predator with that distinctive black lateral line and golden coloration. Most run 18-28 inches, but the big females can push 40+ inches and really test your drag. They're ambush feeders that love hanging around mangroves, docks, and any structure in 2-10 feet of water. Spring through fall is prime time, especially around new and full moons when they spawn. What guests love is their explosive strikes and powerful runs – they'll jump, dive, and fight dirty. They're also fantastic eating with firm, white meat. Temperature sensitive though, so cold fronts can shut them down quick. Here's my trick: cast topwater plugs or live shrimp tight to structure at dawn or dusk. When you hook one, keep steady pressure and try to turn their head away from cover fast or they'll wrap you up in the mangroves every time.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are masters of disguise – flat, oval-shaped fish that bury themselves in sand and mud bottoms waiting to ambush prey. You'll typically catch them around 15-18 inches and 3-5 pounds, though bigger ones up to 20+ pounds lurk in deeper waters. They love shallow bays, estuaries, and around structure where they can camouflage perfectly. Fall and winter are prime time when they move toward passes and inlets for spawning. What makes them fun to target is their unique appearance with both eyes on one side and their sneaky feeding style. They make excellent table fare with sweet, white meat. My tip: use live shrimp or bull minnows on a Carolina rig and work it slow along the bottom – when you feel that subtle tap, set the hook quick because they're notorious bait stealers.
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