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Caught a Redfish Inshore in Hitchcock Hitchcock

Redfish Fishing Charter in Hitchcock

Fresh caught redfish and speckled trout displayed on fish cleaning station table at Galveston Bay marina

The Sciaenops Ocellatus belongs to the order Perciformes and family Sciaenidae. It typically measures between 30 and 61 inches in length, with a weight range from 10 to 45 lbs. Habitat: onshore, flats, backcountry, nearshore. - Redfish are also known as Red Drum and are prized gamefish. - They can be identified by distinctive eyespots near the tail. - Popular target for both recreational and commercial fishing.

Fishing Charter by Captain Justen Simpton in January

Justen Simpton
Justen Simpton
Meet your Captain Justen Simpton
Galveston Bay, Texas Gulf Coast, TX, United States
  • Unforgettable Galveston Bay fishing!
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Summary

Captain Justen Simpton of Sonrise Fishing on Thursday January offers personalized solo fishing charters targeting redfish, speckled trout, and sheepshead in Galveston Bay's productive inshore waters. This exclusive 1-person trip includes all equipment and bait, with morning departures at 7:00 AM or afternoon sessions at 1:00 PM. Using proven drift fishing, bottom fishing, and live bait techniques, anglers consistently land quality fish in the bay's diverse structure and current-rich environment. The shallow flats and nearshore waters around Hitchcock provide ideal conditions for targeting these popular gamefish species. Captain Justen's local knowledge and personalized attention ensure maximum success on your Galveston Bay fishing adventure. Don't forget your Texas fishing license—book your exclusive solo charter experience today!

Fishing Charter with Captain Justen – Rates & Booking

Captain Justen Simpton of Sonrise Fishing on Thursday January offers exclusive 1-person fishing charters in Galveston Bay starting at 7:00 AM or 1:00 PM. This personalized experience includes all equipment, bait, and expert guidance targeting redfish, speckled trout, flounder, black drum, and sheepshead. With over a decade of local experience, Captain Justen knows exactly where to find fish in the bay's productive waters. Rates include tackle, bait, and cleaning service—just bring your Texas fishing license and prepare for action-packed fishing. Book online or call to secure your preferred departure time.

Highlights of 1 Person Fishing Trip Galveston Bay AM or PM

This solo charter experience puts you on fish from the first cast using proven drift fishing, bottom fishing, and live bait techniques. Galveston Bay's diverse structure creates perfect conditions for consistent action throughout your trip. The personalized attention means Captain Justen can adjust tactics based on conditions and your skill level, whether you're targeting shallow water redfish on the flats or working deeper structure for speckled trout and sheepshead.

Morning trips take advantage of cooler temperatures and active feeding periods, while afternoon sessions offer warmer conditions and different bite patterns. The bay's year-round fishery provides excellent opportunities regardless of season, with winter months often producing some of the best action for quality fish.

Local Species Insights: Redfish

Redfish thrive in Galveston Bay's shallow flats, backcountry areas, and nearshore structure where they feed aggressively on crabs, shrimp, and baitfish. These copper-colored fighters are known for their powerful runs and stubborn fights, making them a favorite target for inshore anglers. In January waters around Hitchcock, redfish often school up in deeper pockets and along channel edges, providing consistent action when you find the right spots. Captain Justen's knowledge of seasonal patterns and preferred structure gives you the best chance at landing these prized gamefish during your solo adventure.

Plan Your Fishing Charter Day

Your charter includes a fully equipped boat with all tackle, bait, and safety equipment for one angler. Captain Justen provides rods, reels, tackle box, live bait, and fish cleaning service so you can focus on fishing. The boat is designed for comfort and fishing efficiency, with easy access to Galveston Bay's best fishing spots. Departure times are flexible at 7:00 AM for morning trips or 1:00 PM for afternoon sessions, with trip duration designed to maximize your time on productive water. Bring sun protection, drinks, snacks, and your valid Texas fishing license for a complete day on the bay.

Fishing in Galveston Bay, Texas Gulf Coast, TX, United States: Redfish

Redfish
Redfish
Species Name: Redfish
Species Family: Sciaenidae
Species Order: Perciformes
Habitat: Onshore, Flats, Backcountry, Nearshore
Weight: 10 - 45 pounds
Length: 30" - 61"

The Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), also known as Red Drum, is a premier gamefish from the Perciformes order and Sciaenidae family. Distinguished by their copper-red coloration and characteristic black eyespots near the tail, these fish are highly prized by anglers for their fighting ability and excellent table fare. In Hitchcock waters this January, redfish are actively feeding in the bay's productive shallows and structure.

Redfish Overview

Redfish are iconic inshore gamefish known for their powerful runs and stubborn fights. They inhabit coastal waters from the Atlantic to the Gulf of Mexico, with Galveston Bay providing some of the most consistent fishing opportunities. Anglers value redfish for their accessibility, fighting spirit, and excellent flavor when prepared fresh.

Redfish Habitat and Distribution

These adaptable fish thrive in shallow flats, backcountry marshes, nearshore waters, and around structure like oyster reefs and grass beds. Around Hitchcock and Galveston Bay, redfish frequent water depths from 1 to 8 feet, often cruising flats during high tide and holding near channels and deeper pockets during low water periods.

Redfish Size and Weight

Redfish typically range from 30 to 61 inches in length, with weights between 10 and 45 pounds for mature fish. Slot-size redfish in Texas waters (20-28 inches) provide excellent sport and table fare, while larger bull redfish offer trophy potential and incredible fights.

Redfish Diet and Behavior

Redfish are opportunistic feeders that consume crabs, shrimp, mullet, and various baitfish. They often feed by tailing in shallow water, creating visible disturbances as they root for prey. Peak feeding activity occurs during moving tides, dawn, and dusk periods when baitfish are most active.

Redfish Spawning Season

Redfish spawn in nearshore waters during late summer and fall months when water temperatures range from 70-85°F. During spawning season, large schools of adult redfish gather in deeper waters, creating exciting fishing opportunities for anglers targeting trophy-sized fish.

Redfish Fishing Techniques

Effective techniques include live bait fishing with shrimp or mullet, artificial lures like spoons and soft plastics, and sight fishing with topwater plugs. In January around Hitchcock, anglers find success using live shrimp near oyster reefs and working soft plastics along channel edges where redfish hold during cooler months.

Redfish Is It Good to Eat?

Redfish offer mild, flaky white meat with excellent flavor and texture. They're high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids while being relatively low in mercury. Popular cooking methods include blackening, grilling, and frying, with the firm flesh holding up well to various preparation styles.

Redfish Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the best bait for redfish?

A: Live shrimp and mullet are top choices, along with cut bait like crab and artificial lures such as gold spoons and soft plastic paddle tails.

Q: Where can I find redfish near Hitchcock?

A: Galveston Bay's shallow flats, oyster reefs, and grass beds around Hitchcock provide excellent redfish habitat, especially during moving tides.

Q: Is redfish good to eat?

A: Yes, redfish have mild, flaky white meat that's excellent grilled, blackened, or fried, and they're a healthy source of protein and omega-3s.

Q: When is the best time to catch redfish?

A: Early morning and late afternoon during moving tides provide the best action, with winter months often producing consistent fishing in deeper areas.

More species you can explore on this trip

Black Drum

Black Drum

Redfish

Redfish

Sea Trout

Sea Trout

Sheepshead

Sheepshead

Summer Flounder

Summer Flounder

Sonrise Fishing Available Trips

Ready for some serious fishing action in Galveston Bay? Join Captain Justen for a personalized 1-on-1 adventure, whether you're an early bird or prefer afternoon angling. This trip caters to your schedule, kicking off at sunrise around 7 AM or starting at 1 PM when the Texas sun is high. You'll be targeting the bay's prized catches - Redfish, Speckled Trout, Flounder, Black Drum, and Sheepshead. Captain Justen knows all the prime spots in West and North Galveston Bay, so you're in for a productive day on the water. No need to lug your gear - all fishing equipment and bait are provided. Just remember to bring your fishing license and you're set. Whether you're a seasoned angler or trying your hand at bay fishing for the first time, this exclusive trip offers a chance to reel in some impressive catches and enjoy the beauty of Galveston Bay. Don't miss out on this opportunity to experience some of the best inshore fishing Texas has to offer!

Weather on January 1, 2026

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