Get ready to cast your line and feel the tug of some serious Texas inshore action. This 3-person fishing trip in Galveston Bay is your ticket to a half-day of non-stop angling excitement. Whether you're an early bird or prefer a post-lunch adventure, Captain Justen's got you covered with morning and afternoon options. Bring your A-game and let's see what's biting in these fish-rich waters!
Picture this: You're cruising across Galveston Bay as the sun paints the sky, rod in hand, ready to tangle with some of Texas' most sought-after inshore species. Captain Justen knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's itching to put you on the fish. You'll be targeting redfish, speckled trout, flounder, black drum, and sheepshead – a mixed bag that'll keep you on your toes. No need to lug your gear; we've got you covered with top-notch equipment and bait. Just remember to snag your fishing license before you hop aboard. This isn't your average day on the water – it's a full-on fishing frenzy with your name on it!
Let's talk strategy. Depending on the season and what's running, we might be chunking bait for big reds, working soft plastics for specks, or finessing live shrimp for flounder. Captain Justen's got a sixth sense for where the fish are holding, and he'll have you rigged up and ready to go in no time. We'll hit prime spots across the northern and western parts of the bay – maybe drifting over grass flats, working shell reefs, or tucking up against marsh edges. It's all about reading the water, adjusting to conditions, and staying on the bite. And hey, if one spot's not producing, no worries – we'll run and gun until we find the honey hole. That's the beauty of fishing with a local pro who eats, sleeps, and breathes Galveston Bay.
Redfish: These copper-colored brutes are the rock stars of Galveston Bay. Known for their powerful runs and that signature black spot on their tail, redfish will test your drag and your biceps. They love to hang around structure and can often be spotted tailing in shallow water. Fall is prime time for bull reds, but you can tangle with these fighters year-round. Nothing beats the thrill of a redfish hitting topwater – it's like a mini explosion on the surface!
Speckled Trout: If finesse fishing is your game, you'll love targeting these silver-spotted beauties. Specks are known for their soft mouths and quick strikes, making them a blast on light tackle. They school up over grass beds and around bait pods, often feeding aggressively at dawn and dusk. Spring and fall are peak seasons, but a skilled captain can put you on trout any time of year. Their delicate white meat makes them a favorite for the dinner table, too.
Flounder: These flatfish are the ninjas of the bay – masters of camouflage with both eyes on one side of their head. Flounder like to ambush their prey, so we'll target them around drop-offs and channel edges. Fall is the prime time for flounder as they migrate to the Gulf, but you can catch them year-round if you know where to look. They're not the hardest fighters, but the challenge of hooking them and their excellent table fare make them a prized catch.
Black Drum: These cousins of the redfish are like underwater vacuum cleaners, using their sensitive barbels to root out crabs and shrimp from the bottom. While the smaller ones (under 30 inches) are great eating, the big boys can top 50 pounds and put up a serious fight. They love structure and often hang around oyster reefs and pier pilings. Spring is the peak season when they gather in large schools to spawn, but you can catch them year-round in Galveston Bay.
Sheepshead: Don't let those human-like teeth fool you – these striped battlers are no pushovers. Sheepshead are structure junkies, often found around jetties, pilings, and reefs where they munch on barnacles and crustaceans. They're notorious bait stealers, so hooking one takes a bit of finesse. Winter and early spring are prime times to target sheepshead, but they're available year-round. They're not the biggest fish in the bay, but pound-for-pound, they're some of the scrappiest fighters you'll encounter.
Folks, this ain't just another day of fishing – it's a chance to make memories and maybe even land your personal best. Captain Justen's been running these waters for years, and he's got the know-how to put you on fish, rain or shine. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to tangle with some Texas trophies or a newbie hoping to bend a rod, this trip's got something for everyone. And let's be real – there's nothing like the camaraderie of sharing a boat with your buddies, swapping stories, and cheering each other on as you reel 'em in. It's not just about the fish; it's about the whole experience of being out on Galveston Bay, soaking in the coastal vibes, and creating those "remember when" moments.
Alright, let's cut to the chase – if you're itching to get out on the water and tangle with some of Galveston Bay's finest, now's the time to lock in your trip. Whether you're aiming for that early morning bite or prefer to sleep in and hit the afternoon action, we've got a slot that'll fit your schedule. Remember, we're talking about a top-rated fishing experience with all the gear provided, expert guidance, and a shot at multiple species in one outing. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't let this opportunity slip through your fingers like a big one that got away. Grab your fishing buddies, pick your date, and let's make it happen. The fish are waiting, the bay is calling, and Captain Justen's ready to put you on the action. Book now and get ready for a day of rod-bending, drag-screaming fun on Galveston Bay!
Black Drum are tough fighters that'll test your gear. You'll find these bruisers hanging around oyster reefs and rocky structures in Galveston Bay, usually in 5-15 feet of water. They average 5-30 pounds but can get up to 90. Spring is prime time when they school up to spawn. Anglers love 'em for their strong pull and good eating, especially the smaller ones under 15 pounds. The meat gets tougher in bigger fish. To land one, use fresh crab or shrimp on a circle hook. Let it sit on the bottom and be patient - drum are notorious bait stealers. When you feel that telltale tap-tap, set the hook hard. These fish use those powerful jaws and teeth to crush shellfish, so make sure your leader can handle it. One local trick: chum with crushed oyster shells to get them fired up.
Redfish are the rockstars of Galveston Bay. These copper-colored brutes with the trademark tail spot love shallow water - you'll often see their backs out of the water as they hunt the flats. Most run 20-30 inches, but bull reds over 40 inches show up in fall. Look for them around oyster reefs, marsh edges and shallow bays. They'll eat just about anything, but live mullet, crabs and topwater lures are top producers. Sight-casting to tailing reds in skinny water is a rush. When hooked, they make blistering runs and pull like a truck. The fight and taste keep anglers coming back. Local tip: on calm days, cruise the shorelines looking for push water or nervous bait. When you spot a red, ease into position and make a long cast past them. Twitch the lure across their path and hold on tight!
Speckled Trout are one of the most popular gamefish in Galveston Bay. These silvery beauties with spotted sides usually run 14-20 inches but can reach 30. Look for them over grass flats and around oyster reefs in 3-6 feet of water. They're most active at dawn and dusk, especially on moving tides. Anglers love specks for their aggressive strikes and tasty fillets. Live shrimp under a popping cork is hard to beat, but soft plastics and topwaters work great too. When the bite is on, it's nonstop action. One local trick: drift the flats, fan-casting as you go. When you find a school, anchor up and work the area. In summer, look for slicks - those smooth, oily patches on the surface are a dead giveaway that trout are feeding below. The fight isn't epic, but man are they fun on light tackle.
Sheepshead are some of the trickiest fish in the bay, but man are they fun to catch. These striped "convict fish" hang out around pilings, jetties and reefs. Most run 1-8 pounds, but 20-pounders aren't unheard of. Spring is prime time when they school up to spawn. Anglers love the challenge - sheepshead are expert bait stealers with those weird human-like teeth. For the best shot, use live fiddler crabs or pieces of shrimp on a small strong hook. Get your bait right up against structure and be ready for the lightest of bites. When you feel that nibble, set the hook fast and hard. The fight is awesome, and the white flaky meat is delicious. Pro tip: scrape some barnacles off pilings to chum them up. Just watch those finger-slicing gill plates when you land one!
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 5
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 50
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 200