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3-Person Galveston Bay Fishing | Sonrise Fishing
- Published Date: July 18, 2025
- Fishing
- Galveston Bay, Texas Gulf Coast, TX, United States
- Updated Date: December 9, 2025
Summary
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Bay Fishing Action
Reel in the Bay: 3-Person Galveston Inshore Adventure
Ready to wet a line in one of Texas' prime fishing spots? Our 3-person inshore charter in Galveston Bay is your ticket to a day of rod-bending action. Whether you're an old salt or a first-timer, Captain Justen's got the know-how to put you on the fish. We're talking about targeting some of the bay's most sought-after species - Redfish, Speckled Trout, Flounder, Black Drum, and Sheepshead. With morning and afternoon trips available, you can choose the time that fits your schedule. Best part? We provide all the gear and bait, so you just need to show up with your Texas fishing license and be ready to have a blast on the water.
What to Expect on the Water
When you step aboard our boat, you're in for a real treat. We'll cruise out into Galveston Bay, a sprawling estuary that's teeming with fish. Captain Justen knows this bay like the back of his hand, and he'll take you straight to the honey holes where the fish are biting. Depending on the season and conditions, we might be drifting over grass flats, working the edges of oyster reefs, or anchoring up near some structure. The beauty of inshore fishing is the variety - one minute you could be battling a bull redfish, the next you might be finessing a speckled trout. And with a max of three anglers, everyone gets plenty of elbow room and personal attention from the captain.
Fishing Techniques & Gear
On our Galveston Bay charters, we use a mix of techniques to keep the rods bent. We might start off casting soft plastics along grass lines for trout, then switch to bottom fishing with live shrimp for flounder. If the redfish are schooling, we'll break out the popping corks and watch those rod tips dance. Don't worry if you're new to these methods - Captain Justen will walk you through each technique. We provide quality rods and reels, tackle, and bait, all suited to the species we're after. Our setup includes everything from light tackle for finesse fishing to heavier gear for when those big reds decide to play. Just remember to bring your sunscreen, hat, and a camera to capture your catches!
What Anglers Are Saying
Our trips are making waves with happy anglers. Here's what one of our recent guests had to say:
"Thanks a lot! It was a great fishing experience even weather wasn't good. I should go there again and try to catch more bigger one!" - Nori
We love hearing feedback like this. It shows that even when Mother Nature throws us a curveball, our trips still deliver a memorable experience on the water.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Redfish: These copper-colored beauties are a staple of Galveston Bay fishing. Known for their powerful runs and distinctive black spot on the tail, redfish can range from "rat reds" of a few pounds to bull reds pushing 40 inches or more. They love to hang around structure and will readily hit a variety of baits. Fall is prime time for redfish, but you can catch them year-round in the bay.
Speckled Trout: Also called spotted seatrout, these fish are prized for both their fight and their flavor. Specks are ambush predators, often found near drop-offs or grass beds. They're most active in the cooler months, but summer can produce some great topwater action at dawn and dusk. A 20-inch speck is considered a good catch, with gator trout pushing 25 inches or more.
Flounder: These flatfish might not win any beauty contests, but they more than make up for it on the dinner plate. Flounder fishing requires a bit of finesse, as they like to lie camouflaged on the bottom waiting to ambush prey. The fall flounder run is legendary in Galveston, with big numbers of fish moving through the passes.
Black Drum: Cousins to the redfish, black drum can grow to massive sizes. While the smaller ones (under 20 pounds) are great eating, the real thrill is hooking into one of the big boys. These fish love crustaceans, so crab or shrimp baits are your best bet. Spring is prime time for big drum, but you can catch them year-round.
Sheepshead: Don't let those human-like teeth fool you - sheepshead are tough fighters and tasty to boot. These striped fish are structure lovers, often found around pilings, jetties, and reefs. They're notoriously bait stealers, so a sensitive touch is needed. Winter and early spring are peak seasons for sheepshead in Galveston Bay.
Time to Book Your Spot
There you have it, folks - a day on Galveston Bay that promises action, variety, and the chance to bring home some fresh fillets. Whether you're looking to bend a rod with friends, teach the kids how to fish, or just enjoy a day on the water, our 3-person charter has got you covered. With all gear provided and Captain Justen's expertise at your disposal, it's the perfect way to experience the best of Texas inshore fishing. The fish are biting, and we've got a spot on the boat with your name on it. So what are you waiting for? Grab your license, round up your fishing buddies, and let's hit the bay. Trust me, once you feel that first tug on the line, you'll be hooked on Galveston Bay fishing for life!
Customer Review
Hooked Despite Rain
Nori I.
February 7, 2025
Learn more about the species
Black Drum
Black Drum are hefty fighters, usually weighing 5-30 pounds but can reach up to 90. You'll find them in Galveston Bay's brackish waters, often around oyster beds and muddy flats. These fish have powerful jaws for crushing shellfish, so use crab or clam for bait. Spring's the prime time, when they school up for spawning. Anglers love 'em for the challenge – they put up a good fight and can be tricky to land. For best results, use a 7- or 9-weight fly rod with weighted flies like Clouser Minnows. Remember, the smaller ones (under 15 pounds) taste better. If you're after a big one, listen for their distinctive drumming sound – they use it to communicate during spawning season. Just be ready for a tug-of-war when you hook into one of these bruisers.
Redfish
Redfish are the bulldogs of Galveston Bay, known for their powerful runs and distinctive tail spot. They typically range from 20-30 inches, but bull reds can top 40 inches and 30 pounds. You'll find them in shallow water, often tailing in 1-4 feet deep flats or around oyster reefs. Fall is prime time when they school up for spawning. Anglers love redfish for their hard-fighting nature and excellent table fare. They'll hit a variety of lures, from topwater plugs to soft plastics. Live bait like mullet or crab works great too. Here's a local tip: look for 'nervous water' or swirls on calm days – that's often redfish feeding. When you hook one, be ready for a battle. They'll make strong runs and even 'bulldog' down, testing your tackle and skills. It's this combination of sight fishing, explosive strikes, and tough fights that makes redfish such a popular target in our bay.
Sea Trout
Sea Trout, or Speckled Trout, are a favorite in Galveston Bay. They typically range from 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, but trophy fish can hit 10 pounds or more. You'll find them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They love to ambush prey, so look for them around structure or drop-offs. Fall and winter are prime seasons when they school up in deeper channels. Anglers prize Sea Trout for their aggressive strikes and delicate, flaky meat. They'll hit a variety of lures – topwater plugs early morning or late evening can be explosive. Live shrimp under a popping cork is always a good bet too. Here's a tip: when you find a school, work the area thoroughly. These fish often hold in one spot, so if you catch one, there's likely more nearby. Just remember, they have soft mouths, so set the hook gently to avoid tearing it.
Sheepshead
Sheepshead are the convicts of Galveston Bay, sporting distinctive black and white stripes. They usually run 1-8 pounds but can reach up to 20. You'll find them around any structure with barnacles – docks, bridges, and jetties are prime spots. These fish have human-like teeth, perfect for crushing crustaceans. Spring's the best time to target them, as they school up to spawn. Anglers love the challenge of catching sheepshead – they're notorious bait stealers and put up a good fight. For bait, nothing beats fiddler crabs or shrimp. Here's a local trick: use a small, sharp hook and set it fast when you feel the bite. Their tough mouths make them hard to hook, so you've got to be quick. The payoff is some of the best-tasting fish in the bay, with sweet, white meat that's worth the effort.
Summer Flounder
Summer Flounder, or 'fluke', are masters of camouflage in Galveston Bay. These flatfish typically run 15-20 inches but can grow up to 26 pounds. You'll find them on sandy or muddy bottoms, often near structures like docks or reefs. They're ambush predators, so they'll lie still, waiting for prey to pass by. Best fishing is September to November when water temps change. Anglers love targeting flounder for their tasty white meat and the challenge of hooking these sneaky bottom-dwellers. Use live bait like minnows or mullet, or try slow-moving jigs. My top tip: when you feel a bite, wait a few seconds before setting the hook. Flounder often grab the bait and hold it before fully committing. It's a game of patience, but the reward is worth it – both for the fight and the dinner table.
About the Sonrise Fishing Nautic Star
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 5
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 50
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 200
Thanks a lot! It was a great fishing experience even weather wasn’t good. I should go there again and try to catch more bigger one!