5-Person Inshore Fishing Trip | Galveston Bay

Reel in the Best of Galveston Bay Fishing

Hey there, anglers! Ready to hit the waters of Galveston Bay for some serious fish-catching action? Captain Justen here, and I've got just the trip for you. Whether you're an early bird or prefer to sleep in, we've got options. Grab your crew of up to 5 and let's chase after some of the bay's most prized catches. From the fighting redfish to the elusive flounder, we're in for a day of non-stop action. So, what do you say? Let's get those lines wet!

What to Expect on the Water

Alright, let's break it down. You've got two choices here: rise with the sun for our 7 AM trip, or join us at 1 PM if you're not about that early morning life. We'll be cruising the scenic North or West Galveston Bay, depending on where the fish are biting. And get this - you don't need to bring a thing. All the gear and bait? It's on us. Just remember your fishing license, and we're good to go. We're talking about 4 solid hours of fishing, folks. That's plenty of time to land a cooler full of keepers and maybe even snag that trophy fish you've been dreaming about.

Techniques That Hook 'Em

Listen up, because this is where the magic happens. We'll be using a mix of techniques to target different species. For those redfish and specks, we might do some drift fishing over oyster reefs or throw some artificial lures along the shorelines. Chasing flounder? We'll slow things down with some bottom fishing using live bait. And for those big ol' black drum, we might anchor up and use some crab or shrimp to entice them. I'll show you the ropes, from how to work a popping cork to the perfect way to present a soft plastic. It's all about reading the water, feeling the bite, and knowing when to set that hook. Trust me, by the end of the day, you'll be fishing like a local.

Top Catches This Season

Alright, let's talk fish. Galveston Bay is teeming with some real beauties, and we're going after the cream of the crop. Here's what's been hot on the lines lately:

Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are the rockstars of the bay. They'll put up a fight that'll have your arms burning, but man, is it worth it. We're seeing some solid 20-30 inchers, with the occasional bull red that'll really test your skills.

Speckled Trout: The local favorite, specks are as fun to catch as they are delicious to eat. They're running good size this year, with plenty in the 16-20 inch range. Watch for their distinctive spots and get ready for some fast action when we find a school.

Flounder: The masters of camouflage, these flatfish are a real treat to catch. They're not the biggest fighters, but they make up for it in taste. We've been pulling in some nice 3-5 pounders lately, perfect for the dinner table.

Black Drum: The big cousins of the redfish, these guys can grow to monster sizes. We're talking 30-40 pounders that'll make your reel sing. They're not the prettiest fish in the bay, but they sure are fun to catch.

Sheepshead: Don't let those human-like teeth fool you, these striped critters are more than just a funny face. They're tricky to hook but put up a great fight for their size. Plus, they're absolutely delicious if you know how to clean 'em right.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

You know, I've been running these trips for years, and there's a reason folks keep coming back. It's not just about the fish - though that's a big part of it. It's about the whole experience. The way the sun paints the sky as we head out. The first bite of the day that gets everyone's blood pumping. The laughs shared over a missed catch or a surprise "slimer" (that's local speak for a big ol' gafftopsail catfish). It's about making memories, whether you're out with family, friends, or even solo joining our group. And let's be honest, there's nothing quite like the pride of bringing home dinner you caught yourself. That's the kind of day I aim to give you every time we head out.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Black Drum: These big boys are the heavyweight champs of Galveston Bay. They love hanging around structure, so we'll target them near bridge pilings and jetties. Spring and fall are prime time for black drum, but you can catch them year-round. What's cool about these fish is their size range - we catch 'em from 2 pounds all the way up to 40+. The bigger ones make a croaking sound that you can feel through your rod. It's a rush when you hook into one of these giants!

Summer Flounder: Also known as Southern flounder around here, these flatfish are the ninjas of the bay. They're masters of camouflage, blending in perfectly with the sandy bottom. We catch most of our flounder in the fall when they're migrating to the Gulf to spawn. That's when the big ones come out to play. Flounder fishing takes patience and a delicate touch, but man, is it rewarding when you feel that thump and set the hook. Plus, they're arguably the best-tasting fish in the bay.

Sheepshead: With those weird human-like teeth, sheepshead are the oddballs of our target species. But don't let their looks fool you - they're smart, strong fighters and tasty to boot. We find them around structure like pilings and oyster reefs. The trick with sheepshead is to use light tackle and feel for the bite. They're notorious bait stealers, so when you feel that tap-tap, it's time to set the hook. Winter and early spring are prime sheepshead seasons.

Sea Trout: When we talk about sea trout here, we mean speckled trout. These guys are the bread and butter of Galveston Bay fishing. They're active year-round, but the big ones (we call 'em gator trout) show up in late winter and early spring. Specks are known for their soft mouths, so a gentle hook set is key. The excitement of seeing a big trout blow up on a topwater lure at dawn? That's hard to beat.

Redfish: Last but definitely not least, we've got the redfish. These copper-colored beauties are probably the most sought-after fish in the bay. They're here all year, but fall is when things really heat up. We catch slots (20-28 inches) in the bay, but if you're lucky, we might run into some bull reds over 40 inches! Redfish will test your drag and your arms, especially when they make those powerful runs. The fight of a big red in shallow water is something every angler should experience.

Time to Book Your Spot

Alright, folks, let's wrap this up. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time wetting a line, Galveston Bay has something for everyone. With five different species to target, each with its own challenges and rewards, you're in for a day of non-stop action. Remember, all the gear's provided, so all you need to bring is your license and a good attitude. We've got morning and afternoon trips to fit your schedule, and with room for up to 5 people, it's perfect for a family outing or a day out with your fishing buddies. So what are you waiting for? The fish are biting, and your spot on the boat is waiting. Let's make some memories and catch some dinner. Book your trip now, and I'll see you on the water!