Get ready to cast your line into the rich waters of Galveston Bay on this exclusive 2-person fishing trip. Whether you're an early bird catching the sunrise or prefer an afternoon adventure, Captain Justen's got you covered. With all the gear provided and a focus on landing some of Texas' most sought-after inshore species, this trip is perfect for anglers looking to make the most of their time on the water.
Your day kicks off bright and early at 7 AM or at a leisurely 1 PM, depending on your preference. You'll meet Captain Justen at the dock, where he'll give you a quick rundown of the day ahead. The beauty of Galveston Bay is its diversity - one minute you might be sight-casting to tailing redfish in the shallows, the next you could be working a deep channel for speckled trout. With years of experience under his belt, the captain knows exactly where the fish are biting. And the best part? Everything you need is included, from rods and reels to bait, so you can focus on what matters - catching fish and having a blast.
On this trip, you'll get to try out a variety of fishing techniques. Depending on the conditions and what's biting, you might find yourself tossing soft plastics for trout, working a popping cork for redfish, or even bottom fishing for sheepshead around structure. Captain Justen's a pro at reading the water and adjusting tactics on the fly. He'll take you to some of his favorite spots - maybe the reefs of Trinity Bay for some speckled trout action, or the marshy edges of East Bay where redfish love to prowl. And if the flounder are running, you bet we'll be drifting some live bait along sandy drop-offs. It's all about maximizing your chances and keeping those rods bent!
Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are a favorite among Galveston anglers. Known for their powerful runs and distinctive spot near the tail, redfish can be found tailing in shallow grass flats or cruising along oyster reefs. They're suckers for a well-placed soft plastic or live shrimp, and when they hit, hold on tight! The fall months are prime time for reds, but you can catch them year-round in Galveston Bay.
Speckled Trout: Also called spotted seatrout, these fish are the bread and butter of Galveston Bay fishing. They're known for their speckled backs and delicate flavor. Specks can be finicky, but when you find a school, the action can be non-stop. They love to hang around oyster reefs and deep channels, especially during summer. Topwater lures at dawn can produce some explosive strikes from big specks.
Flounder: Flat as a pancake and just as tasty, flounder are ambush predators that lie in wait on sandy or muddy bottoms. They're masters of camouflage, blending in perfectly with their surroundings. Fall is the best time to target flounder as they migrate to the Gulf, but you can catch them year-round if you know where to look. Drifting with live bait or working a jig slowly along the bottom are top techniques.
Black Drum: Often overlooked, black drum can provide some serious pull on light tackle. These cousins of the redfish grow to impressive sizes and are known for their distinctive chin barbels. They love crustaceans, so fresh crab or shrimp are your best bets. You'll often find them hanging around structure like bridge pilings or in deeper holes.
Sheepshead: With their unique zebra-like stripes and human-like teeth, sheepshead are a quirky but rewarding catch. They're notorious bait stealers, so a sensitive touch is key. You'll find them around any kind of structure - jetties, pilings, and oyster reefs are prime spots. Fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs are like candy to these fish. The cooler months are best for targeting sheepshead in Galveston Bay.
Fishing Galveston Bay isn't just about what ends up in the cooler - it's about the whole experience. Picture yourself gliding across glassy waters as the sun paints the sky, pelicans diving for their breakfast nearby. Or maybe you prefer the afternoon light, casting long shadows as you work a grass line for redfish. The diversity of the bay means every trip is different. One day you might be battling bull reds in the ship channel, the next you could be finessing speckled trout around oyster reefs. And let's not forget the potential for an epic "slam" - landing a trout, redfish, and flounder all in one trip. It's this variety, coupled with Captain Justen's local know-how, that keeps folks coming back for more.
While every season offers something special in Galveston Bay, we've been seeing some standout action lately. The redfish bite has been on fire, with many anglers landing their personal best. Speckled trout numbers are strong, especially around the reefs and gas wells. And for those willing to put in the work, some doormat-sized flounder have been coming to the boat. Remember, fishing is always evolving, and part of the fun is adapting to what the bay gives you on any given day. Captain Justen stays on top of the latest patterns and will put you where the fish are biting.
Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this 2-person trip on Galveston Bay is the perfect way to experience some of the best inshore fishing Texas has to offer. With all gear provided, expert guidance from Captain Justen, and a range of species to target, you're in for a treat. Just remember to grab your fishing license before you arrive. The bay is calling, and the fish are waiting - don't miss out on your chance to create some lasting memories on the water. Book your spot now and get ready to feel that tug on the line!
Black Drum are hefty fighters, usually weighing 5-30 pounds but can reach up to 90. Look for them in shallow, muddy flats and around oyster beds. They love structure, so bridges and pier pilings are hotspots. Spring's the prime time as they school up to spawn. Anglers dig 'em for their strong pull and tasty meat, especially the smaller ones under 15 pounds. Their powerful jaws crush shellfish, so crab is a top bait choice. Here's a local trick: use a heavy enough weight to keep your bait on the bottom, and be patient. Black Drum are notorious bait nibblers, so give them time to really take it before setting the hook. Fresh soft crabs or peelers work great, and they're less likely to get stolen by other fish. Whether you're after a trophy or a dinner, Black Drum offer a fun challenge in Galveston Bay.
Redfish, or Red Drum, are the rockstars of Galveston Bay. They average 20-30 inches but can grow over 40. Look for them in shallow flats, 1-4 feet deep, often tailing in water so shallow their backs are exposed. They love hanging around oyster reefs, marsh edges, and man-made structures. Fall's prime time when they school up for their spawn run. Anglers can't get enough of their powerful fights and tasty, mild-flavored meat. They'll hit a variety of lures, from topwater plugs to soft plastics. Here's a local tip: on calm days, cruise the flats and look for their copper-colored backs or tails breaking the surface. Cast well ahead of them and slowly retrieve – they can't resist an easy meal. Whether you're sight-casting to tailing reds or working a deep channel edge, hooking into one of these bronze bruisers is always a thrill.
Sea Trout, or Speckled Trout, are a favorite in Galveston Bay. Most run 14-24 inches, but trophy fish over 30 inches aren't unheard of. Look for them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They love to hang around oyster reefs and channel edges. Fall and winter are prime seasons when they school up in deeper holes. Anglers prize them for their sporty fight and excellent table fare. Their soft, white meat is delicious but cooks quickly, so be careful not to overdo it. For artificial lures, try topwater plugs early morning or soft plastics rigged on a jighead. Here's a tip: when the bite's tough, try drifting live shrimp under a popping cork. The sound attracts trout from a distance, and they can't resist a lively shrimp. Sea Trout fishing in Galveston is always exciting, whether you're after numbers or that gator trout of a lifetime.
Sheepshead are the convict fish of Galveston Bay, sporting distinctive black and white stripes. They typically weigh 1-8 pounds but can reach up to 20. You'll find them around any structure with barnacles – pilings, jetties, and reefs are prime spots. Spring's the best time as they gather to spawn. Anglers love the challenge of catching these bait stealers with their human-like teeth. They're prized for their sweet, white meat too. Use light tackle and small hooks baited with fiddler crabs or pieces of shrimp. Here's a local secret: scrape some barnacles off the pilings to chum the water and bring them in close. When you feel a nibble, wait a second before setting the hook – Sheepshead are notorious for stealing bait. It takes some practice, but landing these striped tricksters is always satisfying.
Summer Flounder, or "fluke," are masters of camouflage, blending into sandy bottoms with their mottled brown coloring. They typically run 15-20 inches but can grow up to 26 pounds. You'll find them in estuaries and inshore waters, often lurking near drop-offs or structure. Fall's prime time as they migrate to deeper waters. Anglers love targeting them for their tasty white meat and the challenge of their sneaky bites. They're ambush predators, so fishing slowly along the bottom is key. Try drifting with live minnows or mullet on a bucktail jig. Here's a tip: when you feel a tap, don't set the hook right away. Give the flounder a few seconds to fully take the bait – they often grab it sideways before turning it to swallow. Patience pays off with these flatfish, and landing a big one is always a thrill.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 5
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 50
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 200