Ready to reel in some Texas-sized memories? Hop aboard with Captain Justen for a 2-person fishing trip that'll have you hooked from the start. Whether you're an early bird catching the sunrise or prefer an afternoon adventure, this Galveston Bay trip is tailored just for you. We'll be chasing after redfish, speckled trout, flounder, black drum, and sheepshead - the Bay's all-star lineup. And the best part? We've got all the gear and bait covered, so you can focus on landing the big one.
Picture this: You're cruising across Galveston Bay as the Texas sun paints the sky. Captain Justen's at the helm, ready to share his local knowledge and get you on the fish. We'll hit up the best spots in North or West Galveston Bay, depending on where the bite's hot. Morning trips kick off at 7 AM, perfect for those who want to beat the heat and catch the early bite. Prefer to sleep in? No worries - our 1 PM trips are just as action-packed. Just remember to grab your fishing license before you hop on board, and we'll take care of the rest.
On this trip, we're all about versatility. We might start off drifting for speckled trout over shell reefs, then switch gears to sight-casting for tailing redfish in the shallows. Captain Justen's always got a few tricks up his sleeve, whether it's free-lining live shrimp for flounder or dropping cut bait for hefty black drum. Don't sweat it if you're new to inshore fishing - we'll walk you through every technique, from setting the drag to netting your catch. And hey, if you've got a favorite lure or rod you want to bring along, feel free. We're all about customizing the experience to what works for you.
Galveston Bay's been on fire lately. Anglers have been pulling in monster redfish from the jetties, while the back bays are producing some chunky speckled trout. The flounder run's been nothing to sneeze at either, with plenty of doormat-sized flatties coming over the rails. But don't just take our word for it - book your trip and see for yourself why Galveston Bay is a top-rated inshore fishing destination.
Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are the pride of Texas inshore fishing. Known for their powerful runs and distinctive tail spots, redfish can range from "rat reds" under 20 inches to bull reds over 40 inches. They love to cruise the shallows, often revealing their location with telltale tail waving above the surface. Fall is prime time for redfish, but you can catch 'em 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 delicate flavor and the challenge they present to anglers. Specks have a soft mouth, so a gentle touch is needed when setting the hook. Look for them around oyster reefs and grass flats, especially during the spring and fall transitions.
Flounder: The masters of camouflage, flounder lie in wait on the bay bottom for unsuspecting prey. These flatfish are prized for their tasty fillets and the unique challenge they present. Fall is the best time to target flounder as they migrate to the Gulf, but you can find them year-round if you know where to look. Captain Justen's got the flounder grounds dialed in.
Black Drum: The bulldogs of the bay, black drum are known for their strong fights and distinctive chin barbels. While the smaller ones are excellent table fare, the big ones (over 30 pounds) are best released. They love crustaceans, so crab or shrimp baits are your best bet. Winter and early spring see large schools of black drum in Galveston Bay.
Sheepshead: Don't let their goofy grin fool you - sheepshead are tough fighters and even tougher to hook. Their human-like teeth are perfect for crushing crustaceans, which makes them a blast to catch around structure like pilings and jetties. Winter and early spring are prime sheepshead seasons in Galveston Bay. They're also fantastic eating, with sweet, white meat that rivals any other inshore species.
Galveston Bay isn't just a fishing spot; it's a year-round angler's playground. Each season brings its own mix of species and challenges. Spring sees the arrival of big speckled trout in the shallows. Summer heats up with redfish action along the shorelines. Fall brings the epic flounder run and schooling redfish. Even winter has its charms, with bull redfish and black drum providing heavyweight battles. Add in the ever-present chance of hooking into a monster jack crevalle or shark, and you've got a fishery that keeps you on your toes trip after trip.
When you step aboard Captain Justen's boat, you're in for a real Texas fishing experience. We're not about fancy frills - we're about putting you on fish and having a good time doing it. The boat's set up for serious angling, with plenty of room to cast and fight fish. We'll provide quality rods, reels, and tackle suited for the species we're after. Live bait? You bet. We'll have a livewell full of frisky shrimp or mullet, depending on what's working best.
As we cruise to our fishing spots, keep your eyes peeled. You might spot dolphins playing in the wake or pelicans diving for their breakfast. Captain Justen's always happy to share some local history or point out landmarks along the way. Once we're on the fish, it's all hands on deck. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time wetting a line, we'll make sure you're comfortable and catching fish.
Look, Galveston Bay's fishing isn't a secret. The word's out, and spots on top-rated charters like this fill up fast. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler with tasty fillets or just want to bend a rod and make some memories, this trip's got you covered. With only two spots per trip, you're guaranteed personalized attention and a chance to really hone your skills. So why wait? Grab a buddy, pick your date, and let's get out on the water. The fish are biting, and Captain Justen's ready to put you right in the middle of the action. Book now, and get ready for a Texas-sized fishing adventure you won't forget!
Black Drum are the big cousins of redfish, often weighing 5-30 pounds but sometimes hitting 90. You'll find them in Galveston Bay year-round, hanging around oyster reefs, pier pilings, and other structures. These bottom-feeders use their powerful jaws to crush shellfish, so crab and shrimp make great bait. Spring is prime time when they school up to spawn. Drum put up a good fight and make tasty table fare when smaller, but I'd release the big ones over 15 pounds - they get tough and lose flavor. Listen for their croaking sounds underwater, it's how they communicate. To hook one, use a heavy sinker to keep your bait on the bottom and set the hook hard when you feel that telltale tapping. Patience is key with these bait-stealers, but landing a big Black Drum is always a thrill.
Redfish are the crown jewels of Galveston Bay fishing. These copper-colored beauties with the trademark black spot near the tail typically run 20-30 inches in the bay, but can grow much larger. Look for them in shallow water, often so shallow their backs are out of water. They love to cruise oyster reefs, marsh edges, and grass flats. Reds put up a fantastic fight, often making long, powerful runs. They'll eat just about anything, from live bait to artificial lures. Try topwater plugs early morning for explosive strikes, or sight-cast to tailing fish in shallow water for a real challenge. Fall is prime time when they school up, but you can catch them year-round. These fish are not only fun to catch but make great eating too. Just remember the slot limit - we want to keep this fishery strong for years to come.
Speckled Trout, or "specks" as we call 'em, are a staple in Galveston Bay. These silver beauties with their spotted backs typically run 14-20 inches but can hit 30. Look for them around grass flats, oyster reefs, and channel edges. They're most active at dawn and dusk, especially on moving tides. Specks are aggressive feeders and will hit topwater lures, soft plastics, or live bait like shrimp or croakers. They put up a good fight with lots of head-shaking runs. Fall and spring are prime seasons when water temps are just right. These fish are a blast to catch and make excellent table fare. Here's a tip: on calm mornings, look for them feeding on the surface - that topwater bite is hard to beat. Just remember to practice catch and release with the big ones to keep the population healthy.
Sheepshead are the convicts of Galveston Bay, with their distinctive black and white stripes. These structure-loving fish hang around anything barnacle-covered - pilings, jetties, reefs. They typically run 1-8 pounds, but can reach 20. Spring is prime time when they school up to spawn. Sheepshead are notorious bait-stealers with those weird human-like teeth, so you've got to be quick on the hook-set. Use light tackle and small hooks baited with fiddler crabs or pieces of shrimp. Get as close to the structure as you can without spooking them. These fish put up a great fight for their size, and they're delicious eating too. Just be careful cleaning them - those fins are sharp! Here's a local trick: scrape some barnacles off a piling to chum them up. The scent will bring them right to you.
Flounder are the chameleons of Galveston Bay. These flat, oddball fish can change color to blend with the bottom, making them tricky to spot. Most run 15-20 inches, but the big ones can hit 26 pounds. Look for them around sandy or muddy bottoms, often near structures like jetties or dock pilings. Fall is prime time as they migrate to spawn offshore. Flounder are ambush predators - they'll lie in wait, then pounce on passing baitfish. That makes them fun to target, but you've got to be patient. Try slow-dragging a live mullet or soft plastic along the bottom. When you feel that distinctive thump, give it a second before setting the hook. Flounder put up a decent fight and make excellent eating. There's nothing quite like the satisfaction of outsmarting these masters of camouflage.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 5
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 50
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 200