Expert-Guided Galveston Bay Fishing Trip | Sonrise

Published Date: July 16, 2025
Fishing

Galveston Bay, Texas Gulf Coast, TX, United States
$350 - $1,600 price range

Summary

Ready for a solo fishing adventure in Galveston Bay? Captain Justen's got you covered with this 1-person trip that can kick off at sunrise or in the afternoon. You'll be targeting a variety of fish including redfish, speckled trout, flounder, black drum, and sheepshead. The captain knows all the prime spots in West and North Galveston Bay, so you're in for some solid action. No need to worry about gear - all equipment and bait are provided. Just remember to bring your fishing license, and you're set. Whether you're an early bird looking to cast lines at 7 AM or prefer a 1 PM start, this trip offers flexibility. It's a great chance to enjoy some quality time on the water, learn new techniques, and hopefully land a few nice catches. With personalized attention from the captain, you'll get the most out of your time on Galveston Bay.

Expert-Guided Galveston Bay Fishing Trip | Sonrise

Bay Fishing Action

5 redfish caught in Hitchcock, Texas on a fishing tour

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Image of a 33-inch redfish caught during a fishing tour in TX

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9 black drum and sheepshead fish caught in TX

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Lone Angler's Paradise: Galveston Bay Fishing

Trip Overview

Get ready for a solo fishing adventure on Galveston Bay that'll have you hooked from the start. This one-person trip is perfect for anglers looking to escape the crowds and focus on landing some serious Texas inshore species. Captain Justen knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on the fish whether you're an early bird or afternoon angler. You've got your choice of a sunrise start at 7 AM or a 1 PM kick-off, giving you the flexibility to fish when it suits you best. The best part? All the gear and bait are included, so you can leave the tackle box at home and just show up ready to cast.

What to Expect on the Water

Once you hop aboard, Captain Justen will motor you out to the prime fishing spots in West or North Galveston Bay. These waters are teeming with gamefish, and you'll be targeting a mix of redfish, speckled trout, flounder, black drum, and sheepshead. The captain's got a sixth sense for where the fish are biting, so you're in for a day of non-stop action. You'll be using a variety of techniques, from sight-casting to redfish in the shallows to working soft plastics for trout over oyster reefs. Just remember to grab your Texas fishing license before you show up – it's the one thing the captain can't provide!

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Galveston Bay is a fisherman's playground, and this trip is all about giving you the personalized attention to make the most of it. With just you and the captain on board, you've got the freedom to fish exactly how you want. Maybe you're dead-set on landing a trophy red, or perhaps you want to try your hand at every species in the bay. Whatever your goal, Captain Justen's got the local know-how to make it happen. Plus, with all the gear provided, you don't have to stress about bringing the right lures or rods. It's hassle-free fishing at its finest, letting you focus on what really matters – setting the hook and reeling 'em in.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are the rock stars of Galveston Bay. Redfish, also known as red drum, are famous for their powerful runs and bull-dogging fights. They love to cruise the shallows, often revealing their location with their trademark tailing behavior. Sight-casting to these giants is a heart-pounding experience that'll test your accuracy and nerves. Fall is prime time for big bulls, but you can find slot-sized reds year-round.

Speckled Trout: The speckled sea trout is a Galveston Bay staple and a favorite among light tackle enthusiasts. These spotted beauties are known for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic leaps. They school up around structure and drop-offs, making them a blast to target with artificial lures. Spring and fall offer the best action, but savvy anglers can find specs throughout the year.

Flounder: Galveston's flatfish are prized for both their fight and their flavor. These ambush predators lie in wait on the bottom, often congregating around points and passes. The fall flounder run is legendary, with big fish moving out to the Gulf to spawn. Drifting live bait or working a jig slowly along the bottom is the ticket to hooking these tasty flatties.

Black Drum: The lesser-known cousin of the redfish, black drum are bulldogs of the bay. They grow to impressive sizes and put up a stubborn fight that'll test your stamina. Look for them around oyster reefs and channel edges, where they use their sensitive barbels to root out crabs and shrimp. Early spring sees big spawning drum move in, offering a shot at a true heavyweight.

Sheepshead: Don't let their goofy grin fool you – sheepshead are tough customers on light tackle. These striped brawlers have powerful jaws designed for crushing barnacles and crabs, which means they hang tight to structure. Fishing for them around pilings and jetties requires finesse and patience, but the reward is a hard-fighting fish that's also excellent on the table. Winter and early spring are prime time for sheepshead action.

Time to Book Your Spot

Listen, if you're itching for a day on the water that's all about you and the fish, this Galveston Bay trip is calling your name. Captain Justen's got the skills to put you on the bite, whether you're after a monster red or a mixed bag of inshore species. With morning and afternoon options, you can pick the time that works best for you. Remember, it's just you and the captain, so you'll get all the attention and tips you need to make the most of your day. All the gear's provided, the fish are waiting, and the bay's beauty is the cherry on top. Don't let this chance for a top-notch Texas fishing experience slip away. Grab your license, book your trip, and get ready to create some fish stories of your own on Galveston Bay. The tide's right, the fish are biting – what are you waiting for?

Learn more about the species

Black Drum

Redfish are one of the most popular targets in Galveston Bay. These copper-colored bruisers typically run 20-30 inches, though trophy fish over 40 inches aren't unheard of. Look for them in shallow flats and around structure like oyster reefs. They love to cruise in water as skinny as 1-2 feet deep, often tailing as they root for crabs and shrimp. Fall is prime time when big schools move into the bay to spawn. Redfish put up a great fight and make excellent table fare. To hook one, try sight-casting with a gold spoon or scented soft plastic. My favorite trick is to chum with some cut mullet to get them fired up. Once you see those distinctive spot-tailed reds cruising, it's game on!

Redfish

Black drum are the bulldogs of Galveston Bay. Most keepers run 14-30 inches, but giants over 40 inches aren't uncommon. Look for them around oyster reefs, channel edges, and mudflats. They're here year-round but bunch up to spawn in early spring. Anglers target drum for their hard-pulling fight and good eating (smaller ones taste best). To hook one, use fresh peeled shrimp or crab on a circle hook. My local tip: chum with crushed oysters or clams to get them fired up. When you feel that telltale "thump-thump-thump," get ready for a battle - these guys don't give up easy!

Sea Trout

Flounder are the bay's flatfish, masters of camouflage with both eyes on one side. Most keeper flounders run 14-18 inches, but doormat-sized 24-inchers show up. Find 'em on sandy or muddy bottoms near drop-offs and channels. Fall is flounder season as they migrate to spawn, with the run peaking in November. Anglers prize flounder for their fight and unbeatable taste. To catch one, try slow-dragging a mud minnow or finger mullet along the bottom. My local trick: focus on areas with moving water during tide changes. When you feel that distinctive "thump," give 'em a second to swallow before setting the hook. Get ready for some of the best eating fish in the bay!

Sheepshead

Sheepshead are the oddball of Galveston Bay, with human-like teeth and black stripes that earn them the nickname "convict fish." Most run 2-4 pounds, but 8-pounders aren't rare. Look for them around any structure with barnacles - jetties, pilings, and reefs are prime spots. They're here year-round but really bunch up to spawn in early spring. Anglers target sheepshead for their tough fight and sweet, white meat. These bait-stealers are tricky to hook, so use a small, strong hook and fresh bait like fiddler crabs or shrimp. My top tip: when you feel the lightest tap, wait a second before setting the hook. Let 'em get that bait in their crusher plate first!

Summer Flounder

Speckled trout, or "specks" as we call 'em, are a staple in Galveston Bay fishing. These silver beauties usually run 15-20 inches but can top 30 inches. Find 'em around grass flats, channels, and deep holes, especially near bait schools. Dawn and dusk are prime feeding times. Trout fishing picks up in spring as waters warm, peaking in summer. Anglers love specks for their aggressive strikes and delicate flavor. To land one, try working a soft plastic under a popping cork - the splash mimics fleeing baitfish. My go-to tactic is drifting live shrimp on a free line. When you feel that telltale thump, set the hook quick - these guys have paper-thin mouths!

About the Sonrise Fishing Nautic Star

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 5

Manufacturer Name: Mercury

Maximum Cruising Speed: 50

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 200

Get ready for an intimate fishing experience in the heart of Galveston Bay, Texas. This one-on-one trip lets you choose between an early morning start at 7:00 AM or a laid-back afternoon departure at 1:00 PM. Captain Justen knows all the prime spots in West and North Galveston Bay, where you'll have a shot at reeling in prized catches like Redfish, Speckled Trout, Flounder, Black Drum, and Sheepshead. No need to worry about gear - all equipment and bait are provided, so you can focus on the joy of fishing. Whether you're an early bird chasing the sunrise or prefer the warmth of midday waters, this personalized adventure caters to your schedule. Just remember to bring your fishing license, and you're set for a day of angling action in one of Texas' most beautiful coastal settings. Don't miss this chance to have the bay's bounty all to yourself - book your spot now!

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