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Premium 4-Person Galveston Bay Fishing | Sonrise
- Published Date: July 17, 2025
- Fishing
- Galveston Bay, Texas Gulf Coast, TX, United States
- $350 - $1,000 price range
- Updated Date: October 1, 2025
Summary
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Galveston Bay Catches
Reel in the Big Ones on Galveston Bay
Get ready to wet a line in one of Texas' most productive fishing grounds! This 4-person trip on Galveston Bay is perfect for anglers looking to land some of the Gulf Coast's most prized catches. Whether you're an early bird or prefer to sleep in, Captain Justen's got you covered with both morning and afternoon departures. Trust me, there's nothing quite like feeling that first tug on your line as the sun rises over the bay - or watching your rod bend double as you reel in a monster red during the afternoon bite.
What to Expect on the Water
You'll be fishing the rich waters of North or West Galveston Bay, depending on where the fish are running. Captain Justen knows these waters like the back of his hand and will put you right on top of the action. No need to fuss with gear or bait - it's all provided. Just bring your Texas fishing license, some snacks, and get ready to fill the cooler. With a max of 4 anglers, you'll have plenty of elbow room to cast and reel without getting tangled up with your buddies.
Fishing Techniques & Hot Spots
Depending on the season and what's biting, you might find yourself drifting live shrimp for speckled trout, working a popping cork for reds in the marsh, or jigging the deep holes for flounder. Captain Justen's always got a few tricks up his sleeve, whether it's sight-casting to tailing reds in skinny water or working structure for big black drum. He'll show you the ropes if you're new to inshore fishing, or swap stories and techniques if you're an old salt. Either way, you're in for some serious rod-bending action.
What Anglers Are Saying
"Justen was great. He is very knowledgeable with technique and has an outstanding attitude while working. He put us on eight different species of fish. Will book again. Thanks!" - JUSTIN
Species You'll Want to Hook
Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are the crown jewels of Galveston Bay. Known for their powerful runs and distinctive spot on the tail, reds can be found cruising the flats or busting bait in the marshes. Fall is prime time when big bulls move into the bay, but you can catch them year-round. There's nothing quite like watching a school of reds churning up the water as they chase bait - it's sight fishing at its finest.
Speckled Trout: These spotted beauties are a staple of Gulf Coast fishing. They've got a soft mouth, so a gentle hook set is key. Specks love to hang around oyster reefs and channel edges, especially during the cooler months. When the water warms up, you might find them slicking on the surface - a sure sign they're feeding hard. Their delicate white meat makes them a favorite for the dinner table.
Flounder: These flatfish are masters of camouflage, blending in perfectly with the sandy bottom. Fall is the best time to target flounder as they migrate to the Gulf to spawn. They love to ambush their prey, so working a jig or live bait slowly along drop-offs and around structure is the ticket. Landing a big doormat flounder is always a highlight of any trip.
Black Drum: The often-overlooked cousins of the redfish, black drum can grow to massive sizes in Galveston Bay. They're bottom feeders, using their whiskers (barbels) to root out crabs and shrimp. Spring is prime time when big schools move into the bay to spawn. While the smaller ones are great eating, the big ones over 30 pounds are best released to fight another day.
Sheepshead: With their distinctive black and white stripes and human-like teeth, sheepshead are one of the quirkiest fish you'll catch in the bay. They're structure-oriented, loving to hang around pilings, jetties, and oyster reefs. Winter and early spring are the best times to target them. They're notorious bait stealers, so a quick hookset is crucial. Despite their looks, they're excellent table fare with firm, white meat.
Time to Book Your Spot
Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this Galveston Bay fishing trip is sure to deliver. With Captain Justen's local knowledge and a bay full of fish, you're in for a day of non-stop action. Remember, the early bird gets the worm - or in this case, the fish - so don't wait to lock in your date. Grab your buddies, pick your preferred time slot, and get ready to make some memories on the water. The fish are biting, and your spot on the boat is waiting!
Customer Review
Fish Frenzy Expert
JUSTIN CISNEROS
February 10, 2025
Learn more about the species
Black Drum
Black Drum are tough fighters that can grow huge – we're talking 30 to 90 pounds for the big ones. You'll find them hanging around oyster beds and muddy flats in the bay, often in water less than 4 feet deep. They use those powerful jaws and teeth to crush shellfish, so crab and shrimp make great bait. Spring is prime time when they school up to spawn. Anglers love targeting them for the challenge and tasty white meat of the smaller fish. Just remember, anything over 15 pounds tends to get tough and less flavorful. My go-to trick is using a heavy sinker to keep your bait on the bottom where these guys feed. Listen closely and you might even hear them making croaking sounds underwater!
Redfish
Redfish are the rockstars of Galveston Bay. They love shallow water – I'm talking 1 to 4 feet deep. Look for them around oyster reefs, grass flats, and marsh edges. Most run 20-30 inches, but the big bulls can top 40 inches. They're known for their coppery color and that distinctive black spot near the tail. Fall is prime time when they school up, but you can catch 'em year-round. Anglers love redfish for their hard fights and versatility on the table. My local tip: on calm days, look for their tails sticking out of the water as they root for crabs in the shallows. Cast a gold spoon or soft plastic shrimp just ahead of them and hold on tight – when a red hits, you'll know it!
Sea Trout
Sea Trout, or Speckled Trout as we call 'em here, are a favorite target in Galveston Bay. They usually run 14-24 inches, but the big ones can top 5 pounds. Look for them around grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They're schooling fish, so where you find one, there's likely more. Spring and fall are prime seasons. Anglers love 'em for their aggressive strikes and tasty, flaky meat. My go-to trick is using topwater lures early in the morning – there's nothing like seeing a trout explode on your bait. When the sun gets high, switch to soft plastics or live shrimp under a popping cork. Just remember, these fish can be pretty wary, so a stealthy approach is key.
Sheepshead
Sheepshead are the oddballs of the bay, with human-like teeth and black and white stripes that earned them the nickname "convict fish." Most run 1-8 pounds, but the big ones can hit 20. You'll find them around any structure with barnacles – pilings, jetties, reefs. They're notorious bait stealers, so you need to be quick on the hook set. Spring is prime time when they school up to spawn. Anglers love the challenge of catching these crafty fish, plus they're excellent eating. My local trick: use fiddler crabs or pieces of shrimp, and fish as close to the structure as you can without snagging. When you feel the lightest tap, it's time to set the hook – these guys are masters at nibbling bait off the hook.
Summer Flounder
Summer Flounder, or "flatties" as we call 'em, are masters of camouflage. They're usually 15-20 inches long, but the big ones can hit 26 pounds. You'll find them on sandy or muddy bottoms, often near structures like reefs or wrecks. Fall is the best time to target them as they move to deeper waters. Anglers love flounder for their delicate white meat and the challenge of hooking them – they have a reputation for stealing bait. My top tip: use a slow retrieve with live bait or soft plastics, dragging it along the bottom. When you feel that telltale thump, give it a second before setting the hook. These fish aren't just fun to catch, they're also some of the best eating fish in the bay.
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
Justen was great. He is very knowledgeable with technique and has an outstanding attitude while working. He put us on eight different species of fish. Will book again. Thanks!