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Expert-Guided Morning Fishing in Galveston Bay
- Published Date: September 13, 2025
- Fishing
- $550 - $1,100 price range
Summary
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Galveston Bay Catches
Unstoppable Redfish Action!
Stacked Redfish and Sharks!
Awesome Shark Catch!
Legendary Haul!
Powerful Redfish Catch!
Massive Amberjack Success!
Loaded with Redfish!
Epic Redfish Catch!
Sunset Redfish Doubles!
Shark & Redfish Combo!
Unstoppable Redfish Action!
Stacked Redfish and Sharks!
Awesome Shark Catch!
Legendary Haul!
Powerful Redfish Catch!
Massive Amberjack Success!
Loaded with Redfish!
Epic Redfish Catch!
Sunset Redfish Doubles!
Shark & Redfish Combo!
Unstoppable Redfish Action!
Stacked Redfish and Sharks!
Awesome Shark Catch!
Legendary Haul!
Reel in Redfish on a Galveston Morning Trip
Get ready to kick off your day with some serious rod-bending action in Galveston Bay! This 4-hour morning fishing trip is perfect for anglers looking to score some of the best inshore species Texas has to offer. You'll be cruising out on Captain John's slick 26-foot Robalo, a bay boat that's built for comfort and catching fish. With twin 200HP Mercury engines, we'll get you to the honey holes in no time. Whether you're after bull reds, tasty trout, or the ever-elusive flounder, this trip's got you covered. Grab your fishing buddies (up to 3 total) and let's hit the water!
What to Expect on the Water
We'll meet up bright and early at the dock, load up the boat, and head out as the sun's coming up over Galveston Bay. That's when the fish are most active, and we'll be right there to take advantage. Captain John knows these waters like the back of his hand, so he'll have us on fish in no time. We'll be using a mix of techniques - bottom fishing for those structure-loving sheepshead, cork fishing for trout, and maybe even some drifting if the conditions are right. Don't worry if you're new to this - the captain's got all the gear and know-how to get you hooked up. Just remember to grab your Texas fishing license before you show up, and we'll take care of the rest!
Fishing Techniques & Gear
On this trip, we'll be pulling out all the stops to put fish in the boat. Bottom fishing is killer for redfish and black drum - we'll use fresh cut bait or live shrimp to tempt those bottom-dwellers. For trout, nothing beats a popping cork with a live shrimp underneath. We might even do some light trolling if we spot some birds working over bait. The boat's loaded with top-notch gear - light tackle rods and reels spooled with braided line for sensitivity. Captain John's always got a tackle box full of soft plastics, topwater lures, and jigs to match whatever the fish are biting that day. And don't sweat it if you're a beginner - he'll show you the ropes and have you casting like a pro in no time.
Top Catches This Season
Galveston Bay's been on fire lately! Anglers have been hauling in some serious slabs. The redfish bite has been particularly hot, with bull reds crushing baits near the jetties and channels. Speckled trout have been schooling up over shell reefs, providing non-stop action on light tackle. And for those willing to put in the work, some doormat-sized flounder have been showing up around structure and drop-offs. It's shaping up to be a banner year for Galveston fishing, so you picked a great time to wet a line!
Species You'll Want to Hook
Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are the rock stars of Galveston Bay. Known for their powerful runs and delicious flesh, redfish (or red drum) can be found year-round but really turn on in the fall. Look for their distinctive spot near the tail - some fish have multiple spots, which is considered good luck! They love to hang around structure and will eagerly take live bait or artificial lures. The "slot" size for keepers is 20-28 inches, but don't be surprised if you hook into a bull red over 40 inches!
Speckled Trout: Also called spotted seatrout, these fish are a favorite among light tackle enthusiasts. They've got a mouth full of sharp teeth and aren't afraid to use them on topwater lures or live shrimp. Specks tend to school up, so when you find one, you've often found a bunch. Early mornings are prime time for trout fishing, especially around grass flats or oyster reefs. The meat is mild and flaky, perfect for a fish fry back at the dock.
Flounder: The master of camouflage, southern flounder are ambush predators that lie in wait for unsuspecting baitfish. They're most active during their fall migration, but can be caught year-round if you know where to look. Flounder fishing requires patience and a delicate touch - when you feel that distinctive "thump," give them a second before setting the hook. These flatfish are prized for their sweet, delicate meat and are considered some of the best eating in the bay.
Sheepshead: Don't let those human-like teeth fool you - sheepshead are no joke when it comes to putting up a fight. These striped battlers love structure, so we'll target them around pilings, jetties, and reefs. They're notorious bait stealers, so a sensitive rod and quick hookset are key. Sheepshead feed primarily on crustaceans, which gives their meat a sweet, almost crab-like flavor. They're a blast to catch and even better on the dinner table.
Black Drum: The often-overlooked cousin of the redfish, black drum can grow to massive sizes. While the big ones (over 30 pounds) are usually released, slot-sized drum make for excellent eating. They've got a distinctive chin barbel that helps them root out crabs and shrimp from the bottom. Black drum are known for their powerful, thudding bites and dogged fights. They're most active in the cooler months but can be caught year-round in Galveston Bay.
Time to Book Your Spot
Look, there's nothing quite like starting your day on the water, watching the sun come up over Galveston Bay with a bent rod in your hands. This 4-hour morning trip is the perfect way to scratch that fishing itch without taking up your whole day. Captain John's got the knowledge, the gear, and the attitude to make sure you have a killer time out there. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod, you're in for a treat. The fish are biting, the weather's perfect, and that cooler's just waiting to be filled with your catch. Don't let this chance slip away - book your spot now and get ready for some serious Galveston Bay action!
Learn more about the species
Black Drum
Black Drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, typically ranging from 5 to 30 pounds but sometimes hitting 90 pounds. You'll find them in brackish waters and estuaries, often around oyster beds and other structures. These bottom-feeders use their strong, crushinglike teeth to feast on shellfish and crustaceans. Spring is prime time for Black Drum fishing, as they school up for spawning. Anglers love them for their powerful fight and the unique drumming sound they make. To land one, try fishing shallow, muddy flats or near pier pilings with fresh crab or shrimp. Here's a pro tip: use a heavy enough weight to keep your bait in place, as Black Drum prefer stationary meals. When you feel a bite, give it a moment before setting the hook – these fish like to crush their food first. Remember, for the best eating, stick to smaller drum under 15 pounds. The big ones can be tough and less tasty.
Redfish
Redfish, or Red Drum, are a Galveston Bay staple, known for their coppery color and distinctive black spot near the tail. They typically run 20-30 inches, but can grow much larger. You'll find them in shallow waters, often just 1-4 feet deep, around oyster reefs, grass flats, and marsh edges. Fall is prime time as they school up for their spawning run. Anglers love Redfish for their hard-fighting nature and excellent table fare. To catch one, try sight-casting in clear shallows or fishing around structure with live bait or lures. Here's a local trick: on calm days, look for their tails sticking up as they root for crabs in the mud flats. When you spot one, cast well ahead and slowly retrieve your lure past them. The explosion when they hit is unforgettable!
Sea Trout
Sea Trout, also known as Speckled Trout, are a favorite target in Galveston Bay. These silvery, spotted fish typically range from 14 to 24 inches and weigh 1 to 5 pounds. You'll find them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They love to hang around structure and drop-offs. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but winter can be excellent when they school up in deeper channels. Anglers prize Sea Trout for their aggressive strikes and delicate, flaky meat. To catch one, try using artificial lures like jerk baits or topwater plugs in the shallows. Here's a local tip: when the water's cool, slow down your retrieve and work the deeper areas. Sea Trout are ambush predators, so focus on spots where bait fish gather. Live shrimp under a popping cork is another killer technique that rarely fails to produce.
Sheepshead
Sheepshead, nicknamed "convict fish" for their black and white stripes, are a unique catch in Galveston Bay. They typically weigh 1-8 pounds and grow up to 20 inches long. You'll find them around structures like docks, bridges, and oyster reefs, where they use their human-like teeth to crunch barnacles and crabs. Spring is prime time for Sheepshead fishing as they gather to spawn. Anglers love the challenge of hooking these bait-stealers and appreciate their sweet, white flesh on the dinner table. To catch one, use light tackle and position your bait right next to pilings or structure. Here's a local trick: when you feel a nibble, wait a second before setting the hook. Sheepshead are notorious for stealing bait, so give them time to get the hook in their mouth. Fresh shrimp, fiddler crabs, or barnacles make great bait choices.
Southern Flounder
Southern Flounder are masters of camouflage, with both eyes on their left side and the ability to change color to match the bottom. They're usually 15-18 inches long, but can reach up to 33 inches. You'll find them in sandy or muddy bottoms of shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. These ambush predators are most active in fall when they migrate to spawn. Anglers love targeting them for their delicate, white flesh and the challenge of spotting them. To catch one, try still fishing or drift fishing with live bait like mullet or shrimp. Use a single-hook rig with a slip lead, and keep your bait close to the bottom. Here's a local tip: when you feel a bite, wait a second before setting the hook. Flounder often grab bait sideways before turning it to swallow, so giving them that extra moment can improve your hookup rate.
About the Only Chance Charters
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 30
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 200
