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Premium 6-Hour Galveston Bay Fishing Charter
- Published Date: July 17, 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!
6-Hour Galveston Bay Fishing: Hook Your Dream Catch
Get ready to wet a line in some of the most productive inshore waters Texas has to offer. This 6-hour trip with Only Chance Charters puts you right in the heart of Galveston Bay's fish-rich ecosystem. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting out, our experienced crew will help you target the bay's prized gamefish using time-tested techniques. With room for up to 3 guests, it's the perfect way to spend a morning on the water with family or friends.
What to Expect on the Water
We'll meet bright and early at 7 AM at The Galveston Yacht Marina. Our 26-foot Robalo Bay Boat is a fishing machine, powered by twin 200HP Mercury engines that'll get us to the hotspots in no time. Once we're out on Galveston Bay, we'll use a mix of techniques to put you on the fish. Bottom fishing, cork fishing, trolling, drift fishing – we'll do whatever it takes to get those rods bending. The bay is home to a variety of sought-after species, including redfish, speckled trout, flounder, drum, and sheepshead. Our local knowledge means we know just where these fish like to hang out, giving you the best shot at a cooler full of keepers.
Rigs and Techniques
On this trip, we'll be using a variety of fishing methods to target different species. For bottom fishing, we'll drop weighted rigs baited with live shrimp or cut bait to tempt fish holding near structure or along drop-offs. Cork fishing is a blast, especially for speckled trout – we'll suspend bait under a popping cork and work it with subtle twitches. When conditions are right, we might do some trolling, dragging lures behind the boat to cover more water and find active fish. And don't forget about drift fishing – we'll let the wind push us across productive flats, casting as we go. No matter your skill level, we'll have you fishing like a pro in no time.
Top Catches This Season
Galveston Bay is known for its year-round fishing, but each season brings its own highlights. In the spring and fall, the redfish action can be off the charts, with schools of bronze bruisers prowling the shallows. Summer is prime time for speckled trout, with early mornings producing some of the best topwater action you'll ever see. Winter might slow things down a bit, but that's when the big flounder move through, offering a shot at a real doormat. And don't forget about the hard-fighting black drum – these bulldogs of the bay can provide some serious pull on light tackle.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Southern Flounder: These flatfish are masters of camouflage, blending in perfectly with the sandy bottom. Flounder fishing requires finesse and patience, but the reward is some of the tastiest fillets you'll ever eat. Look for them around structure and along drop-offs, especially during their fall migration. A slow-dragged soft plastic or live mullet is often the ticket to enticing a bite.
Black Drum: Don't let their ugly mugs fool you – black drum are hard-fighting fish that can grow to massive sizes. They love crustaceans, so crab or shrimp baits are your best bet. You'll find them hanging around oyster reefs and channel edges. The smaller ones, called "puppy drum," are excellent eating, while the big ones over 30 pounds are best released to fight another day.
Sheepshead: With their distinctive black and white stripes and chompers that look like they belong in a dentist's office, sheepshead are a unique catch. They're notorious bait stealers, so feeling the bite takes practice. Target them around pilings, jetties, and other hard structure using fiddler crabs or live shrimp. Their firm, white meat is delicious and often compared to lobster.
Sea Trout (Speckled Trout): The bread and butter of Galveston Bay fishing, speckled trout are abundant and fun to catch. These aggressive feeders will hit everything from live bait to artificial lures. Early mornings and late evenings are prime time for topwater action, while deeper holes and channels hold fish during the heat of the day. A limit of specs makes for an excellent fish fry.
Redfish: Also known as red drum, these copper-colored beauties are a favorite among Galveston anglers. They can be found in a variety of habitats, from shallow grass flats to deeper channels. Redfish are known for their powerful runs and occasional topwater blowups. Sight-casting to tailing reds in skinny water is an unforgettable experience. Their firm, white flesh is versatile in the kitchen, great for everything from blackened redfish to fish tacos.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Galveston Bay isn't just a fishery – it's a whole ecosystem teeming with life. On any given trip, you might see dolphins playing in the wake, pelicans dive-bombing for bait, or even the occasional gator sunning on a mud flat. The ever-changing nature of the bay means no two trips are ever the same. One day you might be sight-casting to reds in gin-clear shallows, the next you could be battling bull drum in the ship channel. It's this variety that keeps anglers coming back year after year.
Our 26-foot Robalo is the perfect platform for exploring all Galveston Bay has to offer. With plenty of deck space and a smooth ride, you'll be comfortable whether we're running to distant spots or fishing close to the marina. We provide all the high-quality tackle you'll need, from light spinning gear for trout to heavier setups for those big reds and drum.
Time to Book Your Spot
If you're looking for a top-notch inshore fishing experience in Galveston Bay, this 6-hour trip with Only Chance Charters is hard to beat. We've got the local knowledge, the right boat, and the passion for putting our clients on fish. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to tangle with some Texas giants or a family wanting to introduce the kids to the joys of fishing, we've got you covered.
Remember to bring your valid Texas fishing license, some snacks and drinks, and a camera to capture the memories. With our free cancellation policy up to 7 days before the trip, you can book with confidence. The fish are biting, and the bay is calling – don't miss your chance to experience some of the best inshore fishing Texas has to offer. Book your spot now and get ready for a day on the water you won't forget!
Learn more about the species
Black Drum
Black Drum are the big bruisers of Galveston Bay. They can reach 30 pounds or more, but the sweet spot for eating is 5-15 pounds. Look for them around oyster reefs, pier pilings, and in brackish water. Spring is spawning time, when they school up and are easier to target. Drum put up a great fight and make a distinctive croaking sound when caught. They're bottom feeders, so use fresh crab, shrimp, or cut bait. Here's a tip: if you're fishing the flats, watch for their tails breaking the surface as they root for food. Cast ahead of them and slowly drag your bait across their path. The bigger ones can be tough to eat, but smaller drum are excellent on the grill.
Redfish
Redfish, or Red Drum, are the rock stars of Galveston Bay. They typically range from 20-30 inches, with some bulls pushing 40+ inches. Look for them in shallow flats, around oyster reefs, and near marsh edges. Fall is prime time when they school up for their spawning run. Anglers love Reds for their hard-fighting spirit and copper-red color with that distinctive black spot near the tail. They're also excellent eating. Use live bait like mullet or crabs, or try gold spoons and topwater lures. Here's a local trick: on calm days, cruise the flats and look for their tails breaking the surface as they feed. Cut the engine, ease into casting range, and hold on tight when they hit!
Sea Trout
Sea Trout, also known as Speckled Trout, are a favorite in Galveston Bay. They typically run 14-24 inches and love to hang out in grass flats and shallow waters. Look for them around drop-offs and channels, especially at night or early morning. They're aggressive feeders and put up a great fight on light tackle. Spring and fall are prime seasons. Anglers prize them for their delicate, flaky meat. Use live shrimp under a popping cork or try soft plastics for artificial lures. Here's a tip: on calm mornings, watch for them feeding on the surface and cast topwater lures for explosive strikes. Just remember, they have soft mouths, so don't set the hook too hard.
Sheepshead
Sheepshead, or "convict fish" for their black and white stripes, are crafty bait-stealers with human-like teeth. They typically run 1-8 pounds and hang around structure like docks, bridges, and reefs. Early spring is prime time as they gather to spawn. Anglers love the challenge of catching these wily fish, known for their light bites and tough mouths. They're also fantastic eating. Use small hooks and natural baits like fiddler crabs or barnacles. Here's a local secret: scrape some barnacles off pilings to chum the water and bring them in close. When you feel that telltale nibble, set the hook hard – their bony mouths make them tough to hook.
Southern Flounder
Southern Flounder are masters of camouflage, blending in with sandy or muddy bottoms. They typically range from 15 to 18 inches, but can grow up to 33 inches. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. Fall is prime time for flounder fishing as they migrate to spawn. Anglers love targeting these flat fish for their delicate, white meat and the challenge of hooking them. They're ambush predators, so fishing near structure is key. Use live bait like mullet or shrimp, or try soft plastics. A local trick: when you feel a bite, wait a few seconds before setting the hook. Flounder often grab prey and reposition it before swallowing. This pause gives them time to take the bait fully, improving your chances of a solid hookup.
About the Only Chance Charters
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 30
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 200
