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Galveston Bay Inshore Fishing: Top-Rated Charter
- Published Date: December 10, 2025
- Fishing
- Galveston
- $350 - $1,000 price range
- Updated Date: December 12, 2025
Summary
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Galveston Bay Catches
Reel in the Best of Galveston Bay
Ready to test your skills against some of the Gulf Coast's most prized catches? Our 6-hour Galveston Bay fishing charter is your ticket to a morning packed with action, whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet. We'll hit the water at 7 AM sharp, giving us prime time to work the honey holes where redfish, trout, and drum love to hang out. With room for up to three anglers (and the option to bring along a few more friends), this trip is all about putting you on fish and having a blast doing it. So grab your lucky hat and let's make some memories on the bay!
What to Expect on the Water
When you step aboard one of our Second Chance Fishing Charters, you're in for a true Texas fishing experience. We'll cruise out into Galveston Bay, where the mix of saltwater and freshwater creates a perfect playground for a variety of fish. Your captain knows these waters like the back of their hand, so we'll head straight for the hot spots. Maybe we'll work the grass flats for some tailing reds, or hit the deeper channels where the big trout like to lurk. And don't worry about gear – we've got you covered with quality rods, reels, and all the tackle you'll need. Just bring your Texas fishing license, and we'll take care of the rest. Remember, the fish don't tip, but your guide sure appreciates it if you're happy with the trip!
Techniques That Hook 'Em
On our Galveston Bay charters, we're all about matching our tactics to what's biting. Some days, we might be tossing soft plastics along the jetties, mimicking the baitfish that gamefish can't resist. Other times, we could be drifting live shrimp under a popping cork – a classic technique that's deadly on specks and reds. If the black drum are feeding, we might switch to bottom fishing with crab or cut bait. Your captain will read the water, check the tides, and adjust on the fly to put you where the action is. And hey, if you've got a favorite lure or technique you want to try, just let us know. We're always game to experiment if it means more fish in the boat!
Top Catches This Season
Galveston Bay is like a box of chocolates – you never know what you're gonna get, but it's always good. Lately, we've been seeing some monster redfish crushing topwater lures near the shorelines. The speckled trout bite has been on fire around the oyster reefs, especially on those early morning incoming tides. And let's not forget about the black drum – these bruisers have been showing up in force, giving anglers a real workout on light tackle. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler or just want the thrill of the catch, Galveston Bay's got something for everyone.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Spanish Mackerel: These speedsters are the drag-screamers of Galveston Bay. Known for their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps, Spanish mackerel are a blast to catch on light tackle. They typically show up in the warmer months, often chasing schools of bait near the surface. Look for birds diving to find the action, and be ready with a fast retrieve – these fish don't mess around!
Black Drum: The bulldogs of the bay, black drum are known for their powerful fights and distinctive chin barbels. These bottom-feeders can grow to massive sizes, with some old-timers topping 50 pounds! We usually target them with natural baits like crab or shrimp, fishing near structure or in deeper channels. The bigger ones make for great photos, while the smaller "puppy drum" are excellent eating.
Sea Trout (Speckled Trout): Ask any Galveston angler about their favorite fish, and there's a good chance they'll say speckled trout. These spotted beauties are prized for both their fight and their flavor. We catch them year-round, but the spring and fall can be particularly hot. Trout love to ambush prey, so we often fish for them around structure or depth changes, using everything from live bait to soft plastics.
Redfish: The bronze bombers of the bay, redfish (or red drum) are a Texas staple. Known for their copper color and distinctive spot near the tail, these fish can be found in a variety of habitats. We love sight-casting to tailing reds in shallow water, but they'll also readily take bait in deeper areas. Fall is prime time for big bull reds, but we catch them year-round in Galveston Bay.
Crevalle Jack: If you're looking for a fish that pulls like a freight train, look no further than the crevalle jack. These bruisers aren't known for their eating quality, but pound-for-pound, they're some of the hardest fighting fish in the bay. We often encounter them busting bait on the surface, and they'll eagerly attack topwater lures or live bait. Just be ready for a workout – these guys don't give up easily!
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
There's something special about fishing Galveston Bay that keeps folks coming back year after year. Maybe it's the way the sun rises over the water as we head out, painting the sky in colors you've got to see to believe. Or it could be the thrill of watching your rod double over when a big red decides to take your bait. For some, it's the satisfaction of learning new techniques and improving their skills with each trip. And let's be honest – nothing beats the taste of fresh-caught fish for dinner. Whatever your reason, we're here to make sure your day on the water is one you'll be talking about long after you've gone home.
Time to Book Your Spot
So there you have it, folks – a morning of Galveston Bay fishing that's sure to get your heart pumping and your camera full of fish pics. Whether you're looking to introduce the kids to the joy of fishing or you're after that personal best speckled trout, we've got the know-how and the spots to make it happen. Remember, we provide all the gear, but you'll need to grab a Texas fishing license before you hop aboard. And while we can't guarantee the fish will always cooperate, we can promise a good time and our best effort to put you on the bite. So what are you waiting for? Give Second Chance Fishing Charters a call and let's get your next Galveston Bay adventure on the calendar. The fish are waiting – are you ready to meet them?
Learn more about the species
Black Drum
Black Drum are hefty fighters that'll test your gear. Adults typically run 5-30 pounds, but can top 90 in rare cases. You'll find them in shallow, brackish areas like oyster beds and mudflats. They use their strong jaws to crush shellfish, so listen for their distinctive "drumming" sound. Spring's the prime time as they school up to spawn. Black Drum put up a stubborn fight, especially the big ones. Smaller fish under 15 pounds are best for eating - the meat gets tough in larger specimens. To hook one, use fresh crab or shrimp on a circle hook. Fish it right on the bottom and be patient - when that rod doubles over, hang on tight!
Crevalle Jack
Crevalle Jack are the bulldogs of Galveston Bay. These powerful fish typically run 3-15 pounds, but can top 30 in offshore waters. Look for them busting bait on the surface, often with birds diving above. They're most active in warmer months when baitfish are plentiful. Jacks are known for their blistering runs and never-say-die attitude - pound for pound, they're some of the hardest fighters in the bay. While not great eating, they're a blast to catch. To hook one, cast a topwater plug or spoon into feeding schools and retrieve fast. Pro tip: when you see pelicans diving, there's a good chance jacks are pushing bait to the surface below.
Redfish
Redfish are one of Galveston Bay's prize catches. These copper-colored beauties typically run 20-30 inches and 6-15 pounds in the bay. Look for them tailing in shallow flats, around oyster reefs, and near marsh edges. They're most active in fall when they school up for spawning. Redfish are famous for their powerful runs and dogged fights, especially in shallow water. They're also excellent eating, with a mild, sweet flavor. To land one, try sight-casting with gold spoons or soft plastics. A local tip: when the water's choppy, focus on lee shorelines where baitfish gather. Watch for their distinctive V-shaped wakes as they cruise the shallows.
Sea Trout
Sea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are a staple in Galveston Bay. These silvery fish with dark spots usually run 14-20 inches and 1-3 pounds. You'll find them in grass flats, around oyster reefs, and near drop-offs. They're most active at dawn and dusk, especially on moving tides. Sea Trout are known for their soft, delicate meat, making them a favorite for the dinner table. They put up a good fight too, often making acrobatic jumps. To catch one, try working a soft plastic jig or live shrimp under a popping cork. A local trick is to look for "slicks" - oily patches on the water surface that indicate feeding trout below.
Spanish Mackerel
Spanish Mackerel are a favorite target in Galveston Bay. These speedy swimmers usually run 1-2 feet long and 2-3 pounds, though they can get bigger. Look for them in schools near the surface, often chasing bait. They're most active in warmer months when water temps are above 68°F. Spanish Mackerel love to hit fast-moving lures, making them a blast to catch on light tackle. Their aggressive strikes and hard runs provide an exciting fight. They're also great eating fish with a mild, slightly sweet flavor. To land one, try trolling small spoons or jigs behind the boat at a good clip. When you see birds diving, that's often a sign Spanish Mackerel are feeding below – cast into the frenzy for some fast action.
About the Second Chance Fishing Charters
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Honda
Maximum Cruising Speed: 40
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 200
