Get ready for a laid-back day of non-stop action along the Galveston jetties! This full-day trip is perfect for anglers looking to land some of the Gulf Coast's most sought-after inshore species. We'll be targeting speckled trout, redfish, sheepshead, and black drum – all within sight of Galveston's iconic coastline. With room for up to 5 guests, it's an ideal outing for families or a group of fishing buddies. So grab your hat and sunscreen, and let's hit the water for some world-class Texas inshore fishing!
We'll spend a solid 8 hours on the water, giving you plenty of time to get your line wet and rack up some impressive catches. The jetties are like fish magnets, attracting a variety of species throughout the year. We'll use a mix of live and artificial bait, depending on what's working best that day. Don't worry if you're new to jetty fishing – I'll show you the ropes and make sure you're set up for success. The boat's decked out with top-notch gear, including a Garmin GPS and fish finder, so we can zero in on the hotspots. And ladies, you'll appreciate the clean onboard restroom for those longer days on the water. At the end of the trip, I'll clean and bag your catch, so all you need to focus on is reeling 'em in!
Jetty fishing is all about reading the water and knowing where the fish like to hang out. We'll be using a variety of techniques, from bottom fishing for reds and drum to working the water column for trout. The high-end trolling motor lets us quietly maneuver around the rocks without spooking the fish. I'll bring a mix of rods and reels suited for different species and techniques. We might throw some soft plastics for trout, use cut bait for redfish, or drop live shrimp down for sheepshead. Don't forget your valid fishing license – it's required for everyone 17 and up. And if you're bringing the kids along, this trip is perfect for teaching them the ins and outs of inshore fishing.
Redfish are the rock stars of Galveston inshore fishing. These copper-colored beauties put up a fantastic fight and are a blast to catch around the jetties. They love to hang around structure, so we'll target them near the rocks using cut bait or lures. Redfish can range from "rat reds" under 20 inches to trophy-sized bull reds over 40 inches. Fall is prime time for big bulls, but we catch reds year-round in Galveston.
Speckled trout, or "specs" as we call 'em, are another fan favorite. These silvery fish with spotted sides are known for their delicate flavor and their willingness to hit artificial lures. We often catch them drifting live shrimp or working soft plastics near the jetties. The bite can be hot in the early morning or late evening, especially during the warmer months. A good-sized speck is around 20 inches, but they can grow much larger.
Sheepshead are the oddballs of the bunch, with their distinctive black and white stripes and sheep-like teeth. These crafty fish are experts at stealing bait, but when you hook one, you're in for a good fight. We typically target them with live or fresh dead shrimp, fishing tight to the jetty rocks where they feed on barnacles and crustaceans. Spring is the peak season for sheepshead, but we catch them year-round in Galveston.
Black drum might not win any beauty contests, but they're a blast to catch and great eating when they're smaller. These cousins of the redfish can grow to massive sizes, with some old-timers topping 50 pounds. We'll use fresh cut bait or crab to tempt them, fishing near the bottom around the jetties. The bigger ones make for great photos before we release them to fight another day.
Galveston jetty fishing is addictive, plain and simple. There's something for everyone, whether you're a seasoned angler looking to tangle with a big bull red or a family wanting to introduce the kids to the joy of fishing. The steady action keeps things interesting, and you never know what might grab your bait next. Plus, the views of the coast and the chance to spot dolphins or sea turtles add to the experience. Many of my repeat customers tell me this trip is the highlight of their Galveston visits. And let's be honest – there's nothing quite like the taste of fresh-caught fish for dinner after a day on the water.
If you're looking for a top-rated Galveston fishing experience that combines great catches with a relaxed vibe, this full-day jetty trip is your ticket. We've got all the gear you need, a comfortable boat with amenities, and the local know-how to put you on the fish. Whether you're aiming to fill the cooler or just want to enjoy a day on the water with family and friends, we've got you covered. Just remember to bring your sense of adventure (and maybe a camera for those "big fish" stories). Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to lock in your date. Get ready to make some memories and maybe even set a new personal best – the fish are waiting!
Redfish are a favorite target around here, known for their copper-colored backs and distinctive black spot near the tail. You'll find 'em in shallow water, often just 1-4 feet deep, hanging around oyster reefs, grass flats, and jetties. Most run 20-30 inches, but the big bulls can top 40 pounds. They put up a great fight and taste delicious too. Fall is prime time as they school up to spawn. Look for "tailing" reds in ultra-shallow water – their tails breaking the surface as they root for crabs and shrimp. A weedless gold spoon or topwater plug can be deadly then. For bigger fish, try live or cut mullet near deep channels. One local trick: On calm days, cruise the flats and look for pushes of water. That's often a dead giveaway for feeding reds. Get upwind, make a long cast, and hold on tight!
Black drum are the redfish's big, ugly cousin. They range from 5-30 pounds typically, but we see some real monsters over 50 pounds. Look for them in the same areas as reds – shallow flats, oyster reefs, and around jetties. They're bottom feeders, so use fresh crab, shrimp, or cut bait on a fish-finder rig. Winter and early spring are best as they school up to spawn. The bigger ones can be a handful – make sure your drag is set right! Smaller drum (under 15 pounds) are great eating, with sweet, white meat. The big ones get wormy and tough, so we usually release those. Pro tip: If you feel a light tap-tap-tap, that's probably a drum. Give it a second, then set the hook hard!
Sheepshead are those funny-looking fish with human-like teeth. Most run 2-5 pounds, but we see some pushing 10 pounds around the jetties. They love structure, so target bridge pilings, rock groins, and sunken wrecks. Winter and early spring are best as they gather to spawn. Sheepshead are notorious bait stealers, so use a small, sharp hook and feel for that subtle bite. Fresh shrimp, fiddler crabs, or oysters are top baits. They're challenging to hook but put up a great fight. The meat is delicious – some folks call 'em "poor man's lobster." Here's a local secret: Scrape some barnacles off the pilings to chum them up. Once they start feeding, it's game on!
Speckled trout, or "specks" as we call 'em, are a blast to catch. They usually run 14-20 inches but can get up to 30 inches in our bays. Look for them around grass flats, oyster reefs, and deeper channels, especially where there's moving water. Spring and fall are prime seasons when water temps are mild. They love to ambush bait, so working a popping cork with a soft plastic shrimp is deadly. At night, try fishing lighted docks or bridges – the lights attract bait, and the trout follow. Specks put up a great fight on light tackle and they're excellent eating too. Fried or blackened, you can't go wrong. Here's a tip: If you see birds diving, there's a good chance trout are underneath busting bait. Get over there quick and cast into the frenzy!
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 5
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 30
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 225