5 Hour Galveston Bay Fishing Mikes Services

5 Hour Galveston Inshore Fishing Charter

Looking for some serious time on the water? This 5-hour charter gives you the real deal when it comes to Galveston Bay fishing. At $550 for up to 2 anglers (with room for 2 more at $100 each), you're getting a full morning that starts at 8 AM and puts you right where the fish are biting. Captain Mike knows these waters like the back of his hand, and with five solid hours, there's no rushing around – just good fishing at a pace that lets you actually enjoy it. Whether you're bringing the family, trying this for the first time, or you're that angler who's been here before and wants to dig deeper into what Galveston Bay has to offer, this trip delivers.

What to Expect on the Water

Five hours means we're not just hitting one spot and calling it good. We'll work the structure, move around based on what's happening that day, and really get into the rhythm of bay fishing. The extra time lets us adjust our game plan – if the redfish are being picky in one area, we've got the flexibility to try different techniques or move to where the trout are schooling up. You'll see more of the bay, understand how different areas fish, and get a real feel for what makes Galveston inshore fishing special. All your gear is covered – rods, reels, tackle, and bait – plus you get hands-on instruction that actually makes sense. No confusing jargon, just clear guidance that helps you catch more fish.

Techniques and Bay Structure

Galveston Bay is all about reading the structure and knowing when to switch up your approach. We'll be working everything from grass flats to shell reefs, using live bait and artificials depending on what the fish want that day. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the variety – one minute you're sight-fishing redfish in shallow water, the next you're working a drop-off for trout. We use light tackle that gives you a real fight without overpowering the fish, and I'll show you how to feel the difference between a bite and bottom structure. The boat is set up specifically for bay fishing with a shallow draft that gets us into those productive back areas where the big fish like to hang out. Five hours gives us time to really work these spots properly instead of just making quick passes.

Top Catches This Season

Redfish are the stars of the show in Galveston Bay, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters average 18-28 inches and will test your drag system every time. They love the shallow grass flats and oyster reefs, especially during the warmer months when they're actively feeding. What makes reds so exciting is their aggressive strike and the way they pull – they'll make multiple runs and really put up a fight. Fall is prime time when they school up, but you can find quality fish year-round if you know where to look.

Speckled trout are the other main target, and they're as tasty as they are fun to catch. These spotted beauties run anywhere from keeper size at 15 inches up to real trophy fish over 25 inches. They're more finicky than redfish, which makes them a great challenge for anglers who want to really learn the subtleties of bay fishing. Trout love structure changes – drop-offs, shell pads, areas where grass meets sand. Winter months can be fantastic for big trout when they move to deeper water and get really aggressive.

Black drum don't get the attention they deserve, but they're absolute bulldogs when you hook into one. These fish can get massive – we're talking 20-40 pounds – and they fight like they're welded to the bottom. They love crab and shrimp around oyster reefs and bridge pilings. The bigger ones are usually catch and release, but the smaller drum in the 5-15 pound range are excellent eating. They're not the prettiest fish, but they'll give you a workout you won't forget.

Sheepshead are the opportunistic feeders that keep things interesting. These black and white striped fish are notorious bait stealers with their small mouths and quick bites, but once you figure them out, they're a blast to target. They hang around structure like pier pilings, jetties, and shell reefs, especially in cooler months. They're excellent table fare and provide a nice change of pace from the other species. Learning to catch sheepshead consistently will make you a better angler overall because they force you to really pay attention to your bait presentation.

Time to Book Your Spot

This 5-hour charter hits the sweet spot between having enough time to really fish and not taking up your entire day. You'll leave with a better understanding of Galveston Bay, some new techniques, and hopefully a cooler full of fish. The morning start time puts us on the water when fishing is typically at its best, and five hours gives us the flexibility to adapt to conditions and really make the most of whatever the bay is giving us that day. Whether you're looking to introduce someone to saltwater fishing, want to up your own game, or just need some quality time on the water, this trip delivers. Don't forget that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure you're committed to your date when you book with Mike's Fishing Services.