6 Hour Galveston Inshore Charter Mikes Fishing

6 Hour Galveston Inshore Fishing Charter

Picture yourself drifting through Galveston's productive back bays at first light, watching the sun climb over the Texas coast while your line stays tight with action. This six-hour private charter gives you serious time to work the flats, channels, and structure where redfish, trout, and black drum call home. At $550 for two anglers, you're getting a full day on some of the Gulf Coast's most reliable inshore waters. Mike's team knows these bays like their own backyard, and they'll put you on fish while keeping things relaxed and fun. Whether you're new to saltwater fishing or just want to enjoy a steady day without the crowds, this charter hits all the right notes.

What to Expect on the Water

Your day kicks off at 8 AM sharp from one of Galveston's launch points, giving you the sweet morning bite when fish are most active. Six hours means no rushing between spots – your captain can take time to read the water, adjust to conditions, and keep you where the action is hottest. You'll work everything from shallow grass flats where redfish cruise in knee-deep water to deeper bay channels where speckled trout stack up along drop-offs. The boat stays comfortable for up to four people, though it's priced for two with extras at $100 per head. All your gear comes included – rods, reels, tackle, and fresh bait – so you can focus on fishing instead of packing. Your captain stays hands-on throughout the trip, offering tips on technique and making sure everyone stays connected to fish. This isn't a rush job; it's a proper day of Gulf Coast fishing done right.

Techniques and Tackle

Galveston inshore fishing runs on finesse and local knowledge, not brute force. You'll primarily use medium-action spinning gear loaded with 15-20 pound braid, perfect for the structure and cover you'll be working. Live shrimp under popping corks stays the go-to setup for speckled trout around oyster reefs and grass beds, while cut bait on Carolina rigs produces black drum and sheepshead near pilings and jetties. When redfish are schooling in shallow water, your captain might switch you to soft plastics on jigheads – watching a red slam a paddle tail in two feet of clear water never gets old. The key here is staying versatile. Morning might start with drift fishing deeper channels using live croaker for big trout, then shift to sight fishing shallow flats when the sun gets higher. Your captain reads the tide, wind, and fish behavior to keep adjusting tactics throughout the day. Six hours gives you time to master different presentations and really dial in what's working best.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish are the crown jewel of Galveston's inshore scene, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-28 inches in the bays, with occasional bulls pushing 35+ inches that'll test your drag system. Fall and spring offer the best action when reds school up in massive numbers, but you can find them year-round cruising shallow flats and working oyster bars. They hit hard, fight dirty, and make that classic red drum run that strips line in a hurry. Plus, they're excellent table fare when kept within slot limits.

Speckled trout, or "specks" as locals call them, provide consistent action throughout most of the year. These spotted beauties range from 14-22 inches on average, with trophy fish over 25 inches showing up during cooler months. They're structure-oriented fish that love oyster reefs, grass beds, and channel edges where baitfish concentrate. Specks have soft mouths that require a gentle touch, but they reward good technique with steady bites and excellent eating quality. Winter months can produce some true giants in deeper water.

Black drum offer serious pulling power for anglers who like their fish with some backbone. These bottom-dwellers grow large in Galveston's waters, with fish ranging from 5-30+ pounds depending on the season. They're year-round residents that feed heavily on crabs and shrimp around structure. Young "puppy drum" provide great action for kids and beginners, while the big bulls require serious muscle to bring to the boat. They're not the prettiest fish in the bay, but they'll give you a workout you won't forget.

Sheepshead round out the cast with their distinctive black stripes and notorious bait-stealing abilities. These structure-loving fish hang around pilings, jetties, and oyster reefs where they pick off crabs and barnacles with human-like teeth. They average 2-4 pounds but can grow much larger, and they're considered some of the best eating fish in the bay. Sheepshead require patience and skill to hook consistently – they're masters at stealing bait – but landing one feels like solving a puzzle that's been driving you crazy all day.

Time to Book Your Spot

This six-hour Galveston charter delivers exactly what serious anglers want: quality time on productive water with a captain who knows how to find fish. You're not paying for flashy marketing or tourist traps – you're getting a legitimate day of Gulf Coast fishing that locals would book for themselves. The relaxed pace works perfect for families, first-timers, or experienced anglers who want to enjoy the process instead of racing against the clock. At $550 for two people, it's competitive pricing for a private charter that includes everything you need. Just remember that deposits are non-refundable, so check your schedule before committing. Mike's Fishing Services has built their reputation on putting clients on fish and making sure everyone has a great day on the water. Book your dates early, especially during peak seasons when the bite is hottest and calendar spots fill up fast.