Top Rated 4 Hour Galveston Bay Charter Mikes

4 Hour Galveston Inshore Fishing Charter

Looking for a solid day on the water without all the fuss? This 4-hour Galveston Bay fishing trip with Mike's Fishing Services delivers exactly what you're after. We're talking private charter action for up to 2 anglers, with the option to bring along a couple more friends or family members if you want to make it a group thing. The boat pushes off at 8 AM sharp, giving you prime morning hours when the fish are most active and the bay is at its best. You'll be targeting the bread-and-butter species that make Galveston Bay famous - redfish, speckled trout, black drum, flounder, and sheepshead. Everything you need is on board, from rods and reels to tackle and bait, so you can focus on what matters most: getting fish in the boat.

What to Expect on the Water

This isn't some rushed cattle-boat operation where you're fighting for rail space. You get the whole boat to yourself and your crew, which means your captain can tailor the trip to what you want. First-timers? No problem - your guide will walk you through everything from casting technique to reading the water. Got some experience? Great, they'll put you on the fish and let you do your thing. The beauty of Galveston Bay is its variety. One minute you might be working shallow grass flats for redfish, the next you're drifting over shell reefs targeting trout. The captain reads the conditions daily and adjusts the game plan accordingly. Wind, tide, water temperature, bait movement - all these factors play into where you'll spend your four hours. The pace stays relaxed but productive, perfect for families or anyone who wants to actually enjoy their time on the water rather than feeling rushed.

Techniques & Prime Spots

Galveston Bay inshore fishing is all about versatility and reading the signs. Your captain comes equipped with both live and artificial baits, switching up tactics based on what's working that day. Live shrimp under popping corks is a go-to setup for speckled trout, especially around the deeper shell pads and drop-offs. For redfish, you might be throwing soft plastics into the shallows or working live croaker near the grass lines. The bay's structure is what makes it special - miles of shell reefs, oyster bars, grass flats, and tidal channels create perfect ambush points for hungry fish. Your guide knows these spots like the back of their hand, from the productive areas around the jetties to the back-bay flats that hold fish when conditions are right. Expect to use medium-action spinning gear that's forgiving for beginners but still sporty enough to make every fish feel significant. The boat stays positioned with the trolling motor, keeping you in the strike zone while you focus on working your bait through the water column.

Top Catches This Season

Redfish are the crown jewel of Galveston Bay, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers typically run 18 to 28 inches in the bay, with plenty of fish pushing the upper slot limit. They're year-round residents, but fall and winter months often produce the most consistent action as schools move through the shallows chasing baitfish. What makes reds special is their attitude - they eat aggressively and fight hard, making long runs and using their broad sides to leverage against your drag. Plus, they're excellent table fare when kept within the slot limits.

Speckled trout bring a different kind of excitement to the mix. These spotted beauties are the most popular target in Texas bays, and Galveston Bay produces some genuine trophies. Most fish range from 14 to 20 inches, but the bay kicks out plenty of 24-inch-plus "gator trout" that'll test your skills. Spring and fall are prime time for specks, especially around dawn and dusk. They're structure-oriented fish, hanging around shell reefs, drop-offs, and grass beds where they can ambush passing shrimp and small fish. The bite can be subtle with trout, so you'll learn to feel for that light tap-tap before setting the hook.

Black drum offer something completely different - raw power and size. These bottom-dwelling fighters can range from puppy drum under 10 pounds to bull drum exceeding 30 pounds. They're most active in cooler months, particularly around structure like jetties, reefs, and channel edges. Drum have pharyngeal teeth that crush shellfish, so you'll often catch them on crab baits. The fight is all about sustained pressure rather than flashy runs, but don't underestimate their ability to test your tackle.

Sheepshead round out the crew with their unique personality and excellent eating quality. These black-and-white striped fish are structure specialists, hanging tight to pilings, rocks, and shell beds where they pick off barnacles and small crustaceans. They're notorious bait thieves with their small mouths and quick bites, earning them the nickname "convict fish." Winter months are prime time for sheepshead in Galveston Bay, when they school up in good numbers. Once you dial in their feeding behavior, they're incredibly rewarding to target, and few fish taste better when prepared properly.

Time to Book Your Spot

At $450 for up to two anglers, this Galveston Bay charter delivers solid value for a private fishing experience. You're not just buying four hours on the water - you're getting personalized instruction, local knowledge, and access to productive fishing spots that take years to learn on your own. The flexible pacing means everyone stays comfortable and engaged, whether you're introducing kids to fishing or looking for a relaxed day with friends. Adding extra guests runs $100 per person up to four total, making it easy to customize for your group size. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so plan accordingly. Morning trips starting at 8 AM give you the best shot at