Ready for a full day chasing some of the Gulf Coast's most prized inshore species? Captain Charles Guide Service has you covered with this 8-hour private charter that'll have you on the water before sunrise, targeting speckled trout and redfish in Galveston's productive bays and backwaters. This isn't your average tourist trip - we're talking about a serious fishing adventure for those who know their way around a rod and reel.
We'll meet at the dock at the crack of dawn - 6:00 AM sharp. The early start gives us prime time on the water when the fish are most active. This full-day trip is designed for experienced anglers who want to maximize their time and really dial in on the best spots. We'll hit proven hotspots across Galveston's diverse inshore waters, from grass flats to oyster reefs. The captain provides all the rods and tackle you'll need, but serious anglers might want to bring their favorite lures or live bait to up their game. With a max of two guests, you'll get plenty of one-on-one time with the captain to fine-tune your technique and learn the local secrets.
Galveston's inshore waters offer a mix of habitats that keep things interesting all day long. We might start by drift fishing over grass flats, using popping corks to entice trout. As the sun climbs, we'll shift to working the edges of oyster reefs where big reds like to hang out. Soft plastics, topwater lures, and live bait all have their time and place out here. The captain will clue you in on what's working best that day. We'll cover a lot of ground, so be ready to cast, retrieve, and repeat. It's not uncommon to hit several spots throughout the day as we follow the bite. The shallow draft of our inshore boat lets us sneak into some skinny water areas where the big ones often hide.
Speckled Trout, or "specks" as the locals call 'em, are the bread and butter of Galveston inshore fishing. These silver-sided beauties with their distinctive spots can grow up to 25 inches or more in these waters. They're known for their aggressive strikes and tendency to school up, meaning when you find one, you've often found a bunch. Specks love to hang around structure, so we'll target areas with submerged grass, drop-offs, and channel edges. They're most active in the cooler months, but you can catch them year-round with the right approach.
Redfish, or red drum, are the bulldogs of the flats. These copper-colored brutes can push 40 inches in Galveston's waters, and when they hit, you'll know it. Reds are famous for their powerful runs and their ability to test both your gear and your patience. We often find them tailing in shallow water, giving sight-casting enthusiasts a real thrill. They feed aggressively on shrimp, crabs, and small fish, so we'll match our offerings to what they're naturally munching on. Fall is prime time for big bull reds, but you can tangle with these fighters pretty much any time of year.
Galveston's inshore waters are like a fish factory, and with good reason. The mix of freshwater inflow from the bay system and the Gulf's saltwater creates a nutrient-rich environment that supports a thriving food chain. This means our target species grow big and fat. The diverse habitat - from marshy backwaters to open bays - gives us plenty of options no matter what the weather's doing. And let's be honest, there's something special about fishing waters where you can see the skyline of Galveston in the distance. It's that perfect blend of wild nature and coastal charm that keeps folks coming back year after year.
This season's been on fire for both trout and reds. We've been consistently putting clients on 20+ inch specks, with a few gators (that's local speak for trophy trout) pushing the 28-inch mark. The redfish action has been equally hot, with schools of slot-sized reds (20-28 inches) crushing topwaters on the flats. On good days, it's not uncommon for experienced anglers to boat 20+ fish, with plenty of catch-and-release action to keep the rods bent all day long.
If you're itching to get in on some world-class inshore action, this is your ticket. Remember, we're talking about a full 8 hours on the water, which means more casts, more fish, and more memories. The captain's years of local knowledge mean you're not just fishing, you're tapping into a proven system for putting you on the bite. Whether you're looking to land your personal best speck or just want to feel that redfish tail-thumping fight, this trip delivers. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to lock in your date. Get ready to experience some of the best inshore fishing Galveston has to offer - your next trophy catch is just a cast away!
Redfish, or red drum, are a staple in Galveston's inshore waters. These copper-colored bruisers typically range from 20-30 inches, but can grow much larger. Look for them in super shallow water - sometimes with their backs out of the water! They love hanging around oyster reefs, marsh edges, and mud flats in 1-4 feet of water. Fall is prime time when they school up for their spawn, but you can catch them year-round. Reds are known for their powerful runs and excellent table fare. To hook one, try sight-casting with gold spoons or soft plastics on a jighead. A local tip: on windy days, focus on lee shorelines where baitfish get pushed up against the bank. Redfish will be there to take advantage of the easy meal.
Speckled trout are a favorite around Galveston, typically running 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds. You'll find them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. These fish love structure, so target oyster reefs, drop-offs, and channels. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but winter can be great too - they school up in deeper holes when it's cold. Specks put up a good fight and taste fantastic, making them popular with both novice and experienced anglers. Their soft, white meat is delicate, so be careful not to overcook it. For best results, use live shrimp under a popping cork or try soft plastics like curl-tail grubs. A local trick: on calm mornings, look for slicks on the water's surface - that's often a sign of feeding trout.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 37
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 250