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Expert-Guided Inshore Fishing in Galveston
- Published Date: July 16, 2025
- Fishing
- Galveston
- $500 price range
- Updated Date: October 4, 2025
Summary
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Tiki Island Catches
Fishing at its finest.
Cast, catch, repeat.
Tiki waters, endless fish.
Nothing beats island fishing.
Tiki Island mornings, rods ready.
Sunrise fishing, island vibes.
Salt air, tight lines.
Island life, fishing style.
Tiki Island—Texas fishing hot spot.
Rod bent, smile wide.
Fishing at its finest.
Cast, catch, repeat.
Tiki waters, endless fish.
Nothing beats island fishing.
Tiki Island mornings, rods ready.
Sunrise fishing, island vibes.
Salt air, tight lines.
Island life, fishing style.
Tiki Island—Texas fishing hot spot.
Rod bent, smile wide.
Fishing at its finest.
Cast, catch, repeat.
Tiki waters, endless fish.
Nothing beats island fishing.
Reel in the Big Ones on Tiki Island
Ready for a fishing adventure you won't forget? Captain John's got you covered with this half-day trip that'll have you casting lines and pulling in monsters before lunch. We're talking about some serious action in the rich waters around Tiki Island, where the fish are always biting and the stories get bigger with every catch. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this 6-hour excursion is the perfect way to experience the best of Galveston Bay fishing.
What to Expect on the Water
Rise and shine, folks! We'll meet up at the crack of dawn, when the fish are most active and the water's as smooth as glass. Captain John knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll have you on the fish faster than you can say "tight lines." We're talking about a fully-loaded 6-hour trip that'll take you to all the honey holes where the big boys hang out. You'll be targeting a mixed bag of inshore favorites, including redfish, black drum, flounder, trout, and sheepshead. The boat's stocked with top-notch gear, so all you need to bring is your game face and maybe a lucky hat.
Techniques That'll Land You Lunkers
On this trip, we're not just dropping lines and hoping for the best. Captain John's got a few tricks up his sleeve that'll have you fishing like a pro in no time. We might start off drifting live shrimp over grass flats for some speckled trout action, or maybe we'll hit some oyster reefs to tempt those big ugly drum. If the redfish are running, we might switch to sight-casting in the shallows – there's nothing quite like watching a big red crush your lure right in front of you. And for those sheepshead? We've got special rigs that'll help you feel even the lightest nibble from these bait-stealing bandits. Whatever the fish are biting on, we'll make sure you're rigged up right and ready to reel 'em in.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Let's talk about what's swimming around out there. First up, we've got the redfish – these copper-colored bruisers are the rock stars of inshore fishing. They'll test your drag and your biceps, especially when they get into the slot size of 20-28 inches. Redfish love to hang around structure and will crush just about any bait you throw their way.
Next, we've got the speckled trout. These guys are the bread and butter of Galveston Bay fishing. They're known for their spotted sides and their delicious meat. Trout can be finicky, but when they're on, it's non-stop action. They love to hit topwater lures early in the morning, making for some explosive strikes.
Don't forget about the black drum. These cousins of the redfish might not win any beauty contests, but they sure put up a fight. The smaller ones, called "puppy drum," are perfect for the table. When you hook into a big one, though, hang on tight – they can get up to 30 pounds or more!
Flounder are the flatfish ninjas of the bay. They're masters of camouflage, blending in with the bottom until they ambush their prey. Catching these guys takes a bit of finesse, but Captain John knows all their hiding spots. And let me tell you, there's nothing better than a fresh flounder on the grill.
Last but not least, we've got the sheepshead. These striped battlers are known for their strong jaws and teeth that look just like a sheep's. They're notorious bait stealers, but once you figure out their bite, you're in for some fun. Plus, they're excellent eating – firm, white meat that's hard to beat.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Folks, this isn't just another fishing trip – it's a chance to make some real memories. Captain John's not just a guide; he's a fish-finding machine with years of experience under his belt. He knows where the fish are hiding and how to get them to bite, even on those tough days. Plus, he's always got a good story or two to share while you're waiting for the next big strike. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler or just enjoy a morning on the water, this trip's got something for everyone. And hey, even if the fish aren't cooperating (which is rare), the views of Tiki Island and Galveston Bay are worth the price of admission alone.
Time to Book Your Spot
Alright, let's cut to the chase – if you're itching to get out on the water and tangle with some of Galveston's finest fish, this is the trip for you. Captain John's half-day charter is perfect for both early birds and those who like to sleep in a bit (we won't judge). You'll be back at the dock by noon with plenty of time to brag about your catches over lunch. Remember, the boat only takes two anglers, so you're guaranteed plenty of one-on-one time with the captain. Don't let this opportunity slip away like that big one that got away – book your spot now and get ready for a fishing trip that'll have you coming back for more. Trust me, once you've fished with Dean's Guide Service, you'll be hooked for life!
Learn more about the species
Black Drum
Black Drum are the heavyweight cousins of Redfish, and boy can they pull. These bruisers typically range from 5 to 30 pounds, but the real monsters can hit 90 pounds. Look for them around oyster beds, mudflats, and channel edges. They love crustaceans, so fresh crab or shrimp are your best bets for bait. Spring's the prime time to target them, as they school up to spawn. That's when you can really get into some action. Black Drum put up a great fight, especially the big ones. They're not the prettiest fish, but they're fun to catch and good eating when they're under 15 pounds. After that, the meat gets tough. Here's a local trick: if you're fishing the flats, listen for their distinctive drumming sound. It's a dead giveaway that you're in the right spot.
Redfish
Redfish, or Red Drum, are the rockstars of Galveston Bay fishing. These copper-colored bruisers, known for the black spot near their tail, typically run 20-30 inches in the bay, but can grow much larger. You'll find them prowling shallow flats, often with their backs out of the water, hunting for crabs and baitfish. Fall is prime time when they school up for their annual spawn. Reds are famous for their powerful runs and dogged fights - hook a big one, and you're in for a real battle. They're also excellent eating, with a sweet, mild flavor. To catch 'em, try sight-casting with gold spoons or soft plastics in the shallows. If it's cloudy, use popping corks with live shrimp. Here's a tip: on calm days, look for their tails sticking up as they root for food in the mud. Sneak up quietly and make an accurate cast - it's a rush when they pounce on your lure!
Sea Trout
Sea Trout, also known as Speckled Trout, are a favorite here in Galveston Bay. These silvery, spotted beauties usually run 14-24 inches and love to hang out in grass flats and shallow waters. They're most active at night or early morning, especially around lighted areas. Spring and fall are prime seasons when the water's not too hot. Sea Trout are known for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights - they'll often leap clear out of the water. They're also fantastic eating fish with delicate, flaky meat. To catch 'em, try using soft plastics or live shrimp under a popping cork. Work the bait with short, sharp jerks to mimic injured prey. Here's a local secret: on calm mornings, look for "slicks" on the water surface. These oily patches are often a sign of feeding trout. Get your lure in there quick, and hold on tight!
Sheepshead
Sheepshead, or "convict fish" as we call 'em, are a blast to catch. These striped fighters usually run 1-8 pounds and hang around structures like docks, bridges, and reefs. They've got human-like teeth perfect for crushing barnacles and crabs - their favorite snacks. Spring's the best time to target them as they gather to spawn. Sheepshead are known for being clever bait stealers, so you've got to be quick on the hook set. Use light tackle and drop your bait right next to pilings or rocks. Fresh fiddler crabs or shrimp work great. These fish put up a scrappy fight and are excellent table fare with sweet, white meat. Just be careful of those fin spines when you're handling them. Pro tip: if you're having trouble finding them, try scraping some barnacles off the pilings to create a chum slick. That'll bring 'em in.
Southern Flounder
Southern Flounder are a real treat to catch around Tiki Island. These flat, oval-shaped fish typically run 15-18 inches long, but can grow up to 33 inches. You'll find them camouflaged on sandy or muddy bottoms in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. They're ambush predators, so look for them near structure where they can hide. Fall is prime time as they move offshore to spawn. Flounder are popular for their delicate, white meat and the challenge of hooking them. They're notorious bait stealers, so when you feel that telltale nibble, give it a second before setting the hook. I like to use live bait like mullet or shrimp on a Carolina rig. Drift fishing works well to cover ground. When you hook one, be ready for a good fight - they may be flat, but they're feisty!
About the Dean’s Guide Service
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 5
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 48
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 225
