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Expert-Guided Inshore Fishing in Galveston
- Published Date: July 16, 2025
- Fishing
- Galveston
- $450 - $750 price range
Summary
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Galveston Bay Catches
Just another solid day on Galveston Bay.
Lures laid out and ready to go.
Smooth ride across Galveston Bay.
Limited out on Galveston Bay
That’s what we call a bay bounty!
Catches of the day—nice work!
More fish than stories—for once!
One fish, two fish... you know the rest.
Keeping it reel on Galveston Bay.
A good day measured in casts.
Just another solid day on Galveston Bay.
Lures laid out and ready to go.
Smooth ride across Galveston Bay.
Limited out on Galveston Bay
That’s what we call a bay bounty!
Catches of the day—nice work!
More fish than stories—for once!
One fish, two fish... you know the rest.
Keeping it reel on Galveston Bay.
A good day measured in casts.
Just another solid day on Galveston Bay.
Lures laid out and ready to go.
Smooth ride across Galveston Bay.
Limited out on Galveston Bay
Reel in Trophy Fish on Galveston's Inshore Waters
Get ready for a killer day of fishing on the rich waters around Tiki Island with Dean's Guide Service. Captain John knows these waters like the back of his hand and he's itching to put you on some monster catches. We're talking big ol' redfish, hefty black drum, and those tasty flounder that Galveston's famous for. This 6-hour trip kicks off at the crack of dawn, giving you prime time on the water when the fish are hungry and biting. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, Captain John's got the skills and local know-how to make sure you're in for one heck of a fishing adventure.
What to Expect on the Water
Hop aboard our fully-rigged fishing machine and we'll cruise out to the hotspots as the sun's coming up. Captain John's always got his finger on the pulse of where the fish are biting, so we'll hit up the best spots around Galveston Bay, West Bay, and those hidden honey holes only the locals know about. We'll be using a mix of live bait and lures, depending on what's working that day. You might be casting around oyster reefs for redfish, drifting for flounder, or working the deeper channels for black drum. The beauty of inshore fishing is the variety - one minute you're battling a bull red, the next you're finessing a speckled trout. And don't worry if you're new to this - Captain John's got patience for days and he'll have you casting like a pro in no time.
Gear Up for Galveston Glory
Leave your worries (and your gear) at home. We've got you covered with top-notch rods, reels, and tackle that's perfect for the inshore action. We're talking light to medium spinning gear that'll give you the sensitivity to feel those subtle bites and the backbone to haul in the big ones. Live bait? Check. Artificial lures? You bet. We've got a full arsenal of soft plastics, topwater plugs, and those trusty popping corks that the specks and reds can't resist. Captain John's always tweaking his techniques based on the tides, weather, and what the fish are doing, so you'll be using the most effective methods for that day. And hey, if you've got a favorite lure you want to try, bring it along - we're always game for some local knowledge!
Top Catches This Season
Galveston's inshore waters have been on fire lately. We've been pulling in some monster redfish in the 30-inch range, chunky black drum that'll make your arms ache, and enough speckled trout to fill a cooler. One of our regulars, Jim, landed a 28-inch flounder last week that had everyone on the dock talking. And let's not forget about those sheepshead - they might be tricky to hook, but man, are they fun to catch and even better to eat. The fall run's just around the corner, and that's when things really heat up. We're expecting some epic battles with big bull reds cruising the jetties and passes. Trust me, when you hook into one of those brutes, you'll know why they call it the Texas Slam!
Species You'll Want to Hook
Southern Flounder: These flatfish are the ninjas of the bay. They're masters of camouflage, blending in with the sandy bottom. But when they hit, hold on tight! Flounder fishing is all about patience and finesse. We'll be dragging soft plastics or live mullet along the bottom, feeling for that distinctive 'thump' when a flounder grabs it. Fall is prime time for flounder, as they start their migration to the Gulf. A 20-inch flounder is a real trophy, and man, do they taste good!
Black Drum: These bruisers are like the bulldogs of the bay. They're not the prettiest fish, but what they lack in looks, they make up for in fight. We target them around structure like jetties and bridge pilings. When a big drum takes your bait, it's like hooking into a Mack truck. They love crabs and shrimp, and we'll often use the trusty ol' Carolina rig to get them. The bigger ones can top 30 pounds, so get ready for a workout!
Sheepshead: Don't let those weird teeth fool you - sheepshead are some of the wiliest fish in the bay. They're notorious bait stealers, but when you get the hang of it, they're a blast to catch. We'll target them around structure, using small hooks and pieces of shrimp or crab. They're most active in the cooler months, and a 5-pounder is considered a nice catch. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish out there!
Sea Trout (Speckled Trout): Ah, the specks - these are the rock stars of Galveston Bay. They're beautiful, hard-fighting, and taste amazing. We catch them year-round, but they really turn on in the spring and fall. Topwater action for specks at dawn is something every angler needs to experience. There's nothing like seeing a big trout explode on your lure. We'll be throwing soft plastics, MirrOlures, and live shrimp under popping corks. A 25-inch speck is a true gator and the stuff of Galveston legends.
Redfish: Last but certainly not least, the redfish. These copper-colored beauties are the heart and soul of Texas inshore fishing. We catch them year-round, but fall is when things get crazy with the bull red run. Sight-casting to tailing reds in the shallows is pure adrenaline. They'll hit anything from live bait to spoons to topwater lures. And when a big red takes off on a run, you better hang on! A 28-inch red is a keeper, but those over 30 inches are catch-and-release - and they're the ones that'll really test your skills.
Time to Book Your Spot
Alright, folks, if you're not itching to get out on the water by now, check your pulse! This 6-hour trip with Dean's Guide Service is your ticket to some of the best inshore fishing Galveston has to offer. Captain John's got the skills, the spots, and the passion to make sure you have a day on the water you'll be talking about for years. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler with some tasty fillets or just want to experience the thrill of battling big reds and gator trout, we've got you covered. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait around. Grab your fishing buddy, give us a call, and let's get you hooked up with some Galveston glory. Trust me, the only thing you'll regret is not booking sooner. See you on the water!
Learn more about the species
Black Drum
Black Drum are the heavyweight cousins of Redfish, often weighing 5-30 pounds but can top 90 pounds. You'll find them in brackish waters and estuaries, especially around oyster beds and mudflats. Spring's the best time to target them, as they school up to spawn. These fish are known for their powerful jaws that can crush shellfish, so use sturdy tackle. Anglers love the fight they put up, especially the bigger ones. They're also good eating, but stick to smaller ones under 15 pounds for the best flavor. Try using fresh crab or shrimp for bait - that's their favorite snack. Here's a tip: listen for their distinctive drumming sound. When you hear it, you know you're in the right spot. Just remember, the big ones can be tough to land, so be ready for a workout!
Redfish
Redfish, or Red Drum, are a real prize here in Galveston. They love shallow water, often in just 1-4 feet deep. Look for them around oyster reefs, coves, and seagrass in bays and lagoons. They grow fast, hitting 28-33 inches in 3-5 years. Anglers love 'em for their hard fights and that distinctive tail spot. They're great eating too, with a mild, sweet flavor. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but you can catch 'em year-round. Try topwater lures in shallow water for explosive strikes, or use live shrimp as bait. Here's a local tip: look for their tails sticking up out of the water as they feed in super shallow areas. It's called "tailing" and it's a sure sign you've found a good spot.
Sea Trout
Sea Trout, or Speckled Trout, are a favorite target here in Galveston. They typically run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, but some monsters can hit 40 pounds. Look for them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They love to hang out in estuaries and bays. Winter's great for big schools in deeper water, while spring and fall are prime for shallow water action. Anglers love 'em for their aggressive strikes and tasty, flaky meat. They put up a good fight on light tackle too. Try using live shrimp or artificial lures like jerk baits or topwater plugs. Here's a tip: when you find one, there's usually more nearby. They school up, so if you catch one, work that area thoroughly before moving on.
Sheepshead
Sheepshead, or "convict fish" thanks to their black and white stripes, are crafty little thieves. They usually run 1-8 pounds but can hit 20 pounds if you're lucky. You'll find them around structures like docks, bridges, and reefs - anywhere with barnacles. They're most active in early spring when they form big spawning groups. Anglers love the challenge of catching these bait-stealers. They've got human-like teeth perfect for nibbling bait off hooks, so you've got to be quick on the set. The fight's good, and the meat's even better - sweet and delicate. Here's a local trick: use a small, strong hook and thread a fiddler crab on it sideways. The sheepshead can't resist, and it's harder for them to steal. Just watch those spines when you're handling them!
Southern Flounder
Southern Flounder are masters of camouflage, blending in perfectly with sandy or muddy bottoms. They're typically 15-18 inches long, but can grow up to 33 inches. Look for them in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. Fall is prime time as they migrate to spawn. Flounder fishing is all about patience - they're ambush predators that lie in wait. Use live bait or artificial lures, fishing slowly along the bottom. Anglers love the challenge of hooking these flat fish, and their delicate, flaky meat makes for excellent eating. Here's a local tip: when you feel a bite, wait a few seconds before setting the hook. Flounder often grab bait sideways before fully committing. This pause gives them time to turn the bait, increasing your chances of a solid hookset.
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
