Get ready to put your angling skills to the test on this full-day fishing adventure off the coast of Galveston. Captain Joel Taylor knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's itching to show you where the big ones are hiding. Whether you're looking to tangle with some hefty redfish in the bays or venture offshore for a shot at mahi-mahi and king mackerel, this trip is designed to keep even the most seasoned fishermen on their toes. Pack your sunscreen and bring your A-game – we're talking 8 solid hours of non-stop action on the water.
This ain't your average Galveston fishing charter. Captain Joel's tailored this trip for anglers who know their way around a rod and reel. You'll be using top-notch gear and tapping into years of local know-how to track down the hottest bites. The beauty of this setup is its flexibility – one day you might be sight-casting to tailing reds in skinny water, the next you could be battling a hard-fighting cobia miles offshore. Just keep in mind, if we're heading way out, there might be some extra fuel costs. But trust me, when you're hooked up to a smoker king mackerel, you won't be thinking about the price of gas.
We'll mix it up depending on where the fish are biting and what you're after. Inshore, we might be working the grass flats with soft plastics for trout or using live bait to tempt those big bull reds. If we push offshore, get ready to troll for kings and mahi, or maybe even do some bottom fishing for cobia. Captain Joel's got all the gear you need, from light tackle setups for finesse fishing to heavy duty rigs for when things get serious. And hey, if you've got a favorite lure or technique you want to try, bring it on – this trip is all about putting fish in the boat, whatever it takes.
King Mackerel: These speedsters are the drag-screamers of the Gulf. Kings can top 50 pounds and when they hit, hold on tight! They're notorious for blistering runs and acrobatic jumps. We usually find them around oil rigs and other structure offshore. Spring and fall are prime time, but summer can be red hot too. Nothing beats the thrill of a king skyrocketing on a surface bait.
Sea Trout: The bread and butter of Galveston Bay fishing. These spotted beauties might not be the biggest, but they more than make up for it in numbers and fight. We'll target them over grass flats and around oyster reefs. A 20-incher is a real trophy, and they're dynamite on light tackle. The best part? They're delicious on the grill.
Redfish: Ah, the mighty red drum. These copper-colored bruisers are what Galveston fishing dreams are made of. We'll look for them tailing in the shallows or schooling up in the bays. Fall is the golden season when big bulls move in to spawn, but you can tangle with reds year-round. There's nothing quite like watching a big red crush a topwater lure.
Mahi Mahi (Dolphinfish): These neon-colored acrobats are a offshore favorite. They're fast growers and can hit 30 pounds or more. We'll look for them around floating debris and weedlines. Mahi are known for their spectacular aerial displays and they travel in schools, so when you find one, you've often found many. They're also some of the best-eating fish in the sea.
Cobia: Also known as ling, these curious fish are the wildcards of our offshore trips. They can grow over 100 pounds and are known for their powerful runs and stubborn fights. We often spot them near the surface, sometimes following large rays or sharks. Cobia are seasonal visitors, usually showing up in late spring and sticking around through summer. Landing a big cobia is a real feather in any angler's cap.
Look, there's a reason Captain Joel's trips are booked solid during peak season. It's not just about catching fish – though we do plenty of that. It's about the whole package. You're getting a guide who knows every wrinkle and ripple of these waters, who can read the conditions and put you on fish when others are coming back empty-handed. Plus, Joel's the kind of captain who'll work his tail off to make sure you're having a good time, whether that means switching up tactics or pushing a little further to find the bite. This is the kind of trip where you might start as customers but end up feeling like you've been fishing with an old buddy.
If you're the kind of angler who's always chasing that next big catch, this is your ticket to some serious Galveston fishing action. Remember, we're only running these advanced trips from March 7th to September 1st, and spots fill up fast. Whether you're looking to test your skills against some hard-fighting reds or want to push offshore for a shot at pelagics, Captain Joel's got you covered. Don't let this chance slip away – book your spot now and get ready for a day on the water you won't forget. Trust me, the only thing you'll regret is not doing it sooner. Let's go fishing!
Cobia, or ling, are the prize fighters of Galveston's nearshore waters. These bruisers can top 100 pounds, though 30-50 pounders are more common. You'll spot them cruising just under the surface, often mistaken for sharks at first glance. They love structure, so check around oil rigs, buoys, and wrecks. Spring and early summer are prime as they migrate up the coast. Cobia put up a hell of a fight, with powerful runs and stubborn tactics near the boat. They're curious fish - sometimes you can sight cast to them with big jigs or live eels. Cobia make excellent table fare, with firm, white meat that's great for grilling. When you spot one, get a bait in front of it quick - they don't stick around long. And be ready for a battle - these fish will test your arms and your gear. Landing a big cobia is a true Gulf Coast trophy.
King Mackerel are a prized catch off Galveston, typically ranging from 20-50 pounds. These speedsters cruise the Gulf waters, often found near structures like oil rigs or along current breaks. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they migrate. Anglers love 'em for their blistering runs and acrobatic jumps - hooking one feels like you've tied into a rocket. They make great eating too, with firm, flavorful meat. To target Kings, try slow-trolling live bait like ribbonfish or mullet around 30-50 feet deep. Keep an eye out for birds working bait schools - that's a good sign Kings are feeding nearby. When you hook up, be ready for smoking runs. These fish will test your drag system and your stamina, but landing a big King is worth every ounce of effort.
Mahi Mahi light up Galveston's offshore waters with their electric blue and gold colors. Most run 10-30 pounds, but 50-pounders aren't unheard of. Look for them around floating debris or weedlines, usually 20-30 miles out. Summer's the prime season, with warm Gulf waters bringing them in close. Mahi are famous for their acrobatics - expect wild jumps and blistering runs when hooked. They're a blast on light tackle and make for some of the best eating you'll find offshore. Trolling with ballyhoo or small lures works well, but nothing beats sight-casting to a school. When you hook one, keep it in the water - others will often stick around. Mahi grow fast and are sustainable, so don't feel bad about keeping a few for the grill. Pro tip: look for frigate birds working an area - they'll often lead you right to the fish.
Redfish are the bulldogs of Galveston's flats, with most keepers in the 20-27 inch range. Look for their copper-colored backs and signature tail spot in shallow water, often tailing in grass flats or cruising shorelines. They're year-round residents, but fall brings big schools to the flats. Redfish fight hard, making powerful runs when hooked. Anglers love sight-casting to them with gold spoons or soft plastics. They'll also crush topwater lures, making for exciting visual strikes. These fish aren't picky eaters - cut mullet, live shrimp, or crabs all work well. Redfish make excellent table fare, with a sweet, mild flavor. When you spot a school, approach quietly and make long casts. These fish can spook easily, but if you play it cool, you might hook into several from the same group. It's an addictive kind of fishing that'll keep you coming back.
Sea Trout, or Speckled Trout, are a staple in Galveston's inshore waters. These silvery fish with distinctive spots usually run 2-5 pounds, though gator trout pushing 10 pounds aren't unheard of. You'll find them in the bays, around grass flats and oyster reefs, especially during cooler months. They're suckers for live shrimp under a popping cork, but artificial lures like soft plastics work great too. Sea Trout put up a good fight on light tackle, with head-shaking runs and occasional jumps. Spring and fall are peak seasons, but you can catch 'em year-round. Dawn and dusk are prime times, especially on a moving tide. These fish have excellent table fare - mild, flaky, and great on the grill. Pro tip: when you find one trout, there's usually more nearby. Work the area thoroughly before moving on.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 40
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 200