Expert-Guided Galveston Inshore Fishing | SharkTooth

Published Date: July 16, 2025
Fishing

Galveston
$500 - $750 price range
Updated Date: July 31, 2025

Summary

Looking for a full day of fishing action in Galveston? Our 8-hour charter takes you from inshore to offshore, depending on conditions. We start by targeting Speckled Trout, Redfish, Sharks, and Tarpon in the bays. When the weather's right, we'll head out to deeper waters for King Mackerel, Cobia, Amberjack, and Mahi Mahi. Don't worry about gear - we've got quality equipment ready for you. Our experienced guides know these waters like the back of their hand and are committed to putting you on fish. This seasonal trip runs from March 7 to September 1, giving you plenty of time to plan your Texas fishing adventure. Keep in mind there may be additional fuel charges for offshore runs, so check with us beforehand. With room for up to 4 guests, it's perfect for a day out with friends or family. Remember, deposits are non-refundable, so book your spot and get ready for some serious fishing!

Expert-Guided Galveston Inshore Fishing | SharkTooth

Rods Bent, Reels Screaming

A fisherman holding a large bull shark caught in Galveston

Vibrant shark catch with happy anglers.

Blackfin tuna, a 38-inch fish, caught while fishing in Galveston

Giant yellowfin tuna catch.

A lone fisherman enjoying a great day of fishing in Galveston

Impressive redfish catch with smiling angler.

One angler holding a large fish in Texas

Sleek shark catch.

Reel in the Big Ones: Galveston's Ultimate Fishing Adventure

Get ready to experience the best of both worlds with our 8-hour inshore to offshore fishing charter in Galveston, Texas. Whether you're an experienced angler or a first-timer, our seasoned crew at SharkTooth Charters will put you on the fish and show you why Galveston is a top-rated fishing destination. From the shallow bays to the deep blue, we've got your fishing fix covered.

What to Expect on the Water

Our day kicks off bright and early at the marina where you'll meet your captain and crew. We'll start inshore, targeting the backwater honey holes for speckled trout and redfish. As the day heats up, we'll make the call to push offshore if conditions are right. That's when the real heavy-hitters come into play – we're talking king mackerel, cobia, and even the occasional mahi-mahi. Our 8-hour trip gives us the flexibility to chase the bite wherever it's hot. We provide all the gear, so you just need to bring your A-game and maybe a lucky hat.

Fishing Techniques & Terrain

Inshore, we'll use a mix of live bait and artificial lures, working the grass flats and oyster reefs where the trout and reds like to hang out. If we spot some tarpon rolling, we might switch gears and try our luck with these silver kings. Offshore, it's a whole different ballgame. We'll be trolling for kings and cobia, and if we find a good weedline, we'll break out the light tackle for some mahi-mahi action. The Gulf can get choppy, so if you're prone to seasickness, you might want to bring some Dramamine. Don't worry though, our captain knows how to find the smooth water.

Top Catches This Season

Galveston's waters are teeming with life, and each season brings its own stars. In the spring and early summer, the speckled trout fishing is on fire. By mid-summer, the offshore action heats up with king mackerel and cobia making strong showings. Fall brings the bull redfish run, where you can hook into some real bruisers. And let's not forget about the sharks – we've been known to tangle with some toothy critters that'll make your arms sore and give you bragging rights for years to come.

Species You'll Want to Hook

King Mackerel: These speedsters are the sprinters of the Gulf. Known for their blistering runs and aerial acrobatics, kings can hit 70 mph when they're hooked. We typically find them in the summer months, and they're a blast on light tackle. The bigger ones, called "smokers," can top 50 pounds and will test your stamina.

Speckled Trout: A favorite among Galveston anglers, speckled trout are the bread and butter of inshore fishing. These spotted beauties are most active in the cooler months but can be caught year-round. They're great on the grill and even better on the end of your line, known for their subtle strikes and head-shaking fights.

Redfish: Also called red drum, these copper-colored brutes are the bulldogs of the bay. They'll put up a stubborn fight, often making powerful runs towards structure. In the fall, we target the big bulls that come in to spawn. Landing a 40-inch redfish is a true Texas fishing achievement.

Mahi Mahi: Also known as dorado or dolphinfish, these are the beauty queens of the offshore world. With their vibrant colors and acrobatic leaps, mahi mahi are a sight to behold. We find them around floating debris and weedlines, typically in the warmer months. They're fast growers and great eating – the perfect combination for a memorable catch.

Cobia: Sometimes called ling or lemonfish, cobia are the curious giants of the Gulf. They're known to follow the boat, giving us a chance to sight cast to them. Cobia can grow over 100 pounds and put up a tenacious fight. They typically show up in late spring and stick around through summer. Landing a big cobia is often the highlight of an offshore trip.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Folks come back to Galveston year after year because of the variety we offer. Where else can you catch a limit of trout in the morning and be battling offshore giants by afternoon? Our seasonal charter runs from March 7 to September 1, hitting the prime time for both inshore and offshore action. Plus, with our fully equipped boat and experienced guides, you're set up for success from the moment you step aboard. We're all about putting you on fish and making sure you have a good time doing it.

Time to Book Your Spot

Whether you're looking to fill the freezer with some tasty fillets or just want to feel the thrill of a big fish on the line, our Galveston fishing charter has got you covered. With a max of 4 guests, you'll get plenty of personal attention and fishing time. Just remember, offshore trips might have an additional fuel charge, so check with us when you book. And speaking of booking, our spots fill up fast, especially during peak season. So if you're ready to make some waves and create some lasting Texas fishing memories, give us a shout at SharkTooth Charters. We'll see you on the water!

Learn more about the species

Cobia

Cobia are impressive fish that can reach 6 feet long and 100 pounds. They're often mistaken for sharks due to their single dorsal fin and dark brown coloring. You'll find them around reefs, wrecks, and buoys in waters 30-70 feet deep, especially during their spring spawning run. Cobia are solitary predators that put up a heck of a fight when hooked. Anglers love targeting them for both the challenge and their excellent eating quality. To land one, try sight fishing with bucktail jigs in the 4-8 oz range. Don't be afraid to go with bright colors - cobia aren't picky. A local tip: look for rip lines or current breaks near structure, as cobia often hang out there hunting for prey. These fish are most abundant here from late spring through fall as they migrate up from Florida waters.

King Mackerel

King mackerel are sleek, torpedo-shaped fish that can reach 5 feet long and 90 pounds, though 15-30 pounders are more common. You'll find them offshore in waters 40-150 feet deep, often around reefs and wrecks. They're here spring through fall, with peak action in the summer months. Kings are famous for their blistering runs - when they hit, be ready for your reel to scream! They're good eating too, with a rich, oily flavor perfect for smoking. To land one, try slow-trolling live bait like blue runners or mullet. Use two hooks on a wire leader - one in the nose, one in the back. Kings are known for biting the tail of baitfish, so this rig helps you hook up more often. Keep an eye out for birds diving - that's often a sure sign kings are feeding nearby.

Mahi Mahi or Common Dolphinfish

Mahi mahi are some of the most beautiful fish you'll see, with golden sides and bright blues and greens that change like a light show when they're pulled from the water. They're fast growers, usually 15-30 pounds though they can get up to 90. You'll find them offshore near floating debris and weed lines - they love to hang out under anything floating. Spring through fall is prime time as the water warms up. Mahi are a blast to catch, putting on acrobatic aerial displays when hooked. They're also fantastic eating with a mild, sweet flavor. To land one, try trolling with ballyhoo or squid, making the bait skip on the surface. A good local trick is to look for frigate birds circling - they'll often lead you right to a school of mahi.

Redfish

Redfish are one of our most popular inshore targets. They usually run 5-10 pounds but can get up to 40 or more. Look for them in shallow flats and bays, often with their backs exposed in water just 1-4 feet deep. They love hanging around oyster reefs and grass beds. Fall is prime time as they school up, but you can catch them year-round. Anglers love redfish for their hard fighting ability - when they take off, hold on tight! They're also excellent eating with a light, sweet flavor. To target them, try topwater lures early morning or gold spoons worked slowly along the bottom. A local secret is to look for their telltale "tailing" behavior as they root for crabs in shallow water. Cast just ahead of them and hang on!

Sea Trout

Sea trout, also called speckled trout, are a local favorite. They usually run 1-5 pounds but can reach 15 or more. You'll find them in grass flats, channels, and around structure in 3-15 feet of water. They're here year-round but really turn on in the fall as the water cools. Trout are fun to catch on light tackle and make excellent table fare with their mild, sweet meat. To target them, try soft plastics or live shrimp under a popping cork. Work the bait with short, sharp jerks to mimic a wounded baitfish. Early morning and late evening are prime times, especially around lighted docks or bridges at night. A local tip: on calm mornings, look for "slicks" on the water surface - that often means trout are feeding below.

Sitemap