Ready for a day of rods, reels, and big smiles? Captain Joel Taylor's got you covered with this 8-hour family fishing trip that'll have everyone from grandpa to the little ones hooked on Galveston's waters. We're talking calm inshore spots where the fish are biting and the memories are just waiting to be made. And if the weather plays nice, we might even sneak offshore for some bigger game. So grab your crew and let's hit the water!
Picture this: You're cruising out with Captain Joel, the sun's warming up, and the excitement's building. We'll start in the sheltered bays where the water's nice and calm - perfect for getting your sea legs and letting the kids reel in their first catch. As the day goes on, we'll chase the bite, maybe venturing into the Gulf if conditions are right. The best part? You don't need to be a pro. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod, Captain Joel's got the know-how to get you on the fish.
Alright, let's talk shop. We'll be using a mix of techniques depending on what's biting. In the bays, we might do some drift fishing for trout or work the grass flats for redfish. If we head offshore, get ready for some trolling action - that's where we drag lines behind the boat to tempt those pelagics like king mackerel. Don't sweat the gear; we've got you covered with quality rods, reels, and all the tackle you'll need. Just bring your game face and maybe a lucky hat.
Galveston's waters are teeming with some real beauties, and we're here to help you land 'em. Let's break down what might end up on the end of your line:
King Mackerel: These speedsters are the drag-screamers of the Gulf. They'll test your arms with blistering runs and acrobatic leaps. Best time to target them is late spring through summer when they're chasing bait near the surface.
Sea Trout: AKA speckled trout, these inshore favorites are known for their delicate white meat and spotted patterns. They're year-round residents but really turn on in the warmer months. Light tackle and live bait are the ticket here.
Redfish: With their copper color and black spot near the tail, redfish are a sight to behold. They love to cruise the shallows, tailing in the grass flats. Fall is prime time for these bruisers, but you can catch 'em year-round if you know where to look.
Mahi Mahi: Also called dorado or dolphinfish, these guys are the beauty queens of the offshore world. With their electric blue and yellow colors, they're a feast for the eyes and the dinner plate. Late spring to early fall is when they show up in our waters.
Cobia: These curious fish often swim right up to the boat, which makes for some exciting sight-casting opportunities. They're strong fighters and great eating. Look for them around structures and following large rays from spring through fall.
It's not just about the fish - though let's be honest, that's a big part of it. Folks come back to Galveston because it's got something for everyone. The kiddos get a kick out of seeing dolphins play in the wake, while the adults can soak in those big sky Texas sunsets. And let's not forget the bragging rights when you land that monster redfish or your first offshore mahi. It's a full day of non-stop action that'll have you planning your next trip before you even hit the dock.
Alright, let's get down to brass tacks. This full-day family fishing trip runs from March 7 to September 1, which means you've got plenty of time to get in on the action. With room for up to 4 guests, it's perfect for a family outing or a small group of friends. Captain Joel's got years of experience under his belt, so you're in good hands whether you're chasing reds in the bay or trolling for kings in the big blue.
Here's the deal - fishing in Galveston isn't just a pastime, it's a way of life. And for one day, you get to live it. You'll learn new skills, make lasting memories, and maybe even catch dinner (fish stories are free of charge). So what are you waiting for? Grab your crew, pack some sunscreen, and let's make waves. The fish are calling, and Captain Joel's ready to put you on 'em. Book now and get ready for a day of laughs, learns, and lines in the water. See you on the boat!
Cobia, also called ling, are one of the Gulf's most unique gamefish. These sleek, brown fish can reach 6 feet and 100 pounds, though 20-40 pounders are more common. You'll find them from spring through fall around structures like oil rigs, buoys, and wrecks in 30-300 feet of water. Cobia are known for their curiosity – they'll often swim right up to the boat. They put up a dogged fight, with powerful runs and stubborn refusals to come to the net. Their firm, white meat is excellent table fare too. To catch them, sight-cast with live eels or large jigs when you spot them near the surface. A local tip: cobia love to follow large animals like sea turtles or rays, so keep an eye out for those. Whether you're sight-fishing or working structure, hooking into a big ling is always a thrill. Just be ready for a battle – these fish don't give up easily!
King Mackerel are one of the Gulf's most exciting catches. These speedy predators can reach over 5 feet long and 90 pounds, though most are in the 20-40 pound range. Look for them in open water from 30-150 feet deep, often near structures like reefs or wrecks. They're migratory, so spring and fall are prime times as they pass through. Kings put up an amazing fight, making blistering runs and even jumping clear out of the water. Their light, flaky meat is good eating too. To land one, try trolling with live bait like mullet or blue runners. A wire leader is a must to prevent bite-offs from their razor sharp teeth. Keep an eye out for diving birds – that often means kings are feeding on bait schools below. These fish will test your skills and gear, but hooking into a smoker king is an experience you won't soon forget.
Mahi Mahi are the acrobats of the offshore world. These vibrant blue-green and gold fish average 15-30 pounds but can top 50. You'll find them in open Gulf waters from spring through fall, often around floating debris or weedlines. Mahi are known for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked, sometimes clearing the water by several feet. They're also one of the fastest-growing fish, reaching maturity in just months. Their firm white flesh is delicious whether grilled, blackened, or in fish tacos. To catch them, try trolling with ballyhoo or squid near floating structure. A local trick is to keep the first one you hook in the water – others will often stick around out of curiosity. Mahi fishing is fast-paced and exciting, perfect for anglers of all skill levels. Plus, their dazzling colors make for great photos. It's no wonder mahi are a favorite among both sport and eating fish.
Redfish, or red drum, are a staple of Galveston fishing. These copper-colored bruisers with a distinctive black tail spot typically run 3-10 pounds inshore, but bulls over 40 pounds aren't unheard of. You'll find them year-round in our shallow bays and marshes, often tailing in water so skinny their backs are exposed. They love to hang around oyster reefs, grass flats, and creek mouths. Redfish put up a stubborn, bulldog fight and are prized for their firm, white flesh. Fall is prime time when big schools gather to spawn. For best results, try a gold spoon or scented soft plastic on a jighead. One local tip: on calm days, cruise the flats and look for their wakes or tails breaking the surface. Redfish are curious – if you see one, chances are there are more nearby. Whether sight-casting or blind-casting, hooking into a big red is sure to get your heart racing.
Sea trout, also called speckled trout, are a favorite inshore target here in Galveston. These silvery fish with distinctive spots average 1-3 pounds, though gator trout over 5 pounds aren't uncommon. You'll find them year-round in our bays and estuaries, usually in 2-6 feet of water near grass flats, oyster reefs, and channel edges. They're most active at dawn and dusk, especially on moving tides. Sea trout put up a good fight on light tackle and make excellent table fare with their mild, flaky white meat. To catch them, try a live shrimp under a popping cork or work a soft plastic jig slowly along the bottom. One local trick is to look for slicks – oily patches on the surface that indicate feeding trout below. These fish have soft mouths, so set the hook with a firm sweep rather than a hard jerk. Whether you're after numbers or that trophy speck, sea trout fishing is always a blast.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 40
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 200