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Expert-Guided Galveston Bay Fishing Adventures

  • Published Date: July 17, 2025
  • Fishing
  • Crystal Beach, TX
  • $500 - $1,250 price range

Summary

Get ready for an awesome day of fishing on Galveston Bay with Captain Jason Custer of Small Time Charters. This 5-hour inshore trip is perfect whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting out. You'll cruise the bay in a speedy 24-foot Blazer Bay boat, hitting the best spots for Redfish, Speckled Trout, and Flounder. No need to worry about gear – it's all provided, so you can focus on the fun part: reeling in some big catches. Captain Jason knows these waters like the back of his hand and will put you right where the fish are biting. With room for two guests, it's a great chance to enjoy some quality time on the water with a friend or family member. The bay's got a mix of calm areas and some spots with a bit more action, so you'll get a real taste of Texas coastal fishing. Don't forget to keep an eye out for local wildlife while you're out there!
Expert-Guided Galveston Bay Fishing Adventures

Reel Action Shots

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Spotted Weakfish caught while fishing in TX

Nice Trout in Crystal Beach

Two people enjoying a day on the Bolivar Peninsula

Family friendly Fishing, Crystal Beach Texas

A lone fisherman casting a line on the Bolivar Peninsula

Crystal Beach Fishing, Texas

A person fishing in TX

Redfish Fishing in Texas

Three 18-inch fish caught in TX

Galveston fishing charter

3 fishing in tx

Hooked Some Trout in Crystal Beach, TX

A lone angler fishing in TX

Bull Red Fishing in Crystal Beach, TX

Three fish caught on Bolivar Peninsula

Texas Slam in Crystal Beach

Four black drum and spotted weakfish caught at Bolivar Peninsula

Trout Fishing from Crystal Beach

9 black drum fish in TX

Crystal Beach Redfish Fishing, Texas

Spotted Weakfish caught while fishing in TX

Nice Trout in Crystal Beach

Two people enjoying a day on the Bolivar Peninsula

Family friendly Fishing, Crystal Beach Texas

A lone fisherman casting a line on the Bolivar Peninsula

Crystal Beach Fishing, Texas

A person fishing in TX

Redfish Fishing in Texas

Three 18-inch fish caught in TX

Galveston fishing charter

3 fishing in tx

Hooked Some Trout in Crystal Beach, TX

A lone angler fishing in TX

Bull Red Fishing in Crystal Beach, TX

Three fish caught on Bolivar Peninsula

Texas Slam in Crystal Beach

Four black drum and spotted weakfish caught at Bolivar Peninsula

Trout Fishing from Crystal Beach

9 black drum fish in TX

Crystal Beach Redfish Fishing, Texas

Spotted Weakfish caught while fishing in TX

Nice Trout in Crystal Beach

Two people enjoying a day on the Bolivar Peninsula

Family friendly Fishing, Crystal Beach Texas

A lone fisherman casting a line on the Bolivar Peninsula

Crystal Beach Fishing, Texas

A person fishing in TX

Redfish Fishing in Texas

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Reel in the Big Ones: Galveston Bay Fishing

Hey there, fellow angler! Ready to wet a line in some of the best inshore waters Texas has to offer? Hop aboard with Small Time Charters for a 5-hour fishing adventure you won't forget. We're talking about Galveston Bay, where the fish are always biting and the stories get bigger with every cast. Captain Jason Custer knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's itching to put you on the hottest spots for Redfish, Speckled Trout, and Flounder. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time holding a rod, we've got you covered with all the gear you need and a sweet 24-foot Blazer Bay boat that'll get us to the fish fast. So grab a buddy, because we've got room for two, and let's make some waves!

What to Expect on the Water

Listen up, because here's the lowdown on your day out with Small Time Charters. We'll meet up bright and early at the dock, where Captain Jason will give you the rundown on the day's game plan. Once we're loaded up, we'll zip out to the prime fishing grounds in our speedy Blazer Bay. No need to pack a tackle box - we've got top-notch rods, reels, and bait all ready to go. Captain Jason's got a sixth sense for where the fish are hiding, so get ready to hit some secret spots that'll have your line singing in no time. We'll be targeting the bay's heavy hitters: Redfish, Speckled Trout, Flounder, and maybe even a surprise Sheepshead or two. And don't worry if you're new to this - the Captain's always happy to share some tips and tricks to help you land the big one.

Baits, Lures, and Local Know-How

Alright, let's talk strategy. In Galveston Bay, we've got a few tricks up our sleeves to entice those fish. Depending on the season and what's biting, we might start off with some live shrimp under a popping cork - a classic that the trout just can't resist. For redfish, we often throw soft plastics or gold spoons near the grass lines and oyster reefs. And if we're after flounder, get ready to master the art of bouncing a jig head with a gulp minnow along the bottom. Captain Jason's always got his finger on the pulse of what's working, so don't be surprised if he pulls out some local secret weapon that the fish haven't seen before. We'll mix it up between drift fishing, anchoring on some prime structure, or even wading if the conditions are right. It's all about reading the water and adjusting our game to outsmart those fish.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Let's break down the all-stars you'll be chasing in Galveston Bay. First up, the Redfish - these copper-colored bruisers are known for their hard-pulling fights and that distinctive black spot on their tail. They love hanging around oyster reefs and marsh edges, and when they're feeding, it's non-stop action. You can find them year-round, but fall is when they really show up in force.

Next, we've got Speckled Trout, or "specks" as the locals call 'em. These guys are the bread and butter of Galveston Bay fishing. They're quick, they're crafty, and when you find a school, it's like hitting the jackpot. Spring and fall are prime time for specks, but a good captain can put you on them any time of year.

Don't forget about Southern Flounder - the ninjas of the bay. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, blending in with the sandy bottom. They're not the hardest fighters, but they're prized for their tasty fillets. Fall is the best time to target flounder as they start their migration to the Gulf.

Last but not least, there's the Sheepshead. These striped oddballs with human-like teeth are a blast to catch. They hang around structure like pilings and rocks, munching on crustaceans. Winter and early spring is when they really shine, and trust me, hooking one of these guys is like trying to pull a cinderblock through the water - they don't give up easy!

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

I'll tell you what, there's something special about fishing Galveston Bay that keeps folks coming back for more. Maybe it's the way the sun rises over the water, painting the sky in colors you didn't even know existed. Or maybe it's that moment when your rod doubles over and you feel the raw power of a big red on the other end. Could be the laid-back vibe of being out on the water, away from the hustle and bustle, where your biggest worry is whether to use a jig or a topwater. Whatever it is, one thing's for sure - once you've fished these waters with Captain Jason, you'll be itching to come back. It's not just about the fish (though that's a big part of it), it's about the experience, the stories, and the memories you'll be talking about for years to come.

Time to Book Your Spot

Alright, folks, let's cut to the chase. If you're looking for a top-notch fishing adventure in Galveston Bay, Small Time Charters is your ticket to success. Captain Jason's got the know-how, the spots, and the passion to make sure you have a day on the water you won't forget. Whether you're after a cooler full of fish or just want to enjoy the thrill of the catch, we've got you covered. And remember, with only room for two anglers, these trips fill up fast - especially during peak seasons. So don't let that big one get away. Give us a call, book your trip, and get ready to create some fishing memories that'll last a lifetime. The fish are waiting, and so are we. Let's go catch 'em!

Learn more about the species

Redfish

Redfish are the bulldogs of the bay, known for their powerful runs and distinctive spot near the tail. Most are in the 20-30 inch range, but they can grow much larger. You'll find them in shallow flats, around oyster reefs, and tailing in marshes. They feed aggressively, often creating visible wakes as they chase bait. Fall is prime time when big schools gather to spawn. Redfish will hit just about anything - live bait, cut bait, or artificial lures all work well. For a real thrill, try sight-casting to tailing reds in super shallow water. When hooked, they make strong runs and bulldoze through grass to try and break free. One local tip: on calm days, look for their copper-colored backs pushing water on the flats. Redfish are excellent eating too, with a mild, sweet flavor that's hard to beat.

Redfish

Sea Trout

Sea Trout, or Speckled Trout, are a favorite here in Galveston Bay. They usually run 14-24 inches and put up an energetic fight. Look for them around grass flats, oyster reefs, and channel edges. They're most active at dawn and dusk, especially on moving tides. Spring and fall are prime seasons. Sea Trout hit a variety of lures - topwaters, soft plastics, and live bait all work well. They've got soft mouths, so use a light drag and let them wear themselves out. One trick is to work your lure with sharp, erratic twitches to trigger their predatory instincts. Trout make excellent eating with their mild, flaky meat. Just be sure to release the bigger ones to keep the population healthy. Nothing beats the excitement of a big trout blowing up on a topwater lure at first light.

Sea Trout

Sheepshead

Sheepshead are oddball fish with human-like teeth and distinctive black stripes. Most weigh 1-8 pounds, but the big ones can hit 20 pounds. You'll find them around any structure with barnacles - docks, bridges, reefs. They're craftier than they look, often stealing bait without getting hooked. Use small hooks with fiddler crabs or pieces of shrimp, and set the hook fast when you feel the bite. Spring is great for catching them as they move inshore to spawn. Sheepshead put up a good scrap and taste fantastic, but cleaning them can be tricky with their tough scales. Here's a local tip: scrape some barnacles off pilings to chum them in. The sound and scent will bring sheepshead right to you. Just be careful of those sharp dorsal spines when you're handling them.

Sheepshead

Southern Flounder

Southern Flounder are masters of camouflage, blending in with sandy or muddy bottoms. They typically range from 15-18 inches but can grow up to 33 inches. Look for them in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. Fall is prime time as they migrate offshore to spawn. Flounder fishing takes patience - they're ambush predators that wait for prey to come close. Use a slow retrieve with live bait or soft plastics, keeping your lure near the bottom. When you feel a bite, wait a second before setting the hook to let them get it in their mouth. Flounder put up a good fight and make excellent table fare with their mild, flaky white meat. For the best shot at landing one, try drifting or still fishing around structures like jetties or oyster reefs where they like to hide.

Southern Flounder

About the Small Time Charters

Company vehicle

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 3

Manufacturer Name: Mercury

Maximum Cruising Speed: 12

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 150

Hop aboard Captain Jason Custer's sleek 24-foot Blazer Bay boat for an action-packed day of fishing on Galveston Bay. This nimble vessel is perfect for navigating the bay's diverse waters, getting you to prime fishing spots quickly and comfortably. With room for two guests, you'll have plenty of space to cast your lines and reel in Redfish, Speckled Trout, and Flounder. The boat is fully equipped with top-notch gear, so you can focus on the excitement of the catch. Whether you're a seasoned angler or trying your hand at bay fishing for the first time, this boat provides a stable platform for a great day on the water. Soak in the coastal scenery and enjoy the gentle bay breeze as you cruise to the best fishing grounds Galveston has to offer.
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Top Crystal Beach Texas Fishing

Embark on an exciting fishing adventure with Small Time Charters, your top choice for memorable excursions on Crystal Beach. Under the guidance of Captain Jason Custer, Small Time Charters invites anglers of every experience level to land trophy catches while enjoying the breathtaking views of Crystal Beach’s pristine waters. With a dedication to customer satisfaction and a genuine love for fishing, Small Time Charters guarantees an exhilarating day on the water, brimming with excitement, camaraderie, and unforgettable memories.

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