Get ready to wet a line with Small Time Charters on Galveston Bay. We're not messing around - this is a serious 5-hour inshore fishing trip that'll have you chasing redfish, speckled trout, and flounder with a pro who knows every nook and cranny of these waters. Captain Jason Custer's got the skinny on where the fish are biting, and he's ready to put you on 'em. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, we've got the gear, the know-how, and the hot spots to make your day on the water one for the books.
Look, we're not here to mess around. When you step onto our 24-foot Blazer Bay boat, you're in for a day of no-nonsense fishing. We're talking about hitting the honey holes where the redfish are tailing and the specks are schooling. Captain Jason's got eyes like a hawk and knows how to read the water better than most folks read a book. He'll have you rigged up and ready to go faster than you can say "fish on." We provide all the gear, so all you need to bring is your A-game and maybe a lucky hat. This ain't no booze cruise - we're here to put fish in the boat, plain and simple.
Let's talk tactics. Inshore fishing in Galveston Bay is an art form, and we've got it down to a science. Depending on the tide and time of year, we might be sight-casting to reds in the shallows, working soft plastics for trout over shell reefs, or drifting for flounder near the channels. We're not above using live bait when it's the ticket to success, but artificial lures are our bread and butter. You'll learn to work a popping cork, finesse a jig, and maybe even throw a topwater if the conditions are right. It's hands-on fishing - we'll show you the ropes, but you'll be doing the catching.
Folks don't book with Small Time Charters just for the fish - though that's a big part of it. It's the whole package deal. Captain Jason's not just a guide; he's a fishing machine with a personality to match. He'll have you laughing one minute and hollering with excitement the next as you reel in a monster red. Our regulars come back because they know every trip is different, but the quality is always top-notch. We're not about quantity over quality - we want you to catch good fish and have a blast doing it. Plus, there's something about being out on Galveston Bay, watching the sun rise over the water, that just can't be beat.
Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are the crown jewels of Galveston Bay. Reds can range from 20 to 40 inches, with the big bulls giving you a run for your money. They love to hang around structure and in the shallows, often giving themselves away with their signature tail waving above the water. Fall is prime time for redfish, but we catch 'em year-round. There's nothing quite like the pull of a big red on light tackle - it'll test your drag and your biceps.
Speckled Trout: Don't let the name fool you; these spotted speedsters are no lightweights. Specks are the bread and butter of Galveston Bay fishing, known for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights. They school up over shell reefs and along the edges of channels, especially in the cooler months. A limit of keeper trout makes for some mighty fine eating, and the big gator trout over 25 inches are the stuff of local legends.
Southern Flounder: These flatfish are the ninjas of the bay - masters of camouflage and ambush predators par excellence. Flounder fishing picks up in the fall when they start their annual migration to the Gulf. We target them around drop-offs and points, often using a slow-bouncing technique with soft plastics or live bait. Landing a big flounder is like pulling a dinner plate out of the water, and they're just as tasty as they are fun to catch.
Sheepshead: With their distinctive black and white stripes and teeth that look like they belong in a dentist's office, sheepshead are unique characters in the Galveston Bay ecosystem. These structure-loving fish are notorious bait stealers, making them a challenge and a treat to catch. We find them around pilings, jetties, and oyster reefs, especially in the cooler months. They put up a scrappy fight and are excellent table fare - if you can get past their tough exterior.
Listen, if you're still reading this, you're probably itching to get out on the water. I don't blame you one bit. Galveston Bay is fishing heaven, and we've got the keys to the kingdom. Whether you're looking to bend a rod, fill the cooler, or just soak in some salt air, Small Time Charters has got you covered. We're not about the flash and frills - we're about putting you on fish and making sure you have a damn good time doing it. So what are you waiting for? The fish aren't going to catch themselves. Give us a call, book your trip, and let's make some memories on the water. Just remember to bring your camera - you're gonna want proof when you're telling stories about the big one that didn't get away.
Redfish, or Red Drum, are a prized catch in Galveston Bay, known for their copper color and distinctive black tail spot. These hard-fighters typically range from 20-30 inches in the bay, but can grow much larger. You'll find them in shallow waters, often tailing in 1-4 feet deep flats, around oyster reefs, and near marsh edges. Fall is prime time for reds, but they're catchable year-round. Anglers love targeting them for their powerful runs and excellent table fare. To hook into a redfish, try sight-casting with soft plastics or live bait in shallow water. A local tip: look for "nervous water" or disturbed bait fish – it's often a sign of feeding reds nearby. When you hook one, be ready for a fight – these fish can really pull!
Sea Trout, also known as Speckled Trout, are a favorite among Galveston Bay anglers. These silver beauties typically range from 14-24 inches and are known for their spotted patterns. You'll find them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially active during dawn and dusk. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but they can be caught year-round. Anglers love targeting specks for their aggressive strikes and tasty, mild-flavored meat. They're great fighters on light tackle, often putting on aerial displays when hooked. To improve your chances, try using soft plastics or live shrimp under a popping cork. A local secret: focus on areas where deeper water meets the shallows, as trout love to ambush bait in these transition zones.
Sheepshead, nicknamed "convict fish" for their distinctive black and white stripes, are a unique catch in Galveston Bay. These tough fighters typically weigh 1-8 pounds and hang around structures like jetties, pilings, and oyster reefs. Spring is the best time to target them, as they gather in large spawning groups. Anglers enjoy the challenge of catching sheepshead due to their uncanny ability to steal bait and their powerful, human-like teeth that can crush shellfish. For the best results, use small, strong hooks baited with fiddler crabs or barnacles. A local tip: when you feel a nibble, wait a moment before setting the hook. Sheepshead are notorious bait stealers, so giving them time to fully take the bait increases your chances of a solid hookup.
Southern Flounder are masters of camouflage, blending in perfectly with sandy or muddy bottoms. These flatfish typically range from 15-18 inches, but can grow up to 33 inches. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. Fall is prime time for flounder fishing, as they move to deeper waters for spawning. Anglers love targeting them for their delicate, white meat and the challenge of hooking these sneaky ambush predators. To catch flounder, use a slow retrieve with live bait or soft plastics, keeping your lure close to the bottom. A local trick: when you feel a bite, wait a few seconds before setting the hook. Flounder often grab prey sideways before repositioning it, so patience can mean the difference between a catch and a miss.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 3
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 12
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 150