Galveston Big 3 Fishing

Galveston Hook-Up

About Your Guide

Profile photo of Captain Experiences guide Ernest Pillow

Ernest Pillow

Independent Guide 24 years of exp.
Captain Ernest's journey to becoming a Galveston fishing guide began in Nashville, Tennessee when he was four years old. At that age, his grandfather began taking him to the catfish farm with a simple cane pole with a line tied to the tip.

At the age of 10, Captain Ernest and his family moved to Houston where he explored saltwater fishing for the first time. That initial trip was an exciting adventure but, after several other successfulunsuccessful trips, he began developing an undeniable attraction to life on Galveston Bay. The Speckled Trout, Redfish, and Flounder of the Galveston Bay Complex worked their magic!

In 1999, Captain Ernest purchased his first boat after a series of failed fishing trips, and hired a few highly recommended guides who didn't disappoint and helped him learn the Bay Complex in depth.

In 2002, Captain Ernest earned his captain's license and purchased a 22' Century bay fishing boat. Today, his passion for fishing is stronger than ever, and he looks forward to passing down the knowledge others passed to him.

Captain Ernest is a genuine...

About Your Guide

Profile photo of Captain Experiences guide Ernest Pillow

Ernest Pillow

Independent Guide 24 years of exp.
Captain Ernest's journey to becoming a Galveston fishing guide began in Nashville, Tennessee when he was four years old. At that age, his grandfather began taking him to the catfish farm with a simple cane pole with a line tied to the tip.

At the age of 10, Captain Ernest and his family moved to Houston where he explored saltwater fishing for the first time. That initial trip was an exciting adventure but, after several other successfulunsuccessful trips, he began developing an undeniable attraction to life on Galveston Bay. The Speckled Trout, Redfish, and Flounder of the Galveston Bay Complex worked their magic!

In 1999, Captain Ernest purchased his first boat after a series of failed fishing trips, and hired a few highly recommended guides who didn't disappoint and helped him learn the Bay Complex in depth.

In 2002, Captain Ernest earned his captain's license and purchased a 22' Century bay fishing boat. Today, his passion for fishing is stronger than ever, and he looks forward to passing down the knowledge others passed to him.

Captain Ernest is a genuine
and fun-loving personality who looks forward to an exciting time on the water with you! Whether you're an experienced angler looking for an all-day expedition or a new saltwater angler learning the ropes, Captain Ernest looks forward to providing you and your group the fishing trip of a lifetime.

Captain Ernest is happy to fish live bait or artificial lures like Down South Lures.

Fill in date, party size, trip duration, and start time above to book and get out there with Captain Ernest III and Captain Experiences!
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Galveston Hook-Up

100% (4) 1 - 4 People 4 - 8 Hours From $575
Galveston Hook-Up
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Galveston Hook-Up
Galveston Hook-Up

About Your Trip

Water Type

Inshore

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather

Captain Ernest's trips are built around one goal: maximizing your time with a line in the water. Rather than spending valuable fishing time making long runs, Captain Ernest stays flexible and launches wherever conditions are best. Trips can depart from multiple boat ramps throughout the Galveston Bay Complex and Matagorda, allowing him to put you closer to productive water and current fish patterns. If you have a preferred launch location, he's happy to accommodate when...

About Your Trip

Captain Ernest's trips are built around one goal: maximizing your time with a line in the water. Rather than spending valuable fishing time making long runs, Captain Ernest stays flexible and launches wherever conditions are best. Trips can depart from multiple boat ramps throughout the Galveston Bay Complex and Matagorda, allowing him to put you closer to productive water and current fish patterns. If you have a preferred launch location, he's happy to accommodate when possible, or he'll recommend the area giving anglers the best opportunity for success that day.

Whether you're chasing Redfish, Speckled Trout, Flounder, or whatever species are actively feeding, Captain Ernest constantly adjusts his game plan based on weather, tides, water conditions, and recent reports to keep you in the action. His local knowledge of these diverse fisheries allows him to fish a wide variety of shorelines, marshes, reefs, drains, and open-water structures depending on where the bite is strongest.

You'll fish from a versatile 22' Kenner bay boat that's perfectly suited for navigating the shallow flats, back bays, and open waters that make the Texas coast such a productive fishery. The boat offers a stable and comfortable platform for anglers while still providing the maneuverability needed to access areas larger boats simply can't reach.

Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to fine-tune your skills or introducing family and friends to fishing for the first time, Captain Ernest works hard to create an enjoyable, hands-on experience tailored to your group's goals. From the first cast to the last, the focus is simple: spend more time fishing, less time running, and make the most of every opportunity the day has to offer.
Amenities

Water Type

Inshore

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Tackle

All rods, reels, and tackle are included.

Fish Cleaning

This guide will clean your catch for you.

Beer

Feel free to enjoy responsibly, but please no glass.

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather

Kid Friendly

This trip can cater to small children.

Flexible Cancelation

This trip can be canceled up to 7 days before the trip.

Boat Restroom

No, this boat does not have a bathroom on board.

Live Bait

Live bait is not used on this trip.

Disability Friendly

This trip is not suited for those with disabilities.

Lunch

Please provide your own food / snacks.

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About Your Boat

Boat photo for Galveston Hook-Up
Boat Type
Bay Boat
Boat Manufacturer
Kenner
Boat Length
22'
Boat Restroom
No

About Your Boat

Boat Type
Bay Boat
Boat Manufacturer
Kenner
Boat Length
22'
Boat Restroom
No
Engine Manufacturer
Mercury
Total Horsepower
195
Number of Engines
1
Additional Amenities
elevated casting platforms, Minn-Kota silent trolling motor, Lowrance fish finder, ice chest
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Recent Reviews of Galveston Big 3 Fishing

5.0
based on 1 review

Matt

Verified Review

Had a great time with Ernest

Matt

Verified Review

Had a great time with Ernest
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Potential Target Species

Color-coded seasonality below is based on .
  • Get it while it's HOT!
  • This species is in play.
  • You might get lucky (as long as things are in-season).
  • Couldn't tell ya! (no data)

Type of Fishing

Recent Fishing Reports

Mid December 2025
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Early July 2025
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Early November 2023
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Galveston Big 3 Fishing Photo Gallery

Galveston Hook-Up
March 31st, 2023
Galveston, Texas
Galveston Hook-Up
March 24th, 2022
Galveston, Texas
Galveston Hook-Up
March 24th, 2022
Galveston, Texas
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March 24th, 2022
Galveston, Texas
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March 24th, 2022
Galveston, Texas
Galveston Hook-Up
March 24th, 2022
Galveston, Texas
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March 24th, 2022
Galveston, Texas
Galveston Hook-Up
March 24th, 2022
Galveston, Texas
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March 24th, 2022
Galveston, Texas
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May 16th, 2022
Galveston, Texas
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March 24th, 2022
Galveston, Texas
Galveston Hook-Up
March 24th, 2022
Galveston, Texas
Galveston Hook-Up
March 24th, 2022
Galveston, Texas
Galveston Hook-Up
March 24th, 2022
Galveston, Texas
Galveston Hook-Up
March 24th, 2022
Galveston, Texas
Galveston Hook-Up
September 28th, 2023
Galveston, Texas
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