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Damn Good Houston Fishing Charters

Check real-time availability and compare rates on Houston fishing trips. Inshore, Flats, River, Lake, and Nearshore trips available.

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Recently Booked Fishing Charters In Houston, Tx

Fishing in Houston

Lake, River Fishing Trip in Houston

Trophy Alligator Gar Bowfishing

80% (5)
23 ft 1 - 8 People From $1,250
Fishing in Houston

Lake, River Fishing Trip in Houston

4-Hour Bowfishing Trip

80% (5)
21 ft 1 - 8 People From $750
Fishing in Houston

Lake, River Fishing Trip in Houston

Monster Gar On Rod And Reel

80% (5)
23 ft 1 - 8 People From $750
Fishing in Houston

River Fishing Trip in Houston

Full Day Of Fishing

NEW
16 ft 1 - 3 People From $399
Bucket List
The Captain Experiences team chose this trip as one for the bucket list.
Fishing in Houston

Lake, River Fishing Trip in Houston

"Alpha" Alligator Gar Bowfishing

80% (5)
1 - 4 People From $4,200
Fishing in Houston

Inshore Fishing Charter in Houston

Inshore Special

100% (1)
22 ft 1 - 4 People From $705

Top Types of Trips in Houston

“Our Damn Good Guides go above and beyond, and we’ve handpicked every single one. We’re passionate about the outdoors and look forward to getting you out on the trip of a lifetime, every time.”

Jonathan and Attison   |   Co-founders   |   Austin, Texas

Target Species in Houston

January February March April May June July August September October November December
Alligator Gar
Not Ideal
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Good
Good
Not Ideal
Black Drum
Not Ideal
Not Ideal
Good
Great
Great
Great
Great
Great
Great
Great
Good
Good
Carp
Not Ideal
Not Ideal
Good
Great
Great
Great
Good
Good
Great
Great
Good
Not Ideal
Flounder
Not Ideal
Not Ideal
Good
Good
Great
Great
Great
Great
Great
Good
Good
Not Ideal
Jack Crevalle
Not Ideal
Not Ideal
Good
Good
Great
Great
Great
Great
Good
Good
Not Ideal
Not Ideal
Longnose Gar
Good
Good
Good
Great
Great
Great
Great
Great
Great
Great
Good
Good
Needlefish
Great
Great
Great
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Good
Great
Great
Great
Ray
Not Ideal
Not Ideal
Good
Good
Good
Great
Great
Great
Great
Good
Good
Not Ideal
Redfish
Not Ideal
Not Ideal
Good
Good
Great
Great
Great
Great
Great
Good
Good
Not Ideal
Sheepshead
Not Ideal
Not Ideal
Good
Good
Great
Great
Great
Great
Good
Good
Not Ideal
Not Ideal
Smallmouth Buffalo
Good
Good
Great
Great
Great
Great
Great
Great
Great
Great
Good
Good
Speckled Trout
Not Ideal
Not Ideal
Good
Good
Great
Great
Great
Great
Good
Good
Not Ideal
Not Ideal
Spotted Gar
Not Ideal
Not Ideal
Good
Great
Great
Great
Great
Great
Great
Good
Good
Not Ideal
Stingray
Good
Good
Good
Great
Great
Great
Great
Great
Great
Great
Good
Good
Tilapia
Not Ideal
Not Ideal
Good
Good
Great
Great
Great
Great
Great
Good
Good
Not Ideal
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  • 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)

Inshore Fishing Charters In Houston, Tx

Fishing in Houston

Inshore Fishing Charter in Houston

Inshore Special

100% (1)
22 ft 1 - 4 People From $705
Fishing in Baytown

Flats, Inshore Fishing Charter in Baytown

Baytown Slam

80% (5)
24 ft 1 - 4 People From $400
Fishing in Baytown

Inshore Fishing Charter in Baytown

Upper Galveston Bay Trip

100% (2)
23 ft 1 - 4 People From $500
Fishing in Deer Park

Inshore Fishing Charter in Deer Park

Sabine Lake Trout & Redfish

100% (4)
24 ft 1 - 3 People From $500
Fishing in Houston

Inshore Fishing Charter in Houston

Saltwater Bowfishing Adventure

80% (5)
23 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,100
Fishing in Galveston

Flats, Inshore Fishing Charter in Galveston

Fly Fishing Galveston

100% (1)
18 ft 1 - 2 People From $800

Flats Fishing Charters In Houston, Tx

Fishing in Clear Lake Shores

Flats, Inshore Fishing Charter in Clear Lake Shores

Clear Lake Redfish Rodeo

NEW
22 ft 1 - 5 People From $750
Fishing in Baytown

Flats, Inshore Fishing Charter in Baytown

Baytown Slam

80% (5)
24 ft 1 - 4 People From $400
Fishing in Baytown

Flats, Inshore Fishing Charter in Baytown

Ultimate Fishing Getaway

80% (5)
24 ft 1 - 4 People From $1,450
Fishing in Baytown

Flats, Inshore Fishing Charter in Baytown

Full Day Baytown Slam

80% (5)
24 ft 1 - 4 People From $700
Fishing in Clear Lake Shores

Flats, Inshore Fishing Charter in Clear Lake Shores

Clear Lake Inshore Slam

NEW
22 ft 1 - 5 People From $750
Fishing in Galveston

Flats, Inshore Fishing Charter in Galveston

Fly Fishing Galveston

100% (1)
18 ft 1 - 2 People From $800

River Fishing Charters In Houston, Tx

Fishing in Houston

Lake, River Fishing Trip in Houston

Alligator Gar On Rod & Reel

80% (5)
23 ft 1 - 8 People From $700
Fishing in Houston

Lake, River Fishing Trip in Houston

3 Day Alligator Gar Bowfishing

80% (5)
23 ft 1 - 8 People From $3,400
Fishing in Houston

Lake, River Fishing Trip in Houston

Trophy Alligator Gar Bowfishing

80% (5)
23 ft 1 - 8 People From $1,250
Fishing in Houston

Lake, River Fishing Trip in Houston

Monster Gar On Rod And Reel

80% (5)
23 ft 1 - 8 People From $750
Fishing in Houston

Lake, River Fishing Trip in Houston

4-Hour Bowfishing Trip

80% (5)
21 ft 1 - 8 People From $750
Bucket List
The Captain Experiences team chose this trip as one for the bucket list.
Fishing in Houston

Lake, River Fishing Trip in Houston

"Alpha" Alligator Gar Bowfishing

80% (5)
1 - 4 People From $4,200

More Fishing Charters In Houston, Tx

Fishing in Houston
Fishing in Houston
Fishing in Houston
trip description for 3 Day Alligator Gar Bowfishing in Houston

Three full 8+ hour days chasing the world's largest Alligator Gar specimens with the guru himself Mark! The three days allows you the opportunity to try multiple different spots to really find the biggest possible Alligator Gar. The trip includes hotel lodging for 2 nights, along with breakfast, lunch, and dinner for the three days you'll be fishing. You will be in a different hotel from Mark, but his will be close by so you can easily meet up in the mornings to head out. Mark usually doesn't decide which location will be the best until weeks before his trip so arrangements for lodging will have to be ironed out further down the road. Mark says he likes to make the reservations well in advance but 8 months is a little too far out. Mark has plenty of Alligator Gar honey holes all over the state from Texarkana all the way down to San Antonio, but to find the big specimens takes a lot of scouting. Luckily for planning purposes, all his best spots are within 2 hours of Houston, some much closer. Each trip will start around sun-up, and you will fish for at least 8 hours each day. If you haven't had your fill in 8 hours, Mark will happily stay out longer to make sure you catch your fish! You will be fishing big slow-moving water where these creatures lurk. When Mark is Giant Gar fishing he always has at least 3, sometimes 4, rods in the water, all with top of the line reels and around 300 yards of braided line, drifting 3/0 treble hooks down stream. You need this much line spooled because these gar eat very slow. Mark often lets them run over 200 yards before attempting to set the hook. Mark will provide all the Rods, Reels, Steel Leaders, Bait, Snacks and Drinks for your trip. All you're required to bring is your Texas All Water License. Read More

Lake, River Fishing Trip in Houston

3 Day Alligator Gar Bowfishing

80% (5)
23 ft 1 - 8 People From $3,400
Fishing in Houston
Fishing in Houston
Fishing in Houston
trip description for Alligator Gar on Rod & Reel in Houston

Head out with Mike for an awesome day of freshwater Gar fishing! Alligator Gar are an ancient lineage of fish, and these freshwater predators certainly looks like dinosaurs! Mike is one of the best guides around to help you hook one. His success rate with these exciting monsters is as high as 90 percent, and he often hooks 100, 150 and 200lb+ Gar! On a typical trip, you'll land 6-8 Gar, and sometimes several more! This is definitely the best way to get your picture with a Texas-sized Alligator Gar! Mike will motor you out onto the lake where you'll be using heavy tackle to hook these prehistoric fish. Mike grew up casting for Alligator Gar all over Texas, so he's sure to get you set up with the best gear. He knows so many spots that if it's happening in your current spot, he'll move you to the next one until the fish start biting! Hunts can be day, night or both. All rod & reel packages include equipment (let Mike know if you are a lefty or righty) & fish cleaning. Mark will provide all the rods, reels, steel Lladers, bait, snacks and drinks for your trip. All you're required to bring is your Texas All-Water License. Mike's boat holds 8 comfortably, so make sure to bring some good company! Read More

Lake, River Fishing Trip in Houston

Alligator Gar On Rod & Reel

80% (5)
23 ft 1 - 8 People From $700
Fishing in Houston
Fishing in Houston
Fishing in Houston
trip description for Half Day of Fishing in Houston

Only have a few hours for a trip? Not a problem! During a Half Day trip, we'll travel along the Bayou and target Alligator Gar. Our 16ft Jon boat will have all the gear necessary for catching fish. All you need to bring is your drink of choice and comfortable clothes for the day. Please keep in mind that you will likely get dirty while fishing. During the summer months, temperatures can reach above 100 F degrees so be prepared with clothes that are appropriate. I will have a cooler on board with waters and ice for everyone where you can store your drinks and lunch. Alligator Gar are notoriously tough to catch but we will guide you through the entire process regardless of your experience level. Kids are also welcome on board. In fact, our favorite guests are fathers who are looking to create memories with their children in the outdoors. This is a catch and release only fishing charter. We use a variety of baits caught from the same water including Common and Grass Carp, Mullet, Shad and Buffalo. During the really hot days, we'll use live mullet that we'll catch during our trip. Although many charters list their locations as Houston, our charter is the only service that operates in Houston. You dont have to leave town to experience the outdoors and catch giant fish! Read More

River Fishing Trip in Houston

Half Day Of Fishing

NEW
16 ft 1 - 3 People From $349
Fishing in Houston
Fishing in Houston
Fishing in Houston
trip description for Saltwater Bowfishing Adventure in Houston

Head out with Captain Mark for an action-packed day of saltwater bowfishing! This trip is often full of action and great for those who want to experience the excitement of bowfishing along the Texas coastline. On this 6-hour trip, you'll be bowfishing along the Texas coastline for any legal saltwater species, with a chance at some Alligator Gar, Southern Ray, Atlantic Ray, Cownose Ray, Black Drum, Sheepshead, Flounder, Needlefish and Skipjack. This Saltwater trip is most often done at night but can be done during the day if you wish. Captain Mark often comes into contact with Alligator Gar in the Texas Bays. So if it's Gar you're after, let Mark know and he'll get you to the right spots! His bowfishing trips are often a numbers shoot, and this trip is no exception! All bowfishing packages include equipment (let Mark know if you are a lefty or righty) & fish cleaning. Captain Mark's boat holds 8 comfortably, so make sure to bring some good company! All deposits are final and non-refundable. However, if necessary you may reschedule your date or dates if needed due to unforeseen circumstances. Trips can also be extended at customers' request! Captain Mark hunts anywhere in Texas. Read More

Inshore Fishing Charter in Houston

Saltwater Bowfishing Adventure

80% (5)
23 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,100
Fishing in Clear Lake Shores
Fishing in Clear Lake Shores
Fishing in Clear Lake Shores
trip description for Clear Lake Inshore Slam in Clear Lake Shores

experienced captains for a 4-5 hour inshore trip targeting anything and everything that bites sticking around Clear Lake Bay or venturing further out into the Galveston Bay complex. You’ll target the Texas Big Three: Flounder, Redfish, and Speckled Trout while fishing aboard one of their awesome bay boats. You may also have the opportunity to catch sheepshead and sharks as well! All his boats can accommodate 4 anglers and are equipped with live bait wells and trolling motors. The crew usually likes to meet up at Schaefer's Coastal Bar, but are more than happy to pick you up from any restaurant or Hotel on Clearlake/Kemah area. These trips are for anglers of all skill levels and ages. No matter if you’re a beginner or a seasoned professional, Your guide will lead the way and take care of everything! They will provide all the bait, tackle, rods, and gear. You only need to bring food and drinks and Texas saltwater fishing license. Read More

Flats, Inshore Fishing Charter near Houston

Clear Lake Inshore Slam

NEW
22 ft 1 - 5 People From $750
Fishing in Clear Lake Shores
Fishing in Clear Lake Shores
Fishing in Clear Lake Shores
trip description for Clear Lake Speckled Trout Special in Clear Lake Shores

Captain Kerry and crew usually like to meet up at Schaefer's Coastal Bar, but are more than happy to pick you up from any restaurant or Hotel on Clearlake/Kemah area. Seatrout are ambush predators, They can sit still and wait for a passing meal and then quickly grab it with their large teeth. They primarily feed on shrimp and baitfish such as mullet, pinfish, and pigfish. They are not picky, however, and will eat a huge range of live, natural, artificial baits and flies. I primarily fish for seatrout using artificial lures. Along the edges of flats in water 2-4 feet deep, trout can be caught using jigs with a soft plastic tail or a noise-making cork and plastic shrimp combo. In these locations, it is common to catch numerous fish in the 12-20 inch range. Up on the shallow grass flats, larger trout will lie in and along sandy spots, using them as ambush points. Anglers can blind cast across these areas using a soft plastic jerk bait or they can wait until individual fish are spotted and cast to them. Trophy-sized trout over 24″ are extremely sensitive to boat noise and will quickly swim off if they become aware of your presence. The spotted seatrout, or speckled trout as it is sometimes called, is found throughout the Gulf of Mexico region all year long. They account for the biggest number when it comes to the amount of fish caught by recreational anglers here. Local anglers usually refer to them simply as “trout”. While they make appear similar to freshwater trout, specks are in the drum family along with redfish, croaker, and black drum. The inside if their mouth is yellow and they generally have one or two large fangs in front surrounded by smaller teeth. Their scales are small and they are a delicate fish that cannot take much handling. Their bodies are covered in spots to help them hide in the grass beds. Seatrout are generally easier to catch for inexperienced or novice anglers. The fish in deeper water do not require the casting skill that is needed to sight fishing for redfish. typical blind casting technique with a wide range of retrieves will entice these fish to bite. Having a dehooking device while eliminating the need to handle every fish. Using barbless hooks will cause less damage to them and help ensure a healthy release. These fish are very tasty and fun to catch. You'll love having a freezer full of trout you can eat year-round!! These trips are for anglers of all skill levels and ages. No matter if you’re a beginner or a seasoned professional, Captain Kerry will lead the way and take care of everything! They will provide all the bait, tackle, rods, and gear. You only need to bring food and drinks and Texas saltwater fishing license. Read More

Flats, Inshore Fishing Charter near Houston

Clear Lake Speckled Trout Special

NEW
22 ft 1 - 5 People From $750
See All Trips in Houston

Need a Place to Stay?

Everything to Know About Booking a Fishing Charter in Houston

What are the best fishing charters in Houston?

Why should I book a fishing charter in Houston with Captain Experiences?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 26 trips in Houston, and the most popular trips in the area are Trophy Alligator Gar Bowfishing guided by Mark, Full Day of Fishing guided by Alex, and 4-Hour Bowfishing Trip guided by Mark.

Our guides in Houston are rated a 4.67 out of 5 based on 3488 verified reviews on Captain Experiences.

All guides on Captain Experiences are vetted by our team. You can access their reviews, click through trip photos, read bios to get to know them, and preview trip details like species, techniques, group sizes, boat specs and more.

Looking for kid friendly charters / fishing lessons in Houston? Check out our beginner and family friendly charters in Houston.

What types of fishing charters are common in Houston?

Inshore fishing is the most popular type of fishing in Houston as well as flats fishing, river fishing, and lake fishing.

The most commonly sought after species in Houston are: 1. redfish, 2. speckled trout, 3. black drum, 4. flounder, and 5. sheepshead.

The most common fishing techniques in Houston are light tackle fishing, artificial lure fishing, and live bait fishing but drift fishing and bottom fishing are popular as well.

How much do Houston fishing charters cost?

Prices in Houston can range anywhere from about $365 to $1,790, but the average price for a half day trip in Houston is $656. The average price for a full day trip in Houston is $1,463.

Is booking a fishing guide worth the money?

Hiring a guide provides a number of benefits and many choose to book a fishing guide for a combination of experience, local knowledge, convenience, and cost-effectiveness.

Working with experienced fishing guides who know the best local spots and techniques can dramatically increase your odds of a great day. Having someone who is on the water every day and knows the area like the back of their hand is going to give you the best chances of success.

Booking a guide is also more cost effective, especially if you only get out a handful of times per year. When you consider all of the costs you would incur on your own such as the price of a boat, maintenance, insurance, gas, high-quality gear and tackle, repairs, and more, you’ll find that DIY is sometimes not worth the expense.

Even if you’ve got a great setup already in your home waters, booking a guide also provides a great opportunity to experience new techniques, new locations, or even a chance at a new target species to knock off the bucket list.

What month is best for fishing in Houston?

The most popular season for fishing in Houston is winter, and most anglers book their trips 17 days in advance.

Do I need a Houston fishing license and what are the bag limits in Houston?

See here for more information on fishing licenses in Houston, bag limits for target species, and fishing season regulations in Houston. When in doubt, your fishing guide will always know the right rules and regulations in Houston.

Popular Types of Fishing In Houston

Houston fishing charters offer a variety of options for anglers of all levels. The most common types of fishing charters in Houston include bay fishing, offshore fishing, and fly fishing. Bay fishing is perfect for beginners and families, while offshore fishing is for more experienced anglers looking for a challenge. Fly fishing is a unique experience that requires skill and patience.

The types of fish you can catch in Houston depend on the type of fishing you choose. Inshore fishing in the bay can yield redfish, trout, and flounder. Offshore fishing can bring in kingfish, snapper, and tuna. Fly fishing in the bay can result in catching redfish and trout.

Houston fishing charters often visit landmarks such as the Galveston Bay Complex and the Gulf of Mexico. These areas are known for their abundance of fish and provide a beautiful backdrop for a day on the water. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a beginner, there's a Houston fishing charter that's perfect for you.

Other Things To Do In Houston

While Houston fishing charters are a popular attraction, there are plenty of other things to do in this bustling city. Visit the Space Center Houston to learn about NASA's history and space exploration. Take a stroll through the Houston Museum of Natural Science or the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. For outdoor enthusiasts, explore the Buffalo Bayou Park or the Houston Arboretum and Nature Center. Catch a game at Minute Maid Park or the NRG Stadium. Foodies can indulge in Houston's diverse culinary scene, from Tex-Mex to Vietnamese cuisine. And don't forget to check out the vibrant nightlife in areas like Midtown and Montrose. With so much to see and do, Houston is a city that never sleeps.

Recent Reviews

  • ★★★★★
    What awesome trip!!Mike is one of the best guides I have fished with! So helpful and knowledgeable! I can not go wrong fishing with him!

    Danny C. | December 27, 2023

    Trip: Winter fishing special

  • ★★★★★
    Very satisfied with the trip we did with Mark. He was very knowledge and worked hard to get us in the fish. Very personable with a great attitude, and the supplied gear worked great. Would not hesitate to book with him again!!!

    Jason H. | November 29, 2023

    Trip: 4-Hour Bowfishing Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Dave took my 8 year old son and I out and we had a great time! He did a good job putting us on some ducks despite less than ideal conditions and even less than ideal shooting by me! Already looking forward to getting back out with him later in the season. See you soon, Dave! -Joe D.

    Joe D. | November 26, 2023

    Trip: Baytown Duck Special

  • ★★★★★
    I had an absolutely great experience on this trip! Dave went to great lengths to prepare for the trip and make it as smooth and enjoyable as possible. He is a very experienced hunter and got me on a bunch of great shots. He’s got a great boat and access to a bunch of secluded spots. Despite hot weather during early season, we still bagged a few ducks and Dave cleaned them for me at the boat launch. Highly recommend!

    Kevin S. | November 8, 2023

    Trip: Baytown Duck Special

  • ★★★★★
    We had the best time with Captain David! He was so nice and fun to fish with. I had never saltwater fished and he was very patient with me. She showed me how to bait the hook and did it for me until I was comfortable doing it myself. No judgement. He was an all around good guy! Took us to several spots and put us in fish every spot. We caught black drum, croakers and red drum. He took me to his Hail Mary spot ( shhh it’s a secret). And I caught a 15 pound Red Drum. He helped me step by step land it into the boat. It was so much fun and he was as excited as I was. We saw a mama and her baby dolphin and he took me as close as he could to them so I could get some pictures because he knew I was excited to see them. On the way back to the pier he told us some history and info about the things we were seeing. I will definitely book with Captain David next time we go down there.

    Teresa L. | September 16, 2023

    Trip: Baytown Slam

  • ★★★★★
    For sure was not the trip of a lifetime nor worth all the money and extra expenses, didn’t end up shooting any hogs or seeing anything the first night nor did we get to even get to hunt hogs for the second night like planned due to weather however did have very friendly, accommodating and respectable guides all around.

    Leah A. | September 3, 2023

    Trip: "Alpha" Alligator Gar Bowfishing

  • ★★★★★
    Captain David was great. The weather and the tide was working hard against us and he worked harder to put us on fish. Great trip with a quality guide, I will be back.

    Terry M. | July 17, 2023

    Trip: Baytown Slam

  • ★★★★★
    It was EPIC. Mark is this man!

    Kale G. | April 21, 2023

    Trip: Saltwater Bowfishing Adventure

  • ★★★★★
    Mark is the outfitter every serious bowfisher wants. He won’t quit until he puts you on fish. Very very knowledgeable and a trip that we will never forget! We will be back!

    Kale G. | April 16, 2023

    Trip: Trophy Alligator Gar Bowfishing

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great trip with Captain Joey. He worked very hard at finding fish and we caught some good ones. We would highly recommend him.

    Stephen B. | April 6, 2022

    Trip: Inshore Special

  • ★★★★★
    Richard was an awesome guide - he had us on redfish the entire time despite it being overcast and windy. He’s also incredibly knowledgeable and friendly. He thoughtfully answered all of our questions and offered clear casting instruction throughout the day. Will definitely be back to fish with him in the summer.

    Isabel B. | April 4, 2021

    Trip: Fly Fishing Galveston

Top Targeted Fishing Species in Houston

Top Fishing Techniques in Houston

Top Types of Fishing in Houston