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Recently Booked Nearshore Fishing Charters In Texas
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Jonathan and Attison | Co-founders | Austin, Texas
More Nearshore Fishing Charters In Texas
Captain Zach has fished professionally in Galveston for over 8 years. Zach is especially good with working with young and beginner anglers. Capt Zach's great sense of humor and ability to always find the fish is what makes him a damn good captain for fish with! If you are a novice or experienced angler, Capt Zach can find fish and create the fishing experience you are looking for. Weather it's trophy Speckled Trout, Bull Reds or Sharks, you will always have a blast fishing with him. Capt Zach likes to let the more experienced fishermen catch giant fish on light tackle. Nothing like catching Bull Reds, Jack Cravelle and Sharks on light tackle! Read More
Inshore, Jetty, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Galveston
Family Friendly Fishing
Growing up in a ranching family that has been in the Victoria, Texas area since the 1870s, James developed early on a deep appreciation for the land and wildlife. His passion for fishing the Gulf coast comes from spending weekends and summers in Rockport, Texas. There he began crafting his fishing skills at age 4 with his father, along the San Antonio Bay system south to Lower Laguna Madre. After attending Southwest Texas University, James obtained his Captain's license in 2005 to share his knowledge and experience on the water with others. In addition to conventional fishing, James has been an avid fly fisherman for 15 years. He has spent time in the Bahamas learning new techniques for fly casting, which he can pass along to fly-fishing clients at any level. His knack for teaching first timers with his carefree, relaxed attitude will make learning to fish a memorable and rewarding experience. Capt. James has been guiding since 2005 and has grown up fishing the Port Aransas and Rockport areas all his life. We will be fishing primarily for Redfish, Trout, Flounder and Black Drum. He uses a wide variety of techniques in order for his clients to have great day on the water. He runs a 25’ Majek Illusion. Kids are more than welcome. Read More
Flats, Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Port Aransas
Tortuga Flats Fishing Fiesta
Growing up in a ranching family that has been in the Victoria, Texas area since the 1870s, James developed early on a deep appreciation for the land and wildlife. His passion for fishing the Gulf coast comes from spending weekends and summers in Rockport, Texas. There he began crafting his fishing skills at age 4 with his father, along the San Antonio Bay system south to Lower Laguna Madre. After attending Southwest Texas University, James obtained his Captain's license in 2005 to share his knowledge and experience on the water with others. In addition to conventional fishing, James has been an avid fly fisherman for 15 years. He has spent time in the Bahamas learning new techniques for fly casting, which he can pass along to fly-fishing clients at any level. His knack for teaching first timers with his carefree, relaxed attitude will make learning to fish a memorable and rewarding experience. Capt. James has been guiding since 2005 and has grown up fishing the Port Aransas and Rockport areas all his life. We will be fishing primarily for Redfish, Trout, Flounder and Black Drum. He uses a wide variety of techniques in order for his clients to have great day on the water. He runs a 25’ Majek Illusion. Kids are more than welcome. Read More
Flats, Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Rockport
Tortuga Flats Fishing Fiesta
If you've been wanting to chase Bull Reds and gator Trout in one of America's most beautiful fishing destinations, this trip is for you! Join Captain Heath for a half-day of great fishing off South Padre Island, and experience all that SPI and the Laguna Madre has to offer. This is a unique environment; the Laguna Madre is one of only six hypersaline (saltier than the ocean) lagoons in the world, and as such it's a special place to catch fish! On this trip, you'll be targeting the Texas classics: Redfish and Speckled Trout. These fish are great fighters, and provide a fun challenge for every level of angler. You'll employ a couple of different techniques, including drift fishing, sightcasting on the flats, and retrieving on the bottom. Whether you're throwing live bait or lures, when these fish hit your line, you'll know it! These are Captain Heath's local waters, and he's happy to provide all the tips and tricks you need to hook some champions. If the conditions are right, you'll also have the opportunity to go a little further off in order to bag Snapper around the jetties and man-made structure. These fish are widely known as excellent table fare and their bright colors are extremely picture-worthy! You'll be fishing from the deck of Captain Heath's brand-new 24' Majek Reaper bay boat. She sports a 300 HP Suzuki engine, so you'll be at the hot fishing spots in no time. This boat is perfect for the inshore waters of the Laguna Madre, where it's typically quite shallow. The vessel also features all the standard electronics, including GPS and fishfinder, plus PowerPoles to give your Captain great control in just feet of water. Captain Heath will provide everything you need for phenomenal trip, including all the rods, reels, bait, and tackle. All you need to remember is proper clothing, sunscreen, a cooler with snacks and drinks, and your Texas fishing license with a saltwater endorsement. Get ready for the trip of a lifetime! Read More
Flats, Inshore, Jetty, Nearshore Fishing Charter in South Padre Island
Laguna Madre Adventure
Let Captain Alex be your guide to some of the top fishing locations on Texas' long, beautiful Gulf coast. Captain Alex is based out of Port Aransas, but he fishes all the water in the Coastal Bend, from Aransas Pass down to Corpus Chisti Bay. He specializes in rod-and-reel techniques for catching Redfish, Spotted Seatrout, Drum, and Flounder, and will provide all the equipment and bait you'll need for the ideal inshore fishing adventure. All you need is your Fishing License, proper clothing, some sunscreen, and a cooler for your cold drinks. You'll be fishing aboard his 23' Majek center console, a fast boat powered by a 200-HP Evinrude engine. Captain Alex knows this water well, and he'll put you on top of some terrific fishing spots. Depending on the area and the species, you'll use a combination of live bait and lures on light tackle to bring in the fish. Alex is extremely knowledgeable and can certainly help you practice your cast or tell you about fish behavior and ecology. Captain Alex's chartered fishing trips provide a great way to get out on the water and relax on the Bay with your family, friends or co-workers on that special outing! So head out with Captain Alex to make some memories worth making! Read More
Flats, Inshore, Jetty, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Port Aransas
Coastal Bend Inshore Slam
Head out to Galveston jetties and fish with Captain Mike to try and reel in your next personal best! Captain Mike will help you catch the big Redfish, Sharks, and more on your 6-hour adventure. Captain Mike has over 30 years of experience fishing all of the Galveston Bay Complex and its surrounding areas, so he knows exactly where the fish bite! You’ll be fishing on Capt. Mike’s 24’ Kenner Center console. It is equipped with a GPS and a fishfinder. You may purchase a live bait well for an additional fee. Not to mention that the boat can cruise at a maximum speed of 40 knots. It can accommodate 3 anglers. Make sure you bring a valid Texas fishing license, food and drinks of your choice (no glass), a hat, sunscreen, and some good company! Captain Mike will provide the rest. Let your mind escape daily responsibilities and enjoy your day out on the water with Captain Mike! Read More
Inshore, Jetty, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Galveston
Exploring The Jetties
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Everything to Know About Booking a Texas nearshore fishing charter
What are the best nearshore fishing charters in Texas?
The best nearshore fishing charters in Texas are:
Why should I book a nearshore fishing charter in Texas with Captain Experiences?
Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 162 nearshore trips in Texas, and the most popular trips in the area are Epic Jetty Trip - 21' Mako guided by Meghan, Nearshore Trophy Thrills guided by Shannon, and North Padre Texas Classic guided by Kevin.
Our guides in Texas are rated a 4.89 out of 5 based on 3504 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 nearshore guides / fishing lessons in Texas? Check out our beginner and family friendly nearshore guides in Texas.
What types of nearshore fishing charters are common in Texas?
The most commonly sought after species for nearshore fishing are: 1. redfish, 2. blacktip shark, 3. black drum, 4. speckled trout, and 5. flounder.
The most common fishing techniques in Texas are light tackle fishing, bottom fishing, and heavy tackle fishing but live bait fishing and drift fishing are popular as well.
How much do Texas nearshore fishing charters cost?
Prices for nearshore fishing in Texas can range anywhere from about $587 to $1,800, but the average price for a half day trip for nearshore fishing in Texas is $789. The average price for a full day trip for nearshore fishing in Texas is $1,273.
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 nearshore fishing in Texas?
The most popular season for nearshore fishing in Texas is summer, and most anglers book their trips 9 days in advance.
Do I need a Texas fishing license and what are the bag limits in Texas?
See here for more information on fishing licenses in Texas, bag limits for target species, and fishing season regulations in Texas. When in doubt, your fishing guide will always know the right rules and regulations in Texas.
What is nearshore fishing in Texas all about?
Nearshore fishing in Texas offers anglers a variety of opportunities to target a diverse range of species along its extensive coastline. Anglers often find themselves within a few miles of the shore, fishing near jetties, reefs, and underwater structures that attract fish. One of the primary species targeted nearshore in Texas is the speckled trout, also known as spotted sea trout. These fish are abundant in bays, channels, and around oyster beds, where they feed on shrimp, mullet, and small baitfish. Anglers use live bait under popping corks, as well as artificial lures like soft plastics and topwater plugs, to entice strikes from these prized fish.
Redfish, another popular species in Texas nearshore waters, are known for their bronze-colored scales and powerful fights. They are often found near oyster reefs, marshy shorelines, and along grass flats, where they prey on crabs, mullet, and small fish. Anglers target redfish using live bait such as shrimp or mullet on the bottom or near structure, as well as artificial lures like spoons and jigs. Fall and winter months are prime seasons for redfish in Texas as they gather in larger schools to feed before cooler temperatures set in.
For anglers seeking larger game fish, nearshore waters in Texas provide opportunities to target species like kingfish and cobia. These pelagic species migrate along the coast, following schools of baitfish and often encountered near rigs, wrecks, and oil platforms. Trolling with live bait or artificial lures at varying depths is an effective technique for these fast-swimming predators. Understanding the seasonal movements and habitat preferences of each species enhances the success of nearshore fishing trips in Texas, making it a popular destination for anglers year-round.
What are the most popular months to go nearshore fishing in Texas?
Nearshore fishing seasons in Texas offer a dynamic calendar that aligns with the state's diverse marine environments and fish migrations. Spring marks the beginning of active nearshore fishing as waters warm and fish become more active. Species like speckled trout and redfish move closer to shore to feed on spawning baitfish, making them accessible to anglers near jetties, reefs, and estuaries. This season also sees the arrival of pelagic species such as king mackerel and Spanish mackerel, which follow warmer currents and concentrate near structures like oil rigs and platforms.
Summer brings peak nearshore fishing opportunities in Texas as temperatures rise and fish activity reaches its height. Anglers target a variety of species including snapper, grouper, and sharks near reefs and wrecks. Nearshore waters teem with baitfish, attracting predatory species like cobia and tarpon, which can be found near channels, passes, and along the surf zone. Early mornings and late evenings are ideal times to fish during the summer to avoid the midday heat and capitalize on feeding periods when fish are most active.
Fall continues to offer excellent nearshore fishing prospects in Texas as cooler temperatures prompt migrations of larger fish species. Redfish and speckled trout remain abundant, particularly around marshy shorelines and tidal flats where they feed voraciously before winter. Kingfish and Spanish mackerel also continue their migrations along the coast, providing anglers with opportunities for thrilling battles and delicious catches. Understanding these seasonal patterns helps anglers plan their trips effectively to maximize their chances of success while enjoying the diverse nearshore fishing opportunities Texas has to offer throughout the year.
What techniques are popular for nearshore fishing in Texas?
Nearshore fishing in Texas offers a variety of techniques tailored to the diverse habitats and species found along its coastline. One popular method is bottom fishing, where anglers target species such as red snapper, grouper, and flounder near reefs, wrecks, and artificial structures. Using heavy rigs with cut bait like squid or shrimp, anglers drop their lines to the bottom and wait for bites. This technique requires patience and skill in handling larger fish that inhabit these nearshore environments.
Another effective technique is drift fishing, particularly for pelagic species like king mackerel and Spanish mackerel. Anglers drift along currents near oil rigs, shoals, and drop-offs while casting live baits or trolling with artificial lures. Adjusting the depth and speed of presentation based on water conditions and fish behavior helps increase the chances of hooking these fast-moving predators. Drift fishing allows anglers to cover large areas of water effectively while targeting species that move with the currents.
For anglers looking for more interactive fishing experiences, sight casting is a thrilling technique used in Texas nearshore waters. This method involves spotting fish like redfish and speckled trout cruising shallow flats, grassy areas, or around structure. Anglers quietly approach their targets and cast small jigs, soft plastics, or live bait in their path. Sight casting requires keen observation and precise casting skills to present lures or baits effectively and entice strikes from wary fish. Understanding these different types and techniques of nearshore fishing enhances an angler's ability to adapt to changing conditions and maximize their chances of landing prized catches along the Texas coast.
What species are popular for nearshore fishing in Texas?
Nearshore fishing in Texas offers anglers a diverse range of species to target throughout the year. One of the most sought-after species is the speckled trout, also known as spotted sea trout. Found in bays, estuaries, and nearshore waters, speckled trout are renowned for their aggressive strikes and excellent table fare. They often gather near structure such as oyster reefs, grass flats, and channels, where they feed on shrimp, mullet, and other small baitfish. Spring and fall are prime seasons for speckled trout fishing in Texas, as these fish move closer to shore to spawn and feed.
Redfish, or red drum, are another iconic species abundant in Texas nearshore waters. Known for their bronze scales and powerful runs, redfish are commonly found near marshy shorelines, oyster beds, and shallow flats. They feed on crustaceans, small fish, and mollusks, making them susceptible to a variety of baits including live shrimp, mullet, and artificial lures like spoons and soft plastics. Redfish are active year-round in Texas, with fall and winter months particularly productive as they school up in larger numbers.
For anglers seeking larger pelagic species, nearshore Texas waters offer opportunities to target king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, and cobia. These fish migrate along the coast, following warmer waters and concentrations of baitfish near reefs, oil platforms, and channels. King mackerel, prized for their speed and powerful runs, are commonly caught using live bait such as cigar minnows or trolling with spoons and diving plugs. Spanish mackerel, known for their aggressive strikes, often chase small baitfish near the surface and are targeted with fast-moving lures and live bait. Cobia, often found near structure and following rays or large fish for food, are targeted using live baitfish or large jigs.
Recent Reviews
The Best Places to Fish in Texas
- Aransas Pass, TX
- Arroyo City, TX
- Baytown, TX
- Bolivar Peninsula, TX
- Corpus Christi, TX
- Dickinson, TX
- Freeport, TX
- Galveston, TX
- Hitchcock, TX
- Matagorda, TX
- Port Aransas, TX
- Port Isabel, TX
- Port Mansfield, TX
- Port O'Connor, TX
- Rockport, TX
- San Leon, TX
- South Padre Island, TX
- Surfside Beach, TX
- Texas City, TX
- Tiki Island, TX
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