Texas Inshore Fishing Charters

Texas Inshore Fishing Charters

Best Inshore Fishing Charters in Texas

Texas: 541 fishing charters available
Excellent
4.8 / 5
(75 reviews)
Rockport
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $500
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(38 reviews)
Aransas Pass
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $500
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(799 reviews)
Galveston
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $495
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(110 reviews)
Galveston
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $550

Inshore Fishing in Texas

The beauty of Texas inshore fishing lies in the vast network of bays, jetties, and bayous filled with exquisite fish. No matter where you launch/set sail, the fishing grounds are never far away. The year-long fishing season featuring big juicy Redfish, Speckled Trout, and Flounder, coupled with spring and fall runs of other inshore critters make inshore fishing in Texas something to come back to year after year.

What species to catch

Though some will overlook seemingly endless fishing opportunities around the bays, flats, and back marshes by heading straight into the Gulf, staying inshore means you’ll get a real treat. The species you can catch in these shallow waters may seem like easy prey, but don’t let that fool you – they are super feisty and will put up a fight to
tear your biceps apart.

Redfish are pounds of fine flesh and pure brute force. Most anglers like fishing for them and they are the symbol of inshore fishing in the Lone Star State. Trout fishing in Texas is another thing to put on your bucket list. These fellas are fun to catch either on live bait or artificial lures and are a popular choice among families with kids. If you want to search around grass flats, you will have a healthy stock of Flounder. They might not be the most exciting fish to catch, but they are tasty and interesting, especially if you like staying closer to dry land. But there’s so much more.

You can also catch Snook, Tarpon, Black Drum, Sheepshead, Mangrove Snapper, and Pompano. Hit the shallow waters and jetties along the coast and you won’t be disappointed.

Where to go fishing

The coastline of Texas has a consistent stock of inshore species, all the way from Galveston in the north to South Padre Island in the south. Galveston looks out on the Galveston Bay complex, jetties, and beaches. You will be spoiled for choice here, with so many species you can hook into, ranging from trophy Redfish to Bull Sharks.

Move further south, and explore the fisheries around Freeport, Matagorda, Rockport, Aransas Pass, Port Aransas, Laguna Madre, and Riviera. No matter where you cast lines, rest assured the fishing won't let you down. If you want to join the spring break crowd and unwind on the beach or grab your wading boots and head around the flats, this part of the coastline will show you endless opportunities.

At the very southern tip, South Padre Island offers incredible fly fishing opportunities, a good stock of Reds, Black Drum, Trout, and Flounder, and a fleet of guides and charters to help you out.

When to come fishing

One of the best features of Texas inshore fishing is a long fishing season. Though the weather and tides may largely determine your chances even in the middle of the peak season, as a rule of thumb, fishing is superb from spring until late fall and slows down just a bit during the winter months. That still doesn’t mean you won’t be able to snatch Redfish or Trout even in the dead of winter.

Early months of the year see a good stock of Trout, Redfish, and Black Drum, and they stay in the water until the summer heat sets in. Come fall and Tarpon, Black Drum, and Red Drum will be on fire, followed by Flounder and Trout. Mangrove Snapper are available throughout the year.

How to get the fish

Exploring Texas inshore fisheries means you will get to perfect light tackle, wading, jigging, sight casting, and drift fishing. There is plenty of opportunity for fly fishing or more niche techniques such as Flounder gigging.

Using live bait can be super productive, especially in summer months when the fish tend to move to deeper waters. Shrimp, Pinfish, and Mud Minnows work well for Reds, Black Drum, and Trout, but these fish won’t say no to artificial lures. Cast soft plastic lures and you will see wonders.

For a real challenge, find more secluded waters, or choose a day with little wind – that’s when fly fishing is at its best and you can go home with bragging rights.

What’s great about Texas inshore fisheries is that anglers of all skill levels can get plenty of bang for their buck. There are no choppy seas to worry about when exploring the flats and backwaters down the coastline and there are schools of fish to chase whether you’re a family with kids or an avid fly fisherman.

What you need to know

Before you head out, remember to buy a Texas saltwater fishing license. Fishing regulations are regularly updated, so check out the Texas Parks and Wildlife website before your trip for up-to-date info on the limits and bag size.

Texas
Excellent
4.5 / 5
Based on 28,443 reviews by FishingBooker anglers

What anglers said about Inshore Fishing in Texas

Donโ€™t hesitate it was worth it captain Mike definitely knows his stuff on the water highly recommend using him definitely would dress warm. I was remember you can take clothes off you canโ€™t put clothes on if you donโ€™t have them it was chilly. That was one thing I wish my son would have done was dress a little warmer lol other than that great time great memories
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Donโ€™t hesitate it was worth it captain Mike definitely knows his stuff on the water highly recommend using him definitely would dress warm. I was remember you can take clothes off you canโ€™t put clothes on if you donโ€™t have them it was chilly. That was one thing I wish my son would have done was dress a little warmer lol other than that great time great memories
Corks and Croakers โ€“ Galveston Bay
Corks and Croakers โ€“ Galveston Bay
Great experience. Our day was a bit windy which made it cold. But the diversity of fish we caught was amazing!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Great experience. Our day was a bit windy which made it cold. But the diversity of fish we caught was amazing!
Kemah Fishing Charters โ€“ Houston
Kemah Fishing Charters โ€“ Houston
Fish are always biting in Galveston somewhere! March can get windy but you will find fish wherever you go
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Fish are always biting in Galveston somewhere! March can get windy but you will find fish wherever you go
Get the Net Fishing Charters
Get the Net Fishing Charters
I know you can never do anything about the weather but if you have a trip with wind forecasted be prepared you may not have a great experience and may not catch fish. But as I have always heard and I say, that is why they call it fishing and not catching.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
I know you can never do anything about the weather but if you have a trip with wind forecasted be prepared you may not have a great experience and may not catch fish. But as I have always heard and I say, that is why they call it fishing and not catching.
Reel Adventures โ€“ Galveston
Reel Adventures โ€“ Galveston
Pay attention to the weather. You want to monitor the rain and wind as much as possible. It will determine how good your first experience turns out.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Pay attention to the weather. You want to monitor the rain and wind as much as possible. It will determine how good your first experience turns out.
Liv Fishing
Liv Fishing
Galveston gets busy on the weekends. Allow for travel time to get to your pickup location. The weather and water conditions change daily so prepare for that clothing and time wise. Maybe allow for some flexibility in your schedule if time, conditions, and your captain allow for it. Stay in touch with your Captain pre trip.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Galveston gets busy on the weekends. Allow for travel time to get to your pickup location. The weather and water conditions change daily so prepare for that clothing and time wise. Maybe allow for some flexibility in your schedule if time, conditions, and your captain allow for it. Stay in touch with your Captain pre trip.
Reel Adventures โ€“ Galveston
Reel Adventures โ€“ Galveston
Listen to Capt. Bubba, he knows his stuff! And, if you listen, you will catch a bunch! Very attentive and helping you with bait immediately to get your pole back in the water. We werenโ€™t professionals and it was nice to have help but not make you feel incompetent.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Listen to Capt. Bubba, he knows his stuff! And, if you listen, you will catch a bunch! Very attentive and helping you with bait immediately to get your pole back in the water. We werenโ€™t professionals and it was nice to have help but not make you feel incompetent.
Salty Rods Charters โ€“ 29'
Salty Rods Charters โ€“ 29'
Donโ€™t bring a bunch of snacks, you wonโ€™t have time to eat them. Too busy bringing in fish!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Donโ€™t bring a bunch of snacks, you wonโ€™t have time to eat them. Too busy bringing in fish!
Emilioโ€™s Fishing Adventures
Emilioโ€™s Fishing Adventures
So according to captain Ryan, fish are shallower than normal at this time of year due to spawning season. We fished in waters right along the bank less than 4 feet deep and the maximum depth we fished at another location was 10-12 feet.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
So according to captain Ryan, fish are shallower than normal at this time of year due to spawning season. We fished in waters right along the bank less than 4 feet deep and the maximum depth we fished at another location was 10-12 feet.
Lone Star Fishing Guide Service
Lone Star Fishing Guide Service
Totally recommend Line Check Charters & Captain Eric! He got us on fish quickly & was lots of fun!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Totally recommend Line Check Charters & Captain Eric! He got us on fish quickly & was lots of fun!
Line Check Charters
Line Check Charters
We got caught in a bad week of weather: strong tide, rip current, shoreline flood advisory, and strong wind. BUT, it's spring break so it's not like we picked the date - kids decided to take the chance.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
We got caught in a bad week of weather: strong tide, rip current, shoreline flood advisory, and strong wind. BUT, it's spring break so it's not like we picked the date - kids decided to take the chance.
When In Rome Guide Service
When In Rome Guide Service
For spring expect weather so keep an open mind. Still a great trip with lots of good fishing.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
For spring expect weather so keep an open mind. Still a great trip with lots of good fishing.
Clear Water Adventures
Clear Water Adventures
Lots of good fishing spots on Lake Fork, and Capt. Jimmy knows the best of them.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Lots of good fishing spots on Lake Fork, and Capt. Jimmy knows the best of them.
JDR Fishing Adventures
JDR Fishing Adventures
If there is a chance of a windy day, say over 15mph, look for a guide with a big boat. Keeping It Reel has a big boat and it served us well when the wind picked up for a few hours.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
If there is a chance of a windy day, say over 15mph, look for a guide with a big boat. Keeping It Reel has a big boat and it served us well when the wind picked up for a few hours.
Keepin It Reel Striper Guide Service
Keepin It Reel Striper Guide Service
All you have to do is show up. He had cold drinks and everything we needed.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
All you have to do is show up. He had cold drinks and everything we needed.
South Texas Outcast Guide Service
South Texas Outcast Guide Service
Reach out to other captains and/or locals to help point you towards the good spots or other recommendations.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Reach out to other captains and/or locals to help point you towards the good spots or other recommendations.
South Texas Fishing Charters
South Texas Fishing Charters
Not flats fishing. Be prepared for some 4 plus foot seas but the fishing was fire.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Not flats fishing. Be prepared for some 4 plus foot seas but the fishing was fire.
Early Out Fishing
Early Out Fishing
Be open to what kind of fish youโ€™re going to catch because sometimes you are going to hit on the ones you arenโ€™t planning on.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Be open to what kind of fish youโ€™re going to catch because sometimes you are going to hit on the ones you arenโ€™t planning on.
Coastal Texas Fishing Charters
Coastal Texas Fishing Charters
Get a Guide to go out in the Gulf. The shore fishing in March wax not good.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Get a Guide to go out in the Gulf. The shore fishing in March wax not good.
Keith Gregory's Guide Service
Keith Gregory's Guide Service
FYI, the drive in from Colorado Bend State Park campsites is at least an hour to the dock meeting point.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
FYI, the drive in from Colorado Bend State Park campsites is at least an hour to the dock meeting point.
Bosstriper Guide Service
Bosstriper Guide Service

Top Targeted Inshore Fishing Species in Texas