Get ready for a full day of non-stop action chasing speckled sea trout in the rich inshore waters of Galveston, Texas. This 8-hour private charter with Daniel Hayes Guide Service puts you right in the heart of some of the best trout fishing the Gulf Coast has to offer. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting started, Captain Daniel's expertise and local knowledge will have you hooking into monster specks in no time.
We'll hit the water bright and early at 5:30 AM to take advantage of that prime morning bite when the trout are most active. This trip is all about quality over quantity - with just two anglers max, you'll get Captain Daniel's full attention and plenty of elbow room to work those rods. He'll provide top-notch gear and show you the ropes on proven techniques like drift fishing and working popping cork rigs. The fall through early summer season (October to June) is when the big girls come out to play, so book your spot for a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday trip to get in on the action.
Drift fishing is the name of the game when targeting Galveston's speckled trout. We'll use the wind and current to our advantage, slowly gliding over productive flats and drop-offs where the specks like to hang out. Captain Daniel will show you how to work a popping cork rig - it's like ringing the dinner bell for hungry trout. The pop-pop-pop of the cork mimics baitfish on the surface, drawing strikes from below. We'll also sling some soft plastics on a jighead, bouncing them along the bottom where big trout often lurk. The key is a slow, steady retrieve with occasional twitches to trigger those reaction bites.
Speckled sea trout are the stars of the show in Galveston Bay. These spotted beauties are aggressive feeders and put up one heck of a fight on light tackle. The "gator" trout (the big ones over 25 inches) are what every angler dreams about, and fall through early summer is prime time to connect with a wallhanger. Trout in the 2-4 pound range are common, with the potential for true trophies pushing 8-10 pounds. The Texas state record speck weighed in at a whopping 13 pounds, 11 ounces - who knows, maybe you'll be the one to break it!
Don't miss your chance to tangle with some of the Gulf Coast's hardest-fighting inshore gamefish. Captain Daniel's 8-hour charter gives you the best shot at not just catching trout, but learning the techniques to replicate that success on your own. At $210 per person, it's an investment in both a great day on the water and skills you'll use for years to come. Remember to grab that Texas fishing license before you go, and get ready for some serious rod-bending action. The trout are waiting - book your spot now and let's get after 'em!
Speckled sea trout are a favorite among Galveston anglers, and for good reason. These silver beauties typically range from 14 to 24 inches, with some monsters pushing 40 pounds. You'll find them cruising grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. During winter, they school up in deeper channels. Trout put up a spirited fight and make excellent table fare. Their mild, flaky white meat is a local delicacy, but be careful not to overcook it. We target them year-round, but fall through spring offers the best action. They love to ambush bait, so we'll drift fish or work popping corks over promising structure. Live shrimp is tough to beat, but artificial lures like jerk baits and soft plastics can be deadly too. Here's a pro tip: On calm mornings, look for subtle surface disturbances. That could be trout chasing bait, and a well-placed topwater lure can trigger explosive strikes. It's an exciting way to start the day!