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Houston Fishing Charters

Houston fishing charters work Galveston Bay, the Houston Ship Channel, and nearby Gulf waters for redfish, speckled trout, flounder, and seasonal offshore species.

Top Rated Charters in Houston

TrustedFish connects anglers with proven local captains in Houston, Texas —no commissions, no pay-to-play listings, no BS. Every charter on our platform is invite-only, vetted for skill, local knowledge, and reputation. If they’re listed, they’ve earned it.

Houston, TX Fishing Guide

Houston may not sit right on the Gulf, but it’s a short run down I-45 or Highway 146 to some of the best saltwater fishing in Texas. Most charters launch from places like Seabrook, Kemah, Clear Lake, or Galveston, with options for half-day bay trips, full-day offshore runs, and specialty outings like night fishing under the dock lights. Galveston Bay is the main playground — a sprawling system of East Bay, West Bay, and Trinity Bay with miles of shell reefs, channels, and marsh edges. The Houston Ship Channel holds deep-water fish year-round, while the flats and passes light up when tides are moving.

Inshore, you’ll find redfish tailing over mud and grass flats, speckled trout holding near reefs, and flounder stacking up in cuts during their fall run. Offshore charters, which typically require an early launch and a run of 20–40 miles, target king mackerel, cobia, sharks, and during the summer, mahi and even bluewater species like tuna when conditions allow. Seasonal changes are dramatic — spring sees the bays come alive with trout and redfish, summer offers prime offshore weather, fall brings heavy flounder action, and winter concentrates fish in deeper holes.

Techniques vary with the target: popping corks and live shrimp rigs are a staple inshore, along with soft plastics worked over shell. Offshore, trolling lures and drifting live bait over structure are common. For freshwater anglers, Lake Houston, Sheldon Lake, and the Trinity River offer bass, catfish, and crappie within easy reach. No matter the target, Houston fishing trips benefit from experienced captains who know how to work the tides, wind, and weather that shape this fishery.

Fishing Seasons in Houston

Spring (March–May)

As water temps rise, speckled trout and redfish spread across the bays, hitting soft plastics, topwaters, and live shrimp under corks. Charter captains focus on wind-protected reefs and shoreline guts, especially on incoming tides. Offshore trips start picking up with Spanish mackerel and early-season kingfish moving closer to shore. Freshwater anglers find bass in pre-spawn and spawn phases in Lake Houston and nearby reservoirs, with crankbaits and Texas-rigged plastics producing well. Spring winds can be challenging, so many trips stick to protected waters.

Summer (June–August)

Calm seas open the Gulf for offshore runs targeting king mackerel, mahi, cobia, and even tuna farther out. Inshore, trout bite best at dawn and dusk over shell and near passes, while redfish push shallow on high tides. Night fishing under lights produces trout and sand trout in good numbers. Live croaker is a top bait for bigger trout, while popping corks remain reliable for numbers. Heat pushes some trips to early morning or evening schedules, especially for families.

Fall (September–November)

Flounder become the star as they migrate toward the Gulf, stacking in passes, channels, and marsh drains. Trout and reds also feed heavily before winter, with bird activity over schooling bait in open bays. Offshore action slows as weather fronts roll in, but nearshore structure still holds bull reds and sheepshead. Soft plastics, live mullet, and finger mullet rigs are prime baits. Many charters run combo trips, starting with trout and reds in the morning and flounder in the afternoon.

Winter (December–February)

Cold fronts push trout and reds into deeper channels, bayous, and ship channel drop-offs. Slow presentations with soft plastics, jigged gulp baits, or live shrimp near bottom work best. Offshore trips are rare due to weather, but nearshore bull reds remain an option on calm days. Freshwater catfish action is strong in local lakes and rivers, with cut bait or punch bait producing well. Winter fishing is all about timing trips around fronts and targeting deep-water structure.

Gamefish in Houston

Houston Fishing FAQs

Most saltwater charters launch from Seabrook, Kemah, Clear Lake, or Galveston, depending on target species and trip type. Freshwater trips often meet at ramps on Lake Houston or nearby reservoirs.

Half-day trips (4–6 hours) are common for inshore fishing, while offshore runs often require full-day or extended trips to reach productive waters.

Inshore anglers target redfish, speckled trout, and flounder, with seasonal runs of black drum and sheepshead.

Yes, most Houston fishing charters provide all rods, reels, tackle, and bait. Many also include ice and fish cleaning services.

Yes, all anglers over 17 need a valid Texas fishing license. A saltwater endorsement is required for Gulf and bay fishing.

Spring and fall offer excellent inshore action, while summer is prime for offshore trips. Winter produces well for deepwater trout and redfish.

Popping cork rigs with live shrimp, soft plastics over grass flats, and gold spoons along shorelines are proven redfish producers.

Yes, many charters can accommodate groups of 6–12 anglers, with larger events arranged through multiple boats.

Yes, several captains offer night trips targeting trout under lights in Galveston Bay, especially during summer.