Meet Captain Rick Vallone

Captain Rick Vallone is a lifelong Galveston angler whose career spans decades of sunrise casts, tide studies, and detailed logbooks on Texas’ upper-coast bite. Raised near the island’s bays and beaches, he has turned local knowledge into a science—tracking seasonal migrations of redfish, speckled trout, and king mackerel with the precision of a tide chart. Guests appreciate his calm demeanor and clear explanations, which turn complex tactics into easy steps that any skill level can follow.

Teaching is at the heart of Rick’s guide work. He blends patience with practical coaching, from knot tying and cast angles to reading slicks and bait movement. Safety and conservation stay front-and-center: every trip begins with a quick briefing on gear handling and responsible fish care, reinforcing Rick’s belief that today’s catch should leave tomorrow’s fishery healthy. Families often note how he keeps younger anglers engaged while still challenging the salty veterans on board.

Credibility comes from results and reputation, and Captain Rick’s track record speaks loudly across dock talk and online reviews. Repeat clients return each season for targeted runs—spring speckled trout over shell, late-summer kingfish near color changes, and the famous fall redfish push along marsh drains. He is licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard, fully insured, and holds multiple safe-boating certifications, underscoring a professional standard that puts guests at ease the moment lines leave the dock.

The platform for these outings is a fully restored 29-foot Robalo center console. Originally built in 1996 and rebuilt stem to stern in 2017, the vessel is powered by twin 225-horsepower Mercury engines that cruise comfortably at 34 knots, getting up to five passengers on fish fast. The wide, uncluttered deck allows 360-degree access for casting and fighting fish, while updated electronics, live-bait wells, and cushioned seating create a smooth, efficient workspace for both inshore stalking and near-Gulf ventures.