Does Galveston Have Good Fishing? (A Complete Guide)
Galveston is one of the most popular fishing locations in Texas and the Gulf Coast for that matter. Many anglers want to know how Galveston compares to other major fishing destinations.
Galveston is a world-class fishery offering great fishing for amberjack, black drum, cobia, king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, mahi-mahi, flounder, redfish, red snapper, sharks, speckled trout, tarpon, and blackfin tuna.
Galveston has a lot to offer to fishermen of any skill level. The fishing here is truly special if you enjoy inshore and nearshore fishing.
Galveston Species Fishing Breakdown
Click here to find out the optimum fishing opportunities in Texas. Check out this helpful guide to the best fishing times for the Texas Gulf Coast.
Redfish
Galveston offers good redfish fishing throughout the year. However, a peak fishing season in the region begins in the late summer and ends in the late fall. Redfish fishing is less productive in the area between January and July and in December.
Among the best places to target redfish in the region are: Galveston Fishing Pier, 61 St. Fishing Pier, Seawolf Park, Galveston Island State Park, and others.
Flounder
Fishing for flounder in Galveston is good between April and June and between September and December. Flounder fishing is the most productive between October and December. Oftentimes, flounder bites well during evening hours.
January – March, and July – August are not the best months for targeting flounder in the region. It would be great for anglers to visit such spots as Seawolf Park and San Luis Pass if you want to catch flounder during a Galveston fishing trip.
Black drum
A season to catch black drum starts in the late winter and ends in the late summer. Black drum fishing in Galveston is best between March and July.
The worst times of the year to target black drum in the region are January and between September and December. If you would like to target black drum in the region, then visit such fishing spots as Seawolf Park, Galveston Fishing Pier as well as 61 St. Fishing Pier.
Speckled trout
It’s possible to catch speckled trout in Galveston at any time of the year. However, the best months to target speckled trout are between August and October. Fishing for speckled trout is less productive between January and July and between November and December.
Those anglers, who are interested in catching speckled trout in Galveston, should visit such fishing spots as Galveston Island State Park and San Luis Pass.
Sharks
Galveston is the perfect place to target sharks. Sharks are the most active in the region between the late spring and the early fall. January – April, and October – December are not the best months to target sharks in the area.
Oftentimes, anglers catch sharks when fishing from 61 St. Fishing Pier, Galveston Fishing Pier, and in San Luis Pass.
King mackerel
The season to catch king mackerel in Galveston begins in April and ends in September. The best time of the year to fish for king mackerel in the region is between June and August. Fishing for king mackerel is not very productive between January and March and between October and December.
Spanish mackerel
Spanish mackerel fishing is good in Galveston between the late spring and the late summer. A peak season to catch Spanish mackerel in the region is between April and July. On the other hand, fishing for Spanish mackerel in Galveston is not productive between January and February and between September and December.
Galveston Fishing Pier and 61 St. Fishing Pier are the recommended fishing spots for those anglers, who are planning to target Spanish mackerel during their trips.
Red snapper
Red snapper fishing in Galveston is good between April and October. Summer is the best time of the year to catch red snapper in the region.
On the other hand, red snapper is not active between January and March and between November and December. Anglers should aim to target red snapper in the southern part of the island.
Cobia
The season to catch cobia in Galveston begins in the late spring and ends in the early fall. Cobia fishing in the region is the most productive during the summer months. Cobia is inactive between January and April and between October and December. It makes sense to target cobia in the nearshore waters of the Gulf.
Mahi-mahi
Many anglers choose to target mahi-mahi during their Galveston fishing trips. Mahi-mahi fishing season in the region begins in April and ends in October. The best time of the year to target mahi-mahi in Galveston is between May and September.
Recommended Fishing Charters in Galveston
These Galveston-based charters have earned great reviews from anglers and will offer you a tremendous service. The captains are knowledgeable, friendly, and are sure to put you on fish. By clicking the links below, you will be taken to the charter’s respective profile on Fishing Booker where you can read reviews, learn more about the charter, view photos, and book online at the best rate.
| Recommended Fishing Charters | Location |
| Line Check Charters | Galveston, TX |
| Captain Mike’s Guide Service | Galveston, TX |
| Fish N Divers Fishing Charters | Galveston, TX |
| Grace Fishing Charter | Galveston, TX |
| Galveston Offshore Fishing Charter | Galveston, TX |
| Tejas Salt Fishing Charter | Galveston, TX |
| SeaPlay Sportfishing – SeaPlay VI | Galveston, TX |
| Rod Bending Charters | Galveston, TX |
| Salty Rods Charters | Galveston, TX |
| Texas Fishing Charters, LLC | Galveston, TX |
| Bite Me! Charters Galveston | Galveston, TX |
| Bravo Zulu Fishing Charters | Galveston, TX |
Best Species to Fish for in Galveston
Actually, the list of the top targeted fish species in the region could go on and on. Galveston is a fishing destination where anglers can catch a wide variety of species.
It’s possible to target such species as amberjack, black drum, cobia, king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, mahi-mahi, flounder, redfish, red snapper, sharks, speckled trout, tarpon, and blackfin tuna during fishing trips in Galveston.
Hot Fishing Spots in Galveston
There are many great fishing spots in the region. The best fishing spots in Galveston include 61 St. Fishing Pier, Galveston Fishing Pier, Seawolf Park, Galveston Island State Park, Seawolf Park, and San Luis Pass. It would be great for anglers to explore these fishing spots during their trips to Galveston.
Galveston Fishing Compared to the Rest of the Texas Coast?
Galveston is one of the top fishing destinations on the Gulf Coast. The local fisheries are very productive. It’s fair to say that Galveston has the Gulf’s best fishing spots. It’s also important to note that a lot of charters are available in the area.
Charters provide anglers with all the necessary fishing equipment. Expert charter guides are very friendly and they are the best in what they do. The guides can show anglers the most productive fishing spots in the area and can give anglers advice on local baits.
Does Galveston Offer Good Fishing?
Inshore
Galveston has the best inshore fisheries in the state of Texas. Inshore fishing is recommended for families and beginners. Anglers can experience inshore fishing in local bays and inlets. Anglers can experience inshore fishing near the grassy flats.
Such spots as Hanna’s Reef in East Bay, West Bolivar Flats, and the sandy flats around Pelican Island are the most suitable spots for inshore fishing in the area. Inshore fishing makes it possible for anglers to target such fish species as flounder, redfish, speckled trout, and sheepshead.
Nearshore
It’s possible to experience nearshore fishing in the waters of the Gulf. Anglers can book a 6 – 8 hour trip to fish in nearshore waters. Fishermen have to travel several miles only during their trips.
While fishing in nearshore waters, anglers should pay close attention to the artificial reefs and shipwrecks. Such fishing spots usually attract a lot of fish. Nearshore fishing trips allow anglers to target such species as cobia, mackerel, and sharks.
Offshore
Galveston has a lot to offer to anglers, who want to experience offshore fishing. Fishermen usually travel about 60 – 100 miles during their offshore trips in the region. It would be better to book a trip that lasts 10 – 12 hours if you want to go further in order to experience fishing in Galveston’s offshore waters.
The Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary is a spot that has gained massive popularity among the anglers who give a preference to offshore fishing in Galveston. This spot is best known for its reef-building corals and underwater mountains. So, fishing is very productive here.
Anglers can target such species as amberjack, blackfin tuna, king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, red snapper, jack crevalle, groupers, mahi-mahi, marlin, and wahoo during offshore fishing trips in Galveston.
When fishing in offshore waters, anglers have a better chance to catch huge fish. Fishermen often land trophy-sized fish such as blackfin tuna, ling, jacks, and mahi-mahi during their offshore trips in Galveston.
Best Season & Times to Fish Galveston
Anglers can experience fishing in Galveston year-round. However, summer is the best time of the year to fish in the region. The vast majority of species get active during the summer months. In summer, anglers can get excellent results when fishing in inshore and offshore waters.
Such species as red snapper and speckled trout are active in the local waters year-round. However, some species are active during certain times of the year. It all depends on your targeted species. Let’s say that you are interested in flounder fishing. In this case, you should visit the region between October and December.
When planning fishing adventures in Galveston, anglers should know what species they are going to target during their trips. Study the bite times of your targeted species in Galveston carefully. Go fishing when your favorite species are the most active in the region.
Is Nightfishing Good in Galveston?
Galveston night fishing is excellent. That’s why so many anglers give a preference to nighttime fishing. If you would like to fish at night in the area, then nighttime speckled trout fishing trips are worth considering.
Speckled trout tend to hunt at night. So, it’s pretty easy to catch speckled trout during night fishing trips in Galveston. It’s important to note that night fishing in the region has a lot of fun.
It would be great to go fishing at night in Galveston during the hot summer months. It’s cool and there is no sun during night hours. So, anglers can avoid the summer heat and find it comfortable to fish during night trips. But most importantly, fish bite better due to the cooler weather.
Is Beach Fishing Good in Galveston?
Beach fishing is also very productive in the region. Anglers can either experience surf fishing on the beach or fish from piers.
It’s a good idea to surf fish on beaches in San Luis Pass. Both beginners and skilled anglers can experience fishing in these spots. Here, the main targets are redfish as well as trout. There are also good spots for surf fishing near the San Luis Pass Toll Road.
There are many fishing piers in the region. The best Galveston fishing piers include Galveston Fishing Pier 9001 Seawall Blvd and 61 St. Fishing Pier. Anglers can catch such species as blacktip sharks, black drum, Spanish mackerel, and redfish when fishing from piers.
Galveston & Fishing Charters
– Is it a good idea?
There is no doubt that you should visit Galveston if you can’t imagine your life without fishing. The destination offers good fishing to anglers of all experience levels. Both beginners and experienced anglers can fish in the area. There are many productive fishing spots in the region. Here, anglers can fish either from the shore or from a boat.
– Is it a good place for charters?
And of course, Galveston is the right place to go for those anglers who give a preference to charter fishing. There are a lot of charters are available in the area. That’s why anglers can easily book a charter that meet their preferences and budget.
Charter fishing allows anglers to go further during their trips and target more fish species. However, captains can be busy during a peak fishing season. So, it would be better to book a trip ahead of time during the busiest months. Charter trips in Galveston provide anglers with incredible memories and the best possible fishing experience.
