By: Robert Schrader | Published on January 10, 2023
The Sea Is The Limit With Galveston Fishing Trips
As your speedboat pulls slowly away from land in Galveston, the anticipation hums inside you like its engine. You're headed between 40-80 miles offshore, which will take you at least an hour or two — daydreams about what awaits you deep in the Gulf of Mexico will make the time fly by as fast as the ocean sprays outside the window. Once the boat comes to a stop and the crew tells you it's safe to disembark, you'll head outside and start getting set up.
Not that you'll have to do much setting up on most Galveston fishing trips. Unlike, say, partaking in the best beach fishing in Galveston, out at sea the crew generally supplies the rods, reels, and tackle and can help both amateurs and novices get situated for the best chances of deep-sea fishing success. Note that if you're an experienced fisherman and want to bring your own gear, you can generally do that (although you should verify details with your charter company beforehand). Certain types of rods might not be strong enough to withstand the pulling of larger ocean fish of Texas, which can easily destroy even high-quality equipment.
Reach into the bait bucket (which is usually shrimp or other shellfish), put it on the hook and cast your line toward the deep, blue horizon. In most cases, the crew can help guide you toward where fish are likeliest to be, given that these trips tend to sail by familiar reefs and other structures. The expert fishermen who work on the boat are also adept at noticing signals, such as movement and changes in coloration at or just below the surface of the water, that you might otherwise miss. If you're a true beginner, they can even tell you where to aim, so you have the best chance of getting lucky!
"Let it run!" the guide will insist when you get your first bite — this means you should allow the fish to swim normally for a while. This might sound counterintuitive, particularly if you're not experienced at fishing yourself, but trust what the experts tell you. If you reel your line in too quickly, the fish will realize they're caught and they'll pull as hard as they can. Given the size of the fish that call this region home — 40-80 miles off the coast of Galveston — this dramatically increases the chances of your line (or even your rod!) snapping.
Endless Types Of Fish On Your Galveston Vacation
The types of fish you can catch will vary slightly depending on which company you charter with — each ship's crew has spots they know well and like the best. However, no one trip will be limited to one species of fish. Broadly speaking, more than a dozen fish species are endemic to the waters off of Galveston, including the more recognizable species, like grouper, snapper and mackerel. If you're lucky, you may also be able to catch the black-tipped shark, a small reef shark that's much less lethal (and also smaller) than a great white, but every bit as exciting to see with your own eyes.
One of the main perks of a deep-sea fishing trip on vacation, particularly for kids and less experienced adults, is that guides can help you identify the fish you catch. This is especially helpful for certain species that look similar to one another. For example, while blue marlin and swordfish both have pointed noses, the marlin's fin stretches farther along the top of its body than that of a swordfish.
Grouper and snapper can also look alike. "The key difference," a guide once explained to me, "is the size of the mouth. Grouper tend to eat the smaller fish they prey on whole — they just unlock their jaw and let physics do the rest! That's also why they're so much thicker than snapper." Later during the trip, when a fellow guest had caught both of these fish, he further illustrated this by filleting each fish and letting us compare the meat. The grouper filter was much, well, meatier than the snapper, while the whitish-pink, flaky flesh of both looked absolutely delectable, even before being cooked.
Note that not every ship's crew can help prepare the fish you catch for you, assuming you want to keep yours. Many people go on Galveston fishing trips for sport, and simply want to take some pictures holding their prize catches! For these individuals, it's more about finding and making the most of the best fishing spots in Galveston, rather than making sure they have dinner tonight or lunch tomorrow. They may dine on fresh seafood on shore at the many restaurants on Galveston Beach and along the Houston Ship Channel and leave the preparation to expert chefs!
Top Beach Fishing Spots In Galveston
Deep-sea fishing is definitely an adventure and makes for an epic Instagram story, but it's not the only game in Galveston. Many locals, in fact, prefer the comparable ease and low-key nature of beach fishing, though it does require a bit more legwork, both in terms of procuring your own rods, reels and bait, and making sure you have the proper license beforehand. Beach fishing is a great option before or after your cruise out of Galveston.
In terms of where to go for the best beach fishing spots in Galveston? Well, the Galveston Fishing Pier would suggest this is the best spot for it. However, the pier and the area around it have also become a commercial development in recent years. The fishing the staff here facilitate (which is perfect for families with kids, especially since they have everything you need) is often secondary to the concessions on offer, not to mention the scenic sunset views.
Another popular fishing spot in Galveston is along the Galveston Seawall, particularly between about 10th Street and 61st street. Since the wall was built to protect Galveston Island from storm surges and tides, it extends pretty far into the ocean, which can allow a more diverse catch than fishing from the shore. Typical Texas fish you might reel in include catfish, drum and trout, although you could also be surprised with mackerel or even a black-tipped shark.
The Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge, meanwhile, is a great place to fish if you want the ease and convenience of fishing "on land," but prefer to be away from the festive, energetic atmosphere that sometimes defines Galveston. Fishing here will also put you in the company of many locals, who may be able to give you pointers or insider tips. Even if you don't catch anything amazing or social media-worthy, these sorts of interactions are what travel is all about!
Fishing In Galveston: What To Know Before You Go
Can You Fish Without A License In Texas?
Can you fish without a license in Texas? This depends on what type of fishing you plan to do. If you're booked on a deep-sea fishing charter with a licensed and certified guide, you don't need a license of your own. Additionally, you don't need to get a license when fishing in Galveston Island State Park, as it's included with your entry. If you plan to fish from the beach in public waterways, on the other hand, you will need to be licensed. Reach out to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department at least a few weeks before you travel if you're unsure — if you're caught fishing without a license when you need one, fines can cost hundreds of dollars per offense.
If you plan to do a deep-sea fishing trip while you're in Galveston to hop on your cruise, you should try to book at least 90 days in advance, particularly if you're bringing your whole family along. This will make sure you can choose from many potential charter companies. If you wait until the last minute, on the other hand, it's possible that only one or two will have availability. This could mean having to choose a lower-rate company or paying a higher price than you would've paid if you had made your reservation sooner. Booking early also allows you to lock in the dates of your Galveston fishing trip so that you can plan the rest of your Houston-area adventure, whether you explore boutiques and restaurants in Montrose and River Oaks or tour dude ranches in the Texas Hill Country.
Speaking of bringing the whole family along, deep-sea fishing charter is as enjoyable for 8-year-olds as it is for 80-year-olds. Your charter operator may have special instructions for younger outdoor enthusiasts, however, so make sure to pay close attention. Likewise, although deep-sea fishing is a serious sporting pursuit, you don't need to be an expert or especially experienced to go or be successful. Just listen to the directions you're given, and remain humble! Going rogue out on the deep-sea can mean missing out on the opportunity to catch one or more fish, damage or destruction to your equipment, or even a threat to your personal safety. Remember that the guides are ultimately there to keep everyone safe.
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Enjoy yourself with a day trip filled with Texas fishing when taking a cruise out of Galveston.
