Galveston Fishing Information

Galveston Island, just about 50 miles outside of Houston, boasts some of the best fishing in Texas. Amateur anglers can grab a basic rod and try to catch a flounder while wading on the beach while experts can charter a boat and do battle with a 200 lb. tuna offshore. Before planning a trip, visitors should familiarize themselves with the requirements and regulations for fishing on the island.

  1. Types

    • The simplest form of fishing in Galveston is to fish directly in the breakwaters along the island's seawall or on one of the piers facing the Gulf of Mexico. They also can fish in the calmer Galveston Bay on the back side of the island off the pier in Seawolf Park. Those seeking a bigger catch can head offshore in their own boat or book a chartered trip with one of the numerous operators on the island. Offshore fishing options range from a few miles offshore to multiple-day trips up to 100 miles offshore.

    Potential

    • Fishing in the Galveston breakwaters yields a variety of fish, including flounder, bull reds, speckled trout and sand trout. Trout and redfish also are abundant in Galveston Bay. Just a few miles off Galveston's shore, anglers have a shot at tarpon and blacktip sharks. Those venturing further offshore can battle ling, tuna, red snapper, kingfish, marlin, dorado and tiger sharks. Skilled anglers might even be able to land tunas up to 250 lbs. or dorado up to 70 lbs.

    Requirements

    • Most anglers in Galveston must purchase a Texas fishing license, a requirement for fishing in any public waters in Texas. Anyone younger than 17-years-old does not need a fishing license, nor do Texas residents born before September 1, 1930. They also will need a Texas saltwater fishing endorsement, available when purchasing the license. The Galveston County Courthouse sells licenses, as do many tackle shops and sporting goods stores in the area. Fishing is free in the breakwaters, but fishing off the bay pier carries a small fee.

    Regulations

    • Check with Texas Parks and Wildlife about size and bag limits when fishing in Galveston. As of 2010, bag limits for fish caught near Galveston include: four red snapper, five flounder, five sheepshead and 25 catfish. Fish with an unlimited bag limit include vermilion snapper, sailfish and marlin. Most fish around Galveston do not carry a maximum size limit but do have a minimum limit. When fishing more than nine miles offshore, federal regulations, rather than Texas regulations, apply. Consult the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council for those latest regulations.

    Considerations

    • When scheduling a Galveston fishing trip, consider the type of fishing you want to do when determining the timing. The island's winter months generally are mild, and the trout, flounder and redfish are plentiful in the bay year-round. Fishing in federal waters off Galveston is subject to more seasonal regulations--Texas allows red snapper to be caught anytime, while federals waters limit them to a season running from late spring to early fall, for example--so always check to be sure your desired catch is in-season. When fishing in summer, bring ample water and sunscreen, as the temperatures can be humid and sweltering.