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August 9, 2021

Texas Gulf – Fall Fishing at its Best

Mahi and Cobia

Book Fall & Winter Fishing Charters NOW!

Last month you heard about what was new at Wave Dancer Charters, namely a grand new boat and a new Capt. on our team. Let’s dig a little deeper and get folks booked and ready for what could be the BEST fishing season in the Gulf – fall.

Summer Glides into Fall Fishing Season

Cobia

Capt. Taylor is excited about the transition to fall fishing, “Cobia have been starting to trickle in – we had a full 6 man limit on 7/28.  Blackfin tuna action is starting to heat up in the gulf as the shrimp boats have begun shrimping off the Texas coast, and we’ve caught quite a few dorados as well.”

Capt. Donnie adds, “We have seen the bull reds all summer long this year, which is unusual, and some nice big trout. Some of the most amazing sightings include sharks – sometimes 5 or 6 behind the boat.  They are really fun to see.” 

Black tips are catch and release only.

Sting rays are another catch & release, but Donnie reports, “We’ve had ones between 150 and 200 pounds, and 6’ wide!”

What Makes Great Gulf Fishing in the Fall?

Fall fishing usually begins in the beginning to mid-September each year and continues through the end of November. This is a very important time for Flounder and Redfish, as it is spawning season.

“My favorite is the Bull Red Run in October,” says Capt. Donnie. “The weather is not so hot as a lot of cool fronts begin to blow in. And the water clarity in October can be outstanding!”

Flounder get active once the first real cool front makes its way down to the Texas Gulf Coast (mid to late September). Activity increases after the water temperature goes down a few degrees. Texas Parks and Wildlife only allows us to retain 2 flounder per day during November, whereas it is 5 in the fall.

Amberjack season

Wave Dancer’s Capt. Taylor loves fall fishing in Galveston. “In my 11 years of guiding, fall fishing is my favorite time of the year,” he says. “Amberjack season opens August 1st and runs through October 31st. The long runs offshore to catch those big reef donkeys is soothing to the soul. And the excitement is always overwhelming when we pull up behind the shrimp boats looking for cobias, tuna, and mahi.” 

Kingfish, Spanish mackerel, mahi-mahi and cobia (ling) are also fall favorites.

 

…And in Winter?

Winter may be colder but there is a lot to benefit from in the cooler weather when it comes to fishing in Galveston. January through March is a great time of year to catch amberjack, yellowfin tuna, and speckled trout.

You’ll not only catch great fish (because we are always catching fish in any season!), but you can catch a deal on hotels and restaurants in the area.

3 Tips: What to Wear for Fall & Winter Fishing?

 

1. SUN PROTECTION:

Those who prepare for the sun’s intensity before deep sea fishing tend to enjoy the experience more. In addition to sunscreen, a good rule of thumb is to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays with hats, sunglasses, and UV shielding attire.

2. STAY DRY: 

Your comfort level will certainly be “dampened” if you don’t anticipate getting wet! Potential rain showers, splashes of saltwater, and wild game fish splashing about the deck will have less impact if you dress appropriately for this experience.

What to wear for Deep Sea Fishing” suggests you choose layers of quick-dry materials. Bring a poncho or rain jacket to prepare for the possibility of encountering an outdoor shower while deep sea fishing.

The wet atmosphere of the harbor, dock, and gulf should also be considered as you are deciding which shoes to wear. As long as you have a good rubber sole, you should be great. And avoid anything that is not secure around your feet.

3. BE PREPARED:

Texas is still hotter than most states in the Fall and Winter. Oftentimes, the temperatures are warm enough to fish in a short sleeve t-shirt, wearing only a light jacket. In winter months, make sure you have wind-proof and warmer layers to provide warmth as needed. Remember that the weather on the gulf waters may be different than on land.

Your best bet is to check with Wave Dancer for what to bring for your specific charter dates.

Why are YOU Fishing?

Capt. Donnie says there are many reasons people come to Galveston to fish. “Everybody is different – and so are their reasons for fishing.  Some want to catch A LOT of delicious fish to eat. Some want their ‘trophy fish’. Others are looking for the adventure of catching or seeing something they never have before. And others have never even seen saltwater, or may just need a little saltwater therapy!  

People who may come from, say, Minnesota, or Kansas, may have questions about everything because it is all new to them. Then they see some dolphins, or stingrays, or a shark, and that takes the experience over the top.  We are used to it, but are quickly reminded that it is new to many of our passengers.

We always are going to catch fish, but day to day, you never know what you are going to see out there.”  

He loves that part. 

Donnie has lived here all his life and fell in love with fishing at a very young age, thanks to his dad. He loves introducing the same love of the sport to children of all ages. His favorite moments include watching a child’s eyes light up at their first catch. 

Down here, it doesn’t matter your “WHY”, it only matters that you FISH! You are guaranteed to have a great time.

Who are You Fishing With?

Capt. Greg, Capt. Taylor, and Capt. Donnie are ready to make this a trip you’ll never forget. Wave Dancer provides an expert, safe and exciting charter experience. All our boats are top-notch and cared for like our families are going out on every charter. 

Because they are.

Amberjack, Bull Red, Fall fishing, Fishing Charter, Flounder, Galveston Fishing Charters
About Casey Pletcher
One Comment
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