Are you planning a trip to Galveston Island? If so, don’t miss out on a chance to go deep sea fishing!
This paradise for sportsmen and anglers is a great place to hook into some fishermen’s favorites like red snapper, trout, and sharks. Plus, it’s an affordable and easy-to-reach destination!
But, before you go deep sea fishing in Galveston, it’s important to consider the season. When you fish will determine what you catch, and this region has a few specific seasons.
Keep reading to learn more about when to plan your visit.
Deep Sea Fishing in Galveston
While Galveston charter fishing is excellent all year round, different fish will bite during different seasons. So, if you’re hoping to hook into a specific catch, you’ll need to plan accordingly.
Spring
During spring months, many anglers in Galveston prefer to remain a bit closer to shore. But don’t worry! There’s plenty of action in the shallows during this time of year.
In March and April, fishing trips around the bay side of the island are ideal for catching black and red drum and sheepshead. These hard fighters gather around Galveston’s jetties and channels in large numbers to spawn at this time, giving fishermen a shot at big bulls.
This time of year is also ideal for sand trout, speckled trout, flounder, and small sharks, all of which can be found near shore, via a half-day trip.
Keep in mind that you might encounter chilly weather and wind during the first months of the year. So, you should wear clothing that protects against the cold, even if the sun is shining.
Summer
Have you ever been shark fishing? If not, summer in Galveston is a great opportunity to give it a shot! These powerful predators are often found hunting around oil platforms, submerged deepwater reefs, and shipwrecks.
For the best chances of hooking into a big shark, you’ll want to book a 6-hour adventure, taking you at least 30 miles offshore. These specialized charters head to proven sites, famous for exciting fights with hammerheads, bulls, sandbars, and blacktips.
During summer months, other big fish are biting at offshore sites, too. Between June and August, half-day excursions in search of king fish, mahi mahi, and coiba offer your best chances.
Deep sea fishing for red snapper is also at its peak during the summer. This prized catch has a surprisingly short season, usually during June and July. Because these dates are different every year, you should verify them with your charter company of choice, before booking a trip.
Fall
Fall is a surprisingly rewarding time of year for fishing trips out of Galveston. These months bring an exciting flounder run, plus plenty of opportunities for redfish, sharks, trout, and mangrove snapper.
Much like spring, this season sees many anglers fishing closer to shore. Not only will this increase your chances for a massive haul, but it will also offer more favorable conditions.
And, while catching flounder and snapper might not sound as exciting as going for the big game, the opposite is true. Not only are these species hard fighters and tons of fun to catch, but they’re also some of the most delicious fish the area has to offer, too!
Fall months in this region are subject to wind and waves, but the island’s bay side offers plenty of protection against the elements.
Winter
Galveston’s winter months can bring surprisingly cold conditions, so you’ll want to bundle up for a day on the water. But, anglers who don’t mind a bit of chill can still have plenty of luck during this time of year.
Supersized speckled trout and flounder, redfish, and mullet are all biting close to shore when the water cools.
Winter is also an excellent time for offshore fishing in Galveston. These all-day expeditions head to deeper waters, further from the island, where lucky anglers might hook into mackerel, dorado, ling, and more.
Blue Water Adventures
No matter what time of year you plan to visit, it’s hard to beat a trip out into the blue. These are among the most popular fishing trips in Galveston Tx, taking visitors 50 to 80 miles from shore in search of the region’s biggest fish.
During these 12-hour expeditions, charters visit a variety of deep sites, searching for amberjack, grouper, barracuda, tuna, wahoo, and even sailfish! And, while 12 hours might sound like a long time on a boat, this all-day experience includes much more than just fishing.
Lucky groups can spot cool wildlife like dolphins and sharks along the way, plus a wide variety of migratory birds. And, cruising back toward the island as sunset approaches offers one of the best views of Galveston that you can get.
Start Planning Your Trip
Now that you know a bit about deep sea fishing in Galveston, you’re probably excited to start planning your trip.
Don’t forget; you’ll need a license for fishing in Texas. So, if you don’t have one already, be sure to contact your charter operator to secure one well ahead of time. While these can be purchased on the island, it’s best not to wait until the last minute
And, if you’re planning to visit during a peak time of year like red snapper season, you’ll want to book well in advance. A limited number of trips are available during this time of year, and they fill up fast!
Do you have some questions about planning and booking your charter? Would you like to make a special request or design a custom trip? Contact us today — we’re happy to help you plan and prepare every step of the way.
