"Galveston, oh Galveston.... I still hear your sea winds blowin...." (lyrics, Glen Campbell)
Ready for a great fishing trip? You'd be hard pressed to find a better fishing site than in Galveston, Texas, where you have two waters to choose from--the Gulf or the Bay.
Galveston is a barrier island off the coast of south Texas just down the road a piece from Houston. On the north side of the island is Galveston Bay; the south side faces the Gulf of Mexico. The Bay yields an abundance of speckled trout, red fish and flounder, but the Texas state record for the largest tarpon ever caught was set when a 220-pounder was pulled out of the Gulf. Anglers have a tough choice when it comes to deciding where to fish.
One reason fish is so plentiful in Galveston Bay is because it's an estuary, a body of water where saltwater and freshwater combine to make a nutrient-rich marine-life nursery. It's so plentiful that the EPA has declared this bay an estuary of national significance. [1]
Galveston Bay spans 600 square surface miles and is home to 162 species of fish. The “Big 3”, as they are affectionately known to Gulf Coast anglers, are redfish, specks and flounder. [2]
Why should you go with a guide? Here are a few of the reasons as outlined in Angler's Covey. [3]
- You'll catch more fish. After all, guides are on the water almost every day and know where the fish are.
- You'll learn the water. A guide can show you new techniques, where to find access to the stream, and much more.
- It's adds safety. Guides are trained and certified in First Aid and CPR just in case it is needed.
- It's more fun. A fishing guide not only helps you catch fish, most are great conversationalists and will keep you entertained all day. They know lots of good jokes and have many tales to tell you. You won't be bored!
- It's easy. A fishing guide will do all the work and all you have to do is relax and fish. Guides will even tie your knots and take your fish off the hook.
Here are several great fishing guides from the Galveston area we recommend (in random order). Most guides provide everything you need except your fishing license. Contact the guide, or visit their website, for details and contact information:
Captain Greg Ball, Wave Dancer Charters, Galveston, TX
Family friend; Winner 2015 "Best of the Island"
Captain Mike Short, Get Hooked Charters, Galveston, TX
Offering high adrenaline shark fishing excursions to spear fishing trips to overnight tuna trips
Captain Jason Woods, Rod Bending Charters, Galveston, TX
Several boats, groups welcome, family friendly
Captain Kevin Roberts, Captain Kevin Roberts Guide Service, Galveston, TX
Corporate and large party trips can be accommodated
A little further southwest, but still on the Texas coast:
Captain Jack McPartland, Treble J Charters, Rockport, TX
10% discount on full-day trips for active military
For fishing and hunting guides and outfitters, there is no better resource than Dream Sporting Trips!
Resources:
[1] D. Chance, Texas Fishing Hotspots, June 18, 2014
[2] It's Island Time, Galveston.com
[3] Angler's Covey, Why You Should Hire A Guide
