Updated: April 19th 2016 @ 12:00pm
Texas has some of the best fishing in the United States. In fact, with over 80,000 miles of rivers and streams, Texas ranks second only to Alaska in the volume of its inland water. With over 400 miles of great saltwater fishing off the southern coast, it's easy to see why anglers flock to the Lone Star State. [1]
Many would argue that Galveston, "Playground of the South", has the best saltwater fishing in Texas. The area beaches, jetties, piers, reefs, and flats provide anglers with easy access to a wide variety of game species, including speckled trout, redfish, mackerel, black drum, flounder, cobia, and sharks.
In fact, SaltWater Sportsman magazine lists Galveston as number three on its list of the top ten Saltwater fishing cities in the United States, citing it for the redfish, speckled trout, black drum, and flounder in Galveston Bay, as well as cobia, wahoo, tuna, mahi mahi, red snapper, kingfish and marlin found off the Gulf side of the island. More than 100 species of fish are regularly caught in the waters around the island. [2]
Only 50 miles from Houston, Galveston will charm you with its small southern town atmosphere, numerous attractions, and outdoor adventures.
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
Required of any resident who fishes in the public waters of Texas.
You do not need a fishing license/package if you:
A resident fishing license is included in all Super Combo and Combination packages (including Texas Resident Active Duty Military), the Lifetime Resident Combination and Lifetime Resident Fishing licenses and the various resident fishing packages offered by the Department. A resident who holds one of these licenses/packages is not required to purchase a separate resident fishing license.
A variety of fishing packages are offered from which the public may select based on the type of fishing (freshwater, saltwater or both) and duration of license desired.
NOTE: For a complete list of fees, rules, regulations, and other related information, please visit the Texas Parks & Wildlife website. [3]
Water Body Records for Galveston Bay
Resources:
[1] Texas Outside
[2] Rob Lucey, Island Guide. "Where to Fish on Galveston Island"
[3] Texas Parks & Wildlife. Fishing Licenses, Packages and Tags