I remember going fishing in Galveston with my dad when I was just a kid. Traveling south on 61st Street, that last hill you have to drive over just before you could see the beach was more suspenseful than any roller coaster drop. I knew full well that there were two things to expect- choppy water that resembled frothing chocolate milk, or the placidity of a warm, green gulf, more closely resembling the Caribbean.
Whether you're fishing live bait or plastics, wading in the surf or fishing the lights at night, when fishing Galveston Island, water clarity and conditions are the first two things to consider. Getting up at 5 a.m. to stare down muddy water with a vicious chop just isn't worth the sleep you give up- go back to bed. The perfect conditions are low winds from the west/ southwest, a brisk incoming tide and the ability to, at the very least, see your feet in thigh deep water. If all of these factors fall into place you are in for a treat.
Under good conditions, almost anywhere on the island can produce fish. The beach front at 8 Mile Road and directly off the seawall at 14th Street can be super hot spots, and the piers will always let you know how the fishing is. Just give the 61st Street fishing pier a call at (409) 744-8365, or the Galveston Fishing Pier at (409) 744-2273, and remember the three key questions to ask these guys: when the next high tide is, what the water conditions are and "how's the fishin'?".
Just remember though, their job is to get you on their pier, so always take their advice with a grain of salt. A report of "fishing's great!" usually translates into pretty darn good fishing, but a response of "eh...it's doin' ok", well, that may be a red flag to try another approach- especially if it coincides with a low tide and choppy waters. However, never let a mediocre report spoil a long-planned and anticipated trip to the island. Texas winds and weather can change on a dime, and so can the fishing conditions.
When that water's just right, you can throw anything short of a paper clip into it and catch something. A medium- action 6' to 7'5'' rod with a reel capable of handling about 175 yards of 14 # test is the typical weapon of choice. Leaders are optional, but a stainless steel snap swivel might come in handy. As far as bait and lures go, silver spoons do the trick, as do plastics that match the water color, the occasional topwater and live or dead shad, shrimp or squid. Just ask an outfitter at your neighborhood sporting goods behemoth. Most of the guys working there are seasoned fishermen and love it when you spend your money before a big fishing trip.
As far as fishing in the bays and wading in the surf go, you stand a good chance of catching speckled trout, redfish, Spanish mackerel, drum, whiting, croaker, sheepshead, gafftop, ray, shark...well, you get the point- the list is long, when the water is right. On occasion, even tarpon, pompano, cobia, snapper and jack creville are snagged in the surf or from the jetties; at which point just enjoy the ride- even hooking a fish of this caliber is a victory onto itself.
If you are looking for a change of pace, or maybe you're just sick of being slammed and soaked by waves and being burnt to jerky-like consistency by that relentless Texas sun, there are alternatives. Night fishing has a devoted cult following all over the Texas coast, and Galveston Island and the surrounding area offers some of the best. It can get a bit crowded during peak season, but the atmosphere remains family-friendly, and better still, dry and cool. The same rules apply as far as water conditions go, but night owls stick to smaller lures like speck rigs or live shrimp. Other than that, all you need are lights, camera, action.
Another way to get onto some good fishing on your next Galveston expedition is to take an offshore trip. Maybe you're a seasoned maritime navigator and mechanic, familiar with the ins and outs of equipment used to catch fish up to 8 feet long. Good for you. If you aren't however, stick to a guide. These guys have been fishing the Galveston offshore scene since birth, and if there are fish to be taken, they'll get you to them.
Galveston guides can get you hooked up with kingfish, snapper, jack, tuna, mahi-mahi, shark, grouper and more. For the most part, one guide tends to be as good as another, simply because they all rely on word of mouth and happy customers to fuel their bizz. However, don't think you're going to get in on deeply guarded fishing secrets just because you hop on a leaky boat named the "Shark Attack", skippered by a rum-scented old salt with a beard and a patch on his left eye. Spend the extra 50 to 100 dollars and hop on a larger, cleaner boat with satellite radio, a cooler full of beer and soda, bottled water, snacks and a friendly, knowledgeable crew. If you want to spend a little more, you can sometimes even find a boat with a restroom and an air-conditioned cabin and small kitchen. Visit Captain Elliott Charters for a comfortable, action-packed party boat outing, or inquire them about private charters. Those guys have been getting people hooked up with fish for a long time now, and they are always willing to help veterans and newbies alike.
Remember though- as great as Galveston fishing can be, nothing in fishing is ever certain. So go out for the experience of it all, and always tip the guys who are there trying to provide an enjoyable time for you and your buddies or family. Trust me, they'll remember the generosity, and the next time around, they might just show you a spot or two that they've never shared before.
Well, if you're still looking for a reason to make a Galveston Island fishing trip, you might want to get your summertime head check. Things get hot in a hurry down that way, and I know where I'll be- catching fish and catching memories on Galveston Island. Good luck and good fishing!
This guide to fabulous Galveston Island fishing was brought to you by Travis Jones