Mackerel fishing charters in Galveston, TX

Galveston sits on a barrier island between the Gulf of Mexico and Galveston Bay, the largest bay system on the Texas coast. That gives anglers two very different kinds of fishing within minutes of each other: shallow bays, marshes and jetties full of redfish and speckled trout, and the open Gulf, where oil platforms and reefs hold snapper, kingfish and bigger game.

Bay and jetty fishing

Galveston Bay, West Bay and the marshes behind the island are classic Texas inshore water. Guides drift shell reefs and grass edges for speckled trout, pole the shallows for redfish and work the channels for black drum and sheepshead. The granite jetties at the mouth of the bay are a hotspot for bull reds, trout and sheepshead, and the fall flounder run draws anglers from all over Texas.

Offshore

Gulf trips run to natural reefs, wrecks and the oil and gas platforms that dot the Texas coast. Red snapper, king mackerel, cobia (ling), amberjack and vermilion snapper are the staples; longer trips head far offshore for tuna, wahoo and mahi-mahi around deep-water rigs. Party boats offer per-person trips for groups and families, and private charters can be tailored to your target.

Good to know

In Texas every angler needs a fishing license with a saltwater endorsement — one-day licenses are available online and in stores, so sort it out before the trip. Red snapper seasons differ between Texas state waters and federal waters further out, and limits change regularly; check current Texas Parks and Wildlife and NOAA Fisheries rules if you’re after a particular fish.