Best Fishing Spots in Galveston

Hundreds of anglers flock to Galveston for its rich fish species and diverse natural features. As a matter of fact, Galveston bay is the seventh largest estuary in the United States. That means there are a lot of recreational opportunities waiting for you. Here are the best fishing spots in Galveston that you should visit soon. 

8 Places to Fish in Galveston

What’s holding you back from taking a fishing trip to Galveston? If your answer is you do not own a boat, worry not. There are 100+ fishing charters in Galveston. Just don’t forget to carry your fishing license with you!  

1. Seawolf Park

The Seawolf Park is an ideal fishing spot for flounder, redfish, trout, and black drum. You can visit this spot on Pelican Island.

The park is open 24/7 throughout the year, except for extreme weather conditions. Galveston’s residents pay a $6 fishing fee, while non-residents pay $9. Currently, the park has limited the fishing capacity to 300 guests during the day. 

There are plenty of fish cleaning stations at Seawolf Park. You will also find picnic sites, a playground for kids, and a Naval Museum. Plus, you can tag your leashed pets along. 

2. West Bolivar Flats

On the East Bay, you will find another must-visit fishing spot – the West Bolivar Flats! Here, you have better odds of catching large sea trout and redfish. However, consider elements such as light, tide, water clarity, and wind as they can positively or negatively impact your success in the flats.

Keep in mind that you will have to pay $10 for parking stickers should you pack your vehicle on the vehicular barricade on the beach.

3. Hanna’s Reef

Hanna’s Reef, located on East Galveston Bay, is also on our list of the best fishing spots. The most popular species in this location are black drum, red drum, and spotted seatrout. The best bait for these fish is soft plastics and topwater.

4. Galveston Fishing Pier

Photo of Galveston Fishing Pier.

Galveston fishing pier is another popular fishing spot in Galveston, Texas. This legendary pier, also known as 91st St. Pier, was built in 1971. 

Some fish you can expect to reel in are: 

  • Blacktip shark
  • Bull shark
  • Blue runner
  • Croaker
  • Flounder
  • Cobia
  • King mackerel
  • Crevalle jack
  • Pompano
  • Kingfish
  • Sea trout
  • Red snapper
  • Gafftop catfish 

Expert angler insight: The morning is the best time to bag these fish. 

This is one of the best places to fish in Galveston since it is open on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. and all night on weekends. But, you have to pay a $10 fishing fee.  

5. 61st Street Fishing Pier

Reel in fish from the shore at the 61st Street Fishing Pier. This family-friendly fishing pier is located on 6101 Seawall Boulevard and is open to fishing all year round, except in the winter. 

Here, you can catch: 

  • Blacktip sharks
  • Angelfish
  • Ocean catfish
  • Whiting fish
  • Spanish mackerel
  • Redfish. 

The fishing fee is $12, but you pay half the price to fish after 2 a.m. Also, if you are at the pier by 6 a.m., you’ll have to pay an additional $12 for the new day. So if you love night fishing, this is a location worth trying. 

The pier has got you covered in terms of bait and fishing gear. You can either buy or rent equipment at the numerous tackle shops present. 

6. Eagle Point Marina

As the oldest harbor in Texas, Eagle Point Marina holds the largest fishing reefs in Galveston. It is located in San Leon, on the west side of Galveston Bay.  

The marina offers facilities such as a gas dock, ample storage, showers, restrooms, an on-water restaurant, a sports bar, and a boat ramp exclusive to members. 

7. Galveston Island State Park

Picture of Galveston State Park

The Galveston Island State Park is strategically located for successful fishing expeditions. 

It has a beach on one side and a bay on the other. This means you can fish from the bank or try beach fishing or wade fishing on the beach. Alternatively, you can fish in a kayak.

This location is one of the free fishing spots in Galveston. You need no fishing license to reel in fish, including speckled trout, redfish, flounder, and trout. There are seasonal species, too, like the sand trout, whiting, croakers, rays, mackerels, ladyfish, and sharks.

Moreover, the park is one of the best crabbing spots in Galveston. Using chicken necks, you may catch hermit crabs, sally lightfoot crabs, or blue crabs. But you should be patient when catching crabs and have a dip net to put them in once out of the water. 

The site has camping spots and cookout areas. 

8. Pelican Island

This island is located north of Galveston Harbor and was formerly a shipyard and an immigration station. There is not much to see on this uninhabited island, but there are plenty of fish to catch.

The island’s sandy flats are home to large populations of redfish, flounder, and trout. The best seasons for fishing are spring and autumn. But that’s not to say you won’t bag fish during the summer. 

Fishing Spots in Galveston FAQ

Do You Need a Permit to Fish in Galveston?

Yes, you need a Texas Fishing License and sometimes endorsements for freshwater and/or saltwater. Fortunately, you can get a license online – although you will need to pay an administrative fee of $5.

What Kind of Fish Do You Catch in Galveston Bay?

The fish species in Galveston Bay are redfish, flounder, black drum, red drum, speckled trout, sheepshead, croaker, whiting, and gaff-topsail catfish.

But, there are limitations on the number of fish you can take with you. For instance, you can only bag two 16-inch red snappers in federal waters and four 15-inch in state waters. 

Can You Fish From the Shore in Galveston?

Yes, you can fish from shore in Galveston, Texas. Seawolf Park, Galveston Fishing Pier, and 61st Street Fishing Pier are some of Galveston’s best bank fishing spots. You can reel black drum, hardhead catfish, or speckled trout. 

Fishing in Galveston

At this point, you have the eight best fishing spots in Galveston. These locations have abundant fish, and most allow day and night fishing at affordable rates. But, you need your fishing license to access these waters. 

Book that fishing trip with friends or family. Or, get your kayak and drive to Galveston Bay. Either way, your day in the water will be a memorable one.

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