Galveston Jetty Fishing with Captain Josh
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target Crevalle Jacks and sharks along Galveston's productive jettiesCaptain Josh guides 4-5 hour inshore trips for bigger game fishSmall group capacity of 2 guests ensures personalized fishing experience
There's something special about fishing the jetties in Galveston – the way the granite rocks create perfect ambush points for hungry predators, the constant current bringing baitfish through like a dinner bell. Captain Josh knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious fish during this 4-5 hour jetty adventure. Whether you're after hard-fighting jacks or hoping to tangle with a bull shark, this top-rated charter keeps it intimate with just 2 anglers max, so you'll get the personal attention that makes all the difference.
Captain Josh runs a clean operation out of Galveston, targeting the productive jetty systems where big fish come to feed. You'll be fishing structure that's been holding fish for decades – those massive granite blocks create the perfect habitat for everything from schooling Spanish mackerel to trophy-sized cobia. The boat stays mobile, working different sections of the jetties based on tide, wind, and where the fish are showing up that day. Don't worry about bringing tackle – Josh has you covered with quality rods, reels, and all the terminal gear you'll need. Just bring your fishing license, some drinks, and maybe a snack since meals aren't included on this trip. The intimate 2-person limit means you're not fighting for rod time or waiting your turn when the bite gets hot.
Jetty fishing is all about reading the structure and presenting baits where fish expect to find them. Captain Josh switches between live bait and artificials depending on what the fish want that day. You might be throwing live shrimp under popping corks for redfish cruising the rocks, or chunking cut bait for sharks that patrol these deeper waters. The granite jetties create current breaks and eddies that concentrate baitfish, and that's where you'll focus your efforts. Josh knows exactly which rocks hold fish at different tidal stages – high tide might have you working the back sides where reds push up to feed, while falling water could mean moving to the points where crevalle jacks ambush passing schools. The tackle stays medium to heavy since you never know when a big cobia or shark might grab your bait and head for open water.
Redfish are the bread and butter around Galveston's jetties, and these copper-colored bruisers know how to use the rocks to their advantage. Most reds here run 18-27 inches, perfect slot fish that fight like they're twice their size. They love working the jetties during moving water, especially around dawn and dusk when they push shallow to feed on crabs and shrimp. What makes reds so fun is their ability to dive straight into the rocks when hooked – you'll need to put the pressure on early or they'll cut you off on the granite. Fall and winter months are prime time, when the bigger fish stage up before heading to deeper water.
Crevalle jacks are pure adrenaline on a fishing rod, and the Galveston jetties hold some serious schools. These silver bullets range from 5-15 pounds typically, but the occasional 20-pounder will test your drag system and your patience. Jacks hunt in packs, often blowing up on bait schools right against the jetty rocks in spectacular fashion. Summer months bring the biggest numbers, and when you find them, you can usually catch several before they move on. They'll hit live bait, cut bait, or fast-moving lures with equal aggression. Fair warning – jacks don't give up easy, and they'll make multiple runs that'll have your arms burning.
Cobia are the wild card species that make jetty fishing so exciting in Galveston waters. These brown sharks, as locals call them, can show up anytime from April through October, cruising the jetties looking for an easy meal. Most run 25-40 inches, but you never know when a real monster might appear. Cobia are curious fish – they'll often follow your bait right to the boat, giving you a good look before deciding whether to eat. They prefer live or fresh dead bait, and once hooked, they're known for powerful runs and stubborn fights near the boat. The best cobia action typically happens during the warmer months when they're most active in the shallows.
Spanish mackerel bring non-stop action to the jetty fishing scene, especially during their spring and fall migrations through Galveston waters. These silver speedsters average 1-3 pounds but make up for size with numbers and attitude. When the mackerel are running, you can catch dozens, and they'll hit everything from small jigs to live shrimp. They school up tight around the jetty points, feeding on glass minnows and other small baitfish. Spanish mackerel are perfect for anglers who love constant action – they bite aggressively and fight surprisingly hard for their size, plus they make excellent table fare when iced down properly.
Captain Josh's jetty fishing trips fill up fast, especially during peak season when the bite is hot. This world-class fishery produces year-round, but the variety and size of fish changes with the seasons. Spring brings the mackerel runs and active cobia, summer means aggressive jacks and steady redfish action, while fall offers some of the best overall fishing of the year. With only 2 spots available per trip, you'll get the personalized attention that makes the difference between a good day and a great day on the water. Josh knows these jetties better than just about anyone, and he's committed to putting you on fish. Ready to experience what makes Galveston jetty fishing a customer favorite? Book your spot with Reel Talk Charters and get ready for some serious rod-bending action.
Captain Josh's motorboat cuts through Galveston's waters with ease, equipped with GPS to navigate straight to the productive jetty waters where the big fish hunt. This reliable fishing machine gets you right into the action where Crevalle Jacks and sharks patrol the structure. The boat handles the jetty currents like a champ, giving you a stable platform to fight those hard-pulling fish that call these waters home. With room for two anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work your lines and land whatever decides to grab your bait during your 4-5 hour hunt along the jetties.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are brown sharks with attitude - except they're not sharks at all. These solitary hunters average 30-50 pounds and cruise alone around jetties, buoys, and structure looking for crabs and small fish. Spring migration from March through May is your best shot when they're moving through in shallow water. Summer finds them deeper around rigs and reefs. People target cobia because they're both great fighters and some of the best eating in the Gulf - firm, white meat that rivals any restaurant fish. They're curious fish that'll often come check out the boat. My go-to technique is sight casting with bucktail jigs when you spot one on the surface. Keep that jig moving - cobia like an active presentation, and if you let it sit still, they'll usually just swim away.
Caranx HipposCrevalle Jacks are the bulldogs of the Gulf - brassy green backs with golden sides that average 12-24 inches and pack serious muscle. These aggressive fighters school up around jetties, oil rigs, and structure in 10-100 feet of water. Spring through early fall is prime time when they're actively feeding. Watch for diving birds - that's your best sign of jacks pushing baitfish to the surface. Anglers love them because they fight way above their weight class with powerful runs that'll smoke your drag. They're not the best table fare, but the fight makes up for it. Pro tip: when you find a school, cast silver spoons past them and retrieve fast. Jacks can't resist that flash and movement, but drop your lure right on top and you'll spook the whole school.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are copper-colored beauties with distinctive black spots near their tails, usually running 20-30 inches around Galveston's shallow waters. You'll find them cruising 1-4 feet deep along grass flats, oyster reefs, and around jetty structures where they hunt crabs and shrimp. Spring through fall offers the best action when water temps warm up. These fish fight hard with powerful runs and head shakes that'll test your drag. They're fantastic eating too - mild, flaky white meat that's perfect on the grill. Here's a local trick: when sight fishing the flats, cast well ahead of cruising reds and let your bait settle to the bottom. They're bottom feeders by nature, so that natural presentation beats flashy topwater most days.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are silver bullets with yellow spots that typically run 1-2 feet long and fight like fish twice their size. These speed demons school up around jetties, piers, and nearshore structure, usually in the top 20 feet of water. Warm months from May through October bring the best fishing when they're actively chasing bait. Anglers love them because they hit hard, run fast, and make excellent table fare - mild, flaky meat that's perfect smoked or grilled. They're one of the fastest fish in the Gulf, so be ready for screaming runs. Best tip I can give you is to use a small wire leader - their razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono in a heartbeat. Small shiny spoons trolled fast or cast to feeding schools work great, just keep that bait moving.
Galveston, TX