Galveston Jetty Fishing with Reel Talk Charters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target Crevalle Jacks and Sharks along Galveston JettiesCaptain Josh provides 45 hours of guided jetty fishingSmall group experience with maximum 2 guests per trip
The Galveston jetties are hands down some of the most productive fishing structure along the Texas coast, and Captain Josh knows exactly how to work these waters. This 4-5 hour inshore adventure puts you right where the action happens – along the rocky jetties where predator fish stack up to ambush baitfish. With just two anglers max, you'll get personalized attention and plenty of rod time as you target everything from hard-fighting crevalle jacks to toothy sharks cruising the structure.
Captain Josh runs a tight ship and knows these jetties like the back of his hand. You'll launch early and make the short run to either the north or south jetty depending on conditions, tides, and where the fish are biting. The granite rocks create perfect ambush points for predators, and you'll work both sides of the jetty – the Gulf side for bigger pelagics and the bay side for reds and specks. Expect to see plenty of bait getting worked over, diving birds marking schools, and that electric feeling when you know big fish are around. The boat stays mobile, so when one spot cools off, you're already heading to the next honey hole. With only two anglers aboard, there's no fighting for space or waiting your turn – it's pure fishing from start to finish.
Jetty fishing is all about reading the structure and presenting baits where fish expect to find them. Captain Josh uses a mix of live bait and artificials depending on what's working. You'll drift live shrimp and croakers near the rocks for reds and cobia, while also throwing topwater plugs and spoons when fish are busting on the surface. The tackle varies based on target species – medium-heavy spinning gear for most situations, but heavier conventional setups when sharks show up. Jetty fishing requires precise boat positioning since you're working close to structure, and Josh has the experience to keep you in the strike zone without hanging up on the rocks. He'll rig everything and coach you through different techniques, whether you're bouncing jigs along the bottom or working a cork and shrimp in the current.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Galveston jetty fishing, and these copper-colored bruisers love hanging around the rocks picking off crabs and baitfish. Reds here typically run 20-30 inches, with slot fish being the most common, though oversized bulls show up regularly. They're most active during moving water, especially on the bay side of the jetties where they cruise the drop-offs. What makes reds so fun is their bulldogging fight – they'll make strong runs toward the rocks and test your drag system. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, but winter can produce some monster fish when conditions align.
Crevalle jacks are pure adrenaline on a fishing rod, and the Galveston jetties hold some serious schools of these silver missiles. These fish average 15-25 pounds but can push 30-plus, and they fight way above their weight class. Jacks are opportunistic feeders that travel in schools, so when you find one, there are usually more around. They're most active during warmer months and absolutely destroy topwater baits when they're feeding aggressively. The initial run of a big jack will test your knees and your drag – they're relentless fighters that never give up.
Cobia are the wildcards of jetty fishing, showing up when you least expect them but providing some of the most exciting fights you'll experience. These brown sharks (as locals call them) cruise the jetties looking for crabs and small fish, often coming right up to the boat out of curiosity. Cobia here range from 20-40 pounds typically, with bigger fish possible. They're sight-fishing targets much of the time – you'll actually see them swimming near the surface and pitch baits right to them. Spring migration brings the best numbers, but they're around most of the warm months. Their fight combines power and endurance, and they're excellent table fare too.
Spanish mackerel bring non-stop action when they're schooled up around the jetties, usually in spring and fall. These speedsters rarely exceed 3-4 pounds but make up for size with sheer numbers and acrobatic fights. They'll hit small spoons, jigs, and live bait with abandon, often doubling up when the bite is hot. Mackerel are perfect for keeping kids and novice anglers busy, and they're fantastic in the fish box – some of the best eating you'll find. When the Spanish are thick, you can easily catch 20-30 fish in a session, making for memorable photos and sore arms.
The Galveston jetties offer world-class fishing just minutes from the dock, and Captain Josh's local knowledge puts you on fish when others are still searching. This intimate 2-angler setup means you're not just another number on a crowded boat – you get personalized instruction, prime fishing spots, and memories that'll last a lifetime. The variety of species keeps things interesting, and there's always something biting around these rocks. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to target specific species or someone wanting to experience Texas jetty fishing at its finest, this trip delivers. Book your spot with Reel Talk Charters and discover why the Galveston jetties are a customer favorite among serious fishermen.
Captain Josh's motorboat is built for serious jetty fishing around Galveston's productive waters. This GPS-equipped vessel handles the choppy currents near the jetties with ease, getting you positioned right where the big Crevalle Jacks and sharks patrol. The boat's setup gives both anglers plenty of room to work without getting tangled up when you hook into something heavy. Perfect for the 4-5 hour trips that let you really work these structures where the action happens. Josh knows exactly where to anchor up along the rocks to put you on the fish that cruise these jetties looking for an easy meal.
Rachycentron CanadumCobia are the loners of our jetty system - dark brown, shark-looking fish that cruise solo around structure. These bruisers average 3-4 feet and can top 100 pounds, making them serious gamefish. You'll spot them near the surface around jetties, buoys, and deeper structure in 30-70 feet during spring and summer months. They migrate through our area spring through fall, with peak action during spawning season. Guests love cobia for their size, fight, and outstanding table quality - firm white meat that's restaurant-grade. They're curious fish that will often follow the boat, giving you multiple shot opportunities. Bucktail jigs work great, but here's my go-to trick: when you see one following, stop your retrieve completely and let the jig flutter down - they often strike on the fall.
Caranx HipposCrevalle Jacks are the muscle cars of our jetty fishing - pure power and aggression. These brassy-green fighters average 12-24 inches but can push 4 feet and 60 pounds around the jetties. They hunt in schools, pushing baitfish to the surface where diving birds give them away. You'll find them year-round in deeper jetty waters and around structure where they ambush prey. What guests love most is their bulldozer fight - they'll test your drag and your arms. They're not great table fare, but the battle more than makes up for it. Look for bird activity and cast silver spoons or swimbaits past the school, then retrieve fast. Here's the key: these fish love the chase, so don't slow down your retrieve even when they're following.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are one of the most reliable targets around Galveston's shallow waters and jetties. These copper-colored beauties typically run 20-30 inches and are famous for that distinctive black spot near their tail. You'll find them cruising oyster reefs, grass flats, and around structure in 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're actively feeding. What makes redfish special is their powerful fight and that sweet, flaky meat that's perfect for the dinner table. They'll hit everything from topwater plugs to live shrimp. Pro tip: when you spot one tailing in shallow water, cast your bait well ahead of where they're headed and let them find it naturally.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are speed demons that show up around our jetties in schools during warmer months. These silver bullets with yellow spots typically run 1-2 feet and 8-11 pounds, but they're lightning fast and put up a scrappy fight. You'll find them near the surface around jetties, reefs, and open water from spring through fall when water temps climb. They're excellent table fare with mild, flaky meat that's perfect grilled or smoked. Guests enjoy their aggressive strikes and the fact that where there's one, there's usually a dozen more. They hit small spoons, jigs, and live bait like shrimp or small fish. Key tip: use a wire leader or they'll cut you off with those razor teeth, and retrieve your lures fast - these fish won't chase slow-moving baits.
Galveston, TX