Galveston, Texas is a coastal city situated on Galveston Island and Pelican Island. As a coastal city, it's home to many shipping industries and fishing charters. Anglers who make their way to Galveston, Texas find themselves being exposed to bigger fish. Some of these bigger fish include sharks such as the Bull Shark, Hammerhead Shark, and the famous Blacktip Shark. You'll even get to experience a distinct kind of fishing known as Flounder Gigging. When in Galveston, there'll be fishing charters here that can provide you the equipment and tips on how to become a master Flounder Gigger. Or if you are, you can have a shot at the Flounder Division in the Galveston Bay Grand Slam Tournament. If you're fishing in Galveston, it's either you go big or you go home!
However, Galveston wasn't always like this. Years ago, Galveston got hit by a powerful hurricane. This hurricane turned the entire city of Galveston upside down, earning its nickname the Great Galveston Hurricane. The majority of Galveston's old buildings either got turned into rubble or sank into the waters. Some even said that the hurricane was so strong that it could have wiped Galveston off the map.
But today, Galveston stands strong as one of the major commercial centers in the United States. They became the best business grounds for those who wanted to get into the shipping, tourism, and healthcare industry. They've come quite far from just being a colony under the Kingdom of Spain.
Galveston is home to a variety of fish especially since it's on an island, giving it a lot of access to different bodies of water. In Galveston, some of the fish you'll see here include the Redfish, Sheepshead, Speckled Trout, and King Mackerel (Kingfish). They have an occasional Cobia, Red Snapper, and Black Drum swimming around inshore. And if you're just starting, fishing charters will be more than happy to help you start out with basic inshore and offshore fishing. Galveston is home to a lot of saltwater species and you have 32-miles worth of beaches to explore! For basic inshore fishing, starting anglers go for Kayak Fishing.
Kayak Fishing lets you travel near shore or along the bayside of Galveston. It's a great bonding activity, especially when introducing kids to fishing. The fish found in Kayak Fishing (if you stay near the bayside) give a decent fight instead of attempting to drag you into the water in it. Here, you'll find your occasional Redfish, Speckled Trout, and some Flounders going around.
For a real Galveston experience, anglers recommend Flounder Gigging. Some say that the best time to go Flounder Gigging is at night, making it perfect for night owls. Bring along some live shrimp, blue crab, and worms along with your medium-heavy line. The real Galveston experience though comes with using a spear. Fishing Charters in Galveston will be more than happy to provide you the equipment. But before you go gigging, check first if they provide fishing licenses.
While fishing in Galveston, put aside 6-8 hours worth of time. It's worth the experience tangoing with the bigger fish and not just your everyday backwater fish. To start your fishing run in Galveston, start booking for your Galveston fishing charter now. You never know; specific fishing charters have specific fish and you may just run out!
For some, it ain't their first rodeo. But for others, this is their first time battling gargantuan saltwater fish. The first thing to assume: everything in Galveston is big. Medium-to-heavy tackle, line, and equipment are a necessity, especially for shark fishing. However, it can go up and down depending on where you're fishing. Looking for specific targets? Here's your fish hitlist when in Galveston:
While Galveston boasts of its large and wide variety of saltwater fish, there are also times you want a break. Anglers try their best to alternate their fishing activities with other activities to keep the thrill of fishing. Especially if they're with family, fishing can't be the only thing they can do. There are other things to do in Galveston such as:
Enjoy retro eats and have old-time dates in an amusement park built over the water that looks over the sea.
Want to see what Galveston looked like before it got hit by the storm? Then, the Historic Grand Strand is the best place to visit. Take a trip through memory lane amongst the Victorian architecture and experience the good 'ole days.
Take a trip through the Moody Gardens to experience the unique ecosystem that Galveston has to offer.
Remember in Galveston, make sure to enjoy big and go home big!