Galveston Island Fishing

What Fish Can I Catch in Galveston?

Galveston anglers can look forward to catching: redfish, flounder, speckled trout, amberjack, catfish, cobia, croaker, blacktip shark, black drum, alligator gar, mullet, bull shark, pompano, red or vermillion snapper, king mackerel, and more.

How is the Fishing in Galveston?

Galveston’s nutrient-rich coastal waters offer a wide variety of habitats for growing & adult marine species. From seagrass beds to salt marshes, oyster reefs to natural & artificial reefs and miles of deep open water – we’ve got the fish you’re looking for!

Check out the Texas Parks & Wildlife weekly fishing report to see what’s being caught on the beach, in East Galveston Bay, West Galveston Bay and over the San Luis Pass, towards Freeport & Surfside.

Drop in for a sneak peek with the Galveston Fishing Pier's (91st Street) live webcam.
 collage of families fishing on galveston beach and galveston bay 

Where Can I Fish in Galveston?

Our favorite spot is right off the back deck of a canal or bay vacation rental, but Galveston offers a variety of other options as well! You can surf fish or crab right on the beach, too!

Favorite Galveston public fishing spots include:

  • 61st Street Fishing Pier
  • Galveston Fishing Pier on 91st Street
  • Galveston Island State Park - beach & bay
  • Seawolf Park
  • San Luis Pass

The 61st Street Fishing Pier offers half-price admission for late night fishing, and discounts for children, seniors and anglers with a military ID. They also offer fully rigged rod rentals and bait (frozen shrimp, squid or finger mullet).

The Galveston Fishing Pier, located at 91st Street, also offers gear rental. Pier passes are good through 5 a.m. the following day, and kids ages 6-12, seniors, students, and military or civil servants with ID are eligible for a discounted rate. Have people in your group who aren't interested in trying their luck with a line? Check out the bike & surf board rental options, or Jimmy's on the Pier, a casual restaurant located right over the water on the pier!

If you try your luck over at the San Luis Pass be sure to pay attention to the signage; there are strong currents that can easily become dangerous.

 

Do I Need a Fishing License in Galveston?

Yes. A Texas Fishing License is required to fish in Galveston. You need it to take fish, mussels, clams, crayfish or other aquatic life in the public waters of Texas.

Youth under the age of 17 do not need a license to fish in Texas. However, per Texas Parks & Wildlife (TPWD), if they wish to retain a red drum over the maximum length, they will need to purchase an Exempt Angler Tag.

You can purchase a fishing license at local retailers, including:

  • Academy Sports - 4523 Fort Crockett Blvd.
  • Walmart – 6702 Seawall Blvd.
  • West End Marina – 21706 Burnet Drive 

Fishing in Texas State Parks like Galveston Island State Park doesn’t require a license (park entry fees still apply). All other fishing regulations, such as length and bag limits still apply – so make sure you are familiar with the current guidelines. Find more details here.

FUN FACT: The first Saturday in June each year is Free Fishing Day state-wide! Fish recreationally without any licenses or endorsements – it’s a great way to get your friends or family to try out this fun sport!

 

Where are Galveston’s Boat Launches and Marinas?

 There are several marinas and boat launches located on Galveston Island: Waterman Marina & Bait Camp, West End Marina, and Jamail Bay Park are all open to the public.

Waterman Marina & Bait Camp - 14306 Stewart Road - at Pirates Cove

Located within walking distance from several of bayfront vacation homes and less than 2 miles from the Sand `N Sea office, island visitors will love this full service marina & bait camp with daily, weekend & weekly boat slip rates. Waterman's Restaurant is a popular West End dining spot, and a great way to wrap up a day on the water.  

West End Marina - 21706 Burnet Drive - at Sea Isle

Stop by the fully stocked general store and then hit the full-service bait shop (live & frozen bait) for snacks for everyone on your fishing adventure! This marina has 4-ton lifts, electric, water supply & marine grade fuel available. They also offer two dining options - the casual Sandbar Grille and the full-service West End Restaurant.

Jamail Bay Park - 1600 61st Street

Overlooking Offatts Bayou, on the west side of 61st Street as you drive towards the Seawall, this recent addition to the public parks on Galveston Island offers free truck & trailer parking, a boat ramp, and a small landscaped park with covered picnic tables & barbecue grills. Open 24 hours.

 

Where is the Best Place to Stay for my Galveston Fishing Trip?

Catch the best Galveston canal and bayfront vacation rentals with Sand `N Sea! Perfect for fishing, boating, birding and more, these West Galveston homes offer amenities including: private docks, decks that extend over boat houses, fishing lights, fish cleaning stations and quick bay access.

Browse the full selection of Galveston vacation rentals on our website 24/7, email us at info@sandnsea.com or call us at 409.797.5500. Our team of Galveston locals would love to help you reel in the perfect island vacation!

 

The Best Fishing Charters in Galveston?

Galveston offers a variety of local fishing charters, with captains & crew as passionate about fishing as you are! From deep sea full day trips to a few hours in the bay, there's a Galveston fishing charter option that's sure to lure you in! Book your charter today with one of these local experts and get ready for the catch of a lifetime!