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Galveston visitors can enjoy many types of fishing, but please obtain a Texas fishing license (required by law for all fishermen ages 17-65, plus a 3-day salt-water sport-fishing license (if applicable). You can purchase a license from the Galveston County Courthouse, and at many area sporting-goods stores, convenience stores, tackle shops and bait camps.
A fishing license is required of anyone who fishes in the public waters of Texas. This covers all the legal means and methods used for taking fish from rod and reel to bow fishing. All persons under 17 years of age, whether Texas residents or non-residents, are exempt from license requirements. Texas residents who were born before September 1, 1930 are exempt from licensing requirements. Texas residents who are 65 years of age and older and who were born after September 1, 1930 are required to purchase a Special Resident Fishing License.
Beachfront/Pier/Surf Fishing
Fishing enthusiasts can fish free of charge in Galveston off the rock groins or breakwaters along the Seawall for Flounder, Speckled Trout, Sheepshead, Sand Trout, Bull Reds and Gafftop Sail. There are also public piers at 61st Street & Seawall Boulevard and 90th & Seawall Boulevard, which charge a small fee.
Bay Fishing
Inshore or bay fishing is great year-round for Trout and Redfish. This type of fishing is available at Seawolf Park on its fishing pier for a daily fishing fee: Adults $5; Children $2; Seniors 65+ $2 (65+ annual pass available for $35). Fishermen must possess a valid Texas Fishing License. Seawolf Park is located on Pelican Island, off Harborside Drive via Seawolf Parkway (51st Street).
Offshore Fishing
Anglers fishing a few miles offshore can look forward to Black Tip Shark and Tarpon midsummer through the fall. Fishing 25 to 40 miles offshore, anglers can catch Kingfish, Snapper, Dorado, and Shark and can enjoy a good fight with a Cobia (Ling). From 40 to 80 miles out, battle the fighting Amber Jack, Grouper, Kingfish, Red Snapper, Cobia, Dorado, Sailfish, Tuna and Wahoo as well as Bull, Sand, Hammerhead and Tiger sharks.
Offshore Overnight Fishing
Offshore overnight trips, traveling 70 to 100 miles, anglers will find Blue Marlin weighing up to 800 pounds, White Marlin averaging 50 to 60 pounds, Tuna (5 to 250 pounds), Wahoo (25 to 100 pounds) and Dorado (5 to 70 pounds).
Bluewater Fishing
Bluewater overnight trips, fishing over 100 miles out, typically leave at 5 a.m. and return at 7 p.m. the next day or leave at midnight and return at 7 p.m. on the same day. Charters range from $2,000 to $3,000 per trip. These fisherman will enjoy fishing for Marlin, Sails, Tuna, Wahoo and Dorado.
Public Fishing Piers
Galveston Island features two public fishing piers for your convenience:
Boat Ramps
The following boat ramps are available for boat launching:
- 61st Street and Offatts Bayou (free to public)
- Galveston Bait and Tackle, 9301 Broadway, (409)740-1185, $3.50 per day
- Galveston Yacht Basin, 715 Holiday Drive North, (409)762-9689, $9 per day
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