Open seas, big fish, and salt in the air: offshore fishing in Galveston has it all. You may think you know all about this small island to the south of Houston. But when you get out on the water, you’ll find that in all that time you’ve spent on land, you’ve only scratched the surface.

What to catch

Galveston offshore fishing can start just a few miles from the coastline, depending on the terminology your guide uses. But for most people here, it’s when you get 20-30 miles from the coast that offshore fishing really begins. These ‘close offshore’ waters are home to King and Spanish Mackerel, Cobia (Ling), Jack Crevalle, Sharks, and more. Travel further out, and you’ll be coming across the likes of Amberjack, big Snappers and Groupers, Mahi Mahi (Dorado), Wahoo, and a whole host of other species. Book an extended trip overnight, and you could even find yourself hooked on a Marlin!

Top fishing techniques

Galveston offshore fishing charters can usually be found fishing around the offshore oil rigs. These are hotspots for pelagics, who just love exploring the structure and rooting out the bait fish within. Guides will usually split their time between trolling around the structures and tying up on the downcurrent side of the rig, drifting natural bait and/or jigging or bottom fishing. Reefs and wrecks, valleys, and grass lines also attract a good amount of fish throughout the year, making for consistent action on most offshore trips.

When the shrimp boats come out, things get even more exciting. Kingfish, Sharks, and much more are often found in huge quantities around these boats’ spidery limbs. Simply put, Galveston offshore fishing trips can see you hooking up with some of the top predators in the ocean, all in a single day trip.

Some of the best guides will be prepared for the big fish to not cooperate, though. Fishing is fishing, but head offshore out of Galveston armed with light tackle, and you could be battling the likes of Bluefish, Spadefish, Trippletail, and many more good eating and fun fighting fish.

Galveston offshore charters operate all year round, weather permitting. But with the best fishing usually being between May and October, be sure to reserve your spot before it's too late!