FISHING ON AND OFF THE ISLAND

From bay fishing to blue-water, piggy perch to tuna, Galveston o ers something for everyone with a rod, a reel and a love of angling. There are bait and tackle shops, marinas for storing your boat, and charter services that send you home with a great haul and plenty of fish tales. Head to VisitGalveston.com for more information.

SURF

You can fish the surf along most of the island’s beaches year-round. One of the best spots is Galveston Island State Park, where no license is required. The proper combination of bait and tackle will net you redfish, kings and even sharks.

PIERS AND JETTIES

The island’s extensive jetty system, as well as places like the 61st Street Pier and Galveston Pier at 91st Street, provides ample room for the avid angler. Routine catches include croaker, perch, speckled trout, sheepshead, sand trout, ga top and bull reds. Seawolf Park, meanwhile, is a large recreational park that o ers some of the best flounder and black drum fishing on the upper Texas coast.

GALVESTON BAY

The bay is often calmer than the Gulf, allowing you to fish from smaller boats. Trout and redfish are the preferred haul for most bay fishermen.

THE GULF

When it comes to adventurous angling, nothing beats the Gulf of Mexico. Kingfish, snapper, dorado and shark are abundant within 30 miles of shore. Go a little farther, particularly near the oil rigs, and you’ll find ling, amber jack, grouper, sailfish, even tuna.

OFFSHORE/BLUE-WATER

Island Info

Charter a boat for a trip 100 miles out for some of the most challenging sport fishing anywhere. White and blue marlin weighing hundreds of pounds are there for the taking, as are large tuna, wahoo and dorado. For a list of fishing charters, go to VisitGalveston.com.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO….

The State of Texas requires both fishing licenses and saltwater stamps for legal fishing in Gulf waters, on- and o shore. (State parks are the notable exception.) There are also strict catch limits and size restrictions for certain species of fish and crab. Avoid the often-sizable fines by checking with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (tpwd.texas. gov) beforehand.

MORE INFORMATION AT VISITGALVESTON.COM/FISHING