Texas City Fishing Charters
Texas City fishing charters work the Galveston Bay system, the Texas City Dike, and the Gulf for trout, reds, flounder, sheepshead, snapper, kings, mahi, and more.
Top Rated Charters in Texas City
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Texas City, TX Fishing Guide
Texas City is tucked into the southwest corner of Galveston Bay. You can be in shallow marsh one hour, fishing deep channels the next, and offshore by lunch. That’s why guides here offer everything from quick inshore runs to long offshore hauls. Half-day trips usually stay in the bay, working shell reefs, mud flats, and marsh drains for trout, reds, and flounder. Full-day offshore trips push through the Galveston Jetties and into the Gulf for kings, mahi, snapper, amberjack, and whatever pelagics are running.
The Texas City Dike is a big deal here — it’s one of the longest man-made fishing piers in the world and stretches way out into the bay. It acts like a giant reef line, holding specks, sand trout, sheepshead, drum, and more all year. From a boat, it’s even better because you can work both sides without fighting for a spot on the rocks. Moses Lake is another launch point, and on windy days it offers quick access to protected water.
Run distances depend on the bite. Inshore might mean a 10–15 minute ride to a reef or channel edge. Nearshore is usually 10–20 miles out chasing kings, Spanish mackerel, and sharks. Deep offshore runs can be 40–60 miles for snapper and amberjack, and even farther if the weedlines and blue water are pushed out.
Spring kicks off with trout sliding up on mid-bay shell pads and reds piling into the marsh guts. Summer is live-bait season — croaker for trout, shrimp for reds and drum — with early mornings the most productive. Fall is all about the bull reds, flounder moving toward the passes, and trout working shallow again. Winter slows things down but still produces sheepshead, drum, and trout stacked in the deep channels.
Techniques change with the season. Live shrimp under a cork is a staple. Croaker gets the nod for big trout in summer. Soft plastics on jig heads cover water when drifting reefs. Fly anglers hit the marsh flats for tailing reds on calm mornings. Offshore crews bounce between bottom rigs for snapper and trolling spreads for kings, mahi, and wahoo. And when the wind’s blowing out the bay, you can always duck into protected spots like Dickinson Bay or the backside of the Dike to keep rods bending.
Fishing Seasons in Texas City
Spring (March–May)
Water temps climb, bait shows up, and fish start moving. Trout stack on shell pads, reds work the marsh drains, and sheepshead crowd the jetties and pilings. Drift fishing with plastics or soaking shrimp under a cork gets it done. Offshore windows open for Spanish mackerel and early kingfish.
Summer (June–August)
Start before sunrise with croaker or shrimp for trout and reds on reefs. As the sun gets high, move to deeper structure or switch to night trips under the Dike lights for specks, sand trout, and the occasional flounder. Offshore stays busy with kings, mahi, and sharks, plus snapper in federal waters.
Fall (September–November)
Bull reds run thick along the jetties and beachfront, with big schools visible from the boat. Flounder stack up near passes and drains before their migration. Trout feed hard on shorelines and reefs, hitting topwaters and plastics. Offshore crews target kings, wahoo, and the last mahi before the water cools.
Winter (December–February)
Colder water pushes trout into deep channels and power plant outflows. Sheepshead and drum concentrate around rocks and docks. Calm days let you make quick runs offshore for snapper or amberjack. Half-day bay trips are still productive, just slower and more methodical.
Gamefish in Texas City
- Speckled Trout – 15–25 inches. Shell reefs, channels, and shorelines; best from spring into summer.
- Redfish – 20–40 inches. Marshes, flats, and jetties; peak in fall during bull red run.
- Flounder – 14–20 inches. Passes and drains in fall; gigging trips at night.
- Sheepshead – 12–20 inches. Rocks, pilings, and jetties in late winter and spring.
- King Mackerel – 20–50 inches. Summer nearshore and midrange trolling.
- Red Snapper – 16–30 inches. Offshore reefs in summer during open season.
- Mahi Mahi – 20–40 inches. Summer offshore around weedlines and structure.
- Black Drum – 20–50 inches. Channels and structure in cooler months.
Texas City Fishing FAQs
Where do charters usually launch?
Most leave from the Texas City Dike ramp. Offshore trips may stage out of Galveston Harbor for faster Gulf access.
How long are the trips?
Half-days are 4–5 hours in the bay. Full-days run 8–10 hours, and offshore can be 60 miles or more.
Is gear included?
Yes. Captains provide rods, reels, tackle, bait, and usually fish cleaning. Always confirm before booking.
Do I need a license?
Yes, anyone 17+ needs a Texas fishing license with saltwater endorsement. Available online or at local shops.
When’s the best time to fish here?
Spring and fall are prime for trout and reds. Summer is top for offshore pelagics. Winter is solid for sheepshead and drum.
What techniques work best?
Inshore: live bait under corks, drifting plastics, wading with artificials. Offshore: bottom fishing and trolling.
What species are common inshore?
Trout, reds, flounder, sheepshead, drum, and sand trout.
Can large groups be accommodated?
Yes. Most boats take 4–6 anglers. Bigger groups can run multiple boats together.
Are there special trips here?
Yes. Night fishing under the Dike lights in summer is popular. Offshore snapper runs are booked during open season.