There’s no overstating just how good fishing is in the Lone Star State. With all the riches of the Gulf at your fingertips, casting a line pretty much anywhere could bring you a win. Fishing in Texas City is a prime example of the virtually infinite potential the Gulf Coast has to offer.
Inshore fishing? Excellent. Going to deep waters? Get ready for an adventure you won’t soon forget. Want to do a bit of both? You’ve come to the right place. Texas City is nestled next to Galveston Bay, a treasure trove of any inshore game fish you can think of. Trinity Bay is in the neighborhood as well, and beyond Galveston Island, you’ve got the amazing Gulf of Mexico. If you’ve never fished in Texas City, keep on reading, everything you need to know is right here.
What fish can you catch in Texas City?
The list of the species at your disposal in Texas City is long, but we’ll stick to the best of the best. Whether you’re in the mood for light Speck fishing, or you’d rather go sight casting for Cobia, we’ve got you covered.
Redfish
There’s no fish more iconic in Texas than Redfish. Going after these bad boys is synonymous with great action and very often, big catches. It doesn’t hurt that Redfish are biting year-round – whenever you get to the city, you’ll have a blast. If you’re after Bulls, then we recommend booking a trip in the fall.
Not only are there a lot of Redfish in Galveston Bay, but they also grow to be quite big. You can get one on the line that weighs anywhere from 5–30 pounds, sometimes more. Redfish hunt at all depths, be it around jetties, in the flats, or the surf. They’re accessible and fun to catch for both beginners and experienced fishers.
Since Red Drum fishing is such a staple, it’s no wonder there are many different ways to target them. Reds aren’t picky, so cast a menhaden or shrimp close to where they feed and you’ll probably get a bite. Popping corks will get their attention if you pair them with live bait. For artificials, feel free to use jigs, swimbaits, and soft plastics.
Speckled Trout
Another beloved species you should keep in mind when fishing in Texas City are Speckled Trout. Galveston Bay is famous for its first-class Trout bite and an additional perk is that, like Redfish, Trout are on the menu all year.
While you might hook into a Redfish while fishing for Specks, Trout are completely different beasts compared to Reds. Speckled Trout are much smaller and rarely go over 5 pounds – which is when they’re called Gator Trout. They’re also much pickier when it comes to their food and spook very easily. This is why it’s key to be as quiet as possible when wading the flats. If you’re fishing from a boat, having a trolling motor is a must.
Specks are very smart and they’ll skedaddle at the first sign of trouble. You’ll need to position yourself further away from them and use gear that supports longer casts. Trout also have formidable teeth, so be sure to use fluorocarbon leader so that it doesn’t bite right through it. You can use live shrimp, pinfish, and finger mullet to get the attention of a Speckled Trout, as well as popping corks and topwater lures.
Flounder
Let’s talk about favorite Flatties in the state – the fantastic Flounder. They’re one of the “Big Three” catches that everyone wants on their line, and it’s easy to understand why. Flounder are always hungry and available all year, but the most productive bite is usually in late fall when they’re moving back to the Gulf.
Flounder have a legacy in Texas City and Galveston Bay simply because there are a lot of them and they’re delicious. Surrounding bays have sandy or muddy bottoms, perfect for Flounder to hide and ambush their predator.
These Flatties might not be the biggest of the three inshore superstars, but people love catching them. There are different approaches to catching them, including gigging and bowfishing. They usually stay in the 5 lb ballpark and are active day and night. This provides you with perfect gigging conditions, which happens to be one of the best ways to land a few. To get a Flounder to bite, you’ll need to present mud minnow, shrimp, or mullet very close to them, so that they can easily snatch it up.
Red Snapper
Fishing in Texas City is much more than bay fishing, so it’s time to go into the Gulf and wrestle with Red Snapper, the ultimate catch of the nearshore and offshore waters. The main advantage of fishing for these beauties in Texas is that you can fish for them in state waters (up to 9 nautical miles from land) all year. The federal waters are open for fishing in June and July.
Even though it’s not a widely known fact, cold-weather fishing for Red Snapper can be exceptional. The fishing pressure lessens in late fall and early winter, so the bite can be very good. Whether you’re after a nice dinner or you’re set on hooking a trophy, going after Red Snapper won’t disappoint.
The general rule of thumb when fishing for Snapper is – find the structure, find the fish. They congregate and feed around reefs and wrecks, and those will be your fishing grounds. The safest way to entice a Red Snapper is to use their favorite food such as cigar minnows and pilchards. Some guides also go for chumming, which will attract a lot of Snapper and get them into a feeding frenzy. Then, it’s your time to shine!
Sharks
Galveston, one of the top Shark fishing destinations in the state is right across the bay from Texas City, but trust us when we say that the quality is transferable. You can find Sharks here all year, but the summer is the best time to land something impressive.
There are 15 Shark species living in these waters, so it would be a shame to miss out on having one of these apex predators on the line. The unique thrill that comes with reeling in a huge Shark is what made the area so popular. Blacktip Sharks are the most common catch, along with Hammerhead, Bonnethead, Bull, Tiger, and Spinner Sharks.
It’s important to note that getting head to gills with a Shark is not for the faint of heart. These baddies can be anywhere from 2–10′ long, and weigh well over 100 pounds, while some reach a whopping 1,000 pounds! They’re ferocious, hard to maneuver, and notoriously tough to land. Use Mackerel, Sheepshead, Flounder, Jack Crevalle, and Skipjack Tuna to get them to bite, and remember to use circle hooks so that the Shark doesn’t suffer an injury from which it can’t recover.
And more…
When it comes to fishing in Texas City, we’ve barely scratched the surface of the noteworthy catches. These five are the all-time favorites, but there are many species that will give you a run for your money.
Black Drum loves these waters, as well as Sheepshead, Cobia, King and Spanish Mackerel, and Jack Crevalle. All of these can be caught inshore and nearshore, with or without a boat. If you’re an offshore explorer, then you’ve got Mahi Mahi, Amberjack, Wahoo, Tuna, and Marlin to keep things interesting. One thing’s for sure, there isn’t a dull day on these prolific waters.
How to fish in Texas City?
Now it’s time to take a closer look at how you can target the many species you’ve got at your disposal around Texas City. There are many approaches you can take, we’re here to offer the most productive options.
Charter Fishing in Texas City
With its different watersheds, Texas City can get overwhelming to a visiting angler. Having a professional guide show you around is always the best option to get to know the area. There are plenty of charters in Texas City that can take you where you need to be to hook into your next trophy.
Charter captains usually have a wide variety of trips on offer, so what you pick depends on how much time you have and what you’d like to catch. Inshore excursions are the most popular, but plenty of crews are happy to take you offshore to battle big game. If you’d like to go Flounder gigging, you’ll probably be doing it at night. Your charter will have everything you need prepared for you, so you just bring your license and get fishing.
Bank Fishing in Texas City
If you prefer to fish solo, you won’t be the only one out there. Bank fishing is a lifestyle thanks to the Texas City Dike that’s over five miles long. Add to that the fishing grounds available around Moses Lake and you’ll be spoiled for choice.
The most commonly caught species include Speckled Trout, Redfish, Flounder, Sheepshead, Black Drum, and even Catfish in some places. These brackish waters provide fantastic action, especially when it comes to bait fishing, as long as the weather is working for you. You can always ask around the tackle shops for directions and advice on where to fish and how.
Kayak Fishing in Texas City
We can’t talk about ways to fish in Texas without giving a shoutout to kayak fishing. Galveston Bay is brimming with passionate kayak anglers who don’t mind getting close to the water to hook into something good. When the weather is fair and the water calm, you’ll see a lot of ‘yakers out there. Why not be one of them?
Going out on a kayak might not give you as many opportunities as charter fishing, but you can cover more ground than when you’re bank fishing. You can explore the marshes and deeper holes in search of big Specks, Redfish, and there are some good Flounder out there as well. A simple 6–7′ rod will serve you well, paired with a 5 lb test line and a 15 lb fluorocarbon leader.
Where can I fish in Texas City?
Next up, let’s check out the best fishing spots in Texas City. Yes, there are many, but we’ve selected the best of the best that you should keep in mind when you hit the water.
- Texas City Dike: No surprise that the Dike is the first on the list. This is the longest fishing pier on the planet, with all the amenities you need for a successful day of fishing. The usual suspects like Redfish, Sheepshead, Flounder, and Black Drum are on the list.
- Galveston Bay: Easily the best place to cast a line in the area. If you prefer staying close to shore, this is the place for you. The bay is huge so you can go after inshore and nearshore species, like Cobia, Mackerel, and smaller Sharks.
- Trinity Bay: You can avoid the fishing pressure that is common in Galveston Bay if you venture to Trinity Bay. The species are similar – Black Drum, Redfish, Speckled Trout, and Sheepshead are all on the menu.
- Moses Lake: The brackish waters of the lake are an angler’s dream come true. Moses Lake Floodgate is a particularly famous fishing spot, where you’ll find good numbers of Flounder, Speckled Trout, Redfish, and Black Drum.
- Dickinson Bayou: This is a great option for bank anglers who don’t mind exploring on foot. The water is brackish, so the fish are a bit different and you can find Croaker, Ladyfish, Speckled Trout, and even Pigfish on your line.
Texas City Fishing Regulations
Before you start fishing in Texas City, you need to familiarize yourself with the rules, so that you can do everything within the law. Going out with a charter means your crew will keep you in the loop about the daily limits and which fish you’re allowed to keep. If you’re going out solo, make sure you understand the creel limits and local regulations.
You’ll need to buy a Texas fishing license, and this is a must whether you’re fishing with a charter or on your own. Everyone who is 17 and older needs to have a valid license with them. If you’d like to keep a Redfish that is longer than 28 inches, you’ll also need a special Red Drum Tag. Check out our detailed article for more information.
Texas City – A Rich Fishery at Your Doorstep
When you come to Texas City, you’ll quickly realize that fishing has an important role in everyday life. Some do it to relax and some made it their job, but a lot of people love their local waters and enjoy the fishing potential they boast. If you plan on visiting, don’t miss the opportunity to get a taste of everything fishing in Texas City has to offer.
Have you ever fished the rich Texas City waters? Do you have any stories or tips for us? Is there something we might have missed? Feel free to share in the comments below.
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