Get outdoors and fish Galveston

Common fish waiting to be caught when fishing in Galveston, TX.

Red DrumYou know it’s a Red Drum when you see that unique mark, the large black spot on the upper part of the tail base. The most distinctive color is reddish-bronze. One good-looking characteristics of this particular fish species is its enthusiasm to take most kinds of bait, both natural and artificial.

Black DrumThe black drum is a rounder, arched backed fish with many types of stubble under the lower jaw line used to feel and smell food. Youthful fish have four or five dark vertical stripes on the sides of their body but these tend to go away as the fish ages. The common bate used to catch Black Drum is fresh, dead and alive shrimp, bait fish and even squid.

Spotted Sea TroutOne of mine and many anglers’ personal favorites is the Spotted Sea Trout. This beautiful fish can range up to 19 inches and believe it or not, the female trout tend to be a bit larger on average reaching to about 25 inches in span. Make sure you watch your fingers because Sea Trout have one or two noticeable canine teeth usually around their upper jaw line.

Sea BassBelieve it or not, Sea Bass are the largest species of saltwater fish found in the world to date. The larger types of these fish are usually black while the smaller fish are more of a dusky brown color.

Southern FlounderCould you imagine looking at the world sideways your entire life? All flatfishes, including the southern flounder, are compacted sideways and spend most of their life lying and swimming along the bottom of the ocean on their side. While your fishing in Galveston during the Spring and Summer, the best place to find these remarkable fish are in dark lagoons or grassy areas where they blend in for defense mechanism.

Gafftopsail CatfishGafftopsail catfish are named for their distinct dorsal fin that rises from the top of their back. Trust me, you will know this fish when you see it for many reasons! This dorsal fin reminds me and I am sure others like a sail on a sailboat. To land these fish it is suggested to use live shrimp, small crabs and even small live fish for baits.

Pig FishPig fish are beautiful in color and they have a district name. Pig fish can be caught around docks and piers while using peeled shrimp or even live shrimp for bait.

Atlantic CroakerAtlantic croaker is about 12in long and weighs 1/2 to 2 pounds. These little guys have individual features including three to five pairs of small stubbles on their chins to help them feel for food on the sea floor. It is known that this smaller fish prefer estuaries and bays through the spring and summer, then make the trip offshore in the fall to breed.For more information, see Texas Parks and Wildlife: https://tpwd.texas.gov/landwater/water/aquaticspecies/marine.phtml)