The Top 6 Piers To Fish In Galveston Tx

Located just a short drive from Houston, Galveston offers quick access to some of the best fishing along the Texas coast. With over 32 miles of coastline, your fishing options are endless, but if you're looking to get on fish without hopping on a boat, the area's fishing piers are a great option. Below, we explore the different local fishing piers Galveston has to offer.

1. Galveston Fishing Pier

The Galveston Fishing Pier is one of the most iconic fishing spots in the area. Located at 91st Street, it stretches long into the Gulf, where you can fish for species like redfish, trout, flounder, and even sharks.

• Location: 9001 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77554
• Cost: Day pass fees are usually around $12, with lower rates for kids and seniors.
• Amenities: The pier offers rod rentals, bait and tackle shops, restrooms, and a snack bar. There’s even a bar and grill for those looking to relax with a drink after a long day of fishing.
• Hours: Open 24/7, making it a great choice for night fishing enthusiasts.

2. 61st Street Fishing Pier

Just a bit closer to downtown Galveston, the 61st Street Fishing Pier is another excellent choice for both locals and tourists. It's known for its family-friendly atmosphere and is a popular spot for beginners as well as seasoned anglers.

• Location: 6101 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77551
• Cost: Day passes are around $12 for adults, with discounts available for seniors, kids, and military personnel.
• Amenities: Here you’ll find rod rentals, bait shops, cleaning stations, restrooms, and a small grill with plenty of quick bites and drinks.
• Hours: Open 24/7 during peak season (spring through fall), and closes in the winter for maintenance.

3. Seawolf Park

Located on Pelican Island, Seawolf Park offers a unique setting for fishing, complete with views of retired Navy vessels and a quiet, secluded atmosphere. The fishing pier here extends into the channel, where you’ll find species such as black drum, redfish, and sheepshead.

• Location: 100 Seawolf Park Blvd, Galveston, TX 77550
• Cost: Entry fees vary, with fishing passes around $10. There is also a parking fee.
• Amenities: The park has picnic areas, restrooms, and a small bait shop. It’s a great option for families, as you can explore the on-site naval museum when you're ready for a break from fishing.
• Hours: Open 24/7.

4. San Luis Pass County Park Fishing Pier

San Luis Pass County Park Fishing Pier, located at the far west end of Galveston Island, offers a quieter fishing experience in a natural setting. This pier stretches over the water near San Luis Pass, where the Gulf and Galveston Bay meet, creating ideal conditions for a range of fish species.

• Location: 14001 San Luis Pass Rd, Galveston, TX 77554
• Cost: Entry fees vary depending on the season, and there’s a small parking fee.
• Amenities: San Luis Pass County Park offers RV hookups, picnic areas, restrooms, and cleaning stations, making it a favorite spot for those looking to camp or fish overnight. While bait and tackle are not available on-site, it’s easy to bring your own or stock up before arriving.
• Hours: Open 24/7, with nighttime fishing popular among anglers seeking trophy catches.
• Fishing Experience: San Luis Pass is known for strong currents and deep waters, making it an excellent spot to catch flounder, redfish, speckled trout, and sometimes even sharks. The location provides excellent seasonal fishing, particularly in fall and spring during migration times.

5. Texas City Dike

Just a short drive from Galveston, the Texas City Dike offers some of the best shoreline and pier fishing in the area. Stretching over 5 miles into Galveston Bay, this is one of the longest man-made fishing piers in the world.

• Location: Dike Rd, Texas City, TX 77590
• Cost: Entry is around $10 per vehicle, with annual passes available for regular visitors.
• Amenities: The dike is well-equipped, offering bait shops, boat ramps, picnic areas, and restrooms. The long shoreline allows for both pier and surf fishing, and it’s a fantastic spot for wade fishing as well.
• Best Times to Fish: Sunset and sunrise tend to bring in the best catches, with speckled trout, flounder, and redfish being common hauls.

6. Rollover Pass

Though technically a bit of a drive east of Galveston, Rollover Pass on Bolivar Peninsula is a local favorite for its rich fishing waters. Though it was officially closed in 2020, nearby areas along the peninsula still offer fantastic fishing from the shore.

• Location: Rollover Pass, Bolivar Peninsula, TX 77617
• Fish to Catch: Anglers at Rollover have historically landed flounder, redfish, trout, and drum, especially during peak migration seasons.
• Cost: Free, though you’ll need to bring all necessary gear as amenities are minimal.
• Local Advice: As access points may be limited, check local updates to ensure open fishing areas. Rollover Pass was once a favorite for wade and shore fishing, and nearby spots continue to draw fishing enthusiasts from around Texas.

What Species Can You Catch From Galveston Fishing Piers?

1. Speckled Trout (Spotted Seatrout)

Best Times: Speckled trout are active year-round, with prime seasons in spring and fall. Recommended Bait: Live shrimp, mullet, or finger mullet are top choices. Artificial lures like soft plastics and topwater plugs can also entice them. Techniques: Cast near grass flats, piers, or structures. Experiment with your retrieval techniques until you find what works best.

2. Redfish (Red Drum)

Best Times: Redfish are active throughout the year, with fall being particularly fruitful. Recommended Bait: Live or cut mullet, shrimp, or crab are enticing. Spoons and soft plastics can also work wonders. Techniques: Fish around marshes, jetties, and oyster beds, presenting your bait on the bottom.

3. Flounder

Best Times: Spring and fall are ideal for flounder fishing. Recommended Bait: Live mud minnows, finger mullet, or cut bait are popular choices. Jigging with soft plastics can also be effective. Techniques: Target sandy bottoms and tidal creeks with a slow, bouncing retrieve.

4. Sheepshead

Best Times: Sheepshead are a winter and early spring delight. Recommended Bait: Live shrimp, fiddler crabs, or oysters pieces are their favorites. Techniques: Sheepshead have subtle bites, so use small hooks and sensitive rods. Fish around bridge pilings and docks.

5. Spanish Mackerel

Best Times: Spring and early summer are peak Spanish mackerel seasons. Recommended Bait: Troll with small spoons and flashy lures or use live baitfish like cigar minnows. Techniques: Keep your retrieve fast and near the surface, or use trolling rigs near schools of baitfish.

6. King Mackerel

Best Times: Late spring through early fall is the prime time for king mackerel. Recommended Bait: Live baitfish like menhaden or blue runners are preferred. Artificial lures and trolling can also be effective. Techniques: Prepare for powerful strikes with heavy tackle and wire leaders. Troll at varying depths to find the fish.

7. Sharks (Various Species)

Best Times: Sharks can be caught year-round, with summer being popular for larger species. Recommended Bait: Use large chunks of cut bait like mullet or ladyfish. Techniques: Equip yourself with heavy-duty tackle and strong leaders, and fish deep for a thrilling encounter.