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Donnie O'Neal

Fishy Facts: Flounder

By fishing news

galveston fishing texas

Learn a little about your catch before you go out on the water. A common fish to find in Galveston, Texas are Flounder. Book your fishing charter here.

Appearance:

  • Varies between light and dark brown
  • Black and white spots
  • Both eyes are located on the left side of the head
  • Sharp and strong teeth on both top and bottom jaw

Habitat:
Often located inshore in bays and estuaries in Texas Gulf waters, commonly over hard, sandy bottoms; males can be found primarily in offshore waters.

Additional Information:
Catches can be up to 14 inches in length. Flounders feed on crustaceans and other bottom dwelling fish. Like most other flounders, they can change color and camouflage to blend in with surrounding habitat; they begin life with one eye on either side of their head, however, the right eye moves to the left side as they grow.

Book your Galveston fishing charter today!

Galveston Bay Spring Fishing

By Galveston-Fishing

Galveston Bay Spring Fishing

Spring is when the majority of the fishing community return to their rods and reels to hit the water.

During Galveston spring fishing you can easily find big black drum, flounder, and trout. The Galveston jetties, passes, Texas City dike and the Bolivar gas wells will all hold an abundance of these fish.

Big black drum
The black drum is a high-backed fish with whiskers under its lower jaw. Younger drum have four or five dark bars on their sides but these disappear with age. The bellies of older fish are white but the coloration of backs and sides can vary. Fish in Gulf waters frequently lack color and are light gray or silvery.

Flounder
Flounder are flatfishes that are pressed laterally and spend most of their life swimming along the bottom on their side. In the case of flounder, the left side is always the “up” side; in other species, the opposite is true. Small flounder grow quickly and can reach 12 inches by the end of their first year.

Trout
Trout have a salmon-like shape. Dark spots are clearly visible on the tail fin, which is slightly forked. There are numerous types of trout available in Galveston like Rainbow Trout and many can be found year-round.

Ready to book your next fishing charter in Galveston? Click here to contact us and plan your fishing trip.

How to Spend Your Summer in Galveston

By fishing news, Galveston-Fishing

Galveston Fishing Charter

With summer just around the corner, it’s time to start planning some fun in the sun with friends and family! Galveston is a beautiful city with loads of fun things to do all summer but you definitely want to add sports fishing to the very top of your list. What better way to enjoy the outdoors in Galveston than going fishing! Our all-inclusive packages make it simple for you to show up and get out on the water quickly. No need to bring supplies unless you want to bring a snack.

Fishing is a great way to experience not only the thrill of the catch but it also creates life-long memories for kids! No matter what age fishing is always fun! Make this summer the first of many fishing trips and maybe even their first catch.

Plus there is no better way to see Galveston than from the water. It’s always great to wave to fellow fishermen along Galveston peir or seeing marine life upclose from the boat. Depending on the fishing package you choose you can even spend the whole day out on the water. Don’t miss out on this essential summer activity and book your next trip today!

Why Fish With A Galveston Fishing Guide?

By Uncategorized

Galveston is well-known as a saltwater fishing hotspot in Texas across the world. Since it’s located near the Gulf of Mexico, there’s also a wide variety of fish species available. Getting out on the water may be the fun part, but figuring out the logistics and buying bait can be a hassle if you’re not already a pro angler. Why not avoid the trouble and leave the work to a professional fishing guide?

Charters Are Fully Geared
Guide boats are completely stocked with high quality equipment for any fish you want to go out and catch. When you come out on our fishing charters, you’ll never have to worry about preparing bait and tackle or bringing your gear. This is especially great for those visiting Galveston.

Our captains have years of knowledge and expertise to easily navitgate around Galveston waters, so you won’t have to worry. Just relax and maybe check your cooler as you head out to sea with a pro at the wheel.

We Know Where To Go
Galveston offers an array of saltwater fishing grounds, including three bay areas for you to enjoy. Explore the island’s bays, jetties, and flats, here you can find speckled trout, redfish, flounder, and more! We also offer off-shore fishing packages in the Gulf of Mexico, where you can catch snapper, kingfish, dorado, and even go shark fishing.

Our professional captains know both the boat and the waters well so you’ll be out and back with enough time to put your catch on the grill. Spend your fishing trip doing what you love, just fishing! To book your next Galveston fishing charter click here.

 

5 Great Reasons to Visit Galveston, Texas

By fishing news, Galveston-Fishing

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Sure there are plenty of places to visit in Texas, but Galveston has it all. This city has history, nightlife, and most importantly, excellent fishing! Here are our top five reasons for you to get in your car and get over to Galveston.

1. Catch Your Own Dinner
Enjoy the open water and become a fisherman for a day! Aboard a Galveston fishing charter, you can catch your own fish and have it for dinner.

2. It’s Always Fishing Season
One of the many perks of Galveston is being located in the Gulf of Mexico. No matter what time of year there’s always a trophy fish waiting to be caught.

3. Take A Sight-Seeing Boat Ride
The island has 32 miles of beach to explore and a lot of history on Galveston Island that you can get an exclusive look at by charter boat. Escape it all and take an adventure the entire family can enjoy.

4. You Can Catch A Shark
If you want a real piece of the action, our Galveston Fishing Charter offers shark fishing trips with all the bait and tackle provided. Charter fishermen know the ropes and can take you to all of the best sea spots to catch a big one.

5. The Perfect Weekend Getaway Destination
Whether you’re planning a vacation or a staycation Galveston is a great place to get away for the weekend or the whole week! There’s great museums, drinks, and water activities to do that can fill up your whole day.

Galveston has a little something for everyone, for more recommendations and for a great day of fishing contact us here. Sea Play Sportsfishing provides all the bait and tackle plus we’ll clean and bag your catch at the dock!

Fishy Facts: Blacktip Shark – Galveston Fishing

By fishing news, Galveston-Fishing

blacktip-reef-shark1

Blacktip Shark:

Appearance:
Dark, bluish-gray back
Distinct whitish stripe on the flank
The inside of the pectoral fin is black, as are the dorsal and anal fin tips
Upper and lower teeth are serrated and nearly symmetrical
This big game is usually over 4 feet long at an adult stage

Habitat:
Blacktips often found in warm coastal waters and come inshore in large schools, particularly when they are on the hunt for Spanish mackerel. They can be found close to the surface in Galveston Bay when searching for food.

Behavior:
When caught while fishing they often leap out of the water and flip in the air before landing on their backs making it an excellent trophy catch. Some blacktip sharks leave for summer to find cooler waters but others stay put in warmer equatorial waters, like Galveston, year-round.

Make your next fishing trip a shark fishing trip in Galveston, Texas with Sea Play Sportsfishing by clicking here.

What to Do in Galveston, Texas

By fishing news, Galveston-Fishing

Galveston is a port city on Galveston Island, off the Texas Gulf Coast. Galveston is known for its excellent fishing and beautiful sights. Here are some of the top things to do when you have visitors or if you’re staying in Galveston.

Visit the beautiful and Moody Gardens
This is the perfect educational destination, great for families and groups. The aquarium and the rainforest pyramid can be visited and offer a quick glimpse into the natural habitat of animals. The attractions include two theaters, a museum and a boat ride.

Warbird rides at the Lone Star Flight Museum
The museum displays more than 40 historically significant aircraft and many hundreds of artifacts related to flight. Visitors can experience the thrill of historic aviation as the museum offers bomber and trainer flight experiences in its B-17 Flying Fortress, B-25 Mitchell, T-6 Texan and PT-17 Stearman.

Catch a trophy fish with SeaPlay Sportfishing
Cast your rod out into Galveston’s waters and get ready for a big one when you go Galveston deep sea fishing with the FishSeaPlay crew. There are several packages available that can fill up your whole day with fishing and even one for night fishing.

There’s plenty to see and do when you visit Galveston, Texas. Make the most of it by visiting the tranquil gardens, learn something new at the museum, and spend a day out on the water deep sea fishing. To book your next fishing trip click here.

Winter Fishing in Galveston

By fishing news, Galveston-Fishing

Winter may be cold but there is a lot to benefit from in the cooler weather when it comes to fishing in Galveston. January through March is a great time of year to catch amberjack, yellowfin tuna, and speckled trout.

Many opt to fish only during warmer months providing a more ample opportunity for other anglers. Take advantage of the excellent trout fishing and find a wall-hanger this winter season while others miss out.

Whether you want to take an inshore or offshore fishing trip in Galveston, TX Fish Sea Play has you covered. We offer several varieties of fishing packages that include everything you need for a fishing trip and has something perfect for every type of angler. To book your trip today contact us here or call 281-851-6151.

Fishy Facts: Speckled Trout | Spotted Trout- Galveston

By fishing news, Galveston-Fishing

Trout Fishing Galveston Texas

Appearance:

They have a dark gray or green top, with light blue shading with silver or white on the bottom
Distinct round black spots across back
1 or 2 protruding teeth usually at the tip of the upper jaw
They reach 3 feet and 15-pounds and are also common in the 4-pound range.

Habitat:
Seatrout is typically found inshore and nearshore in and around mangrove-covered shorelines, seagrass, above oyster bars and in deep holes and channels.

Behavior:
Spawning occurs inshore from March through November. Spotted seatrout moves into deeper, calmer waters during cooler months. They feed on baitfish, mullet, shrimp and crabs. Since they can be targeted using a wide variety of techniques – from topwater plugs to deepwater spoons – a medium action rod is perfect for an all around equal approach.

Spotted seatrout are also a good fish for catching and eating. You may be required to move to several locations during the course of a day, but it can definitely pay off. If you’d like to go sports fishing adventure and catch not only speckled trout but also a variety of other top game fish? Contact us here.

Fishy Facts: Spanish Mackerel

By fishing news, Galveston-Fishing

spanish-mackerel-fishing Galveston Texas

Spanish Mackerel are in abundance at the end of fall and during winter in Galveston, TX. The colder seasons bring in a heap of rain and wind, pushing the bait and fish closer to the shore, making fish like mackerel widely available.

Appearance:
It’s back is green and has silver shading on the sides and yellow spots along its back. The front of the dorsal fin is black and it’s fins are slightly pointed.

Habitat:
Spanish mackerel can be found throughout Galveston in nearshore and offshore waters. They can be often found on reefs and grass beds. Since Spanish Mackerel can tolerate pretty cool waters, they will need to be reeled in fast.

Behavior:
Spanish mackerel are a schooling fish that migrates northward in the spring, reverting to southern waters when the water temperature sinks below 70 degrees. They typically feed on small fish and squid but are highly attracted to baitfish.

Looking to go fishing for Spanish mackerel and more in Galveston, TX? We have the expertise and equipment to give you a memorable sportfishing experience. Book your next trip here.

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