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Donnie O'Neal

Feb 29
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Fishy Files: King Mackerel

By Galveston-Fishing

Before you go Galveston fishing, it’s good to know a thing or two about your expected catch.

Appearance:
Their colors vary from a dark iridescent to a bluish-green with silver on their sides. The body is streamlined with a tapered head.
Young mackerel often have yellow colored spots, similar to one’s found on the Spanish mackerel. Two dorsal fins can wrap back into a channel to enhance speed, small pectoral fins on each side following the head; pelvic fins under the pectorals and a row of small finlets reach from the dorsal and anal fins to the tailpiece.

Habitat:
King Mackerel can be located both nearshore and offshore. They can be found near piers and deep out at sea.

Behavior:
King Mackerel are schooling fish that migrates from waters in South Florida during winter and north in spring. They spawn offshore in mid-summer. The Gulf’s mackerel population is considered to be separate from the Atlantic population. The different populations are believed to mix in the winter months from east central Florida southward past Key West.

Fishing Tips and Facts:
Mackerels originally belong to the tuna family and are a Western Atlantic species. Although the Kings don’t have the bearing of tuna, they are unmatched in their speed and dexterity.

King Mackerel forage for small fish and squid and will go for both artificial and natural baits. Live baits include ballyhoo, herring, pogies, Spanish sardine, and mullet. Lures should be ornate sub-surface lures or large fish-like plugs.

Here at FishSeaPlay, we will give you a run-down of what’s out in the water that day and the best ways to get a big catch. To book a fishing trip aboard one of our sportsfishing boats contact us here.

Feb 17
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5 Tips to Help Catch More Fish

By Galveston-Fishing

For beginners, whether you are fishing in Galveston for red snapper, flounder, blue marlin, or bull red it’s good to know a few tips before getting out on the water. Here are a few basic pointers aimed at first timers or people new to fishing:

1. Use as small of a sinker as you can. When fishing, you want to feel the fish biting so you can strike quickly on the line and set the hook in. If you’re fishing in waters less than five meters deep, you might not need to use a sinker because the baits weight will cause the line to sink.

2. Target a particular fish species. After determining what species of fish you are going after, set your rigs and choose bait accordingly.

3. Fish at sunrise or sunset. You are more likely to have success in catching a fish if you go out at sunrise or sunset because almost all fish tend to feed at this time.

4. Burley or Chum up. Burleying/Chumming is a sure way to attract fish and keep them around. If you have a consistent supply of burley, you will have a steady supply of fish.

5. Research and use the proper size hook for the fish you are targeting. You may think a huge hook will result in a huge catch, but it’s better to use as small of a hook as you can for the best outcome.

Come aboard with Sea Play Sportsfishing! All of our charter boats are well-equipped with quality fishing gear and the best bait available. Our fishing charters are perfect for anyone beginner to expert angler. Contact us here for availability, we look forward to seeing you on the water!

Jan 13
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Galveston Jetty Drum Run

By fishing news, Galveston-Fishing

black-drum

February is approaching which marks the beginning of our annual Galveston Jetty Drum Run, which includes Large Drum that can exceed 25 pounds! Black Drum are easy to catch and gather in schools of fish reaching the hundreds. Despite the name, adult black drum aren’t often black. Adult drum caught near the Gulf waters are typically a muted silver-gray. Big drum caught from the bays have dull brass or bronze tints on their backs and sides. This seasonal fishing period begins when waters get in the cool 60s and runs in the early spring from February-March.

Our Galveston Jetty Charters are a brief 30-minute boat ride that provides plenty of excitement for those that don’t want to spend as much time out on the water. The Drum Run is perfect for fishermen who like to do some relaxing fishing and enjoy time in the sun.

The Jetty Charters are aboard our 27’ Key West Center Console, SeaPlay IV. She’s the perfect jetty boat offering 360-degree fishability that can be expected from Center Consoles. She features a large T-Top providing shade, spacious seating, and a large restroom located on-board.

There are plenty of excellent Jetty Charter opportunities available throughout the year. During summer (May thru September) we catch lots of Bull Reds and large sharks. You may also find Flounder, Jackfish and Mackerel as well. In the fall is the annual migration of flounder from Galveston Bay thru the Jetties creating the perfect occasion for a catch. To book a Jetty Charter contact us here or call (203)-851-6151 to learn more about catching Drum.

Dec 10
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Flounder Gigging Begins This December

By fishing news, Galveston-Fishing

southernflounderDecember 1st marked the opening of flounder gigging in Galveston, Texas and as the month continues consistent patterns of flounder will start to form. When out on the water, it’s a good sign if you find bait fish around the area. Colder seasons bring great water clarity that only gets better as the water chills down. When the water temperature drops it ensures a huge surge of concentrated fish to form; these groups can be found out near deeper waters.

All flatfishes, including the southern flounder, are compressed sideways and spend most of their life lying and swimming along the bottom of the water. In the case of southern flounder, the left side is always the “up” side; while in other species, the opposite is true. Small flounder grow rapidly and may reach 12 inches in length by the end of their first year. The males rarely surpass 12 inches, but females can often reach a length of 25 inches.

Winter fishing seasons run in full force from December into January. These charters will also target marshes and bays to find Redfish, and Speckled Trout, along with Flounder. This season brings around a higher quality of fish to your catch making it one of the best times of the year for fishing. If you are looking for a great opportunity for a big catch, contact us here or call (203)-851-6151 to get out on the water.

Nov 23
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Deep Sea Fishing Trips in Galveston

By fishing news

Galveston deep sea fishing charters

Each of our Galveston deep sea fishing charters gives you the opportunity to explore the open waters of Galveston Bay and enjoy an extensive variety of aquatic life. SeaPlay Sportsfishing will put together a custom guided fishing trip that targets the fish and adventure of your choice. On our Galveston deep sea fishing charters, anglers can game Large Shark (Blacktip), Kingfish, Spanish Mackerel, Ling, and Tarpon.

SeaPlay Sportsfishing takes you and your party to the best Texas Deep Sea Fishing available. We offer 6, 8, or 10-hour inshore and deep sea charters. Usually travel 10 to 25 miles offshore for the 6-hour charter, 25-30 miles on the 8-hour charter, and 35-50 miles on our 10-hour charter.

Our packages include bait and tackle, plus we clean and bag your catch at the dock. We can accommodate up to 6 anglers and include no fuel charge. We promise to offer clean, well-equipped boats, quality equipment, and the best bait available.

Here at SeaPlay we also offer Inshore Fishing Trips as well. Experience fun and comfort in Galveston, Texas with SeaPlay Fishing Charters! Read more about our Deep Sea Fishing Charters HERE or call us at 281-851-6151.

Oct 23
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Harbor Tours/Galveston Coast Sightseeing Trips

By fishing news

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Galveston is a beautiful coastal city most of which can be seen from the water. Enjoy the beautiful views of both sea and coast aboard our sightseeing tours. Your trip can be customized to suit you and your groups preferences.IMG_0116

Aboard your Galveston Sightseeing Trip you can cruise the harbor, watch wildlife, (porpoises, pelicans, etc), and cruise the Intercoastal Waterway or Houston Ship Channel. Other great places to see are Sea Wolf Park, the S.S. Selma, a famous sunken concrete ship, the USS Texas, and WWII gun emplacements.

Whether you are looking for something romantic or an all around fun experience with a group, a sightseeing tour could be perfect for your trip to Galveston, TX. Learn more HERE or give us a call at 281-851-6151 to learn more about our Galveston harbor and coastal tours.

Oct 13
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Redfish Season is Here!

By fishing news
Redfish in Galveston Texas

Redfish on the prowl.

Fall is the best time of year to go out and fish for Red Drum or Redfish, and this year’s run for the “Bull Reds” has just begun. This season will be a great opportunity for fishing over the coming week through mid to late October here in Texas.

These fish put up a fantastic fight and travel in huge schools! Each year in the Fall, Redfish migrate offshore and reproduce in massive schools by the hundreds and thousands. It is not uncommon to catch 20, 30, or even more in a few hours on a half day Galveston fishing charter.

The reason for the Bull Red Run is because it’s part of a mating ritual. When the mature Redfish move in close to rivers and passes, they go to lay their eggs, which are washed into the inshore bays by the tide. It is in the bays that the eggs hatch and the young fish live the first few years of their lives before moving offshore as mature fish.

Fall is exactly when you want to harvest bull redfish, especially on a Galveston fishing charters. Prepare yourself for huge fish in great numbers, that average anywhere between 30 and 50 pounds aboard our Galveston fishing charter boats. If you are interested in getting out on the water, contact our offices. We know when and where are the best places for you to have the best fishing experience. You can contact us at 281-851-6151 or book your next fishing trip HERE.

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