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Oct 16
Love1

Fall Flounder Fishing Run Galveston

By fishing news, Galveston-Fishing

Flounder Fishing GalvestonBecause of its delicious taste, flounder is one of the top three fish targeted by anglers throughout Texas. However, flounder provide a unique challenge to the Galveston angler, because if you go out too soon or too late, you could miss out on the big flounder run.

The best time to catch flounder in Galveston is during their fall migration to the Gulf, typically from October to December. November is considered to be the best month for flounder fishing in Texas. The main reason for the great fishing in November is the annual flounder migration to the Gulf of Mexico reaching its peak and flounder stacking up in such numbers around the passageways to the Gulf that they are easy picking for anglers.

Flounder in Galveston may be caught using rod and reel but most people will prefer gigs. Though there are a few restrictions for flounder, your captain will make sure you’re aware of these and abide by them as well. Book your flounder fishing trip here or call (203)-851-6151 before the best dates are already taken!

Sep 29
Love1

Fishy Facts: Amberjack Fish | Greater Amberjack

By fishing news, Galveston-Fishing

amberjack_greater

Appearance:

  • Olive green or brownish back and silver sides
  • Dark stripe from nose to front of dorsal fin
  • Anal fin is about 2/3 the length of the second dorsal fin
  • No scutes (bone-like projections) on body

Size:
Can be up to 60 inches (a whopping 176 pounds); still common to find them around 40 inches and a heavy 40 pounds. Because of their size, this fish will need heavy conventional tackle in order to reel it in.

Habitat:
Amberjack are an offshore species and can be found around rocky reefs, debris, and shipwrecks. Any of these habitats in the range of 60 to 240 feet of water is the preferred zone of amberjack, but in general, the biggest fish will be in deeper water.

Behavior:
Great amberjacks are the largest of the jacks. The great thing about these fish is that they can be found year-round because they spawn offshore most of the year. Greater amberjack typically feed on squid, fish, and crustaceans though they aren’t picky and almost any bait will work.

Additional Information:
Largest of the jacks; thought to spawn offshore throughout much of the year; feeds on squid, fish, and crustaceans.

Looking to go deep sea fishing in the Galveston, TX area? We have the equipment and expertise to give you an unforgettable sportfishing experience. Book your next trip here.

Sep 16
Love2

Best Saltwater Fishing Spots in Galveston

By fishing news

Planning a fishing trip on the Texas coast? Let us help you get to these great saltwater fishing spots in Galveston, Texas.

Galveston has been considered the best saltwater fishing location in Texas. The city’s jetties, beaches, piers bay reefs and flats provide anglers with easy access to a wide variety of game species, such as cobia, flounder, and sharks, to name a few. If you’re planning a fishing trip to Galveston, be sure to try one of these fishing spots.

East Bay

East Galveston Bay is full of large spotted seatrout and redfish. Excellent places to find fish are the bay’s abundant flats and reefs, including Hanna’s Reef, West Bolivar Flats, Elmgrove Flats, and much more.

Pelican Island

Pelican Island is well known for its sandy flats and great fishing. From spring through autumn, it is a core spot for anglers seeking redfish, trout, and flounder.

Rollover Pass

Rollover Pass was built in 1956 to increase the fishing opportunities in Galveston Bay. These days it’s a hot spot for locals to find several game fish species, especially flounder.

Our boats are clean, equipped, and have the best baits available for you and your fishing buddies. We take pride in our fishing and consider it a privilege, and not a job, to be able to participate in your next fishing adventure!

Aug 30
Love0

Fishy Facts: Grouper

By fishing news

There are quite a few types of grouper but when fishing for grouper in Galveston you’re likely to fish for Warsaw grouper or Scamp grouper. Warsaw grouper commonly weigh up to 50 lbs and 100 lbs aren’t rare either. They can grow so large they exceed nearly 800 lbs making them uncatchable for the common fisherman. If you’re out fishing for Warsaw make sure you bring heavy fishing gear and large bait!

The second most encountered grouper is the Scamp grouper, it’s distinctively known for its broom tail. These groupers still are a major game fish and can weigh as much as 30 lbs.

Appearance:
Grouper are the largest reef fish you can commonly encounter in Galveston. Both the Warsaw and Scamp groupers bodies are a brown shade. They can be spotted by their spiny dorsal fins and second dorsal fin.

Habitat:
Grouper can be found throughout the gulf. The deeper the water, the larger the grouper you can catch so consider looking for Grouper in offshore waters around deep reefs or around seamounts. Some young can also be found in shallower waters.

To learn more about grouper or other fish you can find in Galveston or to book your next charter, click here!

May 26
Love0

What to Bring on a Galveston Fishing Charter

By fishing news

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Not sure what to bring before going on a Galveston Fishing Charter with us at SeaPlay? Here’s a list of items that are all good to bring aboard any fishing charter.

  • Comfortable loose clothing and a hat are always a good idea, especially during warmer months due to the sun and heat.
  • Wear shoes with a solid footing, make sure the shoes you choose will keep you from slipping and keep you grounded when you reel in a big one.
  • Sunscreen is not provided and we encourage you to bring your own to reduce the damages of sun exposure.
  • If you have a favorite rod, bring it! But don’t worry about bait and tackle, we have you covered and also provide the ice.
  • Want to bring a snack? You’re welcome to bring a cooler on board.
  • And most importantly, you’ll need to bring a valid Texas Saltwater Fishing License.

Need to know more or want to book a Galveston Fishing Charter? Click over to here or give us a call at (281)-851-6151.

May 09
Love2

Fishy Facts: Wahoo | Ono

By fishing news

Wahoo fish are covered with little scales and is steel blue above and a paler below. It has a series of blackish-blue vertical-lined bars on their sides. The fish has a large mouth and finely serrate teeth with a long snout.

They can be found offshore, but generally not in schools. They can be found worldwide in tropical and subtropical climates and are called “Ono” in Hawaii, which translates to “good to eat”. They are known for their speed, wahoo can swim up to 60 mph making it a prize catch for fishermen.

Wahoo are also a great catch because of their size. Wahoo can get between 40 and 65 inches in length, the maximum being 98 inches. The largest recorded wahoo catch was 184 pounds. They also experience rapid growth for the first year to two years of life making them a decent size when they’re young. It’s believed that their lifespan can be up to 5 or 6 years. This fish is a ravening predator that feeds on fishes like mackerels, butterfishes, round herrings, flying fish, and more. They compete for the same type of food as migratory tuna.

Book with FishSeaPlay for the best bait, lures, and tips for catching whaoo or for Galveston fishing charter. We consider it a privilege, and not a job, to be able to share our fishing knowledge and participate in your next fishing adventure!

Apr 14
Love0

Fishy Facts: Dolphinfish | Mahi Mahi

By fishing news

Mahi-mahiThe Dolphinfish goes by a few common names like Mahi Mahi or Dorado. You can commonly find them across the gulf in blue waters near seaweed patches, rips, and floating objects.

This fish is one of the most colorful catches you can find in the Gulf of Mexico. It has blue and green on it’s back with yellow sides and a lighter belly. These bright colors quickly fades when the fish dies after being boated. The extended dorsal fin reaches almost the entire length of the back. This fish is tough to tell apart from its less common relative, the pompano dolphin. The only sure way to do know is to examine the shape of the tooth patch near its tongue. In dolphin it is round; in pompano dolphin it’s square.

Dolphinfish have a fast growth rate that could be tracked on a daily basis. In the Gulf of Mexico, dolphinfish grow at the rate of 5 in p/ month, with a max size of 4-5 ft in length in 2 years. Small dolphinfish average under 3 pounds while larger ones run to 20 pounds with large males growing up to and over 50 pounds! They’re a great catch because of their size and food value.

More females over males are hooked in fishing. It seems that small fish of both sexes, and females of all sizes, spend more time around floating objects and seaweed rips, which makes them easier to locate. Large males spend more time roaming open waters and travel between female-dominated schools of fish. Making female Dolphinfish easier for fishermen to find and therefore, catch.

Mahi Mahi are one of the many catches you can find on a Galveston Sportsfishing Charter, contact us here to book your date today! 

Mar 28
Love1

Fishy Facts: Copia | Lemon Fish

By fishing news

Spring is here and now that the Texas Gulf waters are starting to warm up, keep an eye out for the cobia fish. Cobia are large, long, slender-bodied fish with a broad head and extruding bottom jaw. They are also dark brown with a distinct dark lateral stripe that runs from head to tail. Cobia are a thrilling catch! You can reel them in by plug casting, bottom fishing, trolling, and spinning.

Cobia are marine fish that can be found in nearshore and inshore waters that have inlets and bays. They also go by the name black kingfish, black salmon, ling, lemonfish, crabeater, and black bonito.

Cobia feed on stingrays, blue crabs, and bait fish including pinfish, hardhead catfish, and eel. Their protein-rich diet causes these fish grow very quickly, in some cases reaching over 40 inches long in under two years making them excellent table fare.

You’ll really want to hold onto cobia once you’ve hooked one in! Cobia are so powerful that they’re considered to be one of the most sought after gamefish.

Spring is a great time to get out into warmer waters and fish for cobia along with king mackerel, speckled trout and offshore tuna. Contact FishSeaPlay and learn more and get yourself out on the water!

Jan 13
Love0

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
Love0

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.

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