Winter Fishing in Galveston - Don't Sleep on Cold Weather
Winter Fishing in Galveston
Most people think fishing shuts down when the temperature drops. They're wrong. Winter is one of the most productive (and least crowded) times to fish Galveston Bay.
Why Winter Fishing Works
Cold water concentrates fish. Instead of being scattered across hundreds of square miles of bay, fish stack up in predictable locations: deep holes, warm-water discharges, and sheltered back bays. If you know where to look, winter limits come easy.
Target Species
Black Drum (January - March) - This is THE winter fish. Big, hard-fighting drum stack up around the Galveston jetties and in West Bay. We catch them on fresh dead shrimp fished on the bottom. Average size is 5-15 pounds with occasional 30+ pounders.
Redfish (Year-Round) - Winter reds are fat and healthy. They hunker down in protected back lakes and marsh drains where the water stays warmer. Sight-casting to winter reds on calm, sunny days is some of the best fishing of the year.
Sheepshead (December - March) - The "convict fish" invade the jetties, piers, and bridge pilings from December through March. These are fantastic table fare and great fun on light tackle.
What to Wear
Layer up. Mornings can be in the 40s but warm to the 60s by afternoon. We recommend:
- Moisture-wicking base layer
- Fleece or insulated mid-layer
- Windproof/waterproof outer shell
- Warm hat and gloves (fingerless for fishing)
- Waterproof boots or shoes
We fish rain or shine, but will cancel for unsafe conditions (lightning, gale-force winds). Most winter days are perfectly fishable.