Galveston Bay
Fish profiles, marine conditions, eating guidance and access—all in your water guide.
Check exact water boundaries and species before keeping fish for a meal.
Read eating guidance →Quick Limits
Galveston BayCore species · TPWD recreational rules 2026-09-01–2027-08-31. Open a fish for full exceptions.
| Fish | Daily bag | Length | Eating guidance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red drum → | 3 | 20–28 inches | Check exact area |
| Spotted seatrout → | 3 | 15–20 inches | Check exact area |
| Southern flounder → | 5 | 15-inch minimum; no maximum listed | Check exact area |
| Black drum → | 5 | 14–30 inches | Check exact area |
Fish this bay
Main targets firstStart with the main bay targets. Expand additional fisheries or identify another catch below. These are planning references, not a live bite report.
Red drum
Sciaenops ocellatus20–28 inches · 3 daily
Spotted seatrout
Cynoscion nebulosus15–20 inches · 3 daily
Southern flounder
Paralichthys lethostigma15-inch minimum; no maximum listed · 5 daily
Black drum
Pogonias cromis14–30 inches · 5 daily
Sheepshead
Archosargus probatocephalus15-inch minimum; no maximum listed · 5 daily
More targets · local, seasonal & shore fishing ⌄
Additional fisheries for this region. Access type, season and exact area matter; these are not equally available throughout the bay.
Other catches & identification ⌄
Recorded catches kept here for identification and rules. Inclusion does not recommend targeting them or imply that they are common here.
Gafftopsail catfishGafftop · Other catch · identification
Common snookSnook · Other catch · identification
TripletailTriple tail · Other catch · identification
Crevalle jackJack crevalle, jackfish · Other catch · identification
LadyfishSkipjack, ten-pounder · Other catch · identification
Hardhead catfishHardhead, sea catfish · Other catch · identification
Florida pompanoPompano · Other catch · identificationWhy these fish are grouped this way
Our editorial shortlist uses angler surveys and fishery guidance. Main targets are separate from other documented catches. A record establishes occurrence, not popularity, current abundance or a dependable fishing opportunity. Shore/pier catches differ from boat catches; surf/pass fisheries do not apply to every protected bay shoreline.
Plan around the water.
Check observed wind, water temperature and water level against the marine forecast and official alerts.
Open coastal conditions →Find your access.
View 6 access references →Boat ramps, paddle launches and shore access, with the water reached shown on each listing.
Texas City Dike · 61st Street Boat Ramp · More options
Species follows & community reports Optional
Community catch reports
Past 7 daysDistinct anglers reporting each species · Community reported, unverified. These are not fish totals or proof of current biting activity.
Loading recent reports…
Optional reports and species follows
Sources & coastal evidence
Coastal reference review 2026-10-14. Record evidence: Galveston Bay. Historical records establish recorded occurrence, not current abundance. Artwork is illustrative scenery, not a geographical survey or a conditions feed.