Galveston Fishing Reports

Today begins the transition month for offshore fishing. Between May 1 and the end of the month, pelagic fish will begin to make their way into the nearshore waters of the Gulf of Mexico where anglers in smaller seaworthy boats will have a chance at some top-notch action.

Last week king mackerel where within 20 miles of the jetties. Ling will join the kings soon, and action can be found as close as the beach front at times.

For now, we are seeing the appearance of a few offshore species in the surf and around the jetties. Spanish mackerel, pompano and blacktip sharks are among the early arrivals.

Sarah and Stephen Melcer were back at the South Jetty on Monday afternoon where they landed three sharks, three bull reds, 10 hardheads and two gafftop. All of the fish were released, except for the gafftop.

Richard Belleau reported whiting, Spanish mackerel, gafftop, blacktip sharks and bull reds being caught by his customers at the 61st Street Fishing Pier.

Last Sunday, Capt. Shawn Clark hosted 48 anglers on the party boat Texsun II to a fine morning of fishing the jetties. Their catch included bull reds, sharks and gafftop.

At the same time, Williams Party Boats’ flagship, the Capt. John, was fishing the deep waters of the Gulf more than 100 miles from the jetties. The overnight Tuna Safari was hosted by Capt. Johnny Williams and his daughter Capt. Jullian Williams.

Fishing as far away as the Gunnison Spar Platform, the group landed 214 blackfin tuna to 24 pounds, two yellowfins to 40 pounds, 342 vermilions, nine mangroves to 8 pounds, a 60-pound Warsaw, five amberjack to 25 pounds, two kings, two ling and a large variety of other fish.

Two anglers from Ft. Worth made impressive hauls. Bill Welstead landed 17 blackfin tuna, 18 vermilions and a 10-pound scamp grouper. Gary Grassia returned with two blackfins, a scamp grouper and an African pompano.

There will be no fishing report for Thursday; however we will resume things Friday.