July Fishing in Galveston: Big Heat, Bigger Catches

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  • 12 To 48 Hour Offshore Fishing Trips On Our 55′ Viking Luxury Yacht
  • 4 to 6 Hour Inshore Trips Available
  • Private Chef & Videographer Options
  • Warm Weather, Open Waters, and Hot Fishing Action!

July is peak summer fishing season in Galveston — and it doesn’t get much better than this. With warm Gulf waters teeming with life and calm conditions inviting longer runs offshore, anglers of all levels can experience nonstop action across every zone.

Whether you’re chasing limits, thrills, or just a great day on the water, Up Above Adventures is here to guide you to the bite. Let’s dive into what makes July fishing in Galveston an unforgettable experience.

July Fishing Forecast: Summer Heat Meets Serious Bite

Galveston Fishing July

July in Galveston is all about warm water, long days, and fish that are fired up and feeding. Air temperatures hover in the upper 80s to mid-90s, and the water stays well into the 80s — ideal for triggering aggressive strikes from both inshore and offshore species.

Morning conditions are typically calm, making it the best window for both inshore and offshore departures. As the day progresses, the heat builds and sea breezes can bring a bit of afternoon chop — something to keep in mind when planning longer runs offshore. Sudden pop-up thunderstorms also become more common this month, so flexibility and awareness are key.

Water clarity can vary, especially after a storm, which may push fish into clearer zones or deeper water. Adapt your bait presentation as needed — bright colors or live bait can make the difference when visibility is low.

Red Snapper season usually runs through mid-July, but this season runs a little longer, running through mid-September, making the first few weeks of the month especially exciting for offshore anglers. If you’re looking for action, July delivers — just be ready to start early, stay cool, and fish smart.

What’s Biting in June? Hot Weather, Hotter Bite

With warm water temperatures and an abundance of baitfish, July offers a wide variety of species ready to strike across all depths. Whether you’re casting in the bay or trolling offshore structure, this month delivers fast-paced action and some of the biggest catches of the season.

  • Inshore: Redfish, Speckled Trout, and Flounder remain active, especially during the early morning and late evening hours when the water is coolest. Redfish cruise shorelines, marsh edges, and oyster beds, while Trout shift toward deeper reefs and channels as temperatures rise. Flounder lurk along sandy bottoms and marsh drains, ambushing bait as it drifts by.
  • Nearshore: Spanish Mackerel and Jack Crevalle continue to chase baitfish around jetties and nearshore reefs. Blacktip Sharks are increasingly common in these waters, offering powerful fights. Calm mornings may even reveal Tarpon rolling near the beachfront, especially where baitfish schools are thick.
  • Offshore: Red Snapper is the headline species while the season remains open, with limits coming quickly from deep reefs and wrecks. Kingfish are abundant and aggressive, while Mahi-Mahi and Cobia hover near weed lines, buoys, and floating debris. Further out, Wahoo and Sailfish start showing up, rewarding anglers willing to chase the deep bite.

Reel Hot Spots: Where to Find the July Bite

Knowing where to go is just as important as knowing what’s biting — and in July, Galveston’s waters are full of productive zones if you know where to look. From sunrise in the bay to bluewater adventures offshore, these are the top areas to target this month:

  • Inshore: East and West Galveston Bay are prime for early morning action, with Speckled Trout and Redfish feeding along grass lines, marsh drains, and oyster reefs. As the sun rises, deeper channels and reefs hold Trout looking for cooler water. The stretch between Eagle Point and April Fool Point remains a reliable hotspot, especially for Flounder near drop-offs and sandy bottom transitions.
  • Nearshore: The Galveston Jetties are a consistent source of summer action, attracting Spanish Mackerel, Jack Crevalle, and Blacktip Sharks. Reefs and rocky outcroppings just beyond the beach are ideal for targeting aggressive nearshore feeders. On calm days, scan the surface near bait pods and current lines for Tarpon or fast-moving schools of predators.
  • Offshore: Reefs, wrecks, and oil platforms are the go-to spots for Red Snapper and Kingfish. Weed lines and floating debris are prime territory for Mahi-Mahi and Cobia. For anglers looking to stretch their range, deeper ledges and color changes farther offshore can produce Wahoo, Sailfish, and other pelagics — especially later in the month when water temps peak.

Next, we’ll look at the best times of day to fish in July and how to make the most of your trip based on tides, temperature, and feeding activity.

July Fishing in Galveston

Best Times to Fish in July: Early Starts & Evening Feeds

With high heat and long days, timing is everything when it comes to fishing success in July. Planning your trip around cooler windows, active tides, and feeding patterns will help you stay comfortable and increase your catch count.

  • Early Morning: This is prime time for inshore action. Redfish, Trout, and Flounder are most aggressive during the first light of day, especially on a moving tide. Topwater lures and live bait work best when the water is cool and fish are actively hunting.
  • Midday: Offshore trips shine once the sun is high. Species like Red Snapper, Kingfish, and Mahi-Mahi remain active in deeper, cooler water even during peak heat. Be sure to stay hydrated, bring shade, and pack plenty of ice for your catch.
  • Evening: As the water starts to cool again, inshore species return to feed along shorelines and flats. The evening bite can be strong, particularly for Redfish cruising the shallows.

Tides & Temperature:

  • Focus on incoming tides, which push baitfish into shallow areas and stimulate feeding behavior.
  • Fish tend to seek deeper, cooler areas during the hottest parts of the day — adjust your strategy accordingly.
  • Use temperature breaks offshore to locate pelagics like Mahi and Wahoo.

Next, we’ll break down the best bait and tackle to bring along for July’s wide-ranging bite.

Tackle Box Tricks: Summer Bait & Gear Essentials

July’s fish are aggressive and plentiful — but so are the challenges of summer heat and active seas. Whether you’re working the bays or running offshore, smart tackle choices and a few seasonal adjustments can make your trip more successful and comfortable.

Inshore

  • Go-To Baits: Live shrimp, croaker, and soft plastics (paddle tails, shrimp imitations) are top choices for Redfish, Trout, and Flounder. You can never go wrong with a silver Kastmaster spoon you can fish with them in any water type.
  • Gear Tips: Use medium-action spinning setups with 20-30lb braided line and fluorocarbon leaders. For topwater strikes in the early morning, walk-the-dog plugs are a favorite.
  • Extra Edge: Fish deeper water and current edges by mid-morning as fish move out of the shallows to stay cool.

Nearshore:

  • Go-To Baits: Spoons, cigar minnows, and live or cut bait work well for Mackerel, Jacks, and Sharks.
  • Gear Tips: Use heavier rods with 30-50 lb line and wire leaders for toothy fish. Keep a pitch rod rigged for Tarpon or fast-swimming predators that may appear suddenly.
  • Extra Edge: Look for baitfish schools getting busted at the surface — cast into the chaos for instant action.

Offshore:

  • Go-To Baits: Squid, sardines, and shad are key for Snapper, Kingfish, and Grouper.
  • Gear Tips: Use high-capacity reels, strong drags, and circle hooks when bottom fishing. For trolling, rigged baits and hard plugs cover water effectively.
  • Extra Edge: Always keep an eye out for floating debris and weed lines — they’re magnets for Mahi, Cobia, and the occasional Wahoo.

And don’t forget summer essentials: breathable clothing, plenty of water, polarized sunglasses, and a well-stocked cooler. With the right setup, July offers some of the most thrilling fishing of the year.

Ready to close out with the final section on why Up Above Adventures is your go-to crew this month?

Why Fish with Up Above Adventures in July?

July is one of the busiest and most rewarding fishing months on the Texas Gulf Coast — and with Up Above Adventures, you’ll get the local knowledge, top-tier equipment, and expert guidance to make the most of every cast.

  • Snapper Season Pros: We’re fully dialed in on Red Snapper, with the gear, GPS numbers, and strategy to put you on quality fish while the season is open. We’ll help you get in, limit out, and enjoy every second.
  • Comfortable, Summer-Ready Boats: Our boats are built to beat the July heat, offering shade, storage, and the smooth ride you need for long days on the water — whether you’re with family, friends, or on a hardcore fishing mission.
  • Versatile Trips, Custom Plans: Whether you want an early-morning inshore trip or a full-day offshore adventure, we tailor the experience to your goals, experience level, and the day’s conditions. From first-timers to seasoned anglers, we’ve got you covered.
  • Trusted Local Captains: We fish these waters year-round and know where to go, what to throw, and how to adapt. July’s bite can be fast and furious — our crew helps you stay ready for it.

Book your July charter today and let Up Above Adventures take you straight to the action. The bite is hot, the season is short, and we’re ready when you are.

Our June Fishing Fleet: Choose Your Own Adventure

Luxury Yacht Rentals in Galveston

Got Her Hooked

55′ Viking Sport Fisher Yacht
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Offshore / Deep Sea / Cruise

4 – 48 Hour Trips

What We’re Catching

Redfish (Red Drum)
Speckled Trout (Spotted Seatrout)
Flounder
Red Snapper
Tuna
Wahoo (Seasonal)
Abmerjack (Seasonal)
Variety of Shark Species (Seasonal)
Marlin & Swordfish(Seasonal)

Haynie

25′ Haynie Magnum – Center Console
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Inshore / Bay

4 – 6 Hour Trips

What We’re Catching

Redfish (Red Drum)
Speckled Trout (Spotted Seatrout)
Flounder
Sheepshead
Black Drum
Sand Trout (Seasonal)
Bull Reds (Seasonal)
Big Uglies (Seasonal)
And More!

Second Chance

27′ Robalo – Center Console
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Nearshore / Jetty

4 – 6 Hour Trips

What We’re Catching

Redfish (Red Drum)
Speckled Trout (Spotted Seatrout)
Flounder
Sheepshead
Spanish Mackerels (Seasonal)
Crevalle Jack (Seasonal)
Variety of Shark Species (Seasonal)
Bull Reds (Seasonal)
Big Uglies (Seasonal)

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What They Are Saying

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Book your charter today and Dive into the Summer with an unforgettable fishing experience!

Summer is heating up — is your next big catch waiting? Whether you’re hooking Redfish in the bay, battling Black Drum in the jetties, or chasing Amberjack offshore, Up Above Adventures will make sure your June fishing trip is unforgettable!

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