April Fishing in Galveston: Spring Action Heats Up
- 12 To 48 Hour Offshore Fishing Trips On Our 55′ Viking Luxury Yacht
- 4 to 6 Hour Inshore Trips Available
- Private Chef & Videographer Options
- Warmer Day, Fewer Crowds and Plenty of Action!
Spring is in full swing, and the Galveston fishing scene is bursting with life. April brings warming waters, calmer weather, and some of the most exciting action of the year. Inshore, Speckled Trout begin their spawning run, Redfish patrol the marshes, and Sheepshead linger near structure. Just beyond the beach, Spanish Mackerel zip through bait balls, while offshore waters start to welcome back Kingfish, Amberjack, and even the occasional Cobia.
Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just looking for a fun, guided day on the water, Up Above Adventures is your go-to crew this month. Our experienced local guides know where the fish are biting and how to make the most of April’s warmer spring conditions. From bay trips to offshore hunts, we’re ready to help you reel in something unforgettable.
April Fishing Forecast: Calm Waters & Aggressive Bites
April brings some of the most pleasant and productive fishing conditions of the year in Galveston. With daytime highs in the upper 70s and morning temps in the low 60s, anglers can enjoy comfortable weather both onshore and offshore. Even better, water temperatures climb into the mid to high 60s — right in the sweet spot for species like Speckled Trout to begin their spring spawning behavior.
The last of the winter cold fronts are mostly behind us, making for more stable weather and light spring breezes. These calm conditions give fish the green light to feed longer and more aggressively throughout the day. You’ll often notice baitfish schools getting more active, which brings in the bigger predators close behind.
While the occasional spring shower might drift through, they’re usually short-lived. That’s where fishing with a flexible, seasoned crew like Up Above Adventures really pays off — we know how to adapt and make the most of every window the weather gives us.
What’s Biting in April? Springtime Favorites & Offshore Giants
April delivers a diverse lineup of species, with action heating up across inshore, nearshore, and offshore waters. Whether you’re chasing table fare or trophy fish, this month offers something for everyone.
Inshore
- Speckled Trout are moving into shallow bays and marshes to spawn, feeding aggressively on soft plastics and topwaters.
- Redfish are cruising shorelines and marsh drains, especially active on incoming tides.
- Sheepshead are wrapping up their spawn and sticking close to structure like jetties and piers — great targets for live shrimp or fiddler crabs.
Nearshore
- Spanish Mackerel are fast and feisty, often found near jetties and chasing bait balls just offshore.
- Jack Crevalle show up in roving schools, exploding on surface lures and offering a serious fight.
- Black Drum can be found in deeper channels and passes — especially big ones hanging near the bottom.
Offshore
- Amberjack and Grouper are lighting up wrecks, reefs, and deep structure.
- Kingfish and Cobia begin moving closer in, following warm currents and hanging near buoys, floating debris, and weed lines.
Whether you’re casting light tackle for Trout or gearing up for a deep drop offshore, April keeps the rods bending.
Reel Hot Spots: Where to Fish in April
Knowing where to go is half the battle, and in April, Galveston offers no shortage of productive fishing grounds. Whether you’re staying close to the shore or heading deep into the Gulf, the fish are out there — and so are the bites.
Inshore
- East Galveston Bay is a top choice for Speckled Trout and Redfish, especially around reefs, marsh drains, and grassy shorelines.
- The jetties and local piers are still holding Sheepshead, particularly around rocks and pilings where they love to feed.
- West Bay backlakes can also heat up with bait movement and warmer temps.
Nearshore
- Galveston jetties and beachfront channels are hot zones for Spanish Mackerel, Jack Crevalle, and Black Drum.
- Nearshore reefs and wrecks start coming alive with bait and bigger predators as the month progresses.
Offshore
- Deepwater wrecks, reefs, and oil rigs are holding Amberjack and Grouper ready for a fight.
- Floating weed lines, shrimp boats, and buoys attract Kingfish and curious Cobia cruising just beneath the surface.
With Up Above Adventures, you’ll have access to these top spots—and the experience to fish them right.
Best Times to Fish in April: Sunrise Feeds & Midday Frenzies
April fishing is all about timing, and the fish are feeding on a flexible but exciting schedule. Thanks to warming water and longer daylight hours, you’ll find solid action from sun-up to late afternoon — if you know where to look.
Early mornings are prime time for Speckled Trout and Redfish, especially along flats, reefs, and marshy edges. These fish love the low light and cooler temps, making for explosive topwater strikes and active bait chasing right at first light.
As the sun climbs, midday through afternoon sees a shift in the action. Sheepshead, Spanish Mackerel, and offshore species like Kingfish and Amberjack often get more aggressive with the rising water temperatures. This is a great window to switch tactics and target faster-moving fish.
Incoming tides bring baitfish into feeding zones, drawing predators close. And if you’re paying attention to solunar periods, you’ll have an edge on when the bite is likely to spike.
No matter what time you hit the water, Up Above Adventures will help you make the most of the April bite.
Tackle Box Tricks: Gear & Bait Tips for April
The fish are fired up in April, and having the right bait and gear can make all the difference. Here’s what to pack for a successful day on the water:
Bait by Zone
- Inshore: Live shrimp is still a go-to, especially under popping corks for Speckled Trout. Soft plastics like Down South Lures, Gulp, and slower falling lures such as Paul Brown’s Corky! Pairing a Vudu Shrimp with a Vudu Cork is an excellent way to catch redfish and speckled trout. The popping action of the cork combined with the lifelike shrimp presentation draws aggressive strikes.
Fishing with a Vudu Shad is also highly effective — its natural swimming action on a straight retrieve mimics a fleeing baitfish, making it perfect for targeting predators chasing schools of bait. Shrimp on light jig heads work great for Redfish and Trout near marsh edges. Sheepshead are best targeted with live shrimp or fiddler crabs around structures.
- Nearshore: Silver spoons such as Kastmaster Spoons and Mirrorlures are solid for Spanish Mackerel and Jack Crevalle. Live shrimp or small baitfish can draw bites from Black Drum in deeper channels.
- Offshore: Frozen sardines and squid are reliable for Amberjack and Grouper. Use live bait like hardtails or mullet when sight-casting to Kingfish or Cobia around floating debris or buoys.
Gear Suggestions
- Light spinning tackle works well for inshore species like Trout and Sheepshead.
- Medium-heavy gear is ideal for nearshore action where you’re likely to run into fast, hard-fighting fish.
- For offshore trips, bring heavy-duty rods with strong reels and wire leaders—especially when chasing toothy Kingfish.
Pro Tips
- Use popping corks to stir up strikes around grassy shorelines and marsh drains.
- Retrieve jigs quickly to trigger aggressive strikes from Spanish Mackerel and Jack Crevalle.
- Catching your own bait offshore can be a total game changer. There’s nothing more effective than using the same bait the predator fish are already feeding on — like blue runners and chubs. One of the best ways to catch them is by dropping cut squid near offshore structures such as shipwrecks and oil platforms. It’s a simple, reliable method that can seriously boost your success out there.
- Keep an eye out for floating weed lines or debris offshore — Cobia often cruise nearby and can be sight-cast with live bait or jigs.
When you book with Up Above Adventures, we’ll have everything ready for you — or we’ll help you gear up like a pro.
Why Fish with Up Above Adventures in April?
April brings some of the best fishing opportunities of the year, but making the most of them takes local knowledge, flexibility, and the right equipment. That’s where Up Above Adventures stands out.
Here’s why anglers choose us for their spring fishing experience:
- Local Expertise: Our guides know how fish move during April — where they’re feeding, when they’re active, and what they’re hitting.
- Access to Prime Spots: From the East Bay reefs to offshore wrecks and weed lines, we’ll get you where the action is.
- Fully Equipped, Luxury Boats: Whether you’re fishing with family or chasing big game offshore, you’ll ride in comfort and safety.
- Flexible Trips for All Skill Levels: We tailor every trip to your group’s goals, experience, and what’s biting that day.
- Adaptable to Spring Conditions: April weather can change fast, but we’re prepared to adjust and keep your lines in the water.
Book your April fishing trip with Up Above Adventures today — prime spring fishing won’t last forever!
Our April Fishing Fleet: Choose Your Own Adventure
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)
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!
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)
Book your charter today and Dive into the spring season with an unforgettable fishing experience!
Spring is here — are you ready to reel in your next big catch? Whether you’re chasing Trout in the bay, Spanish Mackerel In the jetties, or Amberjack offshore, Up Above Adventures will make sure your April fishing trip is one to remember!
