March Fishing in Galveston: Spring Kicks Off with Big Bites
- 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!
March in Galveston signals the start of spring fishing, bringing warmer waters, longer feeding windows, and some of the best action of the year. As the temperatures rise, fish become more aggressive, making it the perfect time to target Redfish, Speckled Trout, and Sheepshead inshore, while Black Drum put on a fight during their annual spawning run. Offshore, Amberjack, Grouper, and even the first Cobia of the season make their way into deeper reefs and rigs, offering exciting battles for anglers looking to test their skills.
Whether you prefer stalking trout in the bay, hooking into Sheepshead at the jetties, or heading offshore for a hard-fighting Amberjack, March offers something for every angler. With changing conditions and shifting fish patterns, it pays to fish with the experts. At Up Above Adventures, we know how to navigate spring’s unpredictable weather, track migrating fish, and put you right in the action. Get ready for an unforgettable start to the season — March fishing in Galveston is heating up!
March Fishing Forecast: Warmer Waters, Hotter Bites
March brings a welcome change to Galveston’s waters, with rising temperatures and longer feeding windows leading to more consistent action. While spring can still bring the occasional cold front or breezy conditions, the overall trend is toward milder weather and a more aggressive bite.
Here’s what you can expect on the water this month:
March’s warming trend means more fish are on the move, feeding longer, and striking more aggressively than in the winter months. However, watch for changes in water salinity — as spring rains push freshwater into the bay, fish tend to move toward the lower Galveston Bay Complex and jetties, where the water remains saltier. This month offers some of the best inshore fishing of the year, along with increasing offshore opportunities as the Gulf begins to stabilize.
What’s Biting in March? Springtime Spawners & Offshore Giants
March fishing in Galveston is all about spawning inshore species and an increase in offshore opportunities. As the waters warm, feeding activity ramps up, making this a prime month to reel in a variety of hard-fighting fish.
March’s mix of spawning inshore species and offshore predators makes it one of the most exciting times to fish in Galveston. Whether you prefer targeting structure for Sheepshead or heading offshore for a fight with Amberjack, there’s no shortage of action this month!
The Sheepshead Run: Galveston’s Springtime Fishing Frenzy
Spring is in full swing, and for Galveston anglers, that means one thing—the sheepshead are here in force! Each March, these striped battlers flood the jetties in massive schools, feeding aggressively as they prepare to spawn. This is one of the most exciting times of the year to fish, with nonstop action and the chance to hook into some real brutes. But don’t be fooled—sheepshead are notorious bait thieves, striking hard yet vanishing just as quickly. To make the most of this prime season, you’ll need the right tactics, sharp instincts, and a little patience. Ready to get in on the action? Let’s dive in!
Best Bait for Sheepshead
When it comes to bait, live shrimp is the clear winner for targeting sheepshead. These fish are opportunistic predators, and shrimp are a natural part of their diet. The key is to get the shrimp down near the rocks where the sheepshead are feeding, without spooking them.
One effective way to do this is by using small split-shot weights. These weights allow you to get your live shrimp closer to the bottom, where the sheepshead are scouring for food. Aim for the rock formations near the jetties, as this is where sheepshead tend to congregate.
Rigging Tips for Sheepshead: Small J-Hooks and Proper Presentation
To improve your chances of hooking a sheepshead, use a small J-hook. Sheepshead have sharp, human-like teeth that they use to crush barnacles and crustaceans, so a well-placed hook in their mouth is crucial. One of the most effective techniques is to hide the hook inside the live shrimp. Sheepshead rely heavily on their eyesight to spot prey, and they’re known to be line-shy, especially as the day progresses. Hiding the hook ensures that the shrimp looks natural and makes it harder for the fish to detect the hook.
March Hot Spots: Where to Cast for the Best Action
The right location makes all the difference in March, as fish move based on spawning habits, warming waters, and tidal patterns. Whether you’re fishing inshore, nearshore, or offshore, here are the best places to cast your line this month:
- Inshore: The stretch between Eagle Point and April Fool Point is one of the top areas for inshore fishing in March. The mud and shell bottoms, pilings, and oyster reefs provide warmth and cover for Sheepshead, Black Drum, Redfish, and trout. Black Drum schools gather in deep channels, while trout start moving toward reefs and marsh drains as baitfish become more active.
- Nearshore: Jetties, piers, and nearshore reefs remain packed with Sheepshead and Black Drum, which are both spawning and feeding aggressively. As the month progresses, Spanish Mackerel start showing up, especially around bait schools near rocky outcroppings.
- Offshore: When the weather allows, deepwater fishing at wrecks, reefs, and rigs is on fire for Amberjack, Grouper, and early-season Cobia. Amberjack are hitting jigs and live bait, while Grouper are holding on bottom structure. Cobia begin appearing around floating debris and offshore buoys, making for an exciting sight-casting opportunity.
March’s best fishing spots capitalize on warming waters and fish migration patterns, offering incredible opportunities whether you prefer battling a big Black Drum inshore or taking on an Amberjack offshore. No matter where you fish, spring action is in full swing!
Best Times to Fish in March: Maximizing the Bite
March’s rising temperatures mean longer feeding windows, but timing your trip around tidal movements and temperature changes is the key to success. Here’s when to hit the water for the best bite:
- Early Morning: Speckled Trout and Redfish feed aggressively in the cooler hours just before sunrise. Trout are drawn to deep channels, reefs, and drop-offs, while Redfish cruise the marshes and flats, chasing shrimp and baitfish.
- Midday to Afternoon: As the sun warms the water, Sheepshead and Black Drum become more active, especially near jetties, piers, and reefs. This is prime time for nearshore fishing, as spawning Sheepshead concentrate around structure and Black Drum school up in deeper channels. Offshore, Amberjack and Grouper start feeding more aggressively on deep reefs and wrecks.
- Tides: Fish activity peaks during incoming tides, when baitfish move into the shallows and trigger feeding frenzies.
March offers some of the longest and most productive feeding windows of the year. Whether you’re casting for early morning trout, hooking into midday Sheepshead, or battling deepwater giants offshore, planning your trip around the tides and warming temperatures will give you the best chances of success!
Tackle Box Tricks: Bait & Gear Tips for March Fishing
March fishing in Galveston is all about matching the hatch and using the right gear to target fish that are feeding aggressively in warming waters. Whether you’re fishing inshore, nearshore, or offshore, here are the top bait and tackle tips for the month.
Best Bait for March Fishing
- Inshore: Live shrimp is the top choice for Trout, Redfish, and Sheepshead, while soft plastics and topwater lures work well for Trout. Fiddler crabs are excellent for Sheepshead, especially around jetties and reefs.
- Nearshore: Live or fresh shrimp is ideal for Sheepshead and Black Drum, while silver spoons and jigs attract Spanish Mackerel later in the month.
- Offshore: Squid, sardines, and heavy jigs are best for Amberjack and Grouper, while live bait like eels and pinfish can entice early-season Cobia.
Gear Recommendations
- Light-to-medium tackle is perfect for inshore fishing, especially when targeting Trout, Redfish, and Sheepshead.
- A medium-heavy rod with a strong leader is best for Black Drum and Sheepshead to avoid getting broken off around structure.
- Heavy-duty rods and reels with strong braided line are ideal for offshore anglers handling Amberjack, Grouper, and Cobia.
Techniques for March Success
- Use a slow retrieve in the morning, then speed it up as the sun warms the water and fish become more aggressive.
- Focus on structure — Drop bait close to pilings, jetties, and oyster beds, as these fish love to hide in cover.
- Watch for diving birds — They signal baitfish schools, which often means trout and Redfish are feeding nearby.
With the right bait, gear, and techniques, March fishing in Galveston can be one of the most productive months of the year.
Why Fish with Up Above Adventures in March?
March is one of the most exciting months to fish in Galveston, but knowing where and when to fish is the key to landing a great catch. As the season shifts, fish move to new locations, feeding habits change, and offshore opportunities increase. That’s where Up Above Adventures comes in — we take the guesswork out of your trip and put you right where the action is.
Here’s why booking your March fishing trip with us is the best choice:
- Expert Guides: Our captains track fish movement daily and know exactly where to find spawning Sheepshead, Redfish in the marshes, and big Amberjack offshore.
- Access to the Best Fishing Grounds: We know all the hottest spots inshore, nearshore and offshore.
- Safety & Comfort: We provide top-quality gear and luxury accommodations, so you can focus on the fishing and not the conditions.
Our March 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 kick off the spring season with an unforgettable fishing experience!
Spring is calling — are you ready to reel in your next big catch? Whether you’re chasing Trout in the bay, Sheepshead at the jetties, or Amberjack offshore, Up Above Adventures will make sure your March fishing trip is one to remember!
