May Fishing in Galveston: Early Summer Action in Full Swing

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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
  • Warmer Day, Fewer Crowds and Plenty of Action!

May marks the start of peak fishing season in Galveston — and it doesn’t waste any time getting good. With warm, stable weather and water temperatures climbing into the 70s, the fish are hungry, active, and on the move. Whether you’re casting for Speckled Trout and Redfish inshore, chasing Spanish Mackerel and Jack Crevalle nearshore, or heading out deep for Kingfish, Grouper, and Cobia, May delivers some of the most exciting action of the year.

This month also brings longer days and calmer seas, giving anglers more time and opportunity to explore Galveston’s rich waters. Whether you’re a seasoned fisherman or planning your first family charter, Up Above Adventures is ready to put you on the bite. Let’s dive into everything you can expect from fishing in Galveston this May!

May Fishing Forecast: Sunshine, Smooth Seas & Serious Strikes

fishing for grouper in May

May brings some of the most favorable fishing conditions of the year in Galveston. The weather stabilizes, with mornings starting in the 60s and afternoons warming into the 80s — ideal for long days on the water. Water temperatures hover in the low to mid-70s, triggering key fish migrations, spawning activity, and a serious uptick in feeding behavior.

The windy fronts of spring start to fade, replaced by calmer seas and more predictable patterns, especially later in the month. These improved conditions mean offshore trips become more accessible and enjoyable, opening the door to pelagic species and deep-water bruisers.

May’s mild mornings and sunny afternoons make it easy to plan your fishing around the best bite windows, and the abundance of active species — from Trout to Mahi — makes every trip a potential highlight reel.

Whether you’re cruising the bay or heading offshore, May is all about extended opportunities and explosive action. Let’s take a look at what’s biting!

What’s Biting in May? Summer Species on the Move

May brings a burst of activity to Galveston’s waters, with a wide range of species on the move and feeding hard. This is the time of year when inshore, nearshore, and offshore fishing all come alive — giving anglers the chance to target everything from flounder to fast-moving pelagics.

Inshore

  • Speckled Trout stay active early in the month, especially in cooler morning hours. Speckled trout are fired up during sunrise—perfect time to catch that early morning bite!
  • Redfish remain a reliable catch throughout the bay system.
  • Flounder start to show up more consistently, with improving numbers as the month progresses. Flounder night gigging starts to heat up.

Nearshore

  • Spanish Mackerel and Jack Crevalle provide fast, aggressive action throughout May.
  • Black Drum linger in structure-rich waters, offering steady, rod-bending fun.
  • Sharks begin making their seasonal appearance for those looking for an added thrill.

Offshore

  • Kingfish and Cobia are in full swing by mid to late May.
  • Amberjack and Grouper continue to be solid deepwater targets.
  • Mahi-Mahi begin to appear offshore, especially later in the month when blue water moves in closer.
  • Tuna are in their prime during May as they come closer to the surface to feed.

No matter your style or skill level, May’s diverse lineup makes it one of the most exciting months to fish in Galveston.

Reel Hot Spots: Best Places to Fish in May

With warming water and baitfish on the move, May’s top fishing spots are buzzing with activity. From shallow flats to offshore rigs, Galveston offers something for every angler this month. Here’s where the action is heating up:

Inshore

  • East Galveston Bay is a go-to for early morning Trout and Redfish action, especially around reefs and marsh drains.
  • The shoreline between Eagle Point and April Fool Point continues to produce, offering structure, current flow, and temperature variation that attract feeding Redfish and Flounder.
  • Jetty pockets and public piers provide accessible action for Redfish and lingering Sheepshead, especially during tidal shifts.

Nearshore

  • The Galveston Jetties are loaded with Spanish Mackerel and Jack Crevalle this time of year, and they remain one of the most consistent nearshore spots for multi-species action.
  • Nearshore reef zones and beachfront structure hold everything from Black Drum to early-season sharks—great for anglers looking for strong fights without venturing too far offshore.
  • Keep an eye out for diving birds or bait balls—often the best indicators of where the bite is hot.

Offshore

  • Wrecks, rigs, and deep reefs are the place to be for Amberjack, Grouper, and Kingfish.
  • As the water clears and warms, floating debris and weed lines become magnets for Cobia and Mahi-Mahi.
  • May often brings blue water closer to shore, giving offshore anglers a shorter ride to big-game opportunities.

Whether you’re fishing shallow or deep, May’s hot spots are bursting with life and promise plenty of action for anglers ready to get in on the early summer bite.

Best Times to Fish in May: Beat the Heat, Chase the Bite

May’s longer days and rising temperatures mean more hours to fish — but knowing when the bite is best can make a big difference. With both inshore and offshore species on the move, timing your trip around light, tides, and temperature will help you hook up more often.

Early Morning

This is prime time for Speckled Trout, Redfish, and Flounder, especially inshore. Fish are most active during the cooler hours just after sunrise, making the first few hours of daylight the most productive for bay fishing.

Midday to Afternoon

As the sun climbs, Spanish Mackerel, Jack Crevalle, and offshore predators like Kingfish and Cobia become more aggressive. Offshore waters warm up faster, and many species feed more actively in the middle of the day when the bait is moving higher in the water column.

Tidal Influence

  • Incoming tides are a major trigger for inshore feeding frenzies, pulling baitfish into marsh drains and onto flats where predators are waiting.
  • Slack tides offshore can slow the action, but the periods just before and after tide changes are great for targeting fish like Amberjack and Grouper near structure.

With the right timing, May offers non-stop action from sunup to sundown. Whether you’re chasing an early topwater blowup or deep-dropping over an afternoon wreck, planning your trip around the fish’s natural rhythm will stack the odds in your favor.

Tackle Box Tricks: Gear & Bait Tips for May Fishing

With a wide range of species active this month, your tackle box should be as versatile as the fishing. Whether you’re casting in the bay or trolling offshore, having the right gear and bait will help you stay prepared for whatever bites.
Inshore:

Inshore

  • Best Bait: Live shrimp, soft plastics (paddle tails and shrimp imitations), and topwater lures early in the morning for Redfish and Trout.
  • For Flounder: Use finger mullet, Gulp baits, or soft plastics bounced along the bottom near drains and channel edges.
  • Gear Tips: Medium-light spinning setups with fluorocarbon leaders work great in clear, calm water. A popping cork setup is a solid choice for both Trout and Redfish.

Nearshore:

  • Best Bait: Silver spoons, small jigs, and live shrimp for Spanish Mackerel. Larger jigs or live bait for Jack Crevalle and Black Drum.
  • Gear Tips: Use medium-heavy rods with 30-50 lb braid for battling strong fish like Jacks. A wire leader is a must when targeting toothy species like Mackerel and Kingfish.

Offshore:

  • Best Bait: Troll with ribbonfish, cigar minnows, or diving plugs for Kingfish. Drop sardines or squid for Grouper and Amberjack.
  • For Cobia and Mahi: Free-line live bait near floating debris like weed lines or sight-cast jigs when they’re visible near the surface.
  • Gear Tips: Heavy-duty conventional or spinning gear with strong drag is essential offshore. Bring a variety of terminal tackle — circle hooks, egg sinkers, and snap swivels.

Bonus Tips:

  • Match your bait size to the fish you’re targeting — don’t overdo it with heavy rigs inshore.
  • Bring both artificial and live options — some days the fish are picky.
  • And of course, don’t forget sun protection — May brings serious heat and UV!

Why Fish with Up Above Adventures in May?

May kicks off Galveston’s peak fishing season — and there’s no better time to get on the water with a crew that knows how to make every trip count. At Up Above Adventures, we combine local experience, top-tier gear, and a passion for great fishing to give you the ultimate May charter experience.

Here’s why anglers love fishing with us this time of year:

  • We Know What’s Biting (and Where): From early morning Trout bites in East Bay to late-afternoon runs on offshore Kingfish, our guides stay dialed in on the patterns that produce.
  • Comfortable, Fully Equipped Boats: Whether you’re cruising the jetties or heading deep for Mahi and Amberjack, our vessels are built for both comfort and capability.
  • Flexible Trips for All Skill Levels: New to fishing? Bringing the family? Chasing a personal best? We tailor every trip to your goals and skill level.
  • Peak Season = Prime Fishing: May is one of the best months to book — just in time for pre-summer warmth, clear water, and some of the most active species of the year.

Let’s make it a trip to remember. Book your May fishing charter with Up Above Adventures today and reel in a day full of action, adventure, and lasting memories on the Texas coast.

Our May 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 spring season with an unforgettable fishing experience!

Spring is here — are you ready to reel in your next big catch? Whether you’re chasing Redfish in the bay, Black Drum In the jetties, or Amberjack offshore, Up Above Adventures will make sure your May fishing trip is one to remember!

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