Gulf tarpon here can range up to 250 pounds, second in size only to the tarpon off the West Africa coast. Deep-sea fishing is an experience in which the magic of the gulf casts its spell. Join one of the numerous fishing charters and head 40 to 60 miles from the coast, where the deep-blue gulf water is 200 to 300 feet deep. Deep-sea fishermen get acquainted with red snapper, king mackerel, marlin and barracuda. Fishermen looking for a unique challenge will want to try shark fishing.
Special equipment is needed for Gulf of Mexico sharks, such as mako and blackfin.
Some charters specialize in shark fishing. Galveston group charter boats are concentrated on piers 18 and 19. Sport fishermen gather at fishing tournaments held along the coast during the summer months. Bait and tackle shops line the beaches at the popular fishing location of Aransas Pass, south of Galveston between Mustang and St. Joseph islands. The Port Aransas Lighthouse, one of only a few lighthouses still used for navigational purposes, can still be seen.