Outdoors

Exploring some of the Gulf's best fishing spots without a boat

Exploring some of the Gulf's best fishing spots without a boat
Galveston Bay has many great fishing spots, even if you do not have a boat. Nicolas Russell/Getty Images

If you are new to the area or just want to get out there and take up fishing, we have compiled this guide to help you find great fishing spots around Galveston Bay. I don’t own a boat but like to fish, and these spots were made for people with that in mind.

Texas City Dike

This is a quintessential bay area must for anglers from novice to expert. The 4.5-mile dike has lots of places to fish, including a long fishing area from the boat docks. There are areas to go wade fishing, areas to shore fish, and areas to fish from rocks. On any given day, lots of anglers will be out there catching a variety of different species of fish.

Bay Shore Park

Bay Shore Park is a small park with a small fishing area right off the boat ramp. There aren't many people fishing there so it is great for casting a few lines in the water. It has restrooms, walking trails, a covered pavilion and a playground, so it can be a whole day family affair.

San Leon 18th Street Pier 

The 18th Street Pier in San Leon has a long pier that has a cost to enter. The building where you pay for pier access also doubles as a bar and grill where you can catch a live band. The spot has a number of anglers on weekends but would also serve as a great place to catch some music and food after of day fishing.

Factory Bayou

Factory Bayou is an inlet right off the bay that has a shoreline. It's located in Bacliff, you have to park on the grass. Somewhat of rogue fishing spot, there have been a number of reports from this spot of trout and flounder.

Moses Lake

Moses Lake has an area right off Highway 146 where you can park off the side of the road. Most fishing happens from the railroad bridge. Another rogue fishing spot that nets a number of different species of fish.

Seawolf Park 

Seawolf Park in Galveston makes a perfect fishing location because of its access to the bay and the open Gulf. There is a charge to fish here, but the number of different species that swim in and out of the bay makes it ideal to catch some nice variety.

Sylvan Beach Park 

Sylvan Beach Park in La Porte has a great fishing pier that has a cost to go out on. There are a number of varieties of fish, and it’s a good-sized pier. In the same area is Morgan’s Point, which has some great fishing spots but you’ll need to know a resident, as they are all private property.

This isn't a totally inclusive list; if you ask 10 different anglers you’ll get at least nine different locations that they love. But hopefully this  gives you some great starting points. Now get out there with your best lure and throw some lines in the water. Just don’t be too angry when all your bait is taken from a day of catching hardhead.

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McCullers is finally back in the win column. Composite Getty Image.

Lance McCullers Jr. finally got some peace of mind on Tuesday night.

The Astros right-hander pitched six scoreless innings to get his first win since Sept. 21, 2022, as Houston beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 3-0. McCullers missed the 2023 and 2024 seasons because of injuries and had not won in five starts this year since being activated from the injured list on May 4.

McCullers (1-1) struck out seven and walked one while outdueling Pirates ace Paul Skenes, who gave up one run — on a solo homer by Christian Walker in the seventh — in eight innings.

“It took a while, but we got there,” McCullers said of getting the win. “I’m just happy that I’m kind of back in the mix with the guys, and I’m able to give them legitimate opportunities to win.”

McCullers was also happy to have a difficult off-field situation behind him.

A drunken bettor who made online death threats aimed at McCullers’ family lives overseas and told Houston police he was sorry for what he had done, a department spokesperson said Monday.

McCullers received the threats on social media directed at his children after a poor start against the Cincinnati Reds on May 10 in which he allowed seven runs while recording only one out.

The Astros said Houston police and MLB security were notified. McCullers and his wife Kara have two young daughters. Astros owner Jim Crane hired 24-hour security for them.

Police public information officer Erika Ramirez said the man who made the threats was identified during an investigation. Because no charges have been filed, police are not disclosing his identity or where he lives.

“I don’t want to keep on about it, but a lot of thanks go to the Astros, the Astros security, Jim Crane, MLB security, my teammates, the HPD,” McCullers said. “Having resolution is nice. Not being close to Houston is nice. The fans are super supportive, too, and I appreciate that. It’s good that it’s behind us and our family feels safe again.”

The man told police that he would like to apologize to McCullers for the threats. McCullers said he would accept.

“As a follower of Christ and called to love our neighbor and forgive, I would be open to that,” he said.

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