Blackfin tuna fishing out of Galveston is a rig and bank fishery that peaks from June to September, with runs south from the jetties. Galveston departures start at the jetties on the entrance channel and head for Cerveza, the wrecks and rigs band, and the Flower Garden Banks. Below: when the fish are around, how far boats run, what structure holds them, how the fleet fishes them, and who runs charters.
When blackfin are off Galveston
Blackfin show up on a summer window out of this port, and the bite carries into the night.
Peak months
Blackfin peak out of Galveston from June to September, per Get Hooked. For biology and range, see our blackfin tuna species guide.
Night bite
A recap trip caught blackfin at night, which fits the longer overnight runs covered below.
How far boats run from the jetties
Distances here are measured from the jetties, which are mile 0. Each band is its own commitment, so plan them separately.
South to Cerveza
The Cerveza oil rig sits due south of the Galveston jetties, and boats reach it in early afternoon on a run south. Anyone stepping up from the nearshore reefs will find it the first rig to point the bow at.
30 to 60 mi wrecks and rigs
Wrecks and rigs lie in a band 30 to 60 mi out from the jetties. Treat it as structure you pass on the run.
60 to 75 mi bluewater
Just Cast’s 60 to 75 mi bluewater trip lists blackfin, which makes this the distance band where a local charter trip names them.
Flower Garden Banks and Nansen
The Flower Garden Banks lie 90 to 110 mi offshore, in 200 to 1000+ ft of water. Get Hooked gives the 90 to 110 mi figure, and the recap trip’s run put the banks at 110 mi.
The Nansen oil rig is a yellowfin night-fishing spot 100 to 130 mi out, per the trip recap. Runs at this distance are overnight trips.
Reading conditions
The NDBC Station 42035 page is the buoy to read before the run. It sits 22 NM east of Galveston at 29.235 N 94.410 W, so it reports conditions at its own position and says little about a rig 100 mi out. Pull the NWS Houston/Galveston marine forecasts and look at wind, wave height, and period.
Chart layers are not for navigation, so check the official NWS forecast and NDBC 42035 before running.
Grounds and structure
Every named ground, ordered by distance from the jetties:
| Ground | Distance and direction | Depth or type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galveston jetties (north at Bolivar, south at Galveston Island) | Mile 0, entrance channel | 24 to 28 ft | Departure point; 61st and 91st Street pay piers sit on the seawall |
| Big Man’s and Kate’s Nearshore Reefs | About 20 mi southwest | Reef | Nearshore structure on the way out |
| Wrecks and rigs | 30 to 60 mi | Wrecks and rigs | Mid-range structure band |
| Cerveza oil rig | Due south | Rig | Reached in early afternoon from the jetties |
| Flower Garden Banks | 90 to 110 mi offshore | 200 to 1000+ ft | Bank; blackfin caught at night on recap trip |
| Nansen oil rig | 100 to 130 mi | Rig | Yellowfin night fishing |
The jetties form the Galveston Bay entrance, described in the NOAA Coast Pilot chapter. The jetties and nearshore reefs are known structure on the way out; we do not claim they hold blackfin.
For the wider rig and bank picture, see our Gulf of Mexico blackfin guide (see also the Gulf of Mexico fishing guide).
How it’s fished locally
Four methods show up in local fishing.
Trolling the rig
Boats here troll around the rig for blackfin, and Cerveza is the rig to work.
Gigging
Gigging is one of the methods used locally.
Night fishing
Night fishing goes with the overnight runs to the Flower Garden Banks and Nansen.
Blackfin as yellowfin bait
Blackfin chunks are used as bait for yellowfin tuna. For yellowfin and other tunas, see our tuna fishing guides.
Who fishes for them out of Galveston
These local charters list blackfin tuna:
- Galveston Offshore Fishing charters: Capt. Shannon LaBauve, 31 ft Oceanmaster Half Time.
- Get Hooked Charters site: Get Hooked Charters (Galveston Fishing Adventures).
- Williams Party Boats at Pier 19: The 12-hr trip boat is shown as Capt. John.
- Just Cast Charters: 31 ft Ocean.
FAQ about blackfin tuna out of Galveston
When is the blackfin peak out of Galveston?
June to September, per Get Hooked. A recap trip also caught them at night.
How far is the Flower Garden Banks from Galveston?
The banks lie 90 to 110 mi offshore, in 200 to 1000+ ft. Runs that far are overnight trips.
Which buoy should you check before the run?
NDBC 42035, 22 NM east of Galveston. It reports conditions at its own position, not 100 mi out, so pair it with the NWS forecast.
Do local charters target blackfin?
Yes. Galveston Offshore Fishing, Get Hooked, Williams Party Boats, and Just Cast list them.
Are blackfin used for bait?
Yes. Blackfin chunks are used for yellowfin.
Can you fish blackfin from the seawall piers?
The 61st and 91st Street pay piers sit on the seawall. The named blackfin grounds are offshore rigs and banks.
