Greater amberjack fishing out of Galveston is structure fishing: reefs, wrecks, oil rigs and other offshore structure, reached by running south and southwest from the Galveston jetties. The ground runs from nearshore reefs about 20 mi out to the Flower Garden Banks at 90-110 mi. This guide covers when the fish are around, how far boats run, where the structure sits, how it is fished, who runs trips, and where the rules live. For the wider coast, see the greater amberjack fishing in the Gulf of Mexico and the wider Gulf of Mexico guide.
When greater amberjack are off Galveston
Greater amberjack are fished here year-round, and Get Hooked Charters lists spring and summer as best. Plan the longer runs described below for those months.
How far boats run from Galveston
Boats run to reefs, wrecks and offshore structure at four working distances:
- About 20 mi southwest of the jetties: the nearshore reefs.
- 30-60 mi: wrecks and rigs.
- 60-80 mi: bluewater trips.
- 90-110 mi: the Flower Garden Banks.
Williams Party Boats 12-hour trips run up to 80 mi to reefs, structures and rigs. Just Cast Charters runs a 60-75 mi bluewater trip that lists amberjack.
The run out of the jetties
Every run in this guide is measured from the Galveston jetties. The north jetty is at Bolivar and the south jetty is on Galveston Island, at the entrance channel. Ramps, the channel and the approach are in the Galveston port guide.
Reading conditions at NDBC 42035
The nearest NOAA buoy is the NDBC 42035 station page, 22 NM east of Galveston at 29.235 N 94.410 W.
Read its wind, wave height and period as numbers before you commit to a run, then check the NWS marine forecast. The buoy reports conditions at its own position, 22 NM east, which may differ from conditions at the structure you are running to.
Grounds and structure that hold amberjack off Galveston
Off Galveston, amberjack are fished over reefs, wrecks, oil rigs and offshore structure. The table runs from the departure point outward.
| Name | Direction / distance from the jetties | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| Galveston jetties | Entrance channel (departure point) | – |
| Big Man’s Nearshore Reef | About 20 mi southwest | – |
| Kate’s Nearshore Reef | About 20 mi southwest | – |
| Cerveza oil rig | Due south | – |
| Wrecks and rigs | 30-60 mi | – |
| Flower Garden Banks | 90-110 mi | 200-1000+ ft |
| Nansen oil rig | 100-130 mi | – |
Chart layers are not for navigation.
The same reefs, rigs and wrecks hold other reef fish. Our reef fish guides cover them.
Nearshore reefs
Big Man’s Nearshore Reef and Kate’s Nearshore Reef each lie roughly 20 mi southwest of the Galveston jetties. They are the nearest named structure in the table.
Cerveza and the 30-60 mi rigs and wrecks
The Cerveza oil rig is due south of the jetties. Wrecks and rigs at 30-60 mi make up the mid-range band, and bottom fishing over this structure is the local method.
Flower Garden Banks
The banks are 90-110 mi offshore, per Get Hooked, with depths of 200-1000+ ft. Those two numbers set your range planning.
Far rigs
The Nansen oil rig is 100-130 mi out and is known for yellowfin tuna night trips. It is the outermost distance marker in the table.
How amberjack are fished out of Galveston
The local method is bottom fishing over structure: reefs, wrecks and rigs. Williams Party Boats’ 12-hr trips run to reefs, structures and rigs, and Just Cast’s bluewater trip at 60-75 mi lists amberjack.
Tackle, baits and behavior are in the greater amberjack fishing guide.
Who fishes for amberjack out of Galveston
These Galveston charters list greater amberjack. If you are weighing a charter against running your own boat, this is the operator list:
- Galveston Offshore Fishing charters: Capt. Shannon LaBauve, 31 ft Oceanmaster Half Time.
- Get Hooked Charters (Galveston Fishing Adventures): Lists amberjack year-round, best in spring and summer, and puts the Flower Garden Banks at 90-110 mi.
- Williams Party Boats: Docked at Pier 19. Runs 12-hr trips up to 80 mi, and the 12-hr boat is shown as Capt. John.
- Galveston Sea Ventures: Lists greater amberjack.
- Up Above Adventures: Fleet includes Got Her Hooked (Viking 55 Convertible), Freeman, Second Chance and a Haynie Magnum.
- Just Cast Charters: 31 ft Ocean. Runs a 60-75 mi bluewater trip that lists amberjack.
FAQ: greater amberjack fishing out of Galveston
When is the best time for greater amberjack out of Galveston?
Greater amberjack are fished here year-round, and the best time is spring and summer, according to Get Hooked Charters. Plan the longer runs to the outer wrecks, rigs and banks for those months.
How far offshore do boats run for amberjack from Galveston?
Distances step out from the jetties. The nearshore reefs are about 20 mi southwest. Wrecks and rigs sit at 30-60 mi. Bluewater trips run 60-80 mi (Just Cast at 60-75 mi, Williams up to 80 mi). The Flower Garden Banks are 90-110 mi out.
What named structure is near Galveston?
Big Man’s Nearshore Reef and Kate’s Nearshore Reef are about 20 mi southwest of the jetties. The Cerveza oil rig is due south. The Flower Garden Banks lie at 200-1000+ ft. The Nansen rig, 100-130 mi out, is a yellowfin tuna night-trip rig.
Which buoy should I check before running out of Galveston?
NDBC 42035, 22 NM east of Galveston at 29.235 N 94.410 W, is the nearest NOAA buoy. Read its wind, wave height and period as numbers, then check the NWS marine forecast. The buoy reports its own position, not the structure you are heading to.
Which Galveston charters list greater amberjack?
Six list it: Galveston Offshore Fishing, Get Hooked Charters (Galveston Fishing Adventures), Williams Party Boats, Galveston Sea Ventures, Up Above Adventures and Just Cast Charters. Williams is docked at Pier 19 and runs 12-hr trips. Just Cast runs a 60-75 mi bluewater trip.
Where are the amberjack rules for a Galveston trip?
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department sets state rules, and NOAA Fisheries manages federal waters. Both can apply on runs this far out. Check each before fishing. Limits and seasons change, so this page prints no figures.
