So, you’re sitting at home, and you decide it’s time for a road trip – a fishing road trip. Aim your vehicle for the Gulf Coast – the Gulf Coast is easily accessible from most of the United States, and it’s usually less than a day’s drive. The Gulf Coast is also a fisherman’s paradise. There are many spots that will offer opportunities for both the land-based fishermen and those with the ability to go out on a boat.
Stretching from Texas to Florida, a 1,600-mile arc of endless angling opportunities. From redfish in the shallows to snapper in the channels and reefs, a Gulf Coast fishing trip offers tons of prospects. It will provide a change of scenery to recharge your batteries. Pack your tackle, fuel up the truck, and head south – unless you’re in Florida.
Galveston, Texas
Galveston is just 50 miles from Houston. The jewel of this barrier island is Galveston Bay. In this 600-square-mile fishery, you will likely encounter speckled trout, redfish, and flounder. If you’re limited to land-based excursions, you can wade the flats at East Beach for bull reds. If you can afford to hop on a charter from the Galveston Yacht Basin for black drum around the jetties.
If flexible, time your visit to coincide with the fall mullet run, which attracts large numbers of predators. After reeling in limits, refuel with fresh Gulf oysters at Gaido’s Seafood Restaurant. They can also prepare your catch fresh to order. Then point your vehicle east on I-45 toward Louisiana, a quick 3-hour passage.
Holly Beach, Louisiana
Louisiana’s Holly Beach is part of the “Cajun Riviera” and a relatively lesser spot in Cameron Parish. Here, the roads will hug the marshy shoreline and never lose sight of the Gulf. This spot is known for crabbing and speckled trout in the shallow bays. There are plenty of opportunities to wade in with popping corks and live shrimp for a better-than-average chance of getting a stringer of keeper trout. If you have a kayak, there are multiple public access points you can paddle from. The calm waters are ideal for kayak fishing – but be mindful of the alligators eyeing your bait.
Holly Beach is also camping-friendly. At the Holly Beach RV Park, join in for the sunset bonfires, then feast on boiled crawfish at the many roadside boil houses.
Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama
Another 3-hour drive along US-90 is Alabama’s Emerald Coast with sugar-white sands and dazzling emerald colored waters. Here you will also find the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, a hotspot for pompano and tripletail. Fish the Gulf State Park Pier for Spanish mackerel without a boat or book a half-day charter from Zeke’s Landing Marina for nearshore reefs loaded with sheepshead. In summer, target red snapper offshore, but the season can be short, so plan accordingly.
If your family is tagging along, the area’s dolphin cruises provide an enjoyable and memorable experience for kids and adults of all ages. If you need a place to stay, check out Airbnb for the endless supply of beachfront condos available at all price points. Having a home base for your stay will also provide a place to grill your catch. If your schedule permits, take some time to explore Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail and soak in the local flora and fauna.
Destin, Florida
Another 2 hours east, you run into Destin, Florida, the self-proclaimed “World’s Luckiest Fishing Village.” Choctawhatchee Bay and the nearshore Gulf can deliver amberjack, grouper, and king mackerel. Hire a local guide and troll the many area crab traps for tripletail or venture further out for pelagics or bottom-fish wreck fishing.
For inshore thrills, wade or pole the flats near Grayton Beach State Park for sight-casting to tailing redfish. In this area, spring brings cobia migrations and fall heralds the arrival of massive bull reds.
Beyond fishing, hit the Destin Harbor Boardwalk for waterfront eats like blackened fish tacos or the local fish and chips.
Boca Grande, Florida
Now, point your caravan east, then south to Boca Grande, Florida. It’s another seven hours 7-hour drive south on the Gulf side, but it’s well worth it and could end up being the highlight of your trip. Charlotte Harbor may hold the tightest concentration of giant tarpon anywhere in the United States. There is a reason they are known as the “Tarpon Capital of the World.”
From May to July, silver kings weighing as much as 200 pounds invade the area passes and attract fishermen from all over the world. On some days, the main passes look like a parking lot, and the fishermen may outnumber fish – just kidding, not likely.
There are plenty of opportunities to wade the beaches, or if you have access to a boat, drift the many passes with live crabs for snook, permit, and tarpon.
Considerations
This Gulf Coast trip can be done as a long trek, or pick one spot, really explore, and get to know it. The scenery and sunsets can be spectacular. Best seasons? Spring and fall dodge summer heat and crowds. Gear up with polarized shades, 20-pound braid, and a valid fishing license. Different states have different requirements and options. If you are considering a fishing charter, the average cost is $500-800 for half-days. Boat size and trip duration will obviously impact the price. If you don’t plan on eating your catch, please practice catch-and-release. Whether solo or with crew, the Gulf has something to offer everyone. Grab your keys and head south, the Guld awaits.
