Best Place to Fish on Texas City Dike

Are you an avid angler looking for the best place to fish in Texas City? Look no further than Texas City Dike. Known as one of the top fishing spots in the state, this expansive pier jutting out into Galveston Bay is home to a diverse range of fish species that will have any angler’s heart racing with anticipation.

But with so many areas to cast your line, where exactly is the best spot on Texas City Dike for prime fishing? As any experienced fisherman knows, finding the right spot can be the difference between reeling in a trophy-sized catch or going home empty-handed. That’s why we’ve done the research and compiled a guide to help you find the optimal location on Texas City Dike for your next fishing expedition.

Whether you’re targeting speckled trout, redfish, or flounder, our guide will provide insider tips and expert advice on where to drop your bait and reel in those elusive bites. So grab your rod and tackle box, and get ready to experience some of the best fishing Texas has to offer.

Discovering Texas City Dike: A Popular Fishing Spot

Texas City Dike is one of the best fishing spots located in Galveston Bay, Texas. This man-made dike was constructed in the 1930s to protect the shoreline from erosion and has now become a popular recreational spot for anglers. The dike stretches out to about five miles and offers a spectacular view of the bay waters.

Anglers can catch a variety of fish such as Redfish, Speckled Trout, Flounder, Sheepshead, Black Drum, Croaker, and many more at Texas City Dike. It’s also known as a great spot for crabbing. The area is surrounded by marshes where crabs are abundant.

In addition to fishing opportunities, Texas City Dike also offers amenities such as picnic tables, restrooms, and parking facilities for visitors’ convenience. It’s a perfect place for family outings or weekend getaways.

History of Texas City Dike

Texas City Dike was built in the 1930s as part of the project to deepen the Houston Ship Channel. The primary purpose of constructing this dike was to prevent sedimentation in Galveston Bay caused by dredging activities. Over time it became popular among anglers and crabbers due to its unique location and abundance of marine life.

The Location of Texas City Dike

Texas City Dike is located on the eastern side of Galveston Bay near the city of Texas City in Galveston County. It’s easily accessible from Houston via I-45 South or Highway 146 South.

The Best Types of Fish to Catch at Texas City Dike and When to Catch Them

Texas City Dike provides an excellent opportunity for anglers to catch various species of fish throughout the year. Different types of fish are abundant depending on the season and weather conditions.

Speckled Trout

Speckled Trout is one of the most popular fish species to catch at Texas City Dike. They are most active during the fall and winter months when water temperatures drop around 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit. Anglers can use live shrimp, mullet, or soft plastic lures to catch these fish.

Redfish

Redfish is another common species found in Galveston Bay. They are usually caught around oyster reefs or grass beds using live bait such as shrimp, crab, or cut bait. The best time to catch Redfish is during the summer months from June to September.

Flounder

Flounder is a bottom-dwelling species that can be found in shallow waters near Texas City Dike. They are commonly caught using live shrimp or finger mullet as bait. The best time to catch Flounder is during the fall and winter months when water temperatures range between 50-65 degrees Fahrenheit.

Regulations and Restrictions for Fishing at Texas City Dike

Fishing regulations and restrictions must be followed in Texas City Dike to ensure sustainable fishing practices and preserve marine life.

Licenses Required

Texas Parks and Wildlife requires anglers aged 17 years and above to have a valid Texas fishing license before fishing in public waters. A saltwater stamp endorsement may also be required for fishing in saltwater areas.

Bait Restrictions

There are no restrictions on the use of artificial lures at Texas City Dike. However, there are some restrictions on bait usage which include:

• No more than two poles per person.
• No more than six hooks per pole.
• No more than two baits per hook.
• No cast nets allowed within 100 yards of the dike.

Catch and Release

Catch and release is encouraged at Texas City Dike to maintain sustainable fishing practices. Anglers should release all undersized or unwanted fish back into the water immediately.

The Ultimate Guide to Bait and Tackle for Fishing at Texas City Dike

Using the right bait and tackle is essential for catching fish at Texas City Dike. Here’s a guide on the best bait and tackle for different species of fish found in Galveston Bay.

Bait

• Live shrimp: Best for Speckled Trout, Redfish, Flounder, Sheepshead, Black Drum, and other species found in Galveston Bay.
• Mullet: Works well for catching Speckled Trout, Redfish, and Flounder.
• Crab: Best for catching Redfish around oyster reefs or grass beds.
• Cut bait: Good for catching Catfish, Redfish, and other bottom-dwelling species found in Galveston Bay.

Tackle

• Rods: Medium to heavy action rods with a length between 6-7 feet are ideal for fishing at Texas City Dike.
• Reels: Spinning reels with a high gear ratio are suitable for catching fast-moving fish like Speckled Trout or Redfish. Baitcasting reels work well for heavier lures or baits like live mullet or crab.
• Line: Monofilament lines with a test strength between 10-20 pounds are ideal for fishing at Texas City Dike. Braided lines can also be used for heavier lures or baits.
• Terminal Tackle: Hooks, weights, and leaders are essential components of fishing gear. Circle hooks are recommended for catch and release practices. Egg sinkers or split shot weights work well for bottom fishing, and fluorocarbon leaders provide invisibility to the bait.

Fishing at Texas City Dike: Is There a Specific Time of Day That’s Better?

The best time of day to fish at Texas City Dike depends on the species of fish you’re targeting.

Morning Fishing

Morning hours between 6 am-10 am are ideal for catching Speckled Trout or Redfish. These fish are most active during low light conditions and tend to feed in shallow waters around oyster reefs or grass beds.

Afternoon Fishing

Afternoon hours between 2 pm-6 pm are suitable for catching Flounder. As the water temperature drops during the fall season, Flounder tends to move from deeper waters to shallow flats near the shore.

Night Fishing

Nighttime is an excellent opportunity for catching Sheepshead, Black Drum, or Catfish that feed on crabs around the dike pilings. Anglers can use live shrimp or cut bait as bait during night fishing sessions.

Amenities and Facilities Available for Anglers at Texas City Dike

Texas City Dike offers various amenities and facilities for anglers’ convenience while fishing.

• Parking: Ample parking space is available along the dike area.
• Picnic Tables: Picnic tables with shelters are available along the dike area where visitors can enjoy their meals while enjoying scenic views of Galveston Bay.
• Restrooms: Portable restrooms are available at various locations along the dike area for visitors’ convenience.
• Fishing Platforms: Fishing platforms are built along the dike area where anglers can cast their lines or crab nets while enjoying the scenic views of Galveston Bay.

Avoiding the Crowds During Peak Fishing Season at Texas City Dike

Texas City Dike can get crowded during peak fishing seasons, especially on weekends and holidays. Here are some tips to avoid the crowds.

• Fishing Early Morning Hours: Arriving early in the morning before sunrise is a good way to avoid crowds. You can also catch some of the most active species like Speckled Trout and Redfish during this time.
• Fishing on Weekdays: Avoid fishing on weekends or holidays when crowds are more prevalent. Weekdays are usually less crowded, providing more opportunities for angling and crabbing.
• Fishing on Unpopular Spots: Try fishing on less popular spots along Texas City Dike that are away from crowds.

Nearby Restaurants and Accommodations for Your Next Fishing Trip to Texas City Dike

There are several restaurants and accommodations available near Texas City Dike for visitors planning a fishing trip.

Restaurants

• Topwater Grill: A seafood restaurant located near the entrance of Texas City Dike offering fresh seafood dishes, burgers, and drinks with bay views.
• Bubba’s Shrimp Palace: A casual seafood restaurant serving fried shrimp, po’ boys, gumbo, and other seafood dishes located near Texas City Dike.
• Tookie’s Hamburgers & More: A family-owned burger joint serving classic burgers, fries, and other American dishes located near Texas City Dike.

Accommodations

• Comfort Inn & Suites Texas City: A hotel located near Texas City Dike offering comfortable rooms, free Wi-Fi, and breakfast.
• La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Texas City: A budget-friendly hotel located near Texas City Dike offering clean and comfortable rooms, free breakfast, and Wi-Fi.
• Candlewood Suites League City: An extended-stay hotel located near Texas City Dike offering spacious suites with fully equipped kitchens, a fitness center, and laundry facilities.

Overall, Texas City Dike is the ultimate destination for fishing enthusiasts seeking a variety of fish species and a relaxing environment. With its stunning views and abundant marine life, it has become the best place to fish in Texas City.

Frequently Asked Questions about Best Place to Fish on Texas City Dike

Which side of Texas City Dike is best for fishing?
The dike offers great fishing opportunities on both sides. One side has beautiful beaches suitable for families to swim and fish, while the other side is perfect for fishing alone.

What fish are biting at the Texas City Dike?
If you’re fishing at the end of the dike in Galveston Bay, you’ll find Bull Redfish and Big Uglies. For Bull Redfish, head to the channel on either jetty and use cut mullet, sand trout, or crab as bait. Sheepshead and Specks can also be found on the jetties, and can be caught with shrimp under a popping cork or free line shrimp near the rocks.

Are there sharks in Texas City Dike?
The most frequently caught sharks are Blacktip Sharks, as well as Hammerhead, Bonnethead, Bull, Tiger, and Spinner Sharks. This information was reported on February 16th, 2023.

How deep is Texas City Dike?
In 1977, a proposal was made to increase the width of the channel from 100 feet to 1,200 feet, deepen it from 34 feet to 40 feet, and widen the entrance from 250 feet to 400 feet, as stated by Vander Bosch (1977, p. 2).

Is today a good day to fish in Texas City?
The current fishing conditions are moderate to good. Fishing during the early morning or evening hours may increase your chances of catching fish.

What is the rarest fish to catch in Texas?
The Guadalupe bass is a rare type of fish that is recognized as the official state fish of Texas. Even though it is not well-known around the world, it is a common target for anglers in central Texas who enjoy fishing for this species.