Top 20 Best Bait Shops in Galveston TX
When it comes to fishing in Galveston, TX, having the right bait can make all the difference between a good day on the water and a great one. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting out, knowing where to find high-quality bait is essential.
In this guide, we’ll take you through the top 20 best bait shops in Galveston, each offering a unique selection of live bait, tackle, and expert advice to help you reel in your next big catch. Let’s explore the top spots that cater to every fisherman’s needs in this coastal paradise.
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List of 20 Best Bait Shops in Galveston TX
| Shop Name | Rating | Reviews | Address | Hours | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aunt Margie’s Bait and Seafood Market | 4.5 | 533 | 1811 61st St, Galveston, TX 77551 | Open ⋅ Closes 12 AM | (409) 744-6930 | http://auntmargiesbaitandseafood.net/ |
| Bayou Bait & Tackle | 4.4 | 491 | 6427 Broadway St, Galveston, TX 77551 | Open ⋅ Closes 10 PM | (409) 741-2283 | http://www.bayoubt.com/ |
| Smitty’s Bait House | 4.5 | 258 | 7805 Broadway St, Galveston, TX 77554 | Open ⋅ Closes 10 PM | (409) 744-7705 | http://www.smittysbait.com/ |
| Bite Me Bait & Tackle | 4.6 | 21 | 1811 61st St, Galveston, TX 77551 | Open ⋅ Closes 8 PM | (409) 744-5353 | |
| Bait Daddys Seawolf | 5 | 8 | 100 Seawolf Park Blvd, Galveston, TX 77550 | Open ⋅ Closes 9 PM | (409) 310-1321 | |
| Galveston’s 61st Street Fishing Pier | 4.5 | 1404 | 6101 Seawall Blvd, Galveston, TX 77551 | Open 24 hours | (409) 744-8365 | http://www.61stpier.com/ |
| West Marine | 4.5 | 85 | 5926 Broadway Avenue J, Galveston, TX 77551 | Open ⋅ Closes 5 PM | (409) 741-8052 | https://www.westmarine.com/stores/galveston-tx-199/ |
| Gulf Coast Bait &Tackle | 5 | 5 | 6127 Broadway St, Galveston, TX 77551 | Open ⋅ Closes 10 PM | (409) 260-2248 | |
| Fat Boys Bait and Tackle | 4.2 | 184 | 403 Jones Lake Rd, Galveston, TX 77554 | Open ⋅ Closes 8 PM | (409) 655-5150 | |
| North Jetty Bait Camp | 4.3 | 277 | 802 17th St, Port Bolivar, TX 77650 | Open ⋅ Closes 6 PM | (409) 888-2287 | https://northjettybaitcamp.com/ |
| Island Seafood | 4.3 | 122 | 1923 61st St, Galveston, TX 77551 | Open ⋅ Closes 8 PM | (409) 744-4080 | |
| Joe’s Bait & Crabs | 4.9 | 126 | 724 Nelson Ave, Port Bolivar, TX 77650 | Open ⋅ Closes 5 PM | (409) 684-8311 | |
| Mateo’s Bait & Tackle | 601 23rd St #8081, Galveston, TX 77553 | Open ⋅ Closes 5 PM | (409) 223-7755 | https://www.mateosbaitandtackle.com/ | ||
| Lee’s Bait & Tackle | 4 | 230 | 230 Dike Rd, Texas City, TX 77590 | Open ⋅ Closes 8 PM | (409) 945-5675 | |
| Boyd’s One Stop | 4 | 401 | 227 Dike Rd Building #1, Texas City, TX 77590 | Open 24 hours | (409) 945-4001 | https://boydsonestop.com/ |
| Academy Sports + Outdoors | 4.3 | 1989 | 4523 Fort Crockett Blvd, Galveston, TX 77551 | Open ⋅ Closes 9 PM | (409) 941-6550 | https://www.academy.com/storelocator/texas/galveston/store-0015 |
| B & B Sportfishing | 5 | 1 | 715 N Holiday Dr, Galveston, TX 77550 | Open ⋅ Closes 10 PM | (409) 988-8888 | https://bbsportfishing.com/ |
| Galveston Fishing Company | 5 | 23 | 2509 Market St, Galveston, TX 77550 | Closed ⋅ Opens 10 AM Wed | (409) 974-4659 | https://www.galvestonfishingcompany.com/ |
| Bait Daddys | 4.9 | 100 | 17630 Termini-San Luis Pass Rd, Galveston, TX 77554 | Open ⋅ Closes 6:30 PM | (409) 632-7156 | |
| Galveston Bait & Tackle | 4.5 | 434 | 9301 Broadway St, Galveston, TX 77554 | Open ⋅ Closes 5 PM | (409) 740-1185 | https://galvestonbaitandtackle.com/ |
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Criteria for Choosing the Best Bait Shops in Galveston TX
When choosing the best bait shop in Galveston, a few key factors should guide your decision. First off, the quality and variety of bait—whether you’re after live shrimp or frozen mullet—make a huge difference.
Shops like Galveston Bait and Tackle stand out by offering an impressive selection from live croakers to offshore options like Spanish sardines. You’ll find convenient hours here too, open as early as 5 AM.
Proximity to popular fishing spots is crucial. Bait Daddy’s at Seawolf Park is perfect for anglers heading to the pier, and it’s known for friendly service. Another great choice is Aunt Margie’s Bait and Seafood, centrally located and offering free parking, a big perk if you’re hauling gear.
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Tips for Buying Bait in Galveston TX
When buying bait in Galveston, it’s all about timing and knowing what works best for local fish. If you’re aiming for Redfish or Speckled Trout, live shrimp is usually the way to go—especially in the warmer months.
But frozen mullet or squid might be just what you need when you’re after bigger catches like Flounder. Some experts believe live bait triggers more action from predatory fish, while frozen bait might be ideal for bottom-feeders or when fishing off piers.
Local shops like Bait Daddy’s often carry a good mix of both options, depending on the season. As summer heats up, you’ll probably find live croakers or finger mullet in demand, especially for offshore fishing.
During the cooler months, dead shrimp and squid become the go-to choices for inshore fishing, when fish tend to stay closer to the seabed.
The trick is knowing when to choose live over frozen, and always asking the locals what’s working best that week!
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Final Thoughts on Bait Shops in Galveston TX
In conclusion, Galveston, TX, offers an abundance of top-notch bait shops that cater to every angler’s needs. Whether you’re in search of live shrimp, fresh mullet, or specialty tackle, these 20 shops provide quality products and expert knowledge to help ensure a successful fishing trip.
From local favorites to hidden gems, each shop brings something unique to the table, making it easier for you to find exactly what you need.
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FAQs on Bait Shops in Galveston TX
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What is the best bait for Galveston, Texas?
For those new to fishing in Galveston Bay, live bait is your best bet. The most popular live bait for stationary fishing in the deeper waters of the bay is live shrimp. Whether you’re a casual angler or someone with a waterfront home, live shrimp works wonders for attracting fish in Galveston’s waters.
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Does Galveston Fishing Pier sell bait?
Yes, Galveston Fishing Pier does sell bait, including squid for around $4. You can also rent fishing poles for about $10 if needed. The pier is open 24 hours a day, making it a convenient option for anglers. Be sure to check specific pier policies, as some may have varying hours.
Is it legal to fish in Galveston?
Yes, fishing is legal in Galveston, and the area is known for its excellent year-round fishing opportunities, with more than 100 species of fish available. However, if you’re over 17, you must have a fishing license to fish in most areas. You can check the local fishing license requirements at the Texas Parks & Wildlife website.
What is the best fish to catch in Galveston?
Some of the best fish to catch in Galveston Bay include Redfish, Speckled Trout, Flounder, Black Drum, and Sheepshead. These species are favorites among both locals and visitors due to their abundance and the challenge they offer. You can enjoy fishing through various methods, including charter, shore, and kayak fishing.
