Highport Marina sits on the upper end of Galveston Bay near Texas City, offering bay and nearshore access without the crowds of central Galveston

Highport Marina is a working commercial and recreational facility on the western side of upper Galveston Bay, roughly 20 miles northwest of downtown Galveston. The marina serves as a launch point for bay fishing—redfish, spotted seatrout, and flounder in the shallows—and for trips into the Gulf of Mexico when conditions allow. Unlike the larger marinas closer to Galveston's tourist core, Highport is quieter and less expensive, which makes it useful if you're targeting specific bay structure or want to avoid weekend congestion.

Access is straightforward: the marina sits off Highway 146 near the Texas City Dike, a long causeway that creates distinct water conditions on either side. The facility has wet slips, dry storage, fuel, and a boat launch. Most visiting anglers use the public launch rather than renting slips, and the marina caters to both charter operations and private boats. Parking is available, though it fills during peak seasons (spring and fall) and on weekends.

Key Takeaways

  • Highport Marina launches into upper Galveston Bay and has direct access to nearshore Gulf waters when conditions permit.
  • The facility offers fuel, a public boat launch, and tackle supplies, but you should call ahead during busy seasons to confirm launch availability.
  • Redfish and spotted seatrout dominate the bay; flounder and Spanish mackerel appear seasonally in deeper channels and nearshore.
  • The Texas City Dike creates two distinct fishing zones—the bay side and the Gulf side—each with different depth, structure, and species patterns.
  • A Texas saltwater fishing license is required for all anglers 17 and older; charter trips may include the license in the fee.

What Species You'll Find and When

Redfish are the most reliable target year-round in upper Galveston Bay. They hold in shallow flats, around marsh edges, and in the deeper channels near the dike. Spring (March through May) and fall (September through November) are peak seasons; summer heat pushes them into deeper water and early morning or dusk bites. Winter fishing is possible but slower, especially after cold fronts.

Spotted seatrout follow a similar pattern but prefer slightly deeper water and structure—channel ledges, oyster reefs, and the deeper side of the dike. They bite best in spring and fall and are most active in the early morning. Summer trout fishing slows considerably as water temperatures climb above 90 degrees.

Flounder move into the bay from the Gulf in fall (September through November) and stay through early spring. They concentrate in the deeper channels and around the dike structure. Winter flounder fishing can be excellent if you target the right depth and structure. By late spring, most flounder have moved back to deeper Gulf water.

Spanish mackerel appear in nearshore water (5 to 15 miles out) from late spring through early fall. They require a boat capable of handling Gulf conditions and are not a reliable bay target. Tarpon show up in the bay during summer months but are rare and unpredictable.

Launch Conditions and Tides

The public launch at Highport is a single-lane concrete ramp suitable for center-console and bay boats up to roughly 24 feet. During peak seasons (spring break, summer weekends, and fall), the launch can have a wait of 30 minutes to an hour. Calling the marina before you arrive is the only way to know current conditions and whether the launch is backed up.

Tides in upper Galveston Bay are mild—typically 1 to 2 feet—but they matter for shallow-water fishing. Low tide exposes flats and makes navigation tricky; high tide pushes fish into shallower feeding zones. The Texas City Dike creates a tidal funnel, so water moves faster through the channels on either side. Incoming tide (flood) is generally more productive than outgoing (ebb) for redfish and trout in the shallows.

Wind is the biggest variable. Upper Galveston Bay is exposed to the north and west, so northerly winds chop the water and make shallow-water fishing difficult. Southeasterly winds are gentler and often improve bite conditions. Check the forecast before launching; a 15-knot north wind can make the bay uncomfortable for smaller boats.

Tackle, Bait, and Technique

For redfish and trout in the shallows, light spinning tackle (6 to 7 feet, 15- to 20-pound braid) is standard. Soft plastics—3- to 4-inch paddle-tail shads in natural colors (pearl, chartreuse, bone)—work year-round. Live bait (mullet, shrimp, pinfish) is effective but requires more setup and is less practical if you're launching from a public ramp.

Flounder fishing calls for slightly heavier tackle and live bait or large soft plastics (4 to 5 inches). Fish the deeper channels and the base of the dike structure, keeping your bait or lure near the bottom. Jigging with a 1/2- to 1-ounce head is the most efficient technique in deeper water.

Spanish mackerel and other nearshore species require medium spinning or light conventional tackle and small metal jigs or live baitfish. Nearshore fishing is not practical from Highport unless you have a boat rated for Gulf conditions and experience reading offshore structure.

Regulations and Licensing

Texas requires a saltwater fishing license for all anglers 17 and older. You can purchase a license online through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) website or at the marina if they sell them. A one-day license costs less than a year-round license and is useful if you're visiting once. Licenses are tied to your name and driver's license number, so bring ID to the boat.

Bag limits and size restrictions change by species and are enforced. Redfish have a 3-fish daily limit with a 18- to 28-inch slot (you can keep one over 28 inches). Spotted seatrout have a 10-fish limit with a 12-inch minimum. Flounder have a 10-fish limit with a 14-inch minimum. Check the current TPWD regulations before you fish; limits and sizes are updated annually.

If you hire a charter, the captain holds a commercial license and typically includes your fishing license in the trip fee. Confirm this when you book.

Getting to Highport Marina and What to Bring

Highport Marina is located at 1502 Marina Drive, Texas City, Texas 77590. From Galveston, take Highway 146 north toward Texas City. The marina is on the bay side of Highway 146, just before the Texas City Dike. GPS coordinates are approximately 29.37°N, 94.93°W. Parking is free, and the facility is open during daylight hours year-round.

Bring a valid Texas fishing license (or purchase one at the marina), sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and water. The bay offers no shade once you're away from the marina, and sun exposure is intense even on cloudy days. A hat and long sleeves reduce fatigue and sunburn. If you're launching your own boat, arrive early during peak seasons and have your boat ready to launch quickly—the ramp is single-lane and anglers behind you will be waiting.

Fuel is available at the marina, and prices are competitive with other Galveston-area marinas. A small tackle shop at the marina stocks basics (hooks, weights, soft plastics), but selection is limited. Bring your own tackle or stop at a larger shop in Texas City or Galveston before you launch.

Charter Boats and Guided Trips

Several charter captains operate out of Highport, offering half-day and full-day bay trips as well as nearshore Gulf trips. Bay trips typically target redfish and trout and run 4 to 6 hours. Nearshore trips go 6 to 8 hours and target Spanish mackerel, kingfish, and other Gulf species. Prices vary by trip length and season; call the marina for current charter operator contact information.

Charter trips include tackle, bait, and a fishing license. The captain handles navigation and knows the current bite patterns. This is a good option if you don't own a boat or want to learn the bay from someone who fishes it regularly. Book in advance during spring and fall; summer and winter trips are easier to book last-minute.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I launch a kayak or canoe from Highport?

Yes, though the marina is designed for motorized boats. There is no dedicated kayak launch, so you'll need to carry your kayak to the water's edge or use the boat ramp during slow periods. The bay near the marina is shallow and suitable for kayak fishing, but stay aware of motorboat traffic and the strong currents near the dike.

What's the difference between fishing the bay side and the Gulf side of the Texas City Dike?

The bay side (west) is shallower, calmer, and holds redfish and trout year-round. The Gulf side (east) is deeper, more exposed to wind and swell, and attracts flounder, Spanish mackerel, and other Gulf species. Most visiting anglers fish the bay side because it's easier to navigate and requires a smaller boat.

Is there a best time of day to fish Highport?

Early morning (sunrise to mid-morning) is most productive for redfish and trout. Flounder bite throughout the day but are most active in early morning and late afternoon. Wind typically picks up in the afternoon, making the bay rougher. Plan to launch at dawn if you want the best conditions.

Do I need a boat to fish Highport, or can I fish from shore?

Highport is a marina facility, not a public pier or shore-fishing area. You need a boat to fish from Highport. If you want to fish without a boat, the nearby Texas City Dike has public access and allows shore fishing; it's a short drive from the marina.

What should I do if the launch is crowded when I arrive?

Call the marina before you leave home to ask about current launch traffic. If it's backed up, you can wait (typically 30 minutes to an hour during peak times) or come back later in the day when traffic slows. Launching in late afternoon is often faster than morning, though you'll have less daylight to fish.