Heading out to catch a fish isn’t always as simple as the books or movies like to make it.  You need to be prepared with the right gear and the right spots, but you also have to factor in the time of year — whatever it may be — and the time of day.  Both play off of each other and should be taken seriously in order to make your fishing trip worthwhile.  Take a look at some tips for the best times to fish successfully year-round.

Best times to fish year round

Think like a fish

Okay, so that might be a little off-putting, but it’s important!  When it comes to heading out to or on the water, it’s important that you consider what the fish is seeing, needing and feeling.  Since fish are cold-blooded, they aren’t around much in the colder temperatures.  Luckily for us here in the Galveston Texas area, we don’t get much of the colder weather.

Fish will be most active when it is sunny and warm.  Since they often eat bugs or smaller fish (that hunt bugs), they’ll also be most active when the bugs are active.  In order to catch fish, you must first become — sorta — the fish and plan accordingly.

Be one with the mosquitos

On that same note, you can bet that you’ll be able to get some great catches when there are clouds of mosquitos and other biting bugs aplenty.  While it might not be the most comfortable thing for you, the popularity means that you’ll get a good catch. You may want to plan for your personal comfort on this front and be sure the fish are the only ones biting!

What time of year is it?

The time of year is also going to factor in to your fishing schedule.  In the spring, you’ll want to stay downwind and be aware of the fact that can be on-again, off-again depending on the day.  Remember to look for biting bugs and use that to guide your efforts.  As you may have guessed, the summer can be good for fishing, though fish will deep-dive in the hottest hours of the day, so you’ll want to head out just before the sun comes up or goes down.

In the fall, it can be on-again, off-again, but when it’s “on”, it’s really good fishing.  Perhaps the best all year.  In order to get the fish at their most active, go for the end of the day or just after dusk, as they’re often out hunting for their supper in preparation for the cooler winter months that mean less bugs (like animals who prepare for hibernation).  In winter, the results can go back and forth depending on the day, the amount of sunlight and the temperature. And we surely know about the bipolar weather here in Galveston Texas!  Typically, the best time of day would be late afternoon with the sun and the temperature at the best and the bugs come out to play.

When in doubt, go with a pro

It can be hard figuring out which time is best for fish, especially if you are new to it. Consider going with a fishing charter.  These are professional-led angling expeditions and for sure a good time. They can get you off of the beach and offer you new spots as well as advice on getting quality catch as much as possible, year-round.

The time of year and time of day will dictate how successful your fishing trip is, but if you can be one with the fish and accept a little bit of guidance, you’ll be on the right track! Contact Galveston Fishing Charters at (713) 724-9939 to book your next fishing experience! We look forward to fishing with ya’ll.