Fishing is fishing, right?  Wrong.  There are many types of fishing, and it’s important to know the differences of each kind.  Today we’ll discuss offshore and inshore fishing so that you can determine which one – if any – is better for you and your needs or situation.

Inshore fishing

Often popular for those who want to be able to fish year-round, you can find speckled trout and redfish at all times, regardless of the weather when you are fishing inshore.  With this kind of fishing, you can rely on a fishing charter, your own motorboat of even a canoe or kayak and you can basically fish for a couple of hours and then go home.  Your expenses will be minimal and you can still enjoy a good catch.  You’ll be able to use light tackle and less equipment as well.

There are, without question some benefits to inshore fishing.  You don’t need to be seasonally aware as much, you can rely on simpler/lighter equipment, and go out in a canoe.  That being said, you also don’t have quite as much selection in terms of your catch.

Offshore fishing

The baby step to offshore fishing is near shore fishing, of course.  You’ll be able to catch shark from May to September, and tarpon and kingfish from June to September.  This can serve as a great introduction to true offshore fishing in the gear, expense and charter rental.

When you’re looking to go fishing truly off shore, you can head between 20-30 mile offshore and you’ll be in the zone to get those special catches that you’re looking for.  You can find all sorts of great catches depending on when you head out to the depths to find them.  Red snapper, for example are best caught between June to August.  Kingfish are caught between June to September.  Ling and Dorado are both found offshore in the summer months.

When offshore fishing, it does tend to take longer.  Since you’re travelling much farther out, you will have to block the day off (usually not an issue for any angler) in order to get TO the quality fishing that you’re looking for.  This often means a bigger boat for comfort and more ice for your catch, all of which can mean more expense.  Of course, the time of year will also determine your comfort as well as what you’ll catch.  You will need to work with the weather (more-so than inshore fishing) and factor that into your schedule and pricing.

The bottom line

If you’re going fishing for the sake of fishing, you may find inshore fishing to provide you with the entertainment and experience that you’re looking for.  You may however want a different catch and a longer trip with a different view. Keep in mind that a fishing charter in Galveston can take you where you need to go for that quality catch, assist with what you need to bring with you and provide the boat, which is usually the biggest expense.  What it all comes down to is that everyone’s “best” is different and it depends on the goals that you set. Contact Galveston Fishing Charters at (713) 724-9939  for your next nearshore or offshore fishing trip. We have the best seasoned captains to provide you with the best fishing experience!