What if we told you that you never even have to set foot on a boat to capture one of the ocean’s greatest predators? Gulf Coast Yaker is based in Gilchrist, Texas, but is known for helping anglers of all skill levels reel in sharks in Galveston, Matagorda Beach, Brian Beach, Surfside Beach, and all along the Texas Coast. We’re a top choice for local anglers because we make each fishing trip easy and relaxing by providing all of the equipment, accommodations, and guidance needed to create an outstanding shark fishing experience.
Call today to learn more about our Texas land-based shark fishing packages for groups. For more information about Texas’ shark fishing guidelines and answers to frequently asked questions about the sport keep reading!
Land-Based Shark Fishing
Gulf Coast Yaker– The Premier Coastal Shark Fishing Guide
Pro shark angler Steven Callaway started Gulf Coast Yaker because he’s happiest when he’s fishing and wants to create an environment where anyone who’s interested in the sport can learn more or just have a great time on the beach. It’s just a bonus that he gets to sit beachside with fishing enthusiasts all day.
GCY makes shark fishing easy because we provide everything anglers need to make an impressive catch. When you book with Gulf Coast Yaker, you’ll have access to an 8 to 10-foot lifted platform, shark rods and reels, and Steven himself will be available to help you use drones, jet skis, and kayaks to set the shark bait.
Texas Surf Fish
Get ready to catch some impressive fish when you book a surf fishing trip with Gulf Coast Yaker! Based in Gilchrest, Texas, we’re a top local fishing guide proudly equipping new and experienced anglers with everything they need to reel in a catch they can brag about.
Surf fishing is a fun and rewarding land-based game that’s perfect for anglers of all ages. If you, your family, or your friends are in dire need of some fun and relaxation– head to the shore and start surfcasting. Gulf Coast Yaker specializes in catching whiting, trout, pompano, and if you really feel like showing off– we might even be able to help you get a big ol’ redfish.
Ready for more good news? You can surf fish virtually year-round in Texas. A lot of people hook lively saltwater fish throughout the fall and early winter.
By now, you’re probably wondering what types of surf fish are swimming along the shores of the Gulf of Mexico. From the North Jetty on the Southern end of the Bolivar Peninsula to Corpus Christi and South Padre Island– you’ll see red drums, black drums, pompanos, whitings, catfish, and a variety of other surf fish.
Fishing Prices
All of Gulf Coast Yaker’s shark fishing packages include everything an angler needs to catch a shark, bait placement up to 1,000 yards out, and covers fees for up to five people. And if you want to add more people to your party, it’s just an additional $50 per person!
- 4 hours starts at $500
- 6 hours starts at $650
- 8 hours starts at $800
- 10 hours starts at $900
- 14 hours starts at $1100
- 16 hours starts at $1300
- 24 hours starts at $1800
the Texas surf fish and shark fishing information
Texas Parks & Wildlife– Shark Fishing Guidelines
TPWD is the state agency charged with protecting Texas wildlife and their habitats. Gulf Coast Yaker abides by the regulations they’ve set for the good of the local shark population and in hopes that this sport will be around for generations to come.
The TPWD only permits Texas anglers to take home one shark per day and it must be an approved shark species. If your shark fishing party contains five people, then you would only be able to take home five approved sharks following your shark-fishing excursion.
The state also enforces a two-shark possession limit.
Atlantic Sharpnose, Blacktip, and Bonnethead sharks must all be 24 inches or larger to be kept. The Hammerhead shark must be larger than 99 inches, and all other approved shark species must meet a minimum requirement of 64 inches.
The sharks that you can fish for in Texas include the:
- Atlantic Sharpnose
- Blacktip
- Bonnethead
- Hammerhead
- Bull
- Finetooth
- Spinner
- Lemon
- Blacknose
- Thresher
- Tiger
- Blue
- Shortfin Mako
- Nurse
You will need specialized fishing equipment to reel in a shark, but the gear you utilize must meet Texas’ requirements. Texas requires anglers to use non-offset, non-stainless steel circle hooks when fishing for sharks off the Bolivar Peninsula and the Gulf of Mexico.
Texas Fishing License, Tags, and Permits
If you are over 17 and weren’t born before 1931– then you’ll need a license and an endorsement to surf fish in Texas. Anglers can choose between a freshwater, saltwater, or all-water fishing license, but if you’re hoping to reel in sharks or surf fish, the freshwater license won’t do you any good.
Anyone who is actively participating in a fishing excursion within the required licensing ages needs to have a fishing license. Yes, everyone– even if all you’re doing is baiting a hook.
There are very few exemptions to the fishing license rule. First, you don’t need a fishing license or endorsement to cast a line on state park property or in waters completely enclosed by a state park. The same goes for anyone fishing off of man-made structures like docks, piers, and jetties in state parks. The only caveat is that you can only use a pole and fishing line, and each person can only have two poles.
Texas’ free fishing day is the first Saturday in June each year. On this day, anyone can fish recreationally without a license or endorsement. This is a great opportunity for first-timers to try out fishing and see if they like it.
Gulf Coast Yaker Shark Fishing FAQ
As always, you can give us a call or instant message us on Facebook with your questions– but for now, here are the answers to the top shark fishing questions we get from folks interested in angling.
Is shark fishing legal in the US?
Shark fishing is legal in the United States, although it is heavily regulated. Shark finning however is prohibited under the 2000 Shark Finning Prohibition Act.
Shark fins have high cultural and monetary value which led people to remove the fins off sharks before dumping the still-alive fish back into the water. This is an immeasurable act of cruelty and those found guilty of committing this crime can be charged with a misdemeanor, forced to pay a fine, and may spend time in jail.
In Texas, it is legal to fish for and bag 14 species of sharks which include the Atlantic Sharpnose, Blacktip, Bonnethead, Hammerhead, Bull, Finetooth, Spinner, Lemon, Blacknose, Thresher, Tiger, Blue, Shortfin Mako, and Nurse.
How do you shark fish from shore?
To hook a big fish or shark, anglers generally need a stiff 8 to 10-foot surf rod. Many fishers prefer a spinning reel, although casting reels are also sufficient. Regardless, it will need to hold a minimum of 300 yards of line and be able to handle at least 25 pounds of drag.
For your main line, use a 65-pound braided line. A 4-8 oz. sinker and a 6/0 or 10/0 circle hook work well for snagging sharks.
For bait, you’ll want to use fish that measures 8 to 12 inches long, at least if you’re hoping to reel in a big shark.
Save Money On Your Next Coastal Fishing Trip!
The shark fishing information we’ve shared with you today will give you a good start, but it’s far from everything you need to know about the sport. If you still have questions, are ready to book a shark fishing trip, or just need a few more details– give us a call at (903) 394-1975.