Galveston Island has long been a beloved destination for Gulf Coast fishing — a place where early mornings on the water and long afternoons on the pier are practically a rite of passage. As a Houston native, I spent much of my childhood casting lines from jetties with family and friends, chasing redfish and sea stories.

This time, my fishing companions weren’t just along for the ride, they were two of Austin’s most respected chefs. I was joined by Evan LeRoy, the pitmaster behind the Michelin-recognized LeRoy & Lewis BBQ, and Davis Turner, chef-owner of the Gulf Coast-inspired Huckleberry Hospitality. With talent like that on the boat, every strike on the line felt like an epic seafood feast was in the works.

Where We Stayed

Galveston Island, often referred to as the “Queen of the Gulf,” boasts a storied past that stretches back centuries. From its early days as a haven for pirates like Jean Lafitte, who established a colony here in 1817 , to its pivotal role in the emancipation of enslaved people with the announcement of Juneteenth in 1865 , the island has been a crossroads of cultures, commerce, and history. Its legacy as a major port and immigration hub in the 19th century further cemented its place in Texas lore.

After the four hour drive from Austin, we arrived at the Adams League Mansion, a meticulously restored 19th-century home nestled in Galveston’s East End Historic District . Built in 1860 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the mansion exudes Victorian charm with its high ceilings, antique furnishings, and lace-adorned windows that dance with the coastal breeze. Each of us had our own uniquely decorated room, providing a serene retreat to unwind and prepare for the adventures ahead.

Dining

That evening, we enjoyed an outstanding seafood dinner at one of my favorite restaurants in town, at BLVD Seafood. Set just off the seawall, the restaurant offered front-row views of the Gulf, though our attention quickly shifted to the food: oysters on the half shell, snapper ceviche, and a delicately pan-seared drum that paired perfectly with a crisp white wine. We took it easy — our fishing charter with Get Hooked Charters was set for 7 a.m. sharp.

The Fishing Experience

There’s a particular quiet that settles in just before sunrise on the water. As we stepped onto the boat the next morning with Captain Mike of Get Hooked Charters, the docks were still and the air thick with anticipation. It didn’t take long for the action to start.

Over the course of four hours, we reeled in a pair of hefty redfish and four sheepshead, not a bad haul for a morning’s work. As Captain Mike expertly filleted each fish, we talked shop, swapped stories, and chatted about how Evan and Davis would prepare the catch later that night.

Fishing with chefs adds a layer of creative energy. Every tug on the line was met not just with excitement, but culinary curiosity: would this be blackened or grilled? Should we serve it whole, or fillet it and pair it with something seasonal?

And it turns out, Galveston makes it easy for travelers to turn their catch into dinner. Several local restaurants offer “cook your catch” programs — just bring in your cleaned fish, and the chefs will do the rest. While we opted to cook our own that evening, it’s a detail I’ve already made note of for our next visit.

Cooking What We Caught

Back at the mansion, the kitchen turned into a temporary test lab. Evan seasoned the redfish with a smoky Cajun rub, while Davis worked a creamy risotto on the stovetop. Broccolini sizzled in a cast-iron pan. Within an hour, the table was set with a dinner that was both rustic and refined — the kind of meal that felt rooted in the place, in the moment, and in our shared experience on the water.

There’s something irreplaceable about cooking what you catch. It’s more than just food. It’s memory, muscle, and the immediacy of the sea.

Exploring Downtown Galveston

With the fish cleaned and our bellies full, we spent our final day exploring The Strand Historic District, a stretch of preserved 19th-century architecture now home to art galleries, boutiques, and coffee shops.
Between 20th and 25th Streets

We came to Galveston for the fish, but left with an experience built from salty air, early mornings, and shared meals. It’s a destination that rewards curiosity and appetite alike. And next time, we’ll be back with a large cooler with hopes to score an even bigger catch… and maybe a few new recipes in mind. This trip was about slowing down, the thrill of catching your food, and sharing it with people who know exactly what to do with it. Galveston gave us something special—fresh air, full plates, and a reason to go back soon.