Captain
John-Mark Fortner

Member since August 2023 Galveston, United States
Background
I started fishing when I was about 14 years old and after that first fishing trip, you couldn't keep me from the water. I have a passion for nature and all the creatures in it. I always get asked about catches that I have had and I enjoy talking about them but the ones that stick out to me the most are the ones that I've given to others. I love watching the pure joy someone gets from catching a giant.
Techniques
I enjoy many different styles of fishing, but I love using the big rods and fishing the bottom when I have customers. When that rod is in the rod holder and you are waiting on the fish to bite, there is something about hearing that drag screaming and seeing faces light up with excitement when the fish starts taking line!

Hey, I'm Captain John-Mark Fortner

Galveston, United States
Background
I started fishing when I was about 14 years old and after that first fishing trip, you couldn't keep me from the water. I have a passion for nature and all the creatures in it. I always get asked about catches that I have had and I enjoy talking about them but the ones that stick out to me the most are the ones that I've given to others. I love watching the pure joy someone gets from catching a giant.
Techniques
I enjoy many different styles of fishing, but I love using the big rods and fishing the bottom when I have customers. When that rod is in the rod holder and you are waiting on the fish to bite, there is something about hearing that drag screaming and seeing faces light up with excitement when the fish starts taking line!
Anglers Choice
Verified

My Charter Listing

Excellent
5.0 / 5
(209 reviews)
Angler's choice
Galveston
 Last booking: 2 days ago
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $525

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
5.0 / 5
out of 5 stars from 209 reviews
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (345)
Great Trip
Great Trip
Great Trip
+342
Angler rating
207
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0
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Anglers claimed
Good experience
100%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
99%
Appropriate for children
100%
Satisfied with the boat
100%
Caught fish
98%
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Showing:
5 of 209 reviews
Mark S.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Shark attack

VERIFIED   6 Hour Trip โ€“ Bay & Jetty (PM) on July 7, 2025
We had a great time with John.ย  he put us on sharks ย  he was a great guy and even towed a stranded boat on the way out....
Mark S. recommends Big Tex Fishing Charters
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Donna H.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Jetty trip

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip โ€“ Bay & Jetty (AM) on March 26, 2025
Bought this as a birthday present for my boyfriend. Great experience and will book again when we have the chance. Thank you...
Donna H. recommends Big Tex Fishing Charters
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Logan H.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Awesome Family Trip!

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip โ€“ Bay & Jetty (PM) on March 7, 2025
Captain John was a pleasure to be around. We all had a great time! And he put us on the fish! Absolutely recommend! So thankful...
Logan H. recommends Big Tex Fishing Charters
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Duy N.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Big John is the best!

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip โ€“ Bay & Jetty (AM) on December 23, 2024
Our first time on the bay and decided to charter with Big John. Hes a great guide and super chill to hang and chat with. Even...
Duy N. recommends Big Tex Fishing Charters
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Arno K.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Excellent fishing trip

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip โ€“ Bay & Jetty (PM) on June 18, 2025
John was great in placing us in locations to catch shark. Very personable and knowledgeable. Highly recommend a trip with him.
Arno K. recommends Big Tex Fishing Charters
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