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
(211 reviews)
Angler's choice
Galveston
 Last booking: 3 days ago
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $525

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
5.0 / 5
out of 5 stars from 211 reviews
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (346)
Better Than Expected!!
Great Trip
Great Trip
+343
Angler rating
209
1
0
0
0
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 211 reviews
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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Leah S.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great experience

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip โ€“ Bay & Jetty (AM) on June 3, 2025
Captain John was great. Will definitely be using him again anytime we are in Galveston. Honest guy that loves what he does.
Leah S. recommends Big Tex Fishing Charters
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Cameron K.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Had the best time!

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip โ€“ Bay & Jetty (PM) on May 17, 2025
Captain John was awesome! He had some great of energy and was tons of fun. If you want a fun charter in Galveston, go with...
Cameron K. recommends Big Tex Fishing Charters
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Brittney W.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fishing with John-Mark

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip โ€“ Bay & Jetty (PM) on April 1, 2025
We loved our Fishing trip! Captain John was so nice and Knowledgeable. We all had the best time! We canโ€™t wait to do it again.
Brittney W. recommends Big Tex Fishing Charters
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