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
(242 reviews)
Angler's choice
Galveston
 2 bookings in the past week.
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $525

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
5.0 / 5
out of 5 stars from 242 reviews
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (390)
Great Time
On board and fishing
On board and fishing
+387
Angler rating
240
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 242 reviews
Linda R.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Better Than Expected!!

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip โ€“ Bay & Jetty (PM) on August 23, 2025
First, we thought the weather was going to be an issue. It was not. Perfect day! Captain John was friendly, informative & knew...
Linda R. recommends Big Tex Fishing Charters
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Sam C.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

A bit of everything

VERIFIED   6 Hour Trip โ€“ Bay & Jetty - 11:30 AM on June 27, 2025
So we booked a 6 hour PM bay jetty trip with captain John. My fiancรฉe, myself, 3 teenagers and a 8 year old. We caught, black-Tishaโ€™s,...
Sam C. recommends Big Tex Fishing Charters
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Mike V.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great day on the water!

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip โ€“ Bay & Jetty (PM) on July 10, 2025
The bite was light, but we still brought in sheepshead, black drum, and a shark. My 14-year was thrilled and said he had an...
Mike V. recommends Big Tex Fishing Charters
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Ashley S.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Big Tex fishing trip.

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip โ€“ Bay & Jetty (PM) on May 31, 2025
This was my first Salt Water trip. Iโ€™ve done several fresh water trips and several guided hunts before. Big Tex. Was professional,...
Ashley S. recommends Big Tex Fishing Charters
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Daniel S.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

PERFECT FISHING TRIP!

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip โ€“ Bay & Jetty (AM) on May 30, 2025
John was the consummate professional with an exceptional personal touch. My son and I wanted to get out on the water and catch...
Daniel S. recommends Big Tex Fishing Charters
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2 persons find this review helpful
You and 2 people found this review helpful
  John-Mark Fortner Captain replied