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
 Last booking: 17 hours ago
 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
Douglas G.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great day out with Captain John!

VERIFIED   6 Hour Trip โ€“ Bay & Jetty on March 25, 2025
My wife, two adult sons, and I went out of Galveston for the first time and Iโ€™m so glad we went with Captain John. It...
Douglas G. recommends Big Tex Fishing Charters
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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful
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Jeffrey M.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Caught 3 of biggest fish Iโ€™ve ever seen!

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip โ€“ Bay & Jetty (AM) on September 17, 2025
So glad we booked with captain John- Mark Fortner. Took my 3 my three grandchildren out bay fishing caught a lot of fish and...
Jeffrey M. recommends Big Tex Fishing Charters
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Joey A.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fantastic captain, fantastic trip

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip โ€“ Bay & Jetty (PM) on March 17, 2025
My wife and I booked this trip to give our son a truly unique fishing experience, and Captain John did not disappoint! Before...
Joey A. recommends Big Tex Fishing Charters
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1 person finds this review helpful
You and 1 other person found this review helpful
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John F.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

A Perfect Trip

VERIFIED   4 Hour Trip โ€“ Bay & Jetty (AM) on October 23, 2025
What a beautiful day on the water with Captain John! Super fun personality and took care of all our needs while catching quality...
John F. recommends Big Tex Fishing Charters
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Martin S.
London, United Kingdom
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Fishing with Captain John-Mark

6 Hour Trip โ€“ Bay & Jetty on August 14, 2025
Great time with Captain John-Mark. We first went fishing for some bait fish, then out about 4.5 miles to one of his preferred...
Martin S. recommends Big Tex Fishing Charters
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