John Kirby
John Kirby
us
Texas, US
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified

Great fishing charter experience!

4-Hour Bay/Jetty Fishing Excursion5 adults

Captain John was a great fishing guide. We had a blast even though the fish weren't very active. We ended up with keepers Sheep's head, black drum, and two black tip sharks. When we were catching our bait fish (for shark fishing later), we had to be quick otherwise the dolphins would steal our fish. That was a fun little challenge in itself. lol. This was our first time on a fishing charter and Captain John with Big Tex Fishing Charters did a great job of giving us pointers and showing my kids techniques on reeling in the larger fish.

Reported Catch
Black Drum
Black Drum
Sheepshead
Sheepshead
Blacktip Shark
Blacktip Shark
Catfish
Catfish
Response from Captain

Thanks for the fantastic review, John! I am so happy that y’all had a blast out there fishing and it was a pleasure taking y’all out on your first charter.

Compare similar fishing charters

Current
Big Tex Fishing Charters
State licensed
5.0
(340)
24 ft
Group size 1 - 6
1 - 6
Fish 1
Fish 2
+8
4 hour trip • 3 persons
US $575

Rating

5.0
340 reviews
5.0
Boat & Equipment
5.0
Captain & Crew
5.0
Fishing Experience

What anglers say

  • 100%
    Great experience
  • 100%
    Family friendly
  • 100%
    Friendly captain
  • 100%
    Good boat
  • 99%
    Recommended
  • 98%
    Caught fish

All reviews (340)

Showing 15 of 340 reviews
  • David Cowee
    David Cowee
    us
    Texas, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified
    NEW

    ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Fantastic Family Fishing Trip – Great for All Ages

    6-Hour Bay/Jetty Fishing Excursion5 adults1 child

    We had an outstanding fishing trip! Our entire family had a great time, especially my two grandsons, who were smiling from start to finish. Everyone on the boat caught fish, which made the experience exciting for all of us. The highlight of the day was when one of my sons-in-law landed two huge bull reds (38” & 36”) — something we’ll be talking about for years! Captain John worked hard to keep us on the fish, was patient with my grandsons, and made sure everyone had a memorable experience. If you’re looking for a fun family fishing trip where everyone has a chance to catch fish, I highly recommend Captain John Mark. We can’t wait to come back!

    Reported Catch
    Black Drum
    Redfish
    Sheepshead
    Speckled Trout
    +1
    Response from Captain

    Thank you so much for the fantastic review, David!! I am so glad that everyone had a great time out fishing and such a great experience. It was a pleasure taking you and your family out on the water. Looking forward to the next time!

  • David Vuong
    David Vuong
    us
    Texas, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified
    NEW

    A+ for Hospitality

    4-Hour Bay/Jetty Fishing Excursion5 adults1 child

    Captain John arrived early and let us stay a little later. We've only done lake fishing before, so honestly we weren't prepared for fishing in the open water. Dad and sons got seasick; my youngest child (a girl) was just fine! Captain John took it all in stride, was extremely helpful, patient, enjoyable company, a great host, and did a great job cleaning the fish too. We caught a lot of small fish for bait, then took home 2 sharks and 3 drums. Very cool! Highly recommended!!

    Reported Catch
    Black Drum
    Bonnethead Shark
    Response from Captain

    Thanks for the great review, David! I’m glad y’all had a great first time fishing out in the gulf and had a great experience all around!

  • Lindel Wheeler
    Lindel Wheeler
    us
    Louisiana, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    First timers.

    4-Hour Bay/Jetty Fishing Excursion - 11:30 AM2 adults

    We went out in the afternoon on the 4th of July with Captain John. We started out by some rocks. We got a few nibbles, caught a black drum and a stingray. Then Captain John asked if we wanted some action. He mislead us. He should have asked if we wanted some, back breaking, arm straining, heart racing, lung bursting excitement! times 7 - in one hour. Captain took us out, slowed down, tossed out a line and within minutes had a black tip shark hooked. While I was fighting that shark another line started singing. I passed that one to my husband and I took the next. We both hauled in a 4 foot black tip each. What a fight! We kept pulling them in, catch and release, until our arms gave out. We asked him to take us back to the slow spot for our last bit of time. We had such a great day. The water was calm, the weather was mild and there was a pleasant breeze. Which was great since it was our first time on a boat. He was very professional and super helpful. Did I say he was patient. Yes, very patient.

    Reported Catch
    Black Drum
    Blacktip Shark
    Ray
    Catfish
    +1
    Response from Captain

    Thanks for the great review! It was fun taking y’all out and getting lots of sharks! I’m so glad y’all had such a great time on your first time out!

  • Michelle Luthi
    Michelle Luthi
    us
    Texas, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Reel Experience 10/10

    4-Hour Bay/Jetty Fishing Excursion - 11:30 AM2 adults

    Im not great with words but i can say 10/10!! My husband and I had a great experience with Captain John-Mark!! He is a truly an exceptional angler and host!! From the vessel, his personality, and knowledge, all were exceptional!! We loved every minute and are planning our next trip for next month!! He showed patience for us and never missed a chance to teach us. We both are astonished at his knowledge. He knew what was on our line before the catch was even seen. He also never rushed anything which we enjoyed. He was also respectful of the catch!! My husband caught a 50lb drum, not a keeper, and the fight took alot out of the fish but Captain took time to help the drum live!! I could keep going about our great experience! Dont let the photo of 3 fish put you off, fish were caught and great times were had!!We are definitely booking again!!

    Reported Catch
    Black Drum
    Redfish
    Sheepshead
    Ray
    +1
    Response from Captain

    It was such a pleasure to take yall out fishing! I’m so glad y’all had a blast and looking forward to getting y’all out on the water again. Thank you for the great review!

  • Derrick Wheeler
    Derrick Wheeler
    Repeat angler
    us
    Ohio, US
    Member since 2025
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Amazing trip with a awesome guide !!!

    4-Hour Bay/Jetty Fishing Excursion3 adults

    Hands down the best charter I’ve ever been on. Captain John had us on fish immediately and kept us on fish the entire time we were out. He not only met, but exceeded all expectations. He most definitely goes above and beyond to make it a great trip for his clients. This was our first trip to Galveston and first trip with captain John. From the time we arrived he made us feel as if we’d know each other and fished together for years. His boat was killer as well. Clean, well kept with top of the line equipment. I would recommend anyone looking to take a Galveston bay charter, be booking Captain John !!!!! I will definitely be a returning customer !!!! Thank you Captain John …

    Reported Catch
    Black Drum
    Sheepshead
    Response from Captain

    Thanks for the great review, Derrick! I’m glad y’all had a great trip out and look forward to the next time I can take y’all out fishing again!