Shh… you hear that? It’s the sound of you ignoring all your worries and spending a quiet day on the water. If you need more convincing than that, here are five fishing holes a short drive away from Houston that deliver big in the peace department (and the fish department).
Port Arthur: Sabine Lake
Charter a boat or launch your own in Port Arthur’s Sabine Lake this summer. It’s more than 60,000 acres, no deeper than 8 feet and sits in two states. The Texas side boasts Pleasure Island, also great for spotting our famous shore and wading birds. “We catch lots of redfish year round,” Capt. Randy Foreman of Randy’s Guide Service, said. “We have a great system of tidal waters that bring in lots of fish from the gulf and the fishing is great. We have 14 miles of shore line to fish that holds bait fish. Shrimp move into the lake in the spring and leave in the fall.”
Other spots include: Pleasure Island Marina, Sea Rim State Park and Keith Lake Boat Ramp
Baytown: Thompson’s Fish Camp
Nestled among 4 different saltwater bays that feed into Galveston Bay, Cedar Bayou and Goose Creek wind through Baytown and provide a prime place for freshwater fishing. Need to stock up before you head out? We recommend Thompson’s Fish Camp, which is the longest operating private pay boat ramp. For a small fee, you can launch your boat, pick up fresh live bait and grab some drinks before you set sail.
A few free spots to scope out: Bayland Marina, Roseland Park and Eddie V. Gray Wetlands Center
Brazosport: Quintana Beach County Park
With a lighted gulf fishing pier, Quintana Beach County Park is where serious fishermen aim to catch snapper, cobia, drum and mackerel. The park also has jetty access for sea trout and sheepshead as well as wade fishing in the surf where casters can catch trout, redfish and cobia. Restrooms and showers are available, but don’t forget cash – the park has a $5 parking fee.
Other spots include: Surfside Jetty County Park and Christmas Bay
Bay Area Houston: Pine Gully Park and Clear Lake Park
With a 1,000 foot long fishing pier along 52 acres, Pine Gully Park is the perfect place to set up camp for the day. Bring your family along to enjoy the natural playground complete with zip line, serpent mound, tree forts and swings plus a 6 mile trail loop. Admission charges vary for weekdays, weekends and holidays.
Clear Lake Park along NASA Road 1 features great amenities at no cost to park, boat launch or use the fishing pier. The playgrounds, spray park and BBQ pits are sure to turn your day away into a family adventure.
Other spots include: Bay Area Park, Lake Nassau Park, Founders Park, Heritage Park
Conroe: Lake Conroe Park
Catfish, bass, and crappie— these are just a few of the fish that call Lake Conroe home. Thanks to the mild winters in Conroe, fishing is an option year-round. Hire a guide from FishDude, the Catfish Killer or Conroe Fishing Adventures to help you explore the water and find some fish. Rather go solo? Cast your line from a fishing pier in Lake Conroe Park.
For more information about Outdoor activities outside of Houston, click here.