I want to take my Dad, who has fun fishing but is not an all around angler, my son who is a typical 12 year old, and myself (I LOVE FISHING) on a fishing trip to the coast. I bank fish a lot of area lakes and do all right. What are the best times to go in the next few weeks? What are the best types of fish to fish for? I loved fishing off Bob Hall Peir last year by myself on rented tackle but I would like to have some better and closer options. Has Galveston recovered that much? What is the best value on a place to stay? What type of gear should I bring? line test weight? I have some good ideas but I always feel its best to ask some folks that know then to go off with half a plan.

Thanks in advance for any feedback!

Also what kind of offshore fishing trips are th ebest value? What do you look for besides the brochure at the bait shop/

There isn't much you can't catch on freshwater gear in saltwater. I've landed big reds on light spinning gear. Just got to make sure you take care of your equipment once you are done using it.

No, I am looking to gear up and I want to make the best choices when I do so. What do you suggest?

Start with at least 6 1/2 to 7 ft light/medium action rods with spinning reels spooled with 175 yrds and up of 12-14 lb test. attach a # 7 or #5 snap swivel to the end of your main line, this way you can change rigs pretty easy when needed. Get some 20 # mono to make your own leaders in various sizes (12" 18" 24"), I use a # 7 or # 5 barrel swivel attached with a polamar knot and then a 1/0 , 2/0 or 3/0 size Kahle hook, also attached with a polamar knot. On at least one rod you might want to attach a barrel weight (1/4 -3/4 oz depending on current) above the snap swivel to create a carolina rig. pick up some alameda popping corks, or go with the oldstyle popping corks if you prefer.
Go to Academy and you can get all the above, you can get some shimano rod and reel combos for under 50 bucks, as far as taking care of your stuff, get some saltaway spray, wash down your gear and have fun.
Hope this helps!

For specks and reds, I use a 7 ft older model Castaway "light saltwater" rod and a Shimano Calcutta 200 reel spooled with 14 lb clear stren. Lots of people use 17-20 lb line and a 12 inch steel leader. You cant buy that same rod anymore since Castaway started selling cheaper rods.. but you can get close.
I find fish with live shrimp on a long shank hook 1/4 oz lead head jig, then switch to plastics or Gulp shrimp. Rattle traps, Catch2000's, She-Dogs and gold spoons will all catch fish down there....so will 100 other baits. Just make sure you WASH your rods and reels in the hotel shower each day.

For a really fun trip with dad and son, if you want to head down to Port A, go on one of the 8 hour trips that Deep Sea Headquarters offers. They are crowded sometimes, but it will be a real treat for the youngster and dad. They are cheap too.
Just dont wait until July...the fishing is better now.

I usually stay at the Captain's quarters inn across the street. They are very polite to fishermen. Not fancy..but it's a decent place and close to the jetty for night fishing as well as Whataburger.

Deep Sea Headquarters can also hook you up with an inshore guide for specks and reds. A 1/2 day trip is worth it. Have fun !