Going to start planning a trip next year on spring break to fly fish down in Galveston. Will probably wade what type of patterns should I be looking for? Will be using a 7 or 9wt rod, figure the 9 will be a better choice but what are the thoughts on here.

Can't go wrong with closers, shrimp. and crab patterns. I bought an 8 wt. 9' combo on sale at Gander Mountain last year, haven't had a chance to use it.

Bob9

I am thinking of going with a 9wt "just" in case I latch onto something big.Been researching the salt stuff and have decided to try what you suggested in patterns. At least I have a year to prepare. LOL

I do most of my fishing in the Laguna Madre for reds and specks.
That 8 wt. is big enoungh for me.
If you are fishing the Gulf, you should consider a intermediate line. The floating lines wash in with the surf.

Bob9

Yeah we will be going to Galveston, hoping to spend a day out on the island just fishing with the fly rod. Will be staying with my dad in Houston and driving down. We always do a bay fishing trip.

My first fly rod was a 9 weight. Works perfect and can toss even fairly large patterns in the wind. Do own a 7wt now too (caught my first yellowtail snapper on the fly, and first fish on my 7 just a couple hours ago... Posting this from Ambergris Caye, Belize).

Like Bob said, clousers and other baitfish patterns in different colors and eye weights, crab and shrimp patterns, topwaters (crease flies, gurglers, poppers). The dirtier the water, the more flash, wide body, etc patterns you will need... i.e. Patterns that make noise or disturb the water somehow to attract the fish.