I am going on a 12 hour trip on Galveston Party Boats next week and need advice on what bait to bring. Would cast-netted bull mullet from the surf work well or should I buy ribbonfish and piggy perch? All I know is I want an upgrade from the squid that they provide

Are you bringing your own rod? Some provide ribbonfish, so it works. My co worker bought sardines, and caught some lane snapper.

Bring some pinfish. Usually people with their own bait catch different fish such as kingfish, ling, and other fish.

I'm cautious on bringing my own equipment because I've been told using different gear from everyone else can cause you to tangle more because of different weight/line from everyone else. So I'll probably just use the rods they have on the boat. It seems like I should grab some live piggy perch before going and click the top spikes before tossing them in the water. Any suggestions on a special type of rig or should I just use the big circle hooks and egg sinkers that they provide?

I would just use their rigs they usually have them set for the depth they normally fish. Thats my main problem, I don't feel comfortable with some else's rod and reel, plus I never fish that close to people it's a little weird at first.

Ribbon fish. I would bring one rod that can be easily cast if you end up drift fishing. Those down riggers they provide aren't built to cast.

I went on one last month and they supplies us with decent rigs, ftu rods and Penn open face reels.

The squid worked great but bringing your own will help. The person next to me brought their own mullet and caught a massive black tip, something you won't get from frozen squid.