Fishing Spots
Port Aransas
Fishing Guide
Fishing is year-round in Port Aransas which is why we are the “Fishing Capital of Texas.” Whether you are coming for some easy, relaxed fishing or you’re in it to win it in one of the many tournaments that are held year-round.
Bay fishing can be done by boat or from the shore, and common fish include Redfish, Drum, Saltwater Trout, and Sheepshead. You can rent gear in town and get bait from the local shop.
If you strap your sea legs on, you can get offshore with a charter and get after the big fish like Amberjack, Grouper, Kingfish, Marlin Pompano, Red Snapper, Mackerel, and Sailfish!
Land Fishing
If you are landlocked, no problem! There are some excellent spots that you can get to via car or cart. If you have your gear great! If not, no problem you can rent gear from Island Tackle or the shop on the Horrace Caldwell Pier. Here is a list of all the spots you can fish from. You can see these spots on our Port A Bucket List Map as well.
Jetty South Side
Fishing from the Jetty is a popular spot. You can access the jetty on the Port Aransas side of the channel and fish from any spot stretching out into the gulf. Keep in mind that the waves will crash off the rocks and, in some places, it can be very slippery.
Jetty North Side
To access the north side of the channel, you need to catch a ride on The Jetty Boat. It runs daily from Fisherman’s Wharf in Port Aransas to a private dock on the other side. This side of the channel is the deserted San Jose Island. The back-to-nature island also offers excellent birding and beach combing. This is a walk-on boat only, so be sure to pack snacks and drinks as there are NO accommodations on the North Side. We would also suggest a pull-behind wagon to help carry your gear. It is $18.00 for anyone 13 or older, $9.00 for ages 6-12, and Ages 5 and under are free. Be sure to check The Jetty Boat Schedule for departure and return times. Reservations are not required.
Robert’s Point Park
Robert’s Point Park is great for fishing and perfect for families as it is directly located next to our biggest playground. There are also picnic tables and public restrooms. Be sure to watch for dolphins, sea turtles and jellyfish!
Port Aransas Fishing Pier
Is also an excellent choice for fishing the channel. You can access this pier at the end of N. Station St.
Horace Caldwell Pier
This pier is located on the beaches of Port Aransas at the end of Beach Street.
Charlie’s Pasture Nature Preserve
You can practically fish directly from your vehicle at Charlie’s Pasture. Located at the end of Port Street, you can park at any of the designated parking areas nuzzled right next to the sea wall along the channel.
Surf Fishing
Surf fishing is not for the weak! You usually need to battle the waves and wade your bait out to get your bait past the second or third sandbar for the best placement. Experienced surf fishermen use claw-like grapplers/anchors or surf sinkers to keep the bait from moving too much with the surf.
Bay Fishing
Few nearby places for good bay fishing in Corpus Christi Bay, like Flato Cut and Wilson’s Cut. These are NOT golf cart accessible as they are a short drive down Hwy 361 from Port Aransas.
Port Aransas
Golf Cart Fishing
Gear up and get on these golf cart-accessible fishing spots. You drive a regular car but it’s way more fun via golf cart AND you don’t have to worry about making a mess in your ride. The cart can be hosed off if bait gets spilled.
Port Aransas
Common Bay Fishing
Redfish
Year- Round
Feeds on: Shrimp, Mullet & Lure
Regulation:
Daily Bag: 3 Min Length: 20 inches Max Length: 28 inches
During a license year, one red drum over the stated maximum length limit may be retained when affixed with a properly completed Red Drum Tag and one red drum over the stated maximum length limit may be retained when affixed with a properly completed Bonus Red
Drum Tag. Any fish retained under authority of a Red Drum Tag or a Bonus Red Drum Tag may be retained in addition to the daily bag and possession limit as stated in this section.
Info:
October is the peak of the Redfish Spawn.
Speckled Trout
Year- Round
Feeds on: Shrimp, Perch & Lure
Regulation:
Daily Bag: 3 Min Length: 17 inches Max Length: 23 inches Possession Limit: The daily bag limit Clarification: No spotted seatrout over the 23 inches may be retained.
Drum
Year- Round
Feeds on: Shrimp, Crab
Regulation:
Daily Bag: 5 Min Length: 14 inches Max Length: 30 inches
No more than one black drum over 52 inches may be retained per person per day and counts as part of the daily bag and possession limits.
Sheepshead
Year- Round
Feeds on: Live Shrimp, Ghost Shrimp
Regulation:
Daily Bag: 5 Min Length: 15 inches Max Length: No limit
Port Aransas
Off Shore Fishing
Amberjack
Year- Round
Feeds on: Live Bait, Jig
Regulation
Daily Bag: 1 Min length: 38 inches Max length: No limit
Barracuda
Year- Round
Feeds on: Live Blue Runner, Ballyhoo. Lure
Regulation
Mahi Mahi
July – October
Feeds on: Flyin Fish, Squid
Regulation
Grouper
Dec-April
Feeds on: Large Whole Fish
RegulationBlack grouper Daily Bag: 4 Min Length: 24 inches Max Length: No limit
Gag grouper Daily Bag: 2 Min Length: 24 inches Max Length: No limit
Kingfish
Year- Round
Feeds on: Ribbon Fish. Cigor Minnow. Lure
Regulation Daily Bag: 3 Min Length: 27 inches Max Length: No limit
Marlin
July – Sept
Feeds on: Ballyhoo, Lure, Live Tuna
Regulation Daily Bag: No limit Min Length: 131 inches Max Length: No limit
Pompano
Oct – April
Feeds on: Shrimp, Fishbites
Regulation
Red Snapper
June – Aug
Feeds on: Live Perch, Squid
Regulation Bag limit: 2 fish per person daily
Size limit: 16-in minimum
Applies to: Private recreational anglers in federal waters.
Red Snapper Season in State Waters
Bag limit: 4 fish per person daily
Size limit: 15-in minimum
Applies to: Private recreational anglers in state waters.
Means & Methods: Red snapper may be taken using pole and line, but it is unlawful to use any kind of hook other than a circle hook when using natural bait.
Sailfish
July – Sept
Feeds on: Mullet, Lure, Ballyhoo
Regulation Daily Bag: No limit Min Length: 84 inches Max Length: No limit
Mackerel
May – Sept
Feeds on: Spoon, Live Mullet
Regulation Daily Bag: 15 Min Length: 14 inches Max Length: No limit