Port Aransas Bucket List

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Fishing Spots

barracuda

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. 

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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

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.

Trout

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

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

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

Amberjack

Year- Round

Feeds on: Live Bait, Jig

Regulation

Daily Bag: 1 Min length: 38 inches Max length: No limit

barracuda

Barracuda

Year- Round

Feeds on: Live Blue Runner, Ballyhoo. Lure

Regulation

mahi mahi

Mahi Mahi

July – October

Feeds on: Flyin Fish, Squid

Regulation

grouper

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

Kingfish

Year- Round

Feeds on: Ribbon Fish. Cigor Minnow. Lure

Regulation Daily Bag: 3 Min Length: 27 inches Max Length: No limit

Striped marlin (Kajikia audax) in the south pacific side of Baja California peninsula, Mexico, to

Marlin

July – Sept

Feeds on: Ballyhoo, Lure, Live Tuna

Regulation Daily Bag: No limit Min Length: 131 inches Max Length: No limit

pompano

Pompano

Oct –  April

Feeds on: Shrimp, Fishbites

Regulation

snapper

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.

Every winter sailfish (Istiophorus albicans) gather to feed on sardine baitballs north of Isla

Sailfish

July – Sept

Feeds on: Mullet, Lure, Ballyhoo

Regulation Daily Bag: No limit Min Length: 84 inches Max Length: No limit

mackeral

Mackerel

May – Sept

Feeds on: Spoon, Live Mullet

Regulation Daily Bag: 15 Min Length: 14 inches Max Length: No limit

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