Nestled on the legendary Brazos River, with access to the vastness of the Gulf of Mexico, Freeport is a laid-back gem. With such beautiful nature around the city, it’s no wonder that fishing in Freeport has gained quite a reputation among Texan anglers. And how could it not? All that water was bound to spark interest and attract fishing enthusiasts.
While Freeport shouldn’t be overlooked by any nature-lovers, it has managed to stay a secret, low-key vacation destination. And the people who do know about it keep it that way. They treat it as their go-to relaxing haven. Just an hour away from the hustle and bustle of Houston, you’ll find that life in Freeport is a lot more peaceful.
Great backcountry fishing opportunities as well as the stunning marshes in the area make Freeport an inshore fishing paradise. And with Bryan Beach now part of the city, its access to the deep blue waters of the Gulf is unparalleled. You can enjoy the shallow waters in the morning and battle deep sea monsters in the afternoon. Read on to figure out how to plan your fishing adventure in Freeport, Texas.
Best Fish to Catch in Freeport
From the mouth of the Brazos River, where its waters meet the Gulf, to the bays and deep offshore waters – fishing in Freeport can get you a wide variety of fish. There are so many species to consider going after, so keep reading to find the one you want to make your target.
Redfish
The king of inshore fishing in Texas, Redfish has a reputation for being a feisty game fish. You’ll find these stunning creatures in the waterways around Freeport, including the Brazos River, the bays, and the shallow waters of the Gulf. It’s a Texan staple, so you can’t say you’ve fished in Freeport without taking a big Redfish home.
What makes it so special? For one, they are delicious, with soft white meat that’ll have your taste buds in a frenzy. Another reason is how fun they are to catch. Redfish do not go down without a fight, and if you’re looking for the perfect combo of deliciousness and a battle, this is the one to go after.
Speckled Trout
Specks are the true Texas favorites, beloved by both novice and experienced anglers everywhere. And for good reason! Speckled Trout are a true delicacy when it comes to fish. Their taste, combined with great game qualities, makes them one of the most popular inshore species.
As they’re very beginner-friendly, taking your family on a fishing trip in Freeport can be a relaxing and enjoyable experience. You can unwind and enjoy the scenery while exploring the backcountry and marshes of these stunning waterways. And you’ll get a treat, in the form of a tasty meal back home.
Flounder
For such a weird-looking creature, Flounder is one of the most sought-after fish species in all of Texas. Why? It’s simple – it tastes heavenly. It might not be very pleasant to look at, but Flounder is considered a real delicacy. So while you might not enjoy its looks, you’ll definitely enjoy its rich flavor.
While they may not be an exciting sight, the fishing part definitely is! These creatures are mostly targeted at night, and Flounder gigging is a special technique you should certainly try out at least once. This type of adventure will take you back in time, and you’ll be rewarded for your bravery with a nice dinner.
Red Snapper
The waters off the coast of Freeport get really deep, really fast, and so they’re the best playground for some bottom dwellers. The reefs of the Gulf of Mexico hold large numbers of the elusive Red Snapper, a favorite among bottom fishing enthusiasts. The Red Snapper season is a big deal in Texas, so come to Freeport and see why.
First things first – Red Snapper is mouthwatering. This is why they’re so highly sought-after in these waters, and why fishing enthusiasts flock to the Gulf Coast during the open season. What’s more, they’re really fun to target. They put up a great fight and if you experience it, you can expect sore arms, but also a full belly.
Mahi Mahi and More
With the Gulf of Mexico kissing the shores of Bryan Beach, there’s hardly a better place to do some deep sea fishing. Escape the crowds in the more popular spots and you’ll find the striking Mahi Mahi will reward you with their company. These fish make for an incredible battle, but also take one hell of a picture!
And don’t limit yourself to the species we’ve listed here, as there are numerous other fish worthy of your time. The Gulf is full of Marlin, Sailfish, Tuna, Amberjack, Grouper, and Cobia, while the inshore waters hold sizable Sheepshead and Black Drum. Just take your pick and fish on!
How to Go Fishing in Freeport
Such an abundance of natural habitats and wildlife can be explored in many different ways. Now that you know what you want to go after, it’s time to figure out the best way to spend your time in these waters. Read on to learn more about different adventures you can have while fishing in Freeport.
Charter Fishing
If you’re looking for a deep sea adventure, this is the way to go. Charter fishing is the most productive way of getting out on the water and filling your bags with delicious dinner. You can book a trip and visit some of those abundant offshore fishing spots, all while soaking up the sun and enjoying the natural beauty of the Gulf.
The inshore waters hold some great adventures as well. If you’re up for spending some quality time with your family and friends, the shallow waters of the Brazos River and the bays around Freeport will deliver. Heading out on a charter will give you the peace of mind and comfort you need so you can have a great fishing experience.
Shore Fishing
Are you looking to just let your hair down and unwind after a busy day? Then shore fishing is just what you need. Head out in any direction in Freeport and you’re bound to reach a body of water perfect for wetting your hook. With a variety of parks and natural areas, you’ll find the ideal spot in a matter of minutes.
Surf fishing from the shores of Bryan Beach is true serenity – you can dip your toes and watch the waves go back and forth while waiting for that fish to bite. Wade fishing in the Brazos River is especially fun, and heading out to one of the piers in Freeport can yield some great results as well.
Kayak Fishing
This one’s for the true fishing enthusiasts out there. Hopping in a kayak for a pleasant day of paddling, only to battle some of the best inshore game fish, is an unmissable experience in Freeport. Fishing for top shallow-water species like Redfish and Speckled Trout becomes an action-packed adventure if you’re doing it from a kayak.
What’s more, there’s hardly a better way to get close to the abundant nature of Freeport. You’ll be able to reach all those secret spots that hide the best specimens. And the reward? An intense workout, a day of adventure, and a delicious meal when you get back. What more could you ask for?
Freeport Fishing Spots
Now that we’ve covered the top targets and ways in which you can explore this prolific fishery, it’s time to dive into the question of where to go. This isn’t an easy task, as Freeport holds a variety of fishing grounds, but we’ve given it a go. Read on to find the perfect spot for your Texas fishing adventure.
- The Mouth of the Brazos River: This is where the Brazos River meets the waters of the Gulf of Mexico, so it’s no wonder that fishing opportunities are abundant. Redfish, Speckled Trout, Sheepshead, and Black Drum are all on the cards.
- Mitchell’s Pier: Featuring a riverfront fishing pier, you’ll find this great spot just across the Velasco Boulevard bridge. You’ll get to sink your line in the Old Brazos River, reeling in Speckled Trout, Redfish, and Sheepshead.
- Freeport Municipal Park: Fun for the whole family, this beautiful park is located on the banks of the Brazos Rivers. Featuring a fishing ramp and a dock, you’ll have no issues casting a line for Speckled Trout, Sheepshead, and Redfish.
- Surfside Jetty County Park: Head across the Intracoastal Waterway Bridge to Surfside and fish the Freeport Harbor Channel from the jetty. You’ll reel in nice Redfish and Trout, and the ICW has some great opportunities for Flounder fishing.
- Bryan Beach: This 3-mile-long stretch of sandy beach will have you soaking in the sun, collecting seashells, but also doing some amazing surf fishing. You’ll be able to fish the waters of the Gulf for Redfish, Speckled Trout, Black Drum, and Sheepshead.
- Gulf of Mexico: We know, this sounds like cheating, but hear us out! The Gulf of Mexico gets pretty deep out of Freeport, and getting on a fishing charter will see you reeling in some real monsters. Snapper, Grouper, Mahi Mahi, Marlin – the list goes on and on…
When to Go Fishing in Freeport
The humid subtropical climate of Freeport allows you to explore the city whenever you want. Summers are hot and humid, while winters are pretty mild, so it’s a true year-round fishery. When it comes to seasonality, it all depends on what you’re going after.
The inshore bite never really lets up, so you can target Redfish and Trout all through winter. There’s more activity come spring, though, with Mackerel and Black Drum entering the fray first in March, before Sharks, Cobia, and Snappers show up nearshore. Summer is all about offshore fishing, with Tuna and Mahi Mahi well within reach of Freeport. The bite stays strong through September before the action moves inshore again in fall.
Freeport Fishing Tournaments
If you still haven’t realized how ingrained fishing is in the fiber of Freeport, there are numerous fishing tournaments that are sure to convince you. One of the most popular tournaments in the area is the annual Texas Billfish Classic. It involves heading out to the deep waters in summer and reeling in Billfish, Tuna, Wahoo, and Mahi Mahi.
In July, it’s time for one of the biggest tournaments in the area – the Fishin’ Fiesta. It includes prizes for both offshore and inshore species, and targets just about any fish under the sun. Anglers flock here for the thrill, but also for the festivities. Cook-offs, carnivals, fireworks… This is a major event you don’t want to miss!
Freeport Fishing Regulations
And when it comes to regulations, there are a few things to look out for. You should be aware that anyone age 17 or older must have a fishing license in order to fish Texas’s waters. Take a look at the video below for more information.
You should also be aware of certain restrictions regarding the different fish. While the rules are a lot more flexible here than in other states, you’ll want to stay informed on open seasons and bag and size limits on the Texas Parks and Wildlife website. If you’re heading out with a guide, reach out to them and they’ll let you in on everything you need to know.
Why Freeport? Shh, It’s Still a Secret!
And it’s one of the best-kept Gulf Coast secrets out there. This laid-back fishing town can rival just about any major fishing destination in Texas, but it has one advantage. Freeport is a relatively unknown spot, nestled between crowd-filled Galveston and Matagorda Bay. This makes it the low-key brother, perfect for a quiet and relaxing fishing trip. You’ll get to avoid the crowds, but not the fish.
Have you ever been fishing in Freeport? What did you catch? Tell us all about your fishing experience in the comments below, or ask anything you’d like to know. We love to hear from you!
