Port Aransas

While this settlement on Mustang Island in Texas’ Nueces County might look small, its fishery is anything but. The town is home to over 20 annual fishing tournaments in the summer alone, and it’s easy to see why. Neighboring a Texas-sized bay system, all the while being granted premier access to many of the Gulf’s revered bluewater fishing grounds, the area is a real-life embodiment of fisherman’s luck.

When it comes to bay fishing Port Aransas has it all. From endless seagrass flats to deep channels, saltwater marshes, and numerous islands, this is the ideal habitat for the Gulf of Mexico’s favorite inshore fish. The size of the Bull Redfish and Black Drum caught in these waters has to be seen to be believed, while full bags of Speckled Trout and Flounder are expected more than hoped for.

The beauty is, the best Port Aransas fishing spots are not necessarily far away. Favorite local spots such as the Estes Flats and the California Hole are great for Redfish and Trout and are located just north of the causeway with Aransas Pass. The huge expanses of Corpus Christi Bay, Aransas Bay, and Copano Bay are also easily within reach. A lot of local fishing charters will take you to places such as Traylor Island and Dagger Island as well. And thanks to the proximity of the fishing grounds, bay charters are almost always the most affordable Port Aransas fishing charters.

But the amazing Port Aransas bay fishing is just the tip of the iceberg. Head out of Aransas Pass, and you will be in the rich waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Deep sea fishing Port Aransas generally starts to heat up in spring and lasts through the cold fronts of November. During this time, the bluewaters of the Gulf of Mexico come very close to shore, bringing with them pelagic fish such as King Mackerel (Kingfish), Spanish Mackerel, and False Albacore. Even the prized Red Snapper can be caught in these nearshore state waters - which is a good thing, as Texas is one of the few states that allows fishing for Red Snapper all year round.

It’s when the fishing trips take longer than eight hours that it starts to get really exciting, though. Trips to the offshore banks will see you catching the likes of Mahi Mahi, Bluefin and Yellowfin Tuna, Sailfish, Wahoo, Mako Sharks, and even Blue Marlin. Bottom fishing over the deeper coral banks and rock formations is also the foundation of many a local fish tale, as huge Amberjacks, Grouper, and Red Snapper find their way onto the boats. In general, Mahi Mahi and Wahoo are found 40-60 miles from the coast, while Marlin and Tuna can be caught anywhere from 60-160 miles offshore.

The fleet of Port Aransas fishing charters is one of the biggest in the world. But if you’d rather go it alone, Port Aransas jetty fishing can get some good results. You will never have the flexibility or local knowledge you would have from hiring a guide with a boat, but you could still be in with a chance of catching Bull Redfish, Black Drum, Sheepshead, and Speckled Trout. The downtown South Jetty is a local favorite and gets good results year round. There are also four Port Aransas fishing piers, including the popular Horace Caldwell fishing pier.
 

You need a license for all fishing in Texas, and Port Aransas is no exception. Port Aransas fishing charters will not take you fishing unless you have a valid fishing license with a saltwater stamp. If you are hoping to keep Bull Redfish, make sure you get a Redfish tag.

Light tackle fishing with live bait is the name of the game in the bays, although soft plastics and spoons are beginning to rise in popularity. Drift fishing can have very good results. And if you're in search of an elusive Port Aransas Tarpon, come equipped with a large white jerkbait and see what happens. Otherwise, get your feet wet: wading the flats south of Stedman Island among other areas can be completely addictive. Just make sure you start off with a guide, as these waters can hide potholes and soft bottoms that can be dangerous for people who don't know the area.

Jump aboard one of the many private deep sea charters Port Aransas has to offer, and you could be catching anything from King Mackerel 5-6 miles offshore to giant Yellowfin Tuna, Marlin, and Sailfish 100+ miles out. While daytime trolling is clearly the number one choice for Marlin and Wahoo, Yellowfin is best targeted at night around deepwater floaters and drilling rigs.