Best Spots and Seasons for Port Aransas
Port Aransas is a fishing paradise, often called the “Fishing Capital of Texas.” With its prime location along the Texas Gulf Coast, this town offers anglers a variety of fishing opportunities year-round. Whether you’re an experienced fisherman looking for deep-sea action or a beginner hoping to cast a line from the shore, Port Aransas has something for everyone.
This ultimate fishing guide breaks down the best fishing spots, seasons, and tips for catching some of the most sought-after fish in the Gulf of Mexico.
Best Fishing Spots in Port Aransas
Port Aransas offers an impressive range of fishing locations, from the open waters of the Gulf to the calm bays and piers. Here are the top spots to cast your line:
1. Horace Caldwell Pier
One of the most iconic fishing spots in Port Aransas, the Horace Caldwell Pier stretches 1,200 feet into the Gulf of Mexico, offering anglers access to deeper waters without needing a boat. This pier is a favorite for catching redfish, speckled trout, Spanish mackerel, and even sharks.
The pier is open year-round, and no fishing license is required to fish from it. You’ll find plenty of benches, rod holders, and cleaning stations, making it a convenient choice for all skill levels.
Best For: Redfish, trout, mackerel, sharks
Season: Spring through fall is best, with redfish and trout peaking in the fall months.
2. Roberts Point Park
For a more family-friendly fishing experience, Roberts Point Park offers a great combination of fishing, picnic areas, and dolphin-watching. You can fish from the park’s jetties or along the bulkhead, targeting species like redfish, flounder, sheepshead, and black drum.
The park is especially good during the fall when bull redfish and black drum are in abundance. It’s a relaxing spot to fish with plenty of amenities, including picnic tables and a playground for the kids.
Best For: Redfish, flounder, black drum
Season: Best from fall through early winter for redfish and black drum.
3. South Jetty
The South Jetty is a popular fishing spot that offers access to the deeper waters of the Gulf of Mexico without requiring a boat. Here, you can target a variety of species, including tarpon, kingfish, and Spanish mackerel. Anglers love the jetty for its ability to yield large fish, especially during the summer months when kingfish and tarpon are more common.
Because of the jetty’s location, the current can be strong, so it’s recommended for more experienced anglers. However, if you’re up for the challenge, the jetty can provide some of the best fishing in the area.
Best For: Kingfish, tarpon, Spanish mackerel
Season: Best from summer to early fall, particularly for tarpon and kingfish.
4. Mustang Island State Park
Mustang Island State Park is ideal for anglers who want to fish from the shore or wade into the surf. The park’s long stretches of sandy beach offer plenty of space to fish, and you can target species like pompano, redfish, whiting, and speckled trout. Surf fishing is especially productive during the fall redfish run, when redfish move closer to shore.
Mustang Island also offers camping facilities, making it a great spot for those looking to combine a fishing trip with an overnight stay by the water.
Best For: Redfish, speckled trout, pompano
Season: Fall is prime time for redfish; summer is great for trout and pompano.
5. Deep-Sea Fishing Charters
If you’re after big game fish, then booking a deep-sea fishing charter is the way to go. Several charter companies in Port Aransas offer trips ranging from half-day excursions to multi-day adventures. These trips take you offshore into the Gulf of Mexico, where you can target species like red snapper, kingfish, tuna, and even marlin.
Deep-sea fishing charters are typically most productive in the summer, when warmer waters attract larger fish. However, red snapper season is a particular highlight, usually running from June to August, with charters targeting these prized fish.
Best For: Red snapper, kingfish, tuna, marlin
Season: Best in summer, with red snapper season peaking in June and July.
What to Catch: Key Species in Port Aransas
Port Aransas offers a diverse range of fish species, and the best time to catch them varies throughout the year. Here’s a breakdown of some of the top species and the best times to fish for them:
1. Redfish (Red Drum)
Redfish are one of the most popular and abundant species in Port Aransas. You can catch them year-round, but they’re especially plentiful during the fall run, when bull reds move into the shallows. Look for them along the beachfront, at Roberts Point Park, or from the piers.
Best Time to Fish: Fall (September to November)
2. Speckled Trout
Speckled trout are a year-round favorite in Port Aransas, with peak seasons in the spring and fall. They can be caught in shallow bays, along the jetties, or by wading in the surf. These fish are often found around structure, so casting near grass beds or rocks can be particularly productive.
Best Time to Fish: Spring and fall
3. Red Snapper
Red snapper is a prized catch in Port Aransas, but it requires heading offshore with a charter. The red snapper season is typically open in the summer, with the best catches occurring in June and July. Charters take you out into federal waters, where you can fish for these delicious and hard-fighting fish.
Best Time to Fish: June and July
4. Black Drum
Black drum are plentiful in the bays and around piers, especially during the winter months. They can often be found alongside redfish, and large bull drum are commonly caught in the fall and winter. Fishing for black drum is best around Roberts Point Park and the South Jetty.
Best Time to Fish: Winter (December to February)
5. Kingfish
King mackerel, or kingfish, are a popular target for anglers heading offshore. They are typically caught during the summer months, and you can find them near wrecks or structures in the open Gulf. These fast, powerful fish provide an exciting challenge for anglers on deep-sea charters or fishing from the South Jetty.
Best Time to Fish: Summer (June to September)
6. Tarpon
For anglers looking for a true challenge, tarpon are one of the most exciting fish to target in Port Aransas. Known for their acrobatic jumps and powerful runs, tarpon are typically found near the jetties and nearshore waters during the warmer months. South Jetty is a popular spot for hooking these silver giants, particularly from July to October.
Best Time to Fish: Late summer and early fall (July to October)
Fishing Tips for Port Aransas
- Bring the Right Gear: For pier and jetty fishing, make sure you have sturdy rods and reels, as these spots often produce larger fish like redfish, black drum, and tarpon.
- Know the Regulations: Be sure to check local fishing regulations for size and bag limits, especially during red snapper season, when strict rules apply.
- Hire a Guide: If you’re new to the area or looking for a specific species, hiring a local guide or booking a fishing charter can greatly increase your chances of success.
- Use Live Bait: Many anglers in Port Aransas swear by live bait like shrimp or mullet, especially for catching redfish, speckled trout, and black drum.
Ready to Cast Your Line in Port Aransas?
Whether you’re fishing from the piers, jetties, or deep-sea waters, Port Aransas offers a wealth of opportunities for both seasoned anglers and beginners alike. With a variety of species to target and plenty of fishing spots to explore, this coastal town is the perfect destination for your next fishing adventure.
