Port Aransas Fishing: An Angler's Guide

Port Aransas Texas, historically known as Aranzazu, welcomes around 60,000 visitors during the summer. The place is packed with tourists from around the world from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Known as the “Fishing Capital of Texas,” Port Aransas attracts anglers from around the world.

Its long and rich history started almost 5,000 years ago. The islands' first inhabitants were believed to be the Karankawa Indians, who led a nomadic life, traversing Galveston Bay towards Corpus Christi.  The 19th century marked the beginning of the buzzing commerce of Port Aransas and became a point of interest for merchants, immigrants, and even buccaneers and smugglers. It was business as usual until a hurricane destroyed most of Port Aransas in 1916. This, however, did not stop the locals from rebuilding their wharves and docks. Then again, in 2017, Hurricane Harvey ravaged the Gulf Coast and Port Aransas, but just the same, its people persevered and rebuilt.

After going through several tragedies over the centuries, who would think that Port Aransas would eventually have one of the most successful tourism-driven economies in Texas? Apart from anglers, the kayak paddling trails also lure in visitors. 

Its once-flooded and snake-infested islands are now abundant in inlets and estuaries home to vast populations of different fish species. Although it offers saltwater and inshore fishing, Port Aransas is best known for deep-sea or offshore fishing. In fact, many consider Port Aransas the deep sea fishing capital of Texas. 

Port Aransas Fishing

The world-renowned Gulf of Mexico, Corpus Christi Bay, and Lydia Ann Ship Channel surround Port Aransas. This gives anglers easy access to some of the best fishing spots in the country. Moreover, this gem of a community is lauded for being the only established town sitting on the beautiful Mustang Island.

Due to its strategic location, Port Aransas is highly accessible to anyone who wants to visit; if you want to go straight to the middle of the town, you can ride the ferry from Aransas Pass free of charge. If you wish to go to neighboring cities in Texas, you can head down the South Padre Island Drive.

Apart from the fish-abundant bodies of water surrounding this city, Port Aransas is also home to the Crystal River, known for inshore and offshore fishing. Its tributaries filled with backcountry creeks and grass flats make this river an ideal fishing hotspot for anglers. A State of Texas Fishing License is required for any fishing trip. For fishing licenses and information, please visit the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

Bordering Port Aransas, Galveston Bay is a popular fishing hub. The seventh-largest estuary in the US, Galveston Bay is home to an abundant population of fish like king mackerel, mahi mahi, grouper, snapper, and more.

Port Aransas holds some of the world’s fishing records. In 2018, a 23-year-old angler reeled in a 22.82-pound Dog Snapper off the Dolphin Docks. More recently, in December 2020, two anglers landed a 47.25-pound Marbled Grouper from the exact location. Unfortunately, it seems like no paperwork was submitted to make it qualify as IGFA’s new world record for this species.

Red Snapper - these large pinkish fish are one of the world's favorites. This bottom-dweller found in deep water is one of the most sought-after targets for offshore fishing. Aggressive feeders (up to 600 feet deep) also have delicious meat.

King Mackerel - These fish are fascinating to catch as tremendous fighters. Kingfish are considered the most important game fish from their genus (Scomberomorus). They're toothy, so use a heavy-duty leader when you're targeting kingfish.  

Speckled Sea Trout - These opportunistic carnivores are popular among experienced anglers. This species responds well to any light to medium action rod and reel combination or a conventional bottom rig when offshore fishing. This trophy fish is best fished at night in winter when the water is clearer.

Cobia - This solitary fish is an aggressive predator that feeds on smaller fish. Its tasty meat makes excellent table fare and is considered an important commercial fish. Using bucktail jigs, eel baits, topwater jigs, and crankbaits, anglers always have a good time catching cobia.

Redfish - Formally known as Red Drum, this species lives up to 40 years and typically stays around the area where it was born. Currently, only recreational anglers can catch them but with certain regulations. This shallow-water fish responds best to live shrimp; for fly fishing, anglers use flies about 3 to 6 inches.

There are several fishing tournaments in the Port Aransas area, and the Houston Big Game Fishing Club hosts a few every year.

In May, the Corpus Christi Big Game Fishing Club facilitates its kick-off party; they run a tournament series composed of 10 events and runs through September of each year. Other notable fishing tournaments in Port Aransas are Babes on the Bay in May, Powder Puff Ladies Tournament in June, Deep Sea Roundup in July, Texas Legends, and Texas Women Anglers Tournament from August to September.

Top Ten Fish Species in Port Aransas

The top 10 species found in Port Aransas, TX, are tuna, red snapper, speckled sea trout, flounder, cobia, tarpon, kingfish, snook, redfish, and sailfish.

Port Aransas Seasonal Fishing

• Redfish - Despite the laws banning heavy fishing for Redfish, this species is available all year round for recreational anglers. Apart from shrimp, you can also use mullet and other lures.
• Speckled SeaTrout - Luckily for anglers, this fish is abundant throughout the year. To catch them, you can use perch and shrimp as bait.
• King Mackerel  - Kingfish are most active from May to September, and you'll have success using shrimp as bait.
• Cobia - Cobia are most active in April, May, September, and October. Anglers usually utilize perch, shrimp, and ribbonfish as bait to catch this target.
• Sailfish - Sailfish are abundant in Texas’ waters from July to September. Mullet, ballyhoo, and other common lures are productive.
• Red Snapper - This delectable species' peak season is April to October. That’s plenty of time to prepare your whole or cut fish as bait.

Here is a bonus summary for you to include in your next fishing calendar. In January, you can go for sheepshead, black drum in February, and jack crevalle in March. June is the peak season for numerous species, including mahi mahi, sailfish, and tuna. July is the beginning of most offshore tournaments if you are up for it. August is the peak for offshore game fish like cobia, sharks, barracuda, blackfin tuna, and kingfish. September and October are primetime for Bull Redfish.  Offshore fishing in November means catching tuna and kingfish. The last month of the year may not have the best weather conditions, but it is still a hot month for redfish and red snapper. The availability of speckled trout in Port Aransas differs relatively throughout the year. The busiest months are February through April and June through August. The low season is in December. 

Things to do in Port Aransas

1. Port Aransas Fishing Charters

Port Aransas is home to some of the best deep-sea fishing in the world, and as a result, many top captains and fishing guides have settled there. The best fishing trip you can have while visiting the area is with a fishing guide or a fishing charter. The Gulf of Mexico and Galveston Bay both make for incredible fishing locations.  Whether you're new to the area, vacationing, or living locally, you can never go wrong with a Port Aransas fishing charter.

2. Kayaking, Surfing, and Parasailing 

Mustang Island Paddling Trail and The Lighthouse Lakes Paddling Trail near Aransas Pass are both famous for kayaking. This might be the perfect activity if you want to glide over mangrove estuaries, salt marshes, and sand flats. If you want something more adventurous, you can try flying up to 300 feet high over the ocean in a parasail at Lydia Ann Channel or the Gulf of Mexico.

3. Birdwatching 

Home to the largest trail of its kind in the US, Port Aransas is world-renowned for its Texas Coastal Birding Trail, where you can view up to 450 different species of migratory birds. 

Top Beaches in Port Aransas TX

1. Mustang Island

Mustang Island is a barrier island found to the east of Corpus Christi. This is popular among active vacationers and families who love camping and surfing. 

2. Crystal Beach

Crystal Beach is a fishing spot that is also best for bird-watching. It also accommodates campers whose idea of a great night out is around campfires under the stars.

3. Lighthouse Beach 

Lighthouse Beach is beloved by children due to its splash pads. The shoreline is a bird sanctuary, making it a haven for nature lovers.

4. Rockport Beach 

Rockport Beach overlooks Aransas Bay. This crescent-shaped beach offers many amenities and activities, including volleyball games. It also provides chairs for sunbathers who want to bask in the Texas sun.

Sandfest is an annual sand castle building contest that's one of the most popular activities in Port Aransas; it is a family-friendly event.