Fishing in Port Aransas: Everything You Need to Know
Port Aransas, Texas, is one of the hottest beach towns in the south. It is also known to anglers as the “Fishing Capital of Texas.” I’ll break down everything you need to know about fishing in Port Aransas. From pier fishing to deep-sea fishing, there is a hook for everyone.
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Texas Regulations/Fishing Licenses
The Texas Parks & Wildlife Dept. regulates fishing in Texas. To fish any waters in Texas, you must have a fishing license if you are between the ages of 17 and 87. If you are fishing in the coastal waters of Port Aransas, your license needs a saltwater endorsement.
Fishing licenses can be purchased online through the TPWD at their website here or at these retail locations in Port Aransas.
The cost varies for Texas residents, non-residents, and the type of fishing. You can check out the price for fishing licenses here.
Texas allows free fishing in state parks, and luckily for visitors to Port Aransas, Mustang Island State Park is a short drive along Highway 361.
The Mustang Island State Park day fee is $5 per adult and free for children under 12. Visit their website for all the details on what Mustang Island State Park offers.
What Can You Catch in Port Aransas?
What you catch will depend on where you fish, the time of year, the water conditions, and many more elements.
Most anglers in Port Aransas catch red drum, black drum, trout, catfish, flounder, sheepshead, red snapper, sailfish, kingfish, marlin, tuna, and shark.
Red Snapper season usually begins June 1 and is a popular fishing time in Port Aransas.
Port Aransas Fishing Report
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department releases a weekly fishing report for Port Aransas waters. It includes updates on weather, jetty fishing, and deep-sea fishing.
Port Aransas Fishing Pier/Jetty/Surf Fishing
Horace Caldwell Pier is located in the I.B. Magee Beach Park at 230 North on the beach in Port Aransas and is a 1,240-foot lighted pier that extends into the Gulf of Mexico.
The pier costs $3 per person to access and $4 per pole to fish. Since cards are not accepted, make sure to have cash.
The park is open 24 hours a day. An on-site concession stand called Keepers sells food and drinks. It also sells bait and rents fishing equipment.
A new observation deck opened in 2022 and is connected to the Horace Caldwell Pier. It is accessible to the public and has educational kiosks to educate visitors about the Gulf of Mexico and its inhabitants.
The Port Aransas Jetty is also located in the I.B. Magee Beach Park.
It consists of large flat rocks layered together to create a pier that jets into the ocean.
Many anglers have success on the jetty, which is a popular place to fish.
Fish From the Beach in Port Aransas
Did you know you can drive directly onto the beach in Port Aransas?
Purchase a $12 annual beach pass at any local convenience store. Drive along the Port Aransas coast, and take all your fishing gear to the water.
The parking pass also allows you to camp on the beach for three consecutive days.
As you can imagine, shore fishing is popular on the beaches. It is common to see many anglers camping and shore fishing with much success.
Charter Fishing in Port Aransas
Party Fishing Charters
Party fishing refers to boats that take out large groups at one time and then let anglers drop the line versus casting the line.
This is an excellent option if you are taking out the kids for a day on the water or if you are a beginner fisherman.
These fishing tours usually start around $60 per person with tours leaving at 8 AM and 1 PM from the Port Aransas fishing piers near the ferry landing.
You will need a fishing license, which you can buy at the departing dock.
These trips include fishing equipment and bait, so if you are fishing in Port Aransas on a beach vacation, you won’t have to worry about bringing this with you.
Concessions, bathrooms, heat, and a/c are available on the boat.
Professional fish cleaners are even available after your trip to care for your catch.
Click here for information about Port Aransas Fisherman’s Wharf party fishing charters.
Another option in Port Aransas is Dolphin Dock Charters. Visit them online to book your trip in advance, especially during the summer.
Bay Fishing Charters in Port Aransas
Port Aransas’s location gives anglers options when heading out to fish. You can choose between bay fishing and deep-sea fishing.
Bay fishing, also called inshore fishing, is attractive to anglers because the waters are much calmer than deep-sea fishing. By staying close to the shore, you are fishing in the bay. There is still an abundance of fish to be caught.
This keeper was caught bay fishing in Port Aransas.
If you are a first-timer or don’t go fishing often, I suggest a bay fishing trip. Your guide will take you to their favorite fishing spot and give you fishing tips to have a fun and successful day.
Remember, you typically get more fishing time with a bay fishing charter since you don’t have to travel to the deep water.
Deep-Sea Fishing in Port Aransas
Deep-sea fishing, also called offshore fishing, is considered fishing in water deeper than 100 feet. In these waters, you can catch the “trophy” fish.
Port Aransas has many charters for deep-sea fishing, including those that will take you out to the oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico.
Deep-sea fishing charters tend to run higher in price since your trip will be longer.
Both deep-sea fishing and bay fishing are best with a charter service, and there are many to choose from in Port Aransas.
Here are a few that have been recommended to me.
When choosing a charter service for your fishing trips, you decide where you want to fish (bay fishing or deep-sea fishing) and for how long. Make sure to communicate your preferences with your guide when you make arrangements.
The fish below were both caught during a guided bay fishing trip.
Restaurants That Will Cook Your Catch
You’ve had a successful day on the water and brought home your limit in fish. Now what?
Luckily, these restaurants in Port Aransas will cook what you catch. Bring your cleaned and ready-to-grill fish to the following restaurants and feast on your good fortune.
- Castaways – 337 N Alister St
- Fin’s – 420 W Cotter Ave
- Keepers – Horace Caldwell Pier
- Seafood & Spaghetti Works – 910 Hwy 361
How to Get to Port Aransas
Port Aransas is forty-five minutes south of Corpus Christi, Texas. If you fly into Corpus Christi, renting a car and driving to Port Aransas is best.
San Antonio, Texas is a larger, more metropolitan city near Port Aransas.
The drive is longer, about two and a half hours, but it is a direct path south on Interstate Highway 37.
Once in Port Aransas, there are many great places to stay, including many homes with private pools, waterfront restaurants that will grill your catch, and plenty of activities.
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