Fishing in Port Aransas, Texas: Our Favorite Fishing Spots

Horace Caldwell Pier

Horace Caldwell Pier is one of our favorite places to fish in Port Aransas. Located at I.B. Magee Beach Park, this massive 1,240-foot lighted pier extends into the Gulf of Mexico and offers anglers the chance to fish without owning a boat.

The pier is a popular choice for visitors who want to spend a few hours fishing while enjoying the ocean views.

Another reason we love the pier is that it is open 24 hours a day.

An on-site concession stand called Keepers also sells food, drinks, bait, and rents fishing equipment.

Check current admission fees, fishing equipment charges, and operating hours before your visit. Bring cash, because credit cards aren’t accepted.

Besides the pier, you can also visit the observation deck, which opened in 2022. It is open to the public and has educational kiosks that teach visitors about the Gulf of Mexico and its inhabitants.

Port Aransas Jetties

Another favorite spot to fish is the Port Aransas Jetty. The jetty is close to the pier in the I.B. Magee Beach Park.

The large flat rocks layered together create a pier that juts into the ocean.

Many anglers have success on the jetty, which is a popular place to fish.

Use caution when walking on the rocks. They can be uneven and slippery, especially when wet or covered in algae. Wear shoes with good traction and pay attention to waves and changing conditions.

Surf Fishing on the Beaches of Port Aransas

Did you know you can drive directly onto the beach in Port Aransas?

Beach driving makes it easier to transport fishing equipment and spend a few hours surf fishing along the coast. You’ll often see anglers setting up rods near the water, especially when conditions are favorable.

As you can imagine, shore fishing is popular on the beaches.

You do need to purchase a $12 annual beach pass at any local convenience store before setting up. Once you have it, drive along the miles of Port Aransas coast, find an empty spot, and take all your fishing gear to the water.

The parking pass also allows you to camp on the beach for three consecutive days.

Party Fishing Charters

Party boat fishing is a good option for visitors who want to fish without paying for a private charter.

Instead of booking the entire boat, you purchase a spot alongside other anglers. These trips generally use shared fishing areas and equipment arrangements, with passengers fishing at the same time.

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.

Bay Fishing Charters in Port Aransas

Some of our best fishing has been bay fishing in Port Aransas.

Bay fishing, also called inshore fishing, is attractive because the waters are much calmer than deep-sea fishing.

By staying close to the shore, you are fishing in the bay, where there is still an abundance of fish.

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. I, personally, haven’t done the deep-sea fishing charter because they last a long time and the water can get choppy. But, my husband and older kids have and they loved it.

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 we have used or that have been recommended to me.

• Coastal Charters Port Aransas
• Woody’s Fishing Adventure
• Vagabond Flats
• Jesse Torres Guide Service

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.

I still think bay fishing is the best spot to fish in Port Aransas. Just look at the fish below caught during a guided bay fishing trip.

Restaurants in Port Aransas That May Cook Your Catch

After a successful fishing trip, enjoying your catch for dinner can be a highlight of your visit.

Some Port Aransas restaurants have offered cook-your-catch services, but policies, availability, preparation fees, and acceptable fish types can change.

As of publishing date, these restaurants will cook what you catch, but before bringing your fish to a restaurant, call to confirm that the service is available, whether the fish must be cleaned and filleted, and what the restaurant charges to prepare it.

• Castaways Seafood & Grill – (361)749-5394
• Fin’s Grill & Icehouse – (361) 749-8646
• Seafood & Spaghetti Works – (361) 749-5666

Port Aransas Fishing Report

Before heading out, check a current fishing report for information about recent catches, weather, water conditions, and seasonal activity.

I recommend starting with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s fishing reports and the official Port Aransas tourism website.

If you’re booking a charter, ask your guide what fish are being targeted and which trip makes the most sense for the time of year.

Fishing reports can help you plan, but they don’t guarantee a catch. Sometimes the fish have other plans.

Texas Regulations/Fishing Licenses

The Texas Parks & Wildlife Dept. regulates fishing in Texas. So, if you are between the ages of 17 and 87, and want to fish in Texas, you must have a fishing license.

Your license also needs a saltwater endorsement if you fish in the shores of Port Aransas.

Fishing licenses can be purchased online through the TPWD website 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.