Our Favorite Fishing Spots 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.” My family has been coming to Port Aransas for over fifty years to enjoy the beach, fish, and hang out. Now, I’m sharing our favorite fishing spots in Port Aransas. From pier fishing to deep-sea fishing, I’ll share them all with you.
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Port Aransas Fishing Pier/Jetty/Surf Fishing
One of our favorite fishing spots in Port Aransas is the Horace Caldwell Pier.
The Horace Caldwell Pier is located in the I.B. Magee Beach Park at 230 North on the beach in Port Aransas. This massive 1,240-foot lighted pier extends deep into the Gulf of Mexico.
Fishing from the pier is quite affordable. For $3 per person and $4 per pole, you have access to pretty deep waters. Just make sure you bring cash, because credit cards are not accepted.
Another reason we love the pier is that it is open 24 hours a day.
There is also an on-site concession stand called Keepers, which sells food, drinks, bait and rents fishing equipment.
Besides the pier, you can also visit the observation deck, which opened in 2022. It is accessible to the public and has educational kiosks to educate visitors about the Gulf of Mexico and its inhabitants.
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 jets into the ocean.
Many anglers have success on the jetty, which is a popular place to fish. You do have to be careful because they can get slick.
Fish From the Beach in Port Aransas
Did you know you can drive directly onto the beach in Port Aransas?
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.
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.
Charter Fishing in Port Aransas
One of the best ways to fish in Port Aransas is to charter a fishing boat. There are several different types to choose from.
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. We’ve fished with them before with quite a bit of success.
Visit them online to book your trip in advance, especially during the summer.
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.
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 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
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.
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 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.
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.
