This post contains referral or affiliate links to products I use, love & recommend. Read my disclosure here.
Port Aransas has been known for decades as an ideal fishing town. The warm waters of the Texas Gulf Coast are a popular fishing destination for experienced anglers and newcomers alike.
Located on the beautiful barrier island of Mustang Island, Port Aransas offers visitors options to choose bay, shoreline, offshore and deep sea fishing. There are several great fishing charter services available through Deep Sea Headquarters, Dolphin Docks, or Woody’s Sports Center that can accommodate small and large groups.
You may want to try fishing from your kayak in the bay, on the beach, south jetty, or Horace Caldwell Pier. Depending on the time of year, you may be able to catch redfish, trout, flounder, red snapper, marlin or even a shark. Regardless of the season, there’s always great fishing to be enjoy in Port Aransas.
End your perfect fishing day on the water by having your own fish for dinner. Some restaurants in Port Aransas will cook your catch for you and your family. Seafood doesn’t get any fresher than that! So grab your gear and head to the coast to enjoy your perfect day on the water.
Know where you’re headed
The Port Aransas area offers great fishing all around, from the Corpus Christi Bay to the Gulf of Mexico. Be sure you’re familiar with where you’re headed and how to get back with this waterproof NOAA chart, perfect for keeping in the boat or your tackle box.
NOAA Waterproof Chart: Corpus Christi Bay, Port Aransas
RELATED: Live Webcams in Port Aransas to Enjoy the View
Identify your catch
Even some of the most experienced anglers may need to confirm their catch or identify an unusual fish. If you’re new to fishing in coastal waters, be sure that you have your fishing license and are familiar with saltwater endorsements.
According to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD), on the first Saturday in June of each year, everyone can fish recreationally without licenses or endorsements. This opportunity exists so that more people can try fishing for the first time. Save the date and invite a friend or family member to join you!
Need help identifying your catch? Grab these guides to keep in your tackle box.
Saltwater Fishes of the Texas Gulf Coast: A Guide to Inshore and Offshore Species
Ken Schultz’s Field Guide to Saltwater Fish (Fishing Editor of Field & Stream)
RELATED: What to Do in Port Aransas When You Need Space
Local fishing information
- Fishing Licenses
- Fishing Limits and Regulations
- Weekly Gulf Coast (Port Aransas) Fishing Reports
- Weekly Fishing Report
- Fishing Records
RELATED: 60+ Feel-Good Songs for When You’re Missing the Beach
Monitor local weather conditions
Before heading out onto the water for some fishing in Port Aransas, be sure to view the day’s local weather forecast to ensure you’re aware of current conditions and temperatures along the Gulf Coast.
Want to track the weather around you whenever you travel? Get the AcuRite Weather Station Forecaster or the advanced Ambient Weather Smart Wifi Weather Station.
Local tide charts
Research local Port Aransas water levels, tide and current predictions, and other oceanographic and meteorological conditions in the Gulf Coast area, so you’ll know before you go.
Port Aransas Tide Charts from the University of Texas Marine Science Institute (UTMSI)
Port Aransas Tides & Currents from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)