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Welcome to the Fishing Capital of Texas

Port Aransas is the catch of a lifetime

Gabrielle and John Barnes caught the biggest bull reds of their entire lives on a fishing trip in Port Aransas. What will you catch? And where will you catch it? Port Aransas offers challenges and a string of rewards for everyone.

Choose Your Fishing Adventure

Every type of angler casting around for a hot spot will find their paradise here. 

Deep Sea Fishing

Hire a private charter for the fishing trip of a lifetime. Tackle the deep blue waters of the Gulf on an offshore excursion and reel in wahoo, sailfish, marlin, tuna, and more.

Malrin-fsihing-offshore-twat
Malrin-fsihing-offshore-twat

Bay Fishing

Limits of redfish, flounder, black drum, and trout are common in the bays around Port A. Enjoy a day out in the bay on a boat or hop in the water and spend the day wade fishing.

bay fishing
bay fishing

Onshore Fishing

For those who prefer to keep their feet dry, Port Aransas has several piers and the popular south jetty for around-the-clock casting.

fishing-surf fishing-couple-beach
fishing-surf fishing-couple-beach

Ready to Cast A Line?

Hire one of Port A's renowned fishing guides!

Fishing Guides

Expert fishing guides host guests from novices to experts on their boats in the waters of Port A daily and assist at every level. These…

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A close up of two weathered hands driving a boat

New to Fishing?

A Step-by-Step Guide for the First-Time Angler

Here’s a quick guide to fishing for the first time in Port Aransas, because life is better with a fishing pole in your hand.

1. Make it O-Fish-Al

Before you cast a line, you’ll need a Texas Parks & Wildlife fishing license. Saltwater fishing licenses can be purchased for one-day use or the full season. Swing by Family Center IGA, Deep Sea Headquarters, Ace Hardware, Island Tackle, Stripes, or The Texan to purchase.

Two girls pose inside of a shark mouth cutout that reads "Island Tackle"

2. Stuff Your Gills

It’s time to gear up! Premium rod and reel combos are available for purchase at Island Tackle (also offer rentals), Deep Sea Headquarters, Port A Outfitters, or Port Aransas Fisherman’s Wharf. Looking specifically for live bait? Stock up at Deep Sea Headquarters or Port A Outfitters.

Green fishing lures hang on a shop wall

3. To Bay or Not To Bay

What type of fishing do you want to do? Go offshore for big trophy catches, stay in the bay for a shorter experience, try a nighttime flounder gigging excursion with Walker’s Guide Services or Surrender at Sunrise, or soar with Captain Kenjo on a fly-fishing trip.

A man in Columbia PFG gear holds up a large black drum fish.

4. Aiding and A-bait-ing

A helping hand goes a long way in the fishing game. Once you’re suited up and have chosen how you want to fish, you’re ready to hire a guide. Going out with a fishing guide is the absolute best way to learn to fish in Port Aransas.

A group of four poses in front of a board of hanging red snapper while a man in blue takes their photo

Cast Away Your Cares

Now that you’re out on the water, you can officially set that email message to “gone fishing.” Your fishing guide will show you the methods and the locations for success. You may even be ready to sign up for a fishing tournament! Enjoy yourself and reel ‘em in!

Two people dressed in costume sing into toy microphones aboard a fishing boat

6. Dip Your Success in Tartar Sauce

You’ve done the heavy lifting, now let local restaurants step in to cook your catch for the full-circle experience! Whether you order your fish fried, blackened and squeezed with lemon, or simmered in garlic butter, it will be the freshest fish dish you’ve ever eaten.

A plate of fried fish with green beans and a lemon sits on a wooden tabletop
Now that you’ve done it once, you’ll want to go fishing in Port Aransas again…and again…and again…and—