Bay & Beach Fishing
Bay fishing is outstanding in the waterways surrounding Mustang Island, where limits of redfish, flounder, black drum, and trout are common. Enjoy a day out in the bay on a boat or hop in the water and spend the day wade fishing. For surf fishing, medium to heavy-duty rods ranging from 10 to 12 feet are recommended to cast beyond the breaking waves. Live baits such as shrimp, mullet, or croaker are effective for attracting a variety of fish. Catch fish you can take home for dinner or just enjoy the thrill of the catch.
Deep Sea
Launch your boat from one of our many marinas or hire a private charter for the fishing trip of a lifetime. Tackle the deep blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico on an offshore excursion and reel in wahoo, sailfish, marlin, tuna, and more. Whether you fish the deep rigs or spend the day reeling in sailfish off the coast of Port Aransas you will always have fun.
Pier & Jetty
For those who prefer to keep their feet dry, Port Aransas has several piers and the popular south jetty for around-the-clock casting.
Horace Caldwell Pier Quick Facts
- Pier attendants will be available during business hours (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
- Admission is good through 5 a.m.
- The cost is $3 per person AND $4 per pole. Children can enter for free, and both senior citizens and military members can access for $1.
- Bring your own fishing license or stop by IGA Family Center to pick one up because fishing licenses are not sold at the pier.
Pier at Roberts Point Park
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Free access to the public.
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Located at Roberts Point Park.
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This is the perfect location for watching the boats come into the marina or trying your luck at fishing.
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Bring your own fishing license or stop by IGA Family Center.
Ancel Brundrett Pier
- Free access to the public.
- Located at the North end of the island tucked beside Cline's Landing on Station St.
- Known by locals as the Station St. Pier.
- This pier is great for fishing or catching a view of the Lydia Ann Lighthouse.
- Bring your own fishing license or stop by IGA Family Center.
Charlie's Pasture Fishing Pier
- Free access to the public.
- Charlie's Pasture Fishing Pier is the newest in Port Aransas.
- This pier is located along the shipping channel in the Nature Preserve at Charlie's Pasture.
- Enjoy the tranquil environment and natural beauty of Port Aransas and find great fishing while you're at it.
- Bring your own fishing license or stop by IGA Family Center.
Species, Season, & Bait
Find what species are in season and the best bait to catch them with when fishing in Port Aransas. Whether you are fishing in the bay, off the beach, or off shore you're in for a fun with the fish that swim in waters surrounding Port Aransas.
FISH |
SEASON |
BAIT |
|
|
July-Sept. | Mullet, Lure, Ballyhoo |
 Red Snapper |
June-Aug. | Live Perch, Squid, Crocker |
 Sailfish |
July-Sept. | Mullet, Lure, Ballyho |
 Swordfish |
Year-Round | Squid |
 Tuna |
Year-Round | Poppers, Trolling Lures |
 Wahoo |
Year-Round | Ballyhoo, J Hook, Nomad Divers |
 Sheepshead |
January-April | Fiddler crabs, sand fleas, tubeworms, barnacles |
 Kingfish |
Year-Round | Mullet, Menhaden, and scaled sardines |
 Speckled Trout |
February to April and June to August | Popping corks with live shrimp or soft plastics, surf fishing with bait or lures, and fly fishing |
 Tarpon |
July to October | Mullet, pinfish, crabs, shrimp, and topwater lures |
 Flounder |
October to December | Finger mullet, mud minnows, shrimp, and pinfish |
Mahi Mahi
*Texas Parks & Wildlife warns against using non-Gulf-native shrimp. This is against the law and can transmit viruses and diseases to native species that are harmful to Texas Gulf ecosystems.
