Fishing is one of the best ways to experience Port Aransas. Known as the “Fishing Capital of Texas,” the area offers several opportunities to cast a line, whether inshore or offshore. Our guide will help you learn all you need to know about fishing in Port Aransas.
Where to Fish in Port Aransas
Fishing Piers in Port Aransas
For those who prefer to stay close to land, the fishing piers and beaches of Port Aransas are the perfect place to go to unwind and cast a line.
Horace Caldwell Pier – Horace Caldwell Pier is a very popular fishing pier in Port Aransas. The pier extends 1,240 feet out into the Gulf of Mexico, offering you a one-of-a-kind glimpse of the ocean. From here, you’ll get the chance to fish catfish, red and black drum, tarpon, and a few other species. If you don’t have your own fishing gear, no worries. Fishing poles are $4 and fishing on the Horace Caldwell Pier is $3 per person.
Pier at Roberts Point Park – Roberts Point Park is a great place for the whole family to enjoy a day of fun. The 50-acre park features a large pavilion, patio area with views of the Lydia Ann Channel, and outdoor activities like shuffleboard courts, bocci court, basketball courts and more. Watch the porpoises and ships cruise by through the Lyida Ann Channel. Fishers can fish from the pier, the granite jetties, or the 1-mile bulkhead that surrounds the park. Fishing is free here, but proper fishing licenses are needed.
Charlie’s Pasture – The Nature Preserve at Charlie’s Pasture, made up of 1,200+ acres, is filled with diverse plant and animal life. The pier, located along the ship channel, offers a relaxing and quiet environment. The nature preserve is free to enter and open from sunrise to sunset.
Fishing Charters in Port Aransas
If you’re looking for a unique experience, chartering a boat is a fantastic way to enhance your skills with guidance from fishing guides. Whether you choose to go bay fishing, inshore fishing, or offshore fishing, fishing charters will take you to the best spots in Port A.
Deep Sea Headquarters – If you’re looking for a chance to go deep sea fishing in Port Aransas, a charter with Deep Sea Headquarters is a must. A variety of tours are offered year-round, including daily bay fishing, offshore tours, overnight tours, and even dolphin tours. After a hard day’s work, sip on a cold beverage while Deep Sea cooks up your fresh catch!
Port Aransas Fisherman’s Wharf – From bay fishing to offshore fishing, you’ll find plenty of options for both new and experienced anglers. Depending on the charter, you’ll snag species like sand trout, sheepshead, King Fish, Spanish Mackeral, tuna, and more! Port A Fisherman’s Wharf also offers dolphin tours and sunset cruises.
Dolphin Dock – Dolphin Dock offers options that include 4, 5, ,8 and 12-hour shared charters, ideal for beginners and experts alike. Dolphin Dock also provides privately chartered trips (4-hour group charters for up to 15 passengers) and family-friendly dolphin sightseeing tours.
Port Aransas Fish Species
Port Aransas is home to an incredible variety of fish species, making it a paradise for anglers of all levels. Port A’s waters are teeming with red and black drum, sheepshead, and snapper and the deep-sea fishing scene offers catches like tuna, mahi-mahi, and sailfish. Seasonal runs bring tarpon and kingfish close to shore.
Tackle and Bait Supplies in Port Aransas
You can find tackle and bait supplies just about anywhere in Port Aransas! Ace Hardware, along with most convenient stores, offers tackle and bait supplies. For convenience, many shops along the marina also offer bait and tackle. If you’re looking to shop local, stop by Port A Outfitters where you’ll find fishing tackle, live bait, shrimp, frozen bait, and more.
The Port Aransas Fishing Experience
With the hustle and bustle of everyday life, relaxing is why you probably end up finding yourself at the Sandpiper to begin with! Visiting the Texas coast is much more than just going to the beach. It’s about experiencing what the outdoors offers, and fishing in Port Aransas is one of the best ways to do that! Pack your fishing gear and reserve a stay in one of our Port Aransas vacation condos for an incredible getaway.