After a day spent reeling in redfish, snapper, or trout along the Texas coast, there’s nothing better than letting a local expert turn your fresh catch into a memorable meal. In Port Aransas, several restaurants specialize in “cook your catch” experiences, transforming your fillets into perfectly grilled, blackened, or fried dishes served with all the classic seaside fixings. It’s one of the most authentic (and delicious) ways to experience the island’s fishing culture.
Port Aransas Restaurants that Will Cook Your Catch
Castaways Seafood & Grill
A Port Aransas favorite, Castaways will cook your catch in a variety of ways. Order the Blackboard Special, priced at $29.50/lb, and have your catch blackened, fried, or grilled. This dish is served with rice, asparagus, and Blue Crab Pontchartrain sauce. Or, if you prefer to make your sides at home, you have the option of just having your catch fried, grilled, or blackened for $14.50/lb. Both are served with two hush puppies per person. *Recommended serving size is ½ lb per person. Have your catch pan ready; if it is not, prices listed above will double.
FINS
You hook ‘em, Fins cooks ‘em. Bring your filleted, de-boned, and bagged catch on ice with you to the table, and let your waiter know how many are planning to share the catch, and the Fins crew will take care of the rest! You can choose between grilled, blackened, fried, or garlic fish. Need an extra kick? Add the house bayou sauce or the jalapeno chimichurri. Along with your catch, you’ll get an option of two sides per table. Soak in the views of the FINS harbor while diving into a delicious meal caught by you and prepared by FINS.
Virginia’s on the Bay
Bring your catch to one of Port Aransas’ best restaurants, Virginia’s on the Bay. They’ll grill, blacken, or fry your 8-10 oz catch and serve it family-style. Along with your fish, Virginia’s offers sides like rice, mashed potatoes, French fries, steamed veggies, hush puppies, and more. *Please bring your catch, cleaned, filleted, and ready to cook.
Seafood and Spaghetti Works
Hooked something great during your Port Aransas fishing trip? Seafood and Spaghetti Works offers “Bring Your Own Catch” with no reservations needed. The kitchen will cook the fish how you want it, and you can pair it with any of the restaurant’s sides.
Trout Street
Trout Street has been a Port Aransas staple since 1966. Known for its fresh seafood, incredible views, and friendly atmosphere, it’s no wonder that people flock to Trout Street, whether a local or visitor. Trout Street, like many other Port Aransas restaurants, offers a “You Hook ‘Em, We Cook ‘Em” option on its menu. Have your fish cleaned and ready to cook, and Trout Street takes care of the rest! Your catch will be served with fries, cocktail sauce, and tartar sauce. This is limited to 1 lb per person, with an extra fee associated if more. Extra sides are available through their à la carte menu.
Other Port Aransas Restaurants that Offer “Cook Your Catch”
- BlueWater Cowboy
- La Playa Mexican Grill
- Kody’s
Top Fishing Charters in Port Aransas
Port Aransas is known as the “Fishing Capital of Texas,” so if you’re looking to take part in the cook-your-catch experience on your vacation, you’ll find plenty of fishing opportunities in Port Aransas. Aside from fishing off the pier or on the beach, there are several Port Aransas fishing charters that will take you bay and offshore fishing.
- Deep Sea Headquarters: The bay fishing charter with Deep Sea HQ is great for anglers of all skill levels, and especially for beginners and those with children. You’ll cruise the calm waters of the Corpus Christi channel, fishing for gafftop, whiting, and sandtrout. For more experienced anglers or those who don’t mind a little offshore excursion, the 5-hour offshore fishing charter takes you 10-15 miles offshore where you’ll encounter kingfish, red snapper (when in season), and even sharks! All trips come with bait, a fishing rod, and tackle.
- Fisherman’s Wharf Port A: Hop on the Wharf Cat or the Scat Cat for hours of fishing fun! Fisherman’s Wharf offers deep-sea fishing and bay fishing experiences in Port Aransas. The bay fishing tour is 3 hours long, where you’ll target gafftop, whiting, sandtrout, and migratory species like redfish and sheepshead. Want to make the most of your Port Aransas fishing trip? The offshore tour is a 6-hour-long excursion, great for both beginners and advanced anglers. Fish for king fish, red snapper (when in season), spanish mackerel, and more. All bait and tackle are supplied, and full concessions are available.
- Dolphin Dock Charters: Dolphin Dock Fishing Charters offers trips ranging from 4 to 30 hours to suit all ages and skill levels. Options include 4, 5, 8 and 12-hour shared charters, ideal for beginners and experts.
When you stay in one of our Port Aransas beachfront condo rentals, you’re just minutes from these local favorites, making it easy to go from boat to beachside table without missing a beat. Whether you’re planning a family fishing trip or a relaxing coastal getaway, pairing your catch with the convenience and comfort of a Sandpiper vacation rental makes for the ultimate Port Aransas experience.
