Known as the fishing capital of Texas, Port Aransas is the destination of choice for serious and casual fishermen alike. Whether you are looking for Texas deep sea fishing or simply casting off of the pier, Gulf Coast fishing enthusiasts will find it all in Port Aransas. Port Aransas is host to 50 fishing tournaments annually, with a tournament every weekend through the summer months. It is also home to the largest fishing tournament on the Texas Gulf Coast, the Deep Sea Roundup. And when you want to take a break from the sun and the sea, there are several Port Aransas attractions to keep you entertained.
Deep Sea Fishing
The deep blue waters off the Gulf Coast of Texas are home to several deep sea fish. Numerous Port Aransas charters are available to take you to where the fish are biting, out in search of some of the best deep sea fishing around. Mackerel and Kingfish are in season between May and September, with Marlin and Sailfish in season between July and September. If you are looking for the big one, Barracuda can be caught between June and August.
Jetty and Pier Fishing
If your fishing style tends towards to calmer waters, there are four public piers in Port Aransas that allow for light fishing and casting. The Horace Caldwell pier extends one hundred feet into the Gulf of Mexico, so if you still want to do some deep sea fishing but don’t want to take a charter, this is your best opportunity. The three other piers – Ancel Burnett pier, Charles Pasture pier, J.P. Luby pier – are the ideal spots to drop a line for year round bay fishing. Here you can reel in Redfish, Speckled Trout and Flounder.
Dolphin Watching
Dolphins are plentiful in the region, and are very inquisitive by nature. It is not uncommon for a dolphin to swim alongside your boat or to come up right beside your kayak or canoe. There are a few ways to catch sight of a dolphin, either on a sunset dolphin tour or by boat charter, but don’t be surprises if you see a dolphin during your jetty stroll either.
Port Aransas Attractions
While fishing is the main preoccupation of this Texas coastal town, Port Aransas does have a number of cultural activities that can help fill the time in between casting your line. The Port Aransas Art Center is a hub for artists. The Center features First Friday Showings, as well as the annual Songwriter’s Showcase and Art festival in May. The Port Aransas Museum showcases the area’s historic past through exhibits, photos and videos. The Museum offers special tours, classes and exhibits ranging from the Karankawas and Spanish explorers, to Mustangs and famous fishermen. The Port Aransas Community Theatre stages live plays for the entire family to enjoy.
Port Aransas fishing trips and cultural attractions have something for everyone. With the piers well lit and designated for 24-hour fishing, there is nothing stopping you from dropping a line any time of day or night. And if you bring your catch in to a local eatery, they will be happy to cook it up for you.
Port Aransas fishing trips and cultural attractions have something for everyone. With the piers well lit and designated for 24-hour fishing, there is nothing stopping you from dropping a line any time of day or night. And if you bring your catch in to a local eatery, they will be happy to cook it up for you.