Spring fishing along the Texas Gulf Coast is in full swing, and Port Aransas waters are heating up with activity both inshore and offshore. Water temperatures are hovering around the 60°F and stable weather has made for consistently productive days on the water.
Inshore
Sheepshead remain excellent targets right now, stacking up around the north and south jetties as the spawn continues. Anglers using live shrimp or fiddler crabs around pilings and rocks are doing particularly well. Redfish are still showing strong numbers along the jetties and in the Lydia Ann Channel, biting on cut mullet, crab, and shrimp. There have been plenty of oversized reds mixed in too. Black drum are common near the docks and deeper channels, especially on fresh dead shrimp.
Surf & Jetty
The surf bite has been lively with pompano, redfish, and trout taking shrimp bites, live shrimp, and cut mullet. Calm mornings and light winds have created good windows for fishing the beachfront. On the jetties, speckled trout are fair with freelined shrimp along the rocks, particularly on outgoing tides.
Nearshore & Offshore
Warmer currents have started to bring blacktip sharks and bull sharks closer to shore, while early jack crevalle activity has been spotted just beyond the breakers.
Offshore boats are beginning to report more consistent action, especially for kingfish and early-season snapper when the weather allows.
Horace Caldwell Pier
The iconic pier stretching 1,240 feet into the Gulf is producing sheepshead, redfish, and black drum, with pompano showing up in the surf zone. Early morning anglers are doing well with live or dead shrimp under popping corks and cut mullet on the bottom. A few trout have also been caught near the pier lights at night. Blacktip and bonnethead sharks are starting to return as the water warms—perfect for those targeting bigger game after sunset.
Roberts Point Park Pier
Action here has been reliable for smaller reds, trout, and gafftop catfish. The channel side is seeing good current flow, and anglers using shrimp bites or live shrimp near structure are filling stringers. Cooler mornings still call for a jacket, but the midday bite is consistent. It’s also a good spot to watch boats and dolphins if the fish slow down.
Conditions & Tips
Water clarity is improving, and bait movement is increasing daily. With spring tides and warming temps, expect fishing to only get better in the coming weeks. If you’re heading out, live shrimp continues to be the most versatile bait inshore, while cut mullet and crabs produce the bigger bites.
Spring in Port A offers some of the best variety of the year — from sheepshead spawning inshore to bull reds cruising the surf, every trip promises action.
tpwd.texas.gov
The next few weeks should bring stronger trout activity and more nearshore predators as Gulf waters warm — the perfect time to line up an early morning launch and take advantage of light winds and rising tides.
November 2024 Port Aransas Fishing
Port Aransas Fishing Report (as of October 23, 2024):
Overview:
- Tides: High due to the full moon
- Redfish: Good on shrimp and cut mullet or skipjack at the north and south jetty
- Trout: Good with croaker piggy perch or shrimp free-lined along rocks
- Black Drum: Fair on shrimp
- Silver Spoons: Producing good redfish at both north and south jetties
- Overview: The fishing conditions in Port Aransas this October are favorable, with mild temperatures and a variety of species available for anglers. The water temperature has cooled to around 74°F, making for active fish and abundant catches in both inshore and offshore waters.
Inshore Fishing:
- Species: Redfish, Speckled Trout, Flounder, and Black Drum
- Locations: The flats around the Leo Carrillo Bridge, the jetties, and the shallows near the Lydia Ann Channel are producing great results.
- Bait: Live shrimp, finger mullet, and artificial lures (like soft plastics and topwater) are effective.
- Tips: Early morning and late afternoon are the best times for fishing. Look for tailing reds on the flats and work the edge of the grass.
Offshore Fishing:
- Species: Kingfish, Snapper, Mahi-Mahi, and Groupers
- Locations: Fishing beyond the 20-mile mark has yielded high-quality catches, especially around the oil rigs and deepwater reefs.
- Bait: Live bait such as menhaden, along with jigs and vertical jigs for bottom fishing, are recommended.
- Tips: Trolling with baits at varying depths can increase chances of hooking up with Mahi-Mahi. Make sure to check for weather conditions before heading out.
Surf and Pier Fishing:
- Species: Pompano, Whiting, and smaller Sharks
- Locations: The surf along Mustang Island and the Port Aransas Fishing Pier are popular spots.
- Bait: Fresh dead shrimp, sand crabs, and cut bait have been productive.
- Tips: Fish during the outgoing tide for the best results, and try to set up near sandbars for increased action.
Additional Notes:
- Regulations: Remember to check local regulations for size and bag limits for each species to ensure responsible fishing practices.
- Charters: Many local charters are available for those looking for guided experiences, with several offering family-friendly options.
- Weather: Keep an eye on local weather conditions, as coastal weather can change rapidly. Check forecasts regularly to ensure a safe fishing trip.
- Overall, November is a wonderful time to fish in Port Aransas, with plenty of opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. Whether you’re casting from the shore or heading out to deeper waters, the catch is promising this season! Happy fishing!