Port Aransas Texas, focusing on the piers, jetties, beach/surf, and offshore areas. April marks peak spring fishing here, with warming water temperatures (typically rising from the mid-60s°F to low 70s°F) and increased baitfish activity like mullet, menhaden, and shrimp. Conditions can be windy, so calmer mornings and evenings often provide the best windows.
Piers (e.g., Horace Caldwell Pier, Roberts Point Park Pier)
Piers offer accessible fishing for all skill levels, often producing steady action day and night.
- Key Species: Sheepshead, redfish, black drum, pompano, speckled trout (starting to show), gafftop catfish, and occasional jack crevalle at the ends when water is clean.
- Baits & Techniques: Live shrimp (freelined or under a popping cork), shrimp bites/Fishbites, cut mullet. Bottom rigs work well for drum and sheepshead around structure; try lighter tackle for trout and pompano.
- Tips: Target the surf zone or channel sides. Action has been reliable for smaller reds and trout near structure. Flounder are beginning to appear near rocks on live shrimp. Early mornings or late evenings often yield better results.
Jetties (North and South Jetties)
The iconic jetties are prime spots for wade or rock fishing, with structure attracting a variety of species. Fishing can be a “grind” in choppy water, but tight to the rocks often holds fish.
- Key Species: Redfish (including oversized/overslot fish), sheepshead, speckled trout, black drum.
- Baits & Techniques: Live shrimp and cut mullet for reds and sheepshead; cut crab for bigger reds. Freelined shrimp along the rocks for trout. Work the tips, inside edges, and channel sides—outgoing tides can be productive.
- Tips: Sheepshead are fair on live shrimp, while reds have been good on live shrimp/cut mullet. Oversized reds have shown up on cut crab/mullet. Trout are fair freelining shrimp. Watch for strong currents and slippery rocks; safety first. Jackfish and some sharks may also cruise the area.
Beach/Surf (Mustang Island Beach, Port Aransas Beach Park)
Surf fishing along the beachfront is popular and often productive in April as fish move in with warming waters and bait pushes.
- Key Species: Redfish (strong afternoon bite, including some big ones), speckled trout (picking up, especially in cleaner water), pompano, black drum (in smaller numbers), flounder (starting to show, smaller sizes initially).
- Baits & Techniques: Live shrimp, shrimp bites, cut mullet. Use popping corks in shallow water or fish the guts/sloughs. Afternoon and near-dark bites have been noted for reds.
- Tips: Redfish action remains solid in the surf, with trout improving. Calm mornings with light winds create good windows. Water clarity varies (often 5/10 around Port A), improving further south on Mustang Island. Expect some jack crevalle and occasional sharks.
Offshore (Nearshore to Deep Sea)
Offshore trips (via charter from local marinas like Dolphin Dock or Deep Sea Headquarters) heat up in April, with calmer seas early in the month providing smoother rides. Nearshore reefs and rigs see good activity, while longer runs target pelagic species.
- Key Species:
- Nearshore (5–15+ miles): King mackerel (early arrivals), vermilion snapper, red snapper, mangrove snapper, cobia (ling), triggerfish, grouper (including gag/red), jack crevalle, and some sharks (blacktip, spinner, bull).
- Deeper/longer trips: Early mahi-mahi possible toward late April/May, barracuda, occasional wahoo or other pelagics.
- Baits & Techniques: Live bait (perch, sardines, cigar minnows), trolling spoons/spoons for kings, bottom fishing with large whole fish or jigs for snapper/grouper. Vertical jigs or sight-casting around structure/rigs.
- Tips: Recent trips have reported good mixes of snapper, kingfish, cobia, and sharks on 4–8 hour runs. Jack crevalle and sharks have been abundant in some outings. Weather (wind/rain) can limit trips, so check forecasts. April is excellent for building toward summer patterns.
Overall Outlook: Fishing has been rated GOOD in recent reports, with solid inshore/jetty/surf action for reds and trout, plus reliable pier/jetty sheepshead and drum. Offshore depends on weather windows but offers variety. Bait availability (live shrimp, mullet) is generally good. Always check current TPWD regulations for bag limits, size restrictions (especially for reds and trout), and any seasonal closures. Water temps around 60°F have been noted recently, with spring transitions bringing more activity.
Pro Tips for April:
After fishing, enjoy Port Aransas’ “Fishing Capital of Texas” vibe with fresh seafood!
Focus on early mornings and evenings for calmer conditions.
Wind can be a factor—monitor tides and surf reports.
Popular access: Jetties and Horace Caldwell Pier for walk-on fishing; charters for offshore.