Tight Lines

Fishing Report

What's biting, where to fish, and what you need to know. Real-time conditions from NOAA, seasonal species guide, and links to the latest reports from local captains.

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Current Conditions

Water temp, wind, and tides from NOAA Station 8775237 — Port Aransas.

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What's Biting

Species by Season

Spring

March – May

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Speckled Trout— Active on flats, channel edges, grass beds

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Redfish— Moving onto shallow flats, feeding aggressively

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Jack Crevalle— Arrive in large schools, aggressive strikes

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Pompano— Cruise the surf during spring migration

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King Mackerel— Begin moving into nearshore waters

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Sheepshead— Good through early spring around structure

Summer

June – August

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Red Snapper— Peak season — federal charter season June through October

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King Mackerel— Strong offshore and nearshore

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Tarpon— Roll through the surf and jetties (catch & release)

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Cobia (Ling)— Follow rays and turtles nearshore

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Mahi-Mahi— Offshore at rigs and weed lines

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Sharks— Blacktip, bull sharks common when water exceeds 78°F

Fall

September – November

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Bull Redfish— Stack at the jetties during migration — best months

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Flounder— Stage before November spawning run (closed Nov 1 – Dec 14)

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Speckled Trout— Excellent action in bays

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Wahoo— Start biting offshore in October

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Pompano— Return to the surf during fall migration

Winter

December – February

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Black Drum— Prime season — both small and large

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Sheepshead— Peak season around jetties, pilings, structure

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Redfish— Good on warmer afternoons, jetties and channels

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Bull Redfish— North jetty produces January through April

How to Fish

Types of Fishing in Port A

Bay Fishing

Redfish, trout, flounder, drum

Wade the grass flats in 2-4 feet of water or drift over oyster reefs. The bread and butter of Port A fishing.

Surf Fishing

Whiting, pompano, redfish, sharks

Long rods, cut bait, and patience. Best on moving tides. 4WD recommended to reach remote stretches.

Offshore

Red snapper, kingfish, cobia, mahi, tuna

Half-day (5-20 miles), full-day (30-60 miles), or overnight bluewater trips to the rigs and reefs.

Pier Fishing

Trout, drum, pompano, tarpon

Horace Caldwell Pier — 1,240 feet into the Gulf, open 24 hours, lighted for night fishing. $3/person, $4/pole.

Jetty Fishing

Redfish, sheepshead, trout, mackerel

South Jetty by foot, North Jetty via the Jetty Boat. Where Gulf and channel collide — prime conditions.

Kayak Fishing

Sight-cast redfish, trout, flounder

Launch from Roberts Point Park or Lydia Ann Channel. Shallow grass flats at 1-3 feet. Tides matter more than time.

Know the Rules

Bag & Size Limits

TPWD 2025-2026 season (Sep 1 – Aug 31). Always verify at tpwd.texas.gov. Texas fishing license + saltwater endorsement required for ages 17+.

Species	Daily Bag	Size	Notes
Redfish	3/day	20-28" slot	One oversized with Red Drum Tag
Speckled Trout	5/day	15-25" slot	One over 25" allowed
Flounder	5/day	14" min	CLOSED Nov 1 – Dec 14
Black Drum	5/day	14-30" slot	One over 52" allowed
Sheepshead	5/day	15" min
Red Snapper	4/day	15" min	TX state waters open year-round
King Mackerel	3/day	27" fork
Tarpon	1/day	85" min	Catch & release under 85"