Texas’ Coastal Bend is famed all over the world for its incredible fishing, and Rockport is at the heart of it. Sticking out on the Live Oak Peninsula, it borders Copan Bay and Aransas Bay, both of which are overflowing with prized fish.
But that’s not all. If you come fishing in Rockport, you could find yourself heading to the Gulf of Mexico in search of some big game monsters, too. With flats, jetties, bays, and access to the deep seas, it’s no wonder that this town revolves around fishing!
What can I catch when fishing in Rockport?
It would take an age to get through all the species you can catch when fishing in Rockport. But, in short, you’re sure to catch some of Texas’ most sought-after creatures when fishing inshore, with plenty of great rewards offshore. Here are some of our top picks!
Redfish
There are fewer better places in the world to target the famous Red Drum than South Texas’ network of bays and lagoons. In fact, it’s even been named the state’s designated saltwater fish! Hit any of Rockport’s bordering bays, or head to the aptly-named nearby Redfish Bay and get your hands on enough to fill the boat, along with one or two “Bulls.”
Known for their tenacity, these creatures are sure to put up an intense fight to get off the end of your line, so get ready for a serious battle. It will all be worth it, though, as you head home with plenty of delicious meat to put on the BBQ during those warm Texan evenings!
Speckled Trout
If you’ve ever gone fishing in South Texas, chances are you’ve tested your skills against these bad boys. Not quite as tough as some of the bigger Redfish that share these waters, Speckled Trout are just as delicious as their fishy friends. Hit pretty much any inshore fishery, and you’ll come across one.
Available pretty much year-round, they’re a staple of the Texas saltwater fishing scene, and make up a third of the “Big Three” that seafood lovers crave when they come to the Gulf Shores. Go after Redfish, Flounder, and Specks, and be a part of the local culture!
Red Snapper
No list of fish in the Gulf of Mexico would be complete without the elusive Red Snapper. Prized from the Florida Keys to Mexico, they’re sought after by pretty much any saltwater angler. The beauty of fishing for them in Texas, though? You can land one year-round in state waters!
Yep, that’s right. Head up to 9 miles offshore whenever you want and you could get your hands on one of these beauties.
If you fancy testing your skills against some of the bigger Snappers out there, you can take advantage of the federal season too. Come in summer and head to the deep waters of the Gulf, and you could land the fish of your dreams.
Sharks
Whether you’re surfing or on a boat, there’s usually a Shark biting when you’re fishing in Rockport. Bull, Tiger, Hammerhead, and Blacktip Sharks make their way through the bays at different times of the year, giving you the chance to test your strength against a true predator.
The more daring among you may even come across a monster Mako on an offshore adventure. These are some of the most dangerous fish in the world, so get ready to get the pulses racing!
Just beware that most Shark species are endangered, so you’ll want to practice catch and release on these creatures. Use the heavy tackle to limit the risks of them getting injured during the fight, and reel ‘me in as quickly as you can.
Big Game Fish
From late summer through to mid-winter, the larger boats docked all around the Coastal Bend spring into life. This is the time when the deep sea fishing in Rockport kicks off. Pelagic beasts such as Blackfin and Yellowfin Tuna, Mahi Mahi, Sailfish, and even Blue Marlin make the warmer waters just out of Texas their home, giving you the chance for a test like never before.
Take advantage of the Mahi Mahi bite first off, before Marlin and Tuna show up towards the end of September, as you go in search of that trophy catch!
Surf Fishing
The shallow waters of the bays attract plenty of fish all over, which makes fishing from the shore in South Texas better than in most places around the world. With the jetties just a stone’s throw across the bay from Rockport, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from when deciding where to go fishing.
Go after the usual suspects of Redfish, Trout, Sheepshead, Jacks, and even Sharks. And you can even bring the whole family along for a fun-filled day on the beach.
Pier Fishing
If you thought the fishing was good from shore, just wait until you come pier fishing in Rockport. There are a number of extended walkways into the bays, giving you the chance to hit the deeper waters without getting wet. Come and set up camp for the day as you go fishing like never before, with stunning views of the bays and beaches.
Along with the inshore favorites, pier fishing can see you catch some nearshore wanderers when the time is right. Get out far enough, and you could find a Cobia, Amberjack, or Mackerel at the end of your line!
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