Last Updated on January 13, 2026
Gulf water temperatures swing from winter lows around 58°F to summer highs near 85°F. Fish follow those patterns. So does the smart angler’s calendar.
Federal regulations shift annually based on catch data and stock assessments. Knowing when each species is legal to keep makes the difference between a great day and wasted effort. This guide breaks down what’s biting each season, where to find it, and what trip length gets you there.
New to Gulf fishing? Start with our guide to Port Aransas fish species for identification, size records, and habitat details.
Important: Federal fishing seasons and bag limits change annually. This reflects regulations current as of December 2025. Always verify rules before booking by checking NOAA Gulf Regulations for federal waters and TPWD Fishing Regulations for state rules.
Port Aransas Fishing Calendar
Average Water Temperatures: Winter 61–67°F | Spring 66–78°F | Summer 82–86°F | Fall 72–85°F
Spring (March through May)
Water temperatures climb from the low 60s to the mid-70s. Bait pods move inshore as the Gulf warms. Migratory species follow current lines north along the Texas coast, stacking up in predictable patterns that make spring one of the most consistent fishing windows of the year.
Cobia
The first warm fronts in March push cobia into nearshore waters. They travel in small groups along rip tides and current seams, often visible on the surface near floating debris or rays. By late April, they stack between the jetties and the first set of rigs. Sight-casting or working vertical jigs around structure both produce strikes.
- Peak months: Mid-March through May.
- Trip length: 6-hour nearshore
King Mackerel
Early kings arrive with schools of mullet and menhaden in March. Seas remain relatively calm through April, resulting in smooth rides to productive waters. Fish the current seams 5 to 15 miles out, trolling spoons or slow-trolling live bait. July and August bring bigger numbers around shrimp boats, but spring offers consistent action without summer crowds.
- Peak months: March through May
- Trip length: 8-hour offshore
Flounder
As bay water warms into the upper 60s, flounder move back into shallow areas after their winter offshore spawn. Target sandy pockets near grass lines and channel edges. Fall remains the top season, but spring provides solid action before summer heat sets in.
- Peak months: April and May
- Trip length: 4-hour bay
Speckled Trout and Redfish
Spring offers one of the most consistent bay bites of the year. Speckled trout feed over shell bars and grass flats when the water hits 68 to 75°F. Redfish cruise grassy shorelines in the Lydia Ann and Corpus Christi Bay systems. This is ideal for kids and first-time anglers since the bite stays reliable and the weather cooperates.
- Peak months: March through May
- Trip length: 4-hour bay
Summer (June through August)
Water peaks in the low to mid-80s. Blue water moves closer to shore on south winds, bringing pelagic species within reach of shorter runs. The federal red snapper season opens June 1. Offshore action picks up significantly across the board.
Red Snapper
The 2025 federal for-hire season for boats with federal permits runs June 1 through September 16. Private recreational anglers fishing federal waters have a longer window through November 21, 2025. Texas state waters (0 to 9 nautical miles from shore) remain open year-round with a 4-fish bag limit and 15-inch minimum.
Red snapper stack on natural bottom and artificial reefs in 60 to 100 feet. Most limits come in the first few hours, leaving time to target other species on the same trip.
- Federal for-hire season: June 1–September 16
- State waters: Year-round
- Trip length: 8–12 hours offshore for federal waters, 6 hours for state waters
- Check current regulations: NOAA Red Snapper and TPWD Red Snapper
King Mackerel
July and August bring peak numbers. Kings congregate around shrimp boats working offshore, feeding on the discarded bycatch. The bite runs strong through mid-morning, then picks up again late afternoon.
- Peak months: June through August
- Trip length: 6–8 hours nearshore
Mahi-Mahi
When weed lines drift within 25 to 40 miles of Port Aransas, mahi move in underneath them. Look for clear, blue water and surface debris. These fish average 10 to 20 pounds, with bigger bulls mixed in. You need at least 10 hours to reach consistent structure and work it productively.
- Peak month: July
- Trip length: 10–12 hours offshore
Tarpon
Rolling tarpon cruise the beachfront from July into early fall. Fish the first and second guts in 15 to 40 feet of water. Sight-casting to these fish is one of the more exciting nearshore opportunities on the Texas coast. These are catch-and-release only, but the fight makes them worth every minute on the water.
- Peak months: July and August
- Trip length: 6-hour nearshore
Sailfish and Cobia
Color breaks 30 to 50 miles out hold sailfish and cobia during the summer months. The bite improves when water temperatures create defined temperature gradients. Both species hit live bait and trolled ballyhoo.
- Peak months: June through August
- Trip length: 10–12 hours offshore
Sharks
Texas allows retention of specific shark species with strict size and bag limits. The daily bag limit is one shark per person (2-fish possession limit). Legal species for most anglers include blacktip sharks, spinner sharks, and bonnethead sharks (24-inch minimum). Bull sharks and other species require a minimum of 64 inches.
Hammerhead sharks are legal to keep but require a minimum of 99 inches (over 8 feet), making them impractical for most recreational anglers. Many charter operations practice catch-and-release for sharks due to conservation concerns and the ecological value of these apex predators.
Important: Non-offset, non-stainless steel circle hooks are required when fishing for sharks in Texas state waters. Prohibited species include great white sharks, sandbar sharks, and several others.
- Peak months: June through August (water temps above 78°F)
- Trip length: 8-hour offshore
- Check regulations: TPWD Shark Regulations
Most summer mornings start with a snapper limit by 9 or 10 a.m. After that, you can troll for kings and mahi or sight-cast for tarpon as the sun climbs.
Ready to book your trip? Reserve your dates online or call 361-850-0909 to discuss timing and target species.
Fall (September through November)
Water drops from the low 80s into the upper 60s by late November. Baitfish stage near passes and jetties ahead of their winter migration. Predators follow. Crowds thin after Labor Day, and captains have more flexibility with scheduling. The cooler air and strong bites make fall a local favorite.
Bull Redfish
The annual bull red migration peaks in October and early November. Fish in the 30 to 40-inch range pack the jetties, surf, and deep channels of the Aransas Pass ship channel. Target them during incoming tides. These oversized reds are catch-and-release only, but the fight alone makes them worthwhile.
- Peak months: October and November
- Trip length: 4-hour bay or jetty
Wahoo
The first strong cold fronts in November trigger the wahoo bite. These fish move into the 100-fathom curve and along temperature breaks. High-speed trolling with deep-diving plugs or rigged ballyhoo produces most strikes. Plan for a long run since productive water sits far offshore.
- Peak month: November
- Trip length: 10–12 hours offshore
Spanish and King Mackerel
Late-summer bait schools linger into October, keeping both species active. Spanish mackerel work closer to shore. Kings stay 8 to 20 miles out.
- Peak months: September and October
- Trip length: 8-hour nearshore to offshore
Flounder
Fall is the top season for flounder. Fish stage near passes before their offshore spawn. Both rod-and-reel and gigging action peak from mid-October through November. Target sandy transition zones where channels meet grass flats. Texas’s bag limit is five fish per person, with a minimum size of 14 inches.
- Peak months: October and November
- Trip length: 4-hour bay
Blackfin Tuna
Night jigging around offshore rigs improves as the water cools into the low 70s. Blackfins average 15 to 30 pounds and hit vertical jigs worked near the thermocline. Most productive trips leave in late afternoon and fish into the night, giving you shots at both twilight and after-dark bites.
- Peak months: October and November
- Trip length: 12-hour offshore
Winter (December through February)
Water bottoms out between 58 and 65°F. Blue-water species concentrate along temperature breaks, making them easier to locate when seas cooperate. Bay fishing slows during cold snaps but rebounds quickly when temps stabilize.
Wahoo
Mid-winter brings the most substantial wahoo concentrations of the year. Fish stack along the 100-fathom curve and temperature breaks 60 to 80 miles offshore. You need calm weather to make the run. When conditions align, this is the most productive wahoo window on the Texas coast.
- Peak months: December through February
- Trip length: 10–12 hours offshore
Blackfin Tuna
Reliable around deep rigs throughout winter. Target depths between 300 and 500 feet, jigging near structure. Fish stay active even when the water drops into the low 60s.
- Peak months: December through February
- Trip length: 12-hour offshore
State-Water Snapper
Texas state waters stay open year-round for red snapper. On calm days between fronts, a 6-hour trip reaches productive reefs at depths of 60 to 80 feet. The bite stays consistent through winter. You avoid summer crowds completely. The bag limit is four fish per person, with a 15-inch minimum in state waters.
- Peak months: December through February (weather dependent)
- Trip length: 6-hour nearshore
Sheepshead and Black Drum
Both species stay active around jetty pilings and channel markers between cold fronts. Sheepshead feed on barnacles and oysters, requiring small hooks and light tackle. Black drum average 5 to 15 pounds and hit cut bait on the bottom. This is a solid family option when offshore trips are off the table.
- Peak months: December through February
- Trip length: 4-hour bay or jetty
Trophy Speckled Trout
Big trout (25 inches and up) stage over mud and shell substrate on warm winter afternoons. Target deeper pockets in the Lydia Ann and Aransas Bay systems when water climbs into the mid-60s after a few stable days. These fish hit slow-worked soft plastics and suspending plugs. Texas allows five trout per person per day, with a 15-inch minimum (only one fish may exceed 25 inches).
- Peak months: January and February
- Trip length: 4-hour bay
Winter trips depend on weather windows. Our captains check forecasts daily and adjust plans based on wind and sea conditions. If blue-water runs look rough, we pivot to jetty fishing or state-water snapper closer to shore.
Year-Round Bay Fishing
The Lydia Ann, Corpus Christi, and Aransas Bay systems hold fish every month. Redfish and speckled trout stay active across all seasons. Flounder peak in the fall. Spring brings schooling bait and aggressive trout over shallow grass flats. Summer mornings keep families cool while targeting slot reds in deeper channels.
What to Target on a 4-Hour Bay Charter
| Species | Where to Find Them | Peak Season | Texas Regulations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Redfish | Grassy shorelines, channels, oyster bars | Year-round (best spring and fall) | 3 fish per person, 20-28 inches |
| Speckled Trout | Shell bars, grass flats, under birds | Year-round (best spring and winter) | 5 fish per person, 15-inch min (one over 25″) |
| Flounder | Sandy drop-offs, channel edges | October and November | 5 fish per person, 14-inch min |
| Black Drum | Around pilings, jetties, oyster reefs | Winter and early spring | 5 fish per person, 14-30 inches |
| Sheepshead | Jetty structure, channel markers | December through March | 5 fish per person, 15-inch min |
Check current regulations: TPWD Saltwater Bag and Length Limits
Choosing Your Trip Length
| Trip Length | Target Species | Who It Fits |
|---|---|---|
| 4 hours (bay or jetty) | Redfish, trout, flounder, sheepshead, black drum | Families, first-timers, limited time |
| 6-8 hours (nearshore) | King mackerel, cobia, tarpon, state-water snapper | Groups easing into offshore fishing, mixed skill levels |
| 8 hours (offshore) | Federal snapper (when open), mahi-mahi, kings | Full-day anglers ready for structure fishing |
| 10-12 hours (offshore) | Wahoo, blackfin tuna, sailfish, mixed pelagics | Serious anglers chasing trophy fish |
For detailed information on each species, including identification, size records, and habitat, see our Gulf of Mexico Fish Species Guide.
Species Currently Closed or Restricted
Greater Amberjack
Status: Closed in federal waters through July 31, 2026
The recreational greater amberjack season closed on September 27, 2025, due to overfishing in the 2024-2025 season. The closure affects all federal waters in the Gulf and will remain in effect through the end of the 2025-2026 fishing year. This resulted from recreational landings exceeding the annual catch limit by 478,451 pounds.
What this means: Amberjack cannot be harvested from federal waters during this time. The species is currently overfished and is being overfished, necessitating this extended closure to support population recovery.
Check for updates: NOAA Amberjack Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a fishing license if I book a charter?
Yes. Texas requires anyone 17 or older to have a valid saltwater fishing license, even on a guided charter. The captain’s license doesn’t cover passengers. You can buy one online through TPWD before your trip, or pick one up locally at Lowe’s Port A Family Center or the marina store at Fisherman’s Wharf. A one-day non-resident license costs $16. Arriving with your license saves time on the morning of your trip.
What bait works best in Port Aransas?
Live shrimp is the most versatile option and works year-round for redfish, trout, and drum. For surf fishing, cut mullet and croaker produce well for bull reds and black drum. Offshore trips typically use squid, cigar minnows, and rigged ballyhoo. Our captains provide all bait and tackle on guided trips, matched to whatever species we’re targeting that day.
Does the charter provide rods, tackle, and bait?
On all Coastal Charters trips, we supply rods, reels, terminal tackle, and bait. You don’t need to bring anything except your fishing license, sunscreen, and whatever food or drinks you want on the water.
What’s the best month to fish in Port Aransas?
Every month produces fish, but the answer depends on what you want to catch. October offers the best variety: bull reds stack at the jetties, flounder stage before their spawn, offshore wahoo start biting, and crowds thin out after Labor Day. For families or first-timers, April and May offer consistent bay fishing with mild weather. If red snapper is your priority, June and July during the federal season put you on the best bite.
Ready to Book?
A quick conversation helps us match the season, boat, and target list to your group. You can
or call 361-850-0909 to talk about what’s biting and when to come.
Fishing regulations change frequently. This guide reflects regulations current as of December 2025. Always verify current rules before your trip by checking NOAA Gulf Regulations for federal waters and TPWD Fishing Regulations for state waters. Coastal Charters’ captains stay current with all regulatory changes and ensure your trip complies with all applicable laws.