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 Copano 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 surf fishing 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 heavy tackle to limit the risks of them getting injured during the fight, and reel ‘em in as quick 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!
And More!
We said that we’d need an age to get through all the fish you can catch while fishing in Rockport, but we couldn’t leave out some of the following. All you need to know is whether you’re inshore, nearshore, or offshore, there’s something to keep you busy!
Add Sheepshead, Flounder, Jack Crevalles, Black Drum, and even Tarpon to the inshore list. Meanwhile, Cobia, Amberjack, and Mackerel are worthy opponents nearshore. If you go offshore, then don’t miss out on the Wahoo bite to go along with your big game battle.
How to Fish: Best Ways to Catch Fish in Rockport
Whatever kind of angler you are, there’s something for you when fishing in Rockport. If you’re looking to take the family for a fun day out on the beach, you’ve got it. Fancy a day alone on a pier? Check. How about a new, fun adventure? Try a kayak. The list is endless.
Read on and find out how to tailor your Rockport fishing adventure to your needs!
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!
Kayak Fishing
A relatively novel way of fishing, casting from a kayak is quickly becoming a popular way to get your fill of fish in Rockport. The calm bay waters of the Copano and Redfish Bays are ripe for kayak fishing, and you can find plenty of shops along the marinas willing to rent you a light vessel for under $50.
“Why kayak fishing?” you ask. First of all, it’s a great workout. A sport in its own right, you’ll work up a sweat before you’ve even landed a fish. Then the hard work begins. Get ready to test your skills in tight quarters as you look to fill the kayak with something delicious to take home.
Charter Fishing
It’s no secret in the angling community that charter fishing is the best way to get your fish on. With a professional guide, you’ll find the sweet spots with ease, going after a range of delicious and exciting fish depending on what’s biting. Hop aboard a Rockport fishing charter and it will feel like the whole world is your oyster!
Of course, if you want to go offshore, you’ll need a charter, but it’s also just as useful inshore. Anglers of all levels are usually welcome aboard, with the captain ready to give a helping hand to novices, while the pros get their fish on in style.
Where to Go Fishing in Rockport
We’ve talked enough about the fact that there’s so much fishing on offer in Rockport, but now it’s time to decide where to go. You’re spoiled for choice when it comes to fishing here, but the following section should give you a better idea of where best to head to suit your needs.
- Aransas Bay: Just pipping Copano Bay to the top of the list, this vast expanse of water protected from the Gulf by the jetties has it all. Year-round you can battle a range of fish, with Trout and Redfish standing out.
- Padre Island: If you’re looking for an adventure and have access to a 4×4 car, then Padre Island is for you. Make your way along the rugged beaches and experience fishing like never before. Target Flounder, Redfish, and Trout bayside, with Snappers on offer Gulf-side.
- San Jose Island: Another prime spot for shore anglers, this jetty island is a little closer to Rockport itself. Along with the bays, you can also hunt the flats for Black Drum, Jacks, Sheepshead, and even Tarpon.
- Rockport Pier: Fulton Pier almost stole the crown of best pier in the area, but the length of Rockport Pier gives it the edge. Come and fish here and head home with buckets full of fish.
- Offshore Oil Rigs: Just 40 miles offshore, you’ll come across some of the most productive feeding grounds for fish in the Gulf. These offshore islands are a haven for huge Snappers, Mahi Mahi, Cobia, and even Tuna and Billfish.
When to Come Fishing in Rockport
There’s never a bad time to come fishing in Rockport. Make the most of the year-round warm weather and get your fish on against a range of exciting and delicious fish, and discover for yourself why Texas’ Coastal Bend is so famed for its fishing.
However, you may want to tie your fishing adventure with some local events to keep your family and friends occupied over the course of a few days. Come in any of the following months, and you can combine your fishing trip with a true taste of local culture:
- March: Sample the delights of the Fulton Oysterfest at the start of spring and get a real taste for some of the seafood you’ll be targeting.
- May: Not only will you get to make the most of the incredible fishing, but the Rockport Wine Festival transforms the Texas Maritime Museum into a hub of fun. Come and learn all about the history of the Gulf Coast and try out some award-winning local wines.
- October/November: Combine the old and new as fall hits Rockport, with the town’s Seafair and Film Festival inviting you for a cultural experience. The Seafair has been running for over 40 years, while the Film Festival only started in 2007, but both are sure to keep you entertained.
Anything Else?
Depending on how you plan on fishing in Rockport, you may need to get a license. This is where it gets a little confusing. Anglers over the age of 17 fishing from a boat or from the beaches must get a Texas saltwater fishing license, which you can get here.
However, if you’re fishing from a pier or from land, you won’t need one. There’s a fine line between land and the beach, though, so we recommend you get one just in case.
Now, there’s also an additional $10 endorsement that you’ll need to purchase alongside your license if you want to take any of your fish home. This comes with a “Red Drum tag” (for one Redfish over 28 inches) included but you can purchase an additional tag if you want to catch more than one Bull.
Why Rockport?
If this hasn’t sold fishing in Rockport to you, then we don’t know what will! With year-round fishing, great weather, and some of the world’s most sought-after fish in abundance, the question should be “Why not Rockport?” Come to this angling paradise whenever you want, and get your fish on in style!