Spanning 624 miles from Beaumont and Port Arthur to the tip of the South Padre Islands, the Texas coastline provides residents and visitors with a large amount of water-based activities. Among these are swimming, boating and, in particular, saltwater fishing, With a temperate climate and more than two dozen varieties of fish and aquatic life to catch, the Texas Gulf Coast is a mecca for both beginner and expert fishermen.
Fishing Licenses
Both residents and visitors need to purchase a fishing license to take aquatic life away from the Texas coastline. They can purchase recreational licenses at any number of locations throughout the state, including supermarkets, department stores and bait and tackle shops. A variety of license packages, from one day all-water to lifetime fresh or saltwater, are offered. Though coastline fishing is performed in a saltwater environment, anglers should still consider purchasing an all-water license.
Coastline Fishing Environments
Anglers have many opportunities to fish along the length of the entire coastline. Beach towns and fishing villages provide rock groins--long and narrow strips of various size rock, jetties and breakwaters for fishing without a cost. For fishing in deeper water, public, fee-oriented piers are offered in various locations. Charter and party boat tours provide group fishing opportunities in the open water areas of the coastline bays as well as directly in the Gulf of Mexico.
Coastline Fish and Aquatic Life
The type of fish and aquatic life anglers can catch depends on what area of the coastline they are fishing. Closer to the coast, fishermen can fish for trout, redfish, flounder and shrimp. Farther out into open waters, opportunities are available to catch mullet, black drum, red drum, snapper and tarpon. At 100 miles or more away from the coastline fishermen can cast for blue and white marlin, tuna, wahoo and sailfish.
Coastline Fishing Towns
The towns and cities of the Texas coast provide abundant opportunities for all types of fishing. Visitors to and residents of the barrier island towns of Rockport and Port Aransas can angle on their free jetties and beaches. Groups can make fishing arrangements with boat operators in the areas of Port Isabel, Corpus Christi and Galveston Bay. Other areas on the Texas coast known for their free and fee fishing areas are the South Padre Islands, Texas City and Brazosport.
Considerations
While a year-round destination, fishing on the Texas Coast is busiest during the summer season, as both tourists and state residents converge on the Gulf. If you are looking for a quieter fishing experience, consider visiting during the off-season when temperatures on the coast average between 56 degrees in the Galveston area to 70 degrees in the South Padre Islands. You should also consider migration patterns for aquatic life, as some fish may not be available during your visit.
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