When mahi are off Freeport
Mahi-mahi fishing out of Freeport runs from summer into fall, and the Brazosport calendar lists mahi in June and July. Some anglers call the species dorado or dolphinfish.
Boats run to blue water for them, and the structure along the way gives you waypoints to mark. The sections below cover the run, the grounds you pass, how local crews fish, and who runs charters.
The run to blue water
Mahi are found in the blue water around 30 miles out or more, where color breaks and current edges concentrate bait. The Gulf of Mexico mahi guide (see also the Gulf of Mexico region guide) covers the wider water picture.
We show color breaks on the Chlorophyll and OBS SST layers. Breaks and weed lines move, and cloud can block a satellite pass. Chart layers are not for navigation.
The structure below sits between the jetties and blue water. You run past it on the way out, so it is easy to mark.
| Structure | Depth (ft) | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Freeport jetties (Surfside Jetty, Freeport South Jetty) | ||
| George Vancouver Liberty Ship Reef (BA-336) | 60 | 9 nm from the Freeport jetties |
| Nearshore platform clusters and natural ledges | 60 to 120 | |
| Freeport Liberty Ship reef | 100 | |
| East Bank reef system | ||
| Buccaneer Field | ||
| Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary | Reachable on overnight charters |
Jetties and BA-336
The Surfside Jetty and the Freeport South Jetty are the departure point and the reference for run distances. George Vancouver Liberty Ship Reef (BA-336) sits in 60 ft, 9 nautical miles from the jetties.
Platforms and ledges
Nearshore platform clusters and natural ledges sit in 60 to 120 ft. The reefs and platforms you pass are covered in our offshore gamefish guides.
Liberty Ship reef
The Freeport Liberty Ship (Liberty Shipwreck) reef sits in 100 ft. It is a separate site from BA-336, which lies in 60 ft.
East Bank and Buccaneer Field
East Bank reef system and Buccaneer Field are named structure off Freeport.
Flower Garden Banks
The Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary is reachable from Freeport on overnight charters.
How mahi are fished out of Freeport
Local crews fish two ways, and both start at the same places: weed lines, debris, rips, and the edges between blue and green water.
Trolling the spread
Crews troll spreads of skirted baits and lures, covering the water between color breaks and current edges.
Idling weed and pitching baits
Crews also idle along weed lines, debris, and rips and pitch baits to fish they can see. The boat slows down, works the edge of the weed, and puts the bait in front of a visible fish.
Shrimp boats
Texas Deep Sea Fishing Charters also fishes weed lines and shrimp boats on its 10-hour trip.
Tackle and fish behavior are covered in the mahi-mahi species guide.
Who fishes for mahi out of Freeport
These local charters list mahi-mahi among their trips:
- Texas Deep Sea Fishing Charters
- Surfside Beach Charters
Texas Deep Sea Fishing Charters
Texas Deep Sea Fishing Charters runs a 33 ft Contender, plus a 31 ft boat for 4-hour trips. Its 10-hour trip fishes weed lines and shrimp boats.
Surfside Beach Charters
Surfside Beach Charters is run by Captain Kevin Martin.
FAQ about mahi-mahi out of Freeport
When is mahi season out of Freeport?
Summer into fall. The Brazosport calendar lists mahi in June and July.
How far do boats run for mahi out of Freeport?
Blue water generally sits around 30 miles out or more, where color breaks and current edges concentrate bait.
Do the nearshore reefs hold mahi?
On the way to blue water, boats run past BA-336 (60 ft, 9 nm from the jetties), the platforms and ledges in 60 to 120 ft, and the Freeport Liberty Ship reef in 100 ft. Boats look for mahi in the blue water.
Which Freeport charters list mahi-mahi?
Texas Deep Sea Fishing Charters (33 ft Contender) and Surfside Beach Charters (Captain Kevin Martin).
Can you reach the Flower Garden Banks from Freeport?
Yes, on overnight charters.
What methods do local crews use?
They troll spreads of skirted baits and lures. They also idle along weed lines, debris, and rips and pitch baits to fish they can see.
