Spanish mackerel fishing out of Freeport is a short-range game in Texas state waters. Most trips fish within 30 minutes of leaving the dock, which puts the jetties, nearshore reefs and platforms inside a morning run from Freeport. This guide covers when the fish are listed, the structure boats run to in order of range, and who fishes for them here.
When Spanish mackerel are around Freeport
Surfside Beach Charters lists Spanish mackerel as available "depending on season." The listing gives no months.
For the wider timing and migration picture, see how Spanish mackerel move through the Gulf (see also the Gulf of Mexico offshore fishing guide), then pick your structure by range. The regional pattern won’t tell you where the fish are on a given day, but it helps narrow where to look.
Where boats run and the structure that holds fish
Boats fish Texas state waters, and most trips stay within 30 minutes of the dock. Every ground below sits inside that range except the overnight option at the bottom of the table.
| Ground | Depth | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Surfside Jetty and Freeport South Jetty | ||
| George Vancouver Liberty Ship Reef (BA-336) | 60 ft | 9 nm from the Freeport jetties |
| Freeport Liberty Ship reef | 100 ft | |
| Nearshore platform clusters and natural ledges | 60-120 ft | |
| East Bank reef system | ||
| Buccaneer Field | ||
| Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary | Overnight charters |
The jetties
Surfside Jetty County Park and the Freeport South Jetty are the closest structure to the dock and the first stop past the bay.
BA-336
The George Vancouver Liberty Ship Reef, BA-336, is an artificial reef built on a Liberty Ship. It sits in 60 ft of water, 9 nautical miles from the Freeport jetties.
Freeport Liberty Ship reef
The Freeport Liberty Ship reef, also called the Liberty Shipwreck, sits in 100 ft.
Platforms and ledges
Nearshore platform clusters and natural ledges sit in 60-120 ft. Structure at this range is also part of planning for other coastal and offshore gamefish.
East Bank and Buccaneer Field
The East Bank reef system and Buccaneer Field are named grounds fished from Freeport.
Flower Garden Banks
Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary is reachable from Freeport on overnight charters, which extends the range from a 30-minute run to a full overnight trip.
Depths for these grounds show on Chart Contours. Chart layers are not for navigation.
How Spanish mackerel are fished from Freeport
Trips are short runs in Texas state waters, worked around the structure named above, from the jetties out to the reefs and platforms. Pick the ground by range and fish it from there. For method and gear, see the guide to Spanish mackerel tackle and lures.
- Short runs and state waters: most trips fish within 30 minutes of the dock, inside Texas state waters.
- Structure first: jetties, reefs and platforms are the named places to start.
Who fishes for Spanish mackerel out of Freeport
Surfside Beach Charters, run by Captain Kevin Martin, lists Spanish mackerel among its targets "depending on season." Most of its trips fish within 30 minutes of the dock.
FAQ: Spanish mackerel fishing out of Freeport
When are Spanish mackerel in at Freeport?
Surfside Beach Charters lists them as available "depending on season," with no months given. For timing, use the Gulf-wide pattern covered above, then choose structure by range.
How far do boats run for Spanish mackerel out of Freeport?
Most charter trips fish within 30 minutes of leaving the dock, in Texas state waters. The range runs from the jetties out to BA-336 at 9 nm. Overnight charters reach the Flower Garden Banks.
How deep is BA-336?
George Vancouver Liberty Ship Reef (BA-336) sits in 60 ft of water, 9 nautical miles from the Freeport jetties. The Freeport Liberty Ship reef sits in 100 ft. Nearshore platforms and natural ledges sit in 60-120 ft.
What structure holds Spanish mackerel near Freeport?
Named grounds run in range order: the jetties, BA-336, the Freeport Liberty Ship reef, the platforms and ledges, the East Bank reef system, Buccaneer Field and the Flower Garden Banks. Start close and work out by range.
Who runs charters for Spanish mackerel out of Freeport?
Surfside Beach Charters, with Captain Kevin Martin, lists the species. Most of its trips fish within 30 minutes of the dock, in Texas state waters.
Where are the fishing rules for Freeport?
State waters fall under the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, and runs past state waters fall under federal mackerel rules. See the Regulations section above for where to check them before you fish.
