Spanish mackerel fishing out of Port O’Connor runs from the north and south jetties out to the nearshore reefs, on sardines or cut bait. This guide lists the grounds in order from the dock, with their depths and the local method, so you know which structure to look at and how deep it sits.
Where boats run out of Port O’Connor
From nearest to farthest, the grounds are the jetties and the Bird Island flat, then Keeping it Wild Reef, then MI 712. Each one is deeper and farther from the dock than the last.
| Ground | Type | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| Port O’Connor jetties (north and south) and the Bird Island flat | Gulf entrance for POC boats | – |
| Keeping it Wild Reef | Port O’Connor nearshore reef site | 66-70 ft |
| Matagorda Island 712 (MI 712) | Reef | 130 ft |
Run distances depend on your launch and route, so plot them on the chart before you leave.
Port O’Connor jetties and the Bird Island flat
The north and south jetties and the flat out to Bird Island form the Gulf entrance for POC boats and are the first ground you reach. TPWD’s Port O’Connor fishing reports mostly cover the jetties, the surf and San Antonio Bay.
Keeping it Wild Reef (66-70 ft)
Keeping it Wild Reef sits in 66-70 ft and is the Port O’Connor nearshore reef site. Of the two named reefs, it is the nearer.
Matagorda Island 712 reef (130 ft)
Matagorda Island 712 (MI 712) reef sits in 130 ft, making it the deeper of the two named reefs. Both show on Chart Contours. Chart layers are not for navigation.
How Spanish mackerel are fished here
According to the POC reports, Spanish mackerel out of Port O’Connor are fished with sardines or cut bait. For tackle and technique beyond bait, see our coastal and offshore gamefish guides.
Sardines and cut bait
The same two baits are used whether you start at the jetties or on the reefs. Use whichever you can keep fresh, and fish it at the structure.
- Sardines: the first bait named in the POC reports.
- Cut bait: the second local option.
- Where it applies: jetties and reefs alike.
When Spanish mackerel are around Port O’Connor
Timing follows the species’ movement along the Gulf. Our Spanish mackerel guide covers seasonality and behavior, and the Gulf of Mexico Spanish mackerel guide (see also the wider Gulf of Mexico guide) shows how fish move along the coast. Check the official marine forecast before running out.
Who fishes for them out of Port O’Connor
Private boats work the jetties and the nearshore reefs named above. Tight Lines Guide Service, a local guide, lists Spanish mackerel among its species.
FAQ: Spanish mackerel out of Port O’Connor
What depth is Keeping it Wild Reef?
66-70 ft. Keeping it Wild Reef is the Port O’Connor nearshore reef site.
How deep is MI 712?
130 ft. Matagorda Island 712 (MI 712) is the deeper of the two named reefs out of Port O’Connor.
What bait works for Spanish mackerel at POC?
Sardines or cut bait, which is the local method for Spanish mackerel out of Port O’Connor.
Where do POC fishing reports focus?
The jetties, the surf and San Antonio Bay.
Who guides for Spanish mackerel out of POC?
Tight Lines Guide Service, a local guide that lists Spanish mackerel among its species.
