This guide to blackfin tuna fishing out of Port Mansfield is for anglers running their own boat. It covers when to go, where the run leads from the jetties, how the fishery works here, and who runs trips. Named structure on the run out sits at 48 ft and 70 ft, and distances run to 12 miles. Ramps, jetties and conditions are on the Port Mansfield port page.
When blackfin tuna are around Port Mansfield
Fall is the most popular season for deep sea fishing out of Port Mansfield. That applies to deep sea fishing as a whole; there is no month-by-month blackfin calendar for this port.
For how blackfin behave across the Gulf and Atlantic, see the blackfin tuna guide. This page covers the port only.
Where boats run from the Mansfield jetties
Boats leave Port Mansfield through the Mansfield jetties and troll offshore. The table lists the named structure on the run out, with the depths and distances on record.
| Structure | Depth | Distance or location |
|---|---|---|
| Mansfield jetties | Channel entrance | |
| Rocks east and north of the jetties (snapper rock piles) | 48 ft | 9 to 12 miles east of the jetties |
| North Rocks | Extend about 12 miles from the beach | |
| Port Mansfield public reef | 70 ft |
For blackfin water beyond this port, see the wider Gulf picture (see also the Gulf of Mexico fishing guide). Chart layers, including Chart Contours, are not for navigation. Use the official chart.
Mansfield jetties
The jetties mark the channel entrance, and every offshore run from the port starts here.
Rocks east and north of the jetties
A productive group of rocks sits 9 to 12 miles east of the jetties, in 48 ft of water. These are the snapper rock piles, and the individual piles have no published names.
North Rocks
North Rocks extend about 12 miles from the beach.
Port Mansfield public reef
The Port Mansfield public reef sits in 70 ft. It is a TPWD Public Reefing Program site covering 160 acres under an Army Corps permit.
How blackfin are fished here
Trolling is the documented local method for tuna out of Port Mansfield.
Offshore trolling
The local charter listing describes trolling for tuna and marlin off South Padre Island. No other method is on record for this port.
Who fishes for blackfin out of Port Mansfield
Port Mansfield Sport Fishing, which operates as Capt Josh Offshore Charters under Capt Josh Zachman, lists blackfin tuna.
Capt Josh Offshore Charters
His listing says he trolls for tuna and marlin off South Padre Island. It links only to FishingBooker pages, so that is where to find his trips.
Tuna trips on Captain Experiences
Captain Experiences lists a 10 hour tuna trip. The listing does not say whether the target is blackfin or yellowfin tuna. The tuna guides explain how to tell the two apart.
FAQ about blackfin tuna fishing out of Port Mansfield
When is the best season for deep sea fishing out of Port Mansfield?
Fall is the port’s most popular deep sea season. That describes deep sea fishing as a whole, not blackfin by month.
How do local boats fish for tuna here?
They troll. The local charter listing describes trolling for tuna and marlin off South Padre Island.
How deep is the Port Mansfield public reef?
The reef sits in 70 ft. It is a 160 acre TPWD Public Reefing Program site under an Army Corps permit.
How far out are the rocks off the Mansfield jetties?
The snapper rock piles are a group 9 to 12 miles east of the jetties, in 48 ft. North Rocks extend about 12 miles from the beach.
Do local charters target blackfin tuna?
Port Mansfield Sport Fishing (Capt Josh Zachman) lists blackfin tuna, with trips on FishingBooker. The Captain Experiences 10 hour tuna trip does not distinguish blackfin from yellowfin.
