Where boats run and when
Gag grouper fishing out of Port Mansfield happens on reef and structure offshore, and every run starts at the Mansfield jetties. Overview and daily conditions are on our Port Mansfield port page. This section gives the run in miles and feet. The same fishery along the rest of the coast is in the Gulf of Mexico offshore fishing guide.
The run
The Mansfield jetties mark the channel entrance and are the reference point for the run. Every distance below is measured from them except North Rocks.
- Rocks east and north of the jetties: a productive group 9 to 12 miles east of the jetties, in 48 ft.
- North Rocks: extend about 12 miles from the beach.
- Port Mansfield public reef: sits in 70 ft.
Plan fuel from the jetties, and count the 9 to 12 miles out as half the trip.
Timing
Our gag grouper species guide covers when gag move and spawn. For the day’s wind and sea numbers, check the port page and the official forecast before you leave the jetties.
Grounds and structure
Four named spots frame the bottom fishing here.
| Spot | Depth | Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Port Mansfield public reef | 70 ft | – |
| Rocks east and north of the jetties | 48 ft | 9 to 12 mi east of the jetties |
| North Rocks | – | About 12 mi from the beach |
| Mansfield jetties | – | Departure point |
Port Mansfield public reef
The public reef is a TPWD Public Reefing Program site covering 160 acres under an Army Corps permit, in 70 ft. With that much bottom, scan it on the sounder before you drop.
Rocks east and north of the jetties
These are the snapper rock piles, a productive group 9 to 12 miles east of the jetties in 48 ft. Red snapper are the namesake target here. The piles are not individually named.
North Rocks
North Rocks extend about 12 miles from the beach.
Mansfield jetties
The jetties are the channel entrance and the reference point for every distance on this page.
How it is fished
Bottom fishing is the local method over these grounds, and gag and red snapper come off the same drops. Capt Josh’s listing says he targets snapper and grouper on the bottom. Rigs and drop technique are in our reef fish guides.
Plot the reef and the rocks against the Chart Contours layer before you leave. Chart layers are not for navigation. Doing this doesn’t guarantee a gag, but it narrows where you drop.
Who fishes for them
Two charters out of Port Mansfield list gag grouper.
Bamm Bamm Charters
Bamm Bamm Charters, also listed on the Port of Port Mansfield guide list as Bamm Bamm Fishing Charters, is run by Capt Chad Kinney. The boat is a 70 ft Huckins sportfisher (1998) that carries 6 passengers.
Port Mansfield Sport Fishing
Port Mansfield Sport Fishing, also known as Capt Josh Offshore Charters, is run by Capt Josh Zachman. The listing links only to FishingBooker pages.
FAQ about gag grouper fishing out of Port Mansfield
How far do boats run for gag grouper out of Port Mansfield?
The rocks group sits 9 to 12 miles east of the Mansfield jetties. North Rocks extend about 12 miles from the beach. Distances are measured from the jetties, except North Rocks, which are measured from the beach.
How deep is the Port Mansfield public reef?
The reef sits in 70 ft. It is a TPWD Public Reefing Program site covering 160 acres under an Army Corps permit.
What is North Rocks?
North Rocks is named structure off Port Mansfield that extends about 12 miles from the beach.
How are gag fished out of Port Mansfield?
Anglers bottom fish over the reef and rocks, and red snapper come off the same drops. Rigs and drop technique are in the reef fish guides.
Which charters out of Port Mansfield list gag grouper?
Bamm Bamm Charters (Capt Chad Kinney, 70 ft Huckins sportfisher, 6 passengers) and Port Mansfield Sport Fishing (Capt Josh Zachman) both list gag grouper.
