Red snapper fishing out of Port Aransas starts at the jetties, and every distance on this page is measured from there. The 9 nm state line splits the local grounds: the closest reefs sit inside it, and the Liberty Ship and everything beyond sit outside it. Below are the season, the run distances, the named reefs and banks that hold snapper, how they are fished locally, and who runs trips out of Port Aransas. The same fishery along the rest of the coast is in the Gulf of Mexico offshore fishing guide.
When red snapper are around Port Aransas
The local window is June through October. The Port Aransas deep-sea season table lists red snapper for June through August, while Texas state waters are open to red snapper year-round.
The state line determines which grounds are open outside the summer window. The Regulations section below points to the rules. For biology and the Gulf-wide picture, see red snapper across the Gulf.
- June through August: the tourism table window.
- June through October: the local calendar window.
- Year-round: Texas state waters.
How far boats run from the jetties
The core depth band on the local calendar is 60 to 100 ft. Boats run to natural bottom and artificial reefs in that band for snapper.
The grounds fall into three groups by run. Inside 9 nm are Port Aransas Reef at 6 nm and the other state-water reefs. In the middle are Aransas Bank at 17 miles, the Liberty Ship at 18 nm and Hospital Rock at 27 miles. The long run takes in A-16 at 36 nm, Big Southern at 42 miles and A-85 at 46 nm.
| Ground | Type | Depth (ft) | Distance from the jetties |
|---|---|---|---|
| Port Aransas Reef | Reef | 60 | 6 nm SE |
| TPWD nearshore reef (160 acres) | Artificial reef | 70 | State waters, between Packery Channel and Port Aransas |
| Lonestar Reef | Reef | State waters near Port Aransas | |
| Boatman’s Reef | Reef | State waters near Port Aransas | |
| Aransas Bank | Natural bottom | 17 miles | |
| Mustang Island Liberty Ship Reef (MU-802) | Artificial reef, ships | 110 | About 18 nm SE |
| MU-828 and MU-831 jackets | Cut-off jacket reefs | 120 to 130 | |
| 828 Reef (MU-828 jacket reefs) | Jacket reef site | 165 | 27 nm |
| Hospital Rock | Natural bottom | 27 miles | |
| A-16 Reef | Reef | 272 | 36 nm |
| Big Southern | Natural bottom | 42 miles | |
| A-85 Reef | Reef | 274 | 46 nm |
Confirm every position and depth on your own chart and sounder before committing fuel to a run. If you plot these reefs over Chart Contours in Breakpoint, keep in mind that chart layers are not for navigation.
Reefs and grounds that hold snapper
The grounds are described here from the jetties outward, with the 9 nm line as the first break. Each stop adds context to the table above.
State-water reefs close in
Port Aransas Reef is the closest named reef, in 60 ft, 6 nm southeast of the jetties. The TPWD nearshore reef covers 160 acres in 70 ft, in state waters between Packery Channel and Port Aransas. Lonestar Reef and Boatman’s Reef are also state-water structure near the port.
All four sit inside the 9 nm line, so they fall under the year-round state-water season. They are the shortest run for a bay angler heading offshore for the first time.
Liberty Ship and the jacket reefs
The Mustang Island Liberty Ship Reef (MU-802) sits in 110 ft, about 18 nm southeast of the jetties, beyond the state line in federal waters.
MU-828 and MU-831 are cut-off jacket reefs in 120 to 130 ft. The 828 Reef site is listed at 165 ft and 27 nm, so check depth on the sounder when you arrive.
Natural banks and the deep reefs
Aransas Bank (17 miles), Hospital Rock (27 miles) and Big Southern (42 miles) are natural bottom grounds.
A-16 sits in 272 ft at 36 nm, and A-85 in 274 ft at 46 nm. Those depths are well past the 60 to 100 ft calendar band, so whether to make the run depends on your fuel range.
How red snapper are fished here
Locally, snapper are fished by bottom fishing on reefs and wrecks, and the trip lengths line up with the distances above.
Deep Sea Headquarters runs state-water red snapper trips, which work the grounds inside 9 nm. Fisherman’s Wharf runs 6 and 9-hour snapper trips per its posts, and the longer trips reach farther. For rigs, baits and general technique, see the reef fish guides.
Who fishes for them out of Port Aransas
These local operators list red snapper:
- Port Aransas Fisherman’s Wharf trips (Port Aransas Fisherman’s Wharf, LLC): vessels Wharf Cat and Scat Cat, with 6 and 9-hour snapper trips per its posts.
- Deep Sea Headquarters: state-water red snapper trips on Gulf Eagle with Capt. Kevin Haller, Kingfisher with Capt. Jake Medley, and Pelican.
- Gulf Magic Charters: lists red snapper.
- Hot Spot Fishing Charters: a 39-foot Yellowfin center console with 4 engines and 1200 combined HP.
- Coastal Charters TX snapper grounds: boats Bellagio and Standaman.
The Port Aransas Deep Sea Roundup is the local tournament, usually held in July.
FAQ for red snapper fishing out of Port Aransas
How far is the Liberty Ship reef from Port Aransas?
The Mustang Island Liberty Ship Reef (MU-802) sits about 18 nm southeast of the Port Aransas jetties in 110 ft, in federal waters.
When is red snapper season out of Port Aransas?
The local red snapper window runs June through October. Texas state waters are open year-round, and the tourism table lists June through August.
Which reefs off Port Aransas are in state waters?
Port Aransas Reef (60 ft, 6 nm), the 160-acre TPWD nearshore reef (70 ft, between Packery Channel and Port Aransas), Lonestar Reef and Boatman’s Reef sit inside the 9 nm state line.
How deep are the MU-828 and MU-831 jackets?
The MU-828 and MU-831 jackets are cut-off jacket reefs in 120 to 130 ft. The 828 Reef site is listed at 165 ft and 27 nm, so confirm depth on your sounder.
When is the Deep Sea Roundup?
The Port Aransas Deep Sea Roundup is usually held in July.
