When and How Far Boats Run
Swordfish trips out of Port Mansfield run 14 and 24 hours offshore. They’re described by length rather than by a named ground. The boat leaves the channel, clears the jetties and runs well past the nearshore structure.
For the wider picture, see our write-up on Gulf of Mexico swordfishing (see also the Gulf of Mexico fishing guide). For everything local to Port Mansfield, start with the trip formats below.
Trip Lengths: 14 and 24 Hours
The 14 hour and 24 hour trips set the scale of the run. Neither is a nearshore outing, and the nearshore structure is not the destination.
The two formats call for different planning:
- Fuel: Carry enough for the round trip plus a reserve.
- Crew rest: The longer trip needs a watch rotation and rested hands for the run home.
- Darkness: The 24 hour format has you running and fishing after dark.
Before leaving the dock, check wind, wave height and wave period in the official National Weather Service marine forecast, and compare the numbers with your boat’s limits and your own.
Leaving the Jetties
The Mansfield jetties mark the channel entrance, and every offshore run starts there.
Grounds and Structure off Port Mansfield
The named structure off the port is nearshore. Boats pass it on the way to deeper water, and it serves as a set of reference points on the run out.
| Name | Depth | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Mansfield jetties | Not listed | Channel entrance |
| Port Mansfield public reef | 70 ft | TPWD Public Reefing Program site, 160 acres |
| Rocks east and north of the jetties | 48 ft | 9 to 12 mi east of the jetties |
| North Rocks | Not listed | About 12 mi from the beach |
Chart layers are not for navigation.
Port Mansfield Public Reef
The Port Mansfield public reef is a TPWD Public Reefing Program site. It covers 160 acres under an Army Corps permit and sits in 70 ft of water.
The Rocks East of the Jetties
The Port Mansfield snapper rocks are a group of rock piles east and north of the jetties. A productive group sits 9 to 12 miles east of the jetties in 48 ft. They’re known collectively, without individual names.
North Rocks
North Rocks extend about 12 miles from the beach.
How Swordfish Are Fished Here
Locally, swordfish are fished on overnight and long-range trips. The Captain Experiences Port Mansfield listings show a 14 hour swordfish trip and a 24 hour swordfish trip for the port.
For gear, baits, depths and biology, see our swordfish guide. This page covers the port only.
Overnight Trips
An overnight swordfish trip keeps the boat on the water through the night, which is the 24 hour format. Plan a night watch, a crew rested for the run home, and gear rigged and staged before dark.
Long-Range Trips
The 14 and 24 hour lengths define the range. Fuel and endurance set the limits of the trip, and the nearshore structure plays no part in them.
Who Fishes for Swordfish out of Port Mansfield
Two operators list swordfish for the port.
Bamm Bamm Charters
Bamm Bamm Charters runs a 1998, 70 ft Huckins sportfisher with room for 6 passengers. Capt Chad Kinney is the contact. The operation is also listed on the Port of Port Mansfield guide list as Bamm Bamm Fishing Charters. Its Bamm Bamm offshore trip page covers the boat and the overnight format. If you want a Port Mansfield swordfish charter before running your own boat, this is one place to start.
Stuart on Captain Experiences
Stuart runs Port Mansfield trips on the Captain Experiences marketplace in a 32 ft boat. For other operators who run billfish trips, see our billfish fishing guides.
FAQ
How long are swordfish trips out of Port Mansfield?
Trips run 14 and 24 hours offshore. Captain Experiences lists both lengths for the port.
Is there a named swordfish ground off Port Mansfield?
No. Trips are described by length, and the reef and rocks are nearshore structure along the route.
What structure is near the Mansfield jetties?
The Port Mansfield public reef sits in 70 ft. The rocks 9 to 12 miles east of the jetties sit in 48 ft. North Rocks extend about 12 miles from the beach.
Which charters list swordfish out of Port Mansfield?
Bamm Bamm Charters, also listed as Bamm Bamm Fishing Charters, runs a 70 ft Huckins with 6 passengers under Capt Chad Kinney. Stuart runs a 32 ft boat on Captain Experiences.
Where are the rules for these trips?
TPWD covers fish landed in Texas, and NOAA Fisheries covers federal waters. Check both before fishing.
