When vermilion snapper are around Port Aransas
Vermilion snapper fishing out of Port Aransas runs April through October on the Gulf Eagle, the Deep Sea Headquarters party boat. That is the window the boat fishes for them, and it is the only season reference on this page. The wider picture is in the vermilion snapper fishing in the Gulf of Mexico and the Gulf of Mexico fishing guide.
The span reflects the Gulf Eagle’s operating schedule and says nothing about the fish’s biology. The Gulf reef fish guide gives no season for the species, so use the boat’s window for planning and nothing more.
Where boats run from the Port Aransas jetties
Every distance on this page is measured from the Port Aransas jetties. For inlet and ramp detail, see the Port Aransas port guide. For biology and general depth behavior, see our vermilion snapper guide.
The run is the first decision. A 6 nautical mile trip makes a short morning, while 46 nautical miles takes a full day and a fuel plan to match. Pick the ground your boat and fuel can reach with margin, then work outward.
| Reef | Depth (ft) | Distance from jetties |
|---|---|---|
| Port Aransas Reef | 60 | 6 nautical miles southeast |
| TPWD nearshore reef (160 acres) | 70 | State waters between Packery Channel and Port Aransas |
| Mustang Island Liberty Ship Reef (MU-802) | 110 | 18 nautical miles southeast |
| 828 Reef (MU-828 jacket reefs) | 165 | 27 nautical miles |
| A-16 Reef | 272 | 36 nautical miles |
| A-85 Reef | 274 | 46 nautical miles |
You can lay these positions against Chart Contours in the Breakpoint app. The chart layers are not for navigation.
State-water reefs near the port
The TPWD nearshore reef is part of the Texas artificial reef program. It covers 160 acres in 70 ft of water, in state waters between Packery Channel and Port Aransas.
Lonestar Reef and Boatman’s Reef are also in state waters near Port Aransas, and they are the closest grounds to the port among those listed here.
6 to 18 nautical miles
Port Aransas Reef sits in 60 ft of water, 6 nautical miles southeast of the jetties. It is the shortest run to a listed offshore reef.
The Mustang Island Liberty Ship Reef (MU-802) sits in 110 ft, 18 nautical miles southeast of the jetties. The name identifies it as a ship reef.
27 to 46 nautical miles
828 Reef, the MU-828 jacket reefs, sits in 165 ft of water, 27 nautical miles out. The name identifies it as jacket structure.
A-16 Reef sits in 272 ft, 36 nautical miles out, and A-85 Reef in 274 ft, 46 nautical miles out. Both hold more than 270 ft of water and are the farthest grounds on the list, so plan them as full-day runs.
How vermilion are fished out of Port Aransas
The local method is bottom fishing on reef-type structure: put the bait on the reef and fish it there.
Charter menus list vermilion, lane and mangrove snapper together, so expect those species to share the structure and the trip.
Who fishes for vermilion snapper here
Deep Sea Headquarters in Port Aransas lists vermilion snapper on its trips. Three of its boats:
- Gulf Eagle, Capt. Kevin Haller. Its April through October schedule is the reference used above.
- Kingfisher, Capt. Jake Medley.
- Pelican, a Deep Sea Headquarters boat.
If you are weighing a party boat against running your own, these are the local boats that list the species.
FAQ: vermilion snapper out of Port Aransas
How far is Port Aransas Reef?
Port Aransas Reef is 6 nautical miles southeast of the Port Aransas jetties, in 60 ft of water. It is the nearest offshore ground on the list with a listed distance.
What depth is MU-802?
The Mustang Island Liberty Ship Reef (MU-802) sits in 110 ft of water, 18 nautical miles southeast of the Port Aransas jetties.
Which reefs are in state waters?
The TPWD nearshore reef (160 acres, 70 ft, between Packery Channel and Port Aransas), Lonestar Reef and Boatman’s Reef are in state waters. Check TPWD rules before fishing.
What months does the Gulf Eagle fish for vermilion?
For vermilion snapper fishing out of Port Aransas, the Gulf Eagle runs April through October. That is the boat’s operating window, and the Gulf guide gives no season.
What else bites alongside vermilion?
Charter menus list lane and mangrove snapper together with vermilion. They are caught by bottom fishing on reef-type structure.
