Official Site of the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge Complex

Fishing at Aransas NWR Complex

Shoreline access to San Antonio Bay is permitted from April 15 through October 15. The rest of the year is closed basically to minimize disturbance to wintering whooping cranes. The picnic area, Bay Overlook, Dagger Point, Birding Trail #2, and the Observation Tower are the five designated access points. From there, anglers can wade out from the shoreline (or to nearby oyster reefs) to their favorite spot to enjoy this popular sport. Favored species sought are spotted seatrout, redfish, flounder and black drum. Occasionally anglers bring in blacktip shark or gafftop. When the Guadalupe River dumps in a lot of freshwater, you could catch a freshwater catfish. You do need to be aware of stingrays (shuffle your feet as you go or wear guards) and sharks and alligators while wade fishing. (If sharks or alligators approach you, they’re wanting your fish. Keep your stringer a good distance away from your body).

Kayaks and canoes may be launched at any of the five shoreline access points during fishing season only. By boat, anglers can access fishing areas around the entire Blackjack Peninsula. There is no public boat ramp at Aransas, so private motorized boats must launch from Hopper’s Landing, Austwell boat ramp, Goose Island State Park on Lamar Peninsula or Rockport.

Bay and surf fishing are permitted year-round at Matagorda Island. For more information about recreational opportunities at the north end of the island, call Texas Parks & Wildlife Rockport Regional Office at 361-790-0306 or the Bay City Office at 979- 244-6804 or 979-244-7697.

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Notice:
You can help save wildlife from deadly entanglements by disposing of your unwanted fishing line in the monofilament recycling containers. They are located at each of the five fishing access points on San Antonio Bay.

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