Everything You Need To Know About Freeport Offshore Fishing

Offshore fishing in Freeport, Texas opens up a world of exciting opportunities for anglers. Being situated on the coast, Freeport has access to offshore waters full of fish. In this blog post, we'll go over a comprehensive guide covering species of fish that can be expected to be found, popular fishing locations, license information, bag limits, regulations, and more.

Species of Fish

Red Snapper

Red Snapper is a highly prized offshore species in Freeport. They are known for their delicious white meat and strong fights. Red snapper season in federal waters is typically limited and subject to specific regulations.

King Mackerel

King mackerel, also known as kingfish, are fast and aggressive predators. They offer thrilling fights and can be targeted using live bait, lures, or trolling techniques.

Mahi-Mahi

Mahi-mahi are colorful and acrobatic fish found offshore. They are known for their vibrant appearance and make for excellent table fare.

Tuna

Several species of tuna can be targeted offshore, including yellowfin tuna, blackfin tuna, and occasionally bluefin tuna. These pelagic fish are highly prized for their speed and strength.

Wahoo

Wahoo are fast-swimming fish with razor-sharp teeth. They are highly sought after by offshore anglers and provide an exciting challenge.

Methods

Trolling

Trolling involves dragging lures or bait behind a moving boat at various speeds to attract and entice offshore species. Trolling allows anglers to cover a larger area and target fish actively feeding near the surface or in the water column.

Bottom Fishing

Bottom fishing involves dropping baited hooks or rigs to the seafloor to target species like red snapper and grouper. Anchoring or drifting over reefs, rigs, or wrecks is commonly practiced for bottom fishing.

Where to Fish

Nearshore Rigs

Nearshore oil and gas platforms and artificial reefs are productive fishing spots for species like red snapper, king mackerel, and other reef-dwelling fish.

Deepwater Structures

Targeting offshore structures such as oil rigs, deepwater wrecks, and reefs can yield a variety of species, including tuna, mahi-mahi, and wahoo.

License Information

Anglers aged 17 and older are required to have a valid Texas fishing license with a saltwater stamp to fish offshore waters in Freeport. Licenses can be obtained online through the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) website or from authorized retailers.

Bag Size and Limit

Bag and size limits can vary depending on the species and specific regulations in effect. The regulations for red snapper are two fish per person daily with a 16-inch minimum size in federal waters, and four fish per person daily with a 15-inch minimum in state waters. Red snapper caught in federal waters count as part of the state bag limit of four fish. It's important to stay updated on the latest regulations for each targeted species, as bag limits, size limits, and seasons can change.

Regulations

Federal and state regulations govern offshore fishing in Freeport. Federal waters generally extend beyond state waters (9 nautical miles offshore), and separate regulations may apply. It's crucial to familiarize yourself with the specific regulations in effect for the species you intend to target.

Book Your Next Freeport Offshore Fishing Trip

Fishing offshore is always an exciting adventure waiting to be had. Fighting a serious fish from the deep can be a great adrenaline rush. If you’re looking to fish offshore in Freeport, check out our Freeport offshore charters to book a trip with one of our local and professional guides.