The Brazosport area has a number of fishing opportunities for the casual sportsman or the avid angler. The unique location of this area makes different types of fishing possible with relatively easy access.
The easiest and most convenient fishing in this area consists of fishing from the bank or a small boat in one of several inshore estuaries. These estuaries include Christmas Bay, the Old Brazos River, the New Brazos River, the Intracoastal Waterway, Surfside and Quintana Beach, and the Surfside Jetties to name a few. Some common inshore species available in the Brazosport area are red drum, spotted sea trout, flounder, black drum, croaker, gafftopsail catfish, and whiting. Shrimp, mullet, squid and other bait can be easily purchased either live or dead from one of the numerous local bait camps.
Another fishing opportunity that is extremely popular in this area occurs in the Gulf of Mexico. Freeport is in a prime location along the Texas Coast. The relative close proximity to deeper water as well as near shore fishing make Freeport the best choice for deep sea fishing in the state. There are private charter boats available for parties of 6 or less and boats that can accommodate groups up to 24. Deep water species available offshore include red snapper (when in season), grouper, king mackerel, amberjack, dolphin, wahoo, tuna, cobia (ling), as well as many others. Live baits like ballyhoo, cigar minnows, squid, Boston mackerel, and Spanish sardines are best used on these fish. The fishing regulations and seasons for offshore fish are constantly changing, so make sure that your guide/captain has the latest set of federal regulations.
Fishing in state waters is one more option for the offshore fisherman. You must be within 9 nautical miles of the closest point on land to be considered in state waters. Red snapper, cobia, king mackerel, Spanish mackerel, certain shark species, red drum, and even tarpon can be taken in this area with summer and early fall being the most productive. State law requires that all fishermen have a Texas fishing license and a saltwater stamp whether they are fishing in federal or state waters. Fishing tackle for all of the above types of fishing can be purchased from either sporting goods stores, convenience stores near the beach, or any of the bait shops in the Area.
For the weekend fishermen or the serious angler, the Brazosport area has fishing opportunities for everyone. So if you have lived in the area all of your life or are just visiting, taking advantage of a chance to go fishing will likely pay off.