Fish!

Fishing in Port Isabel, Texas

Although it is one of the oldest towns along the Texas Coast, historic Port Isabel remains somewhat of a hidden jewel. However, the combination of its location along the fabled waters of the Lower Laguna Madre, historic charm and a myriad of quaint shops and restaurants makes Port Isabel an ideal location for hardcore anglers and fishing families alike.

Due to its sub-tropical climate, Port Isabel is a true year-around fishing destination. Not only are anglers able to have productive fishing in all twelve months, they are able to target a dizzying array of inshore gamefish.

Miles of shallow grass flats make the Lower Laguna Madre an excellent venue for catching speckled trout and redfish in impressive numbers. Additionally, trophy class fish are a realistic possibility with every cast. These fish can be caught in a variety of ways throughout the year. However, sight-casting for redfish and trophy speckled trout is one of the most popular activities summer through winter.

In addition to speckled trout and redfish, anglers fishing the flats and channels of the Lower Laguna Madre can also target flounder, black drum, sheepshead and mangrove snapper throughout the year.

The Lower Laguna Madre area also boasts the only viable, year around snook fishery in the United States outside Florida. Snook fishing is an increasingly popular activity for anglers leaving out of Port Isabel, as more and more fishermen have come to realize these waters offer a great opportunity to tangle with some snook of truly impressive size.

Tarpon are another high profile species that can be targeted by anglers plying the waters around Port Isabel. Large tarpon (80 to 150+ pounds) are regularly caught during the summer and fall, while juvenile tarpon are found throughout the year.

While the Lower Laguna Madre yields impressive catches throughout the year, summer and fall are the seasons when the nearby Brazos Santiago Pass as well as the nearshore and offshore water really shine. During this time period, the pass is filled with speckled trout, redfish, mangrove snapper, snook, tarpon, Spanish mackerel and kingfish. Within sight of land, fishermen can also expect to encounter not just tarpon and kingfish, but also ling, dorado and red snapper (the area actually offers excellent year around state water snapper fishing). Further offshore, big water fishermen can find wahoo, amberjack, sailfish, tuna and marlin.

There is more than ample access to the waters near Port Isabel as well. There is a public boat ramp on Pompano Street, as well as numerous ramps operated by RV Parks, hotels and marinas that are available for guests. Arturo Galvan Coastal Park, located at the end of 2nd Street, gives anglers excellent drive up access for wading and kayaking fishermen.

Beyond angling, Port Isabel and the surrounding area offers a slate full of activities. From restaurants to historic attractions to nature watching and outdoor recreation, there are plenty of ways for a family to round out a vacation.