Port Mansfield fishing

Port Mansfield, a small fishing town near the southernmost point of Texas and 140 miles south of Corpus Christi, remains relatively unknown outside Texas. Despite its obscurity, it’s recognized as a fantastic, secluded destination for wildlife and fishing enthusiasts.

Adjacent to Port Mansfield Harbor lies the Laguna Madre, an area boasting miles of crystal clear water and white sand beaches. Across the island, the Gulf of Mexico offers world-class offshore fishing. Port Mansfield’s proximity to these rich waters has led experts to label it one of the best fishing areas in the country.

The local game fish populations are so reliable that Port Mansfield hosts regular fishing tournaments between March and October, often with multiple events in a single month.

The Laguna Madre, separating the Texas mainland from Padre Island, the longest barrier island in the U.S., is unique for its salinity higher than the ocean. This lagoon provides an ideal habitat for various fish species.

Weak tidal currents in the Laguna Madre create a safe environment for many local game fish species. These shallow, clear waters, akin to the Caribbean, are a preferred spot for fly fishing. Locals offer guided flats-fishing adventures comparable to those in the West Indies or Florida Keys.

For those less experienced in angling, there’s a 500-foot lighted public fishing pier at the county park on the Laguna Madre. Just nine miles from the harbor is the Gulf of Mexico, home to bigger, more exciting game fish. Local charters can quickly take you from the Port Mansfield Channel into the Gulf.

The Laguna Madre is teeming with fish like Speckled Trout, Sand Trout, Flounder, Snook, and others, making it perfect for sight fishing. Different fish prefer different depths depending on the season.

South Texas’s climate supports large populations of Speckled Sea Trout, some over ten pounds. Redfish and Flounder also grow to impressive sizes in these waters. Local guides can lead you to the best fishing spots, whether in boggy or hard sand bottom areas.

Offshore charters take advantage of the short Port Mansfield Channel to quickly reach the Gulf, where anglers can catch a variety of fish, including large species like Mako Sharks and Blue Marlin. Charter trips can be as short as a few hours or last overnight.

Calcasieu Lake and Sabine Lake, less crowded than other Texas waterways, offer abundant fishing opportunities. These areas are fed by rivers and streams, enriching the habitat for species like Trout and Redfish. Seasonal patterns dictate fishing conditions, with different species thriving at different times of the year.

Seasonal changes have minimal impact on the local fish populations due to the proximity of warm waters. Locals have nearly perfected the art of flats and offshore fishing. They’ve even developed a highly regarded boat, the New Water Boatworks Curlew, allowing more time for fishing and less for navigating rough waters.