Freeport Fishing Charters
Freeport fishing charters give anglers access to bayous, surf, jetties, and deep Gulf rigs where redfish, speckled trout, snapper, and pelagics like kingfish and mahi all come into play.
Top Rated Charters in Freeport
TrustedFish connects anglers with proven local captains in Freeport, Texas —no commissions, no pay-to-play listings, no BS. Every charter on our platform is invite-only, vetted for skill, local knowledge, and reputation. If they’re listed, they’ve earned it.
Freeport, TX Fishing Guide
Freeport, Texas sits right on the edge of some of the most fishable water in the state, and local captains make the most of it with flexible, hard-working trips that hit everything from quiet marsh cuts to 100-mile Gulf rigs. It’s one of the rare spots on the Texas coast where inshore, jetty, nearshore, and offshore fishing are all within easy reach—sometimes in the same day.
Most Freeport fishing charters offer half-day inshore or jetty trips and full-day runs offshore. Half-days typically focus on the bays, channels, and jetties around Surfside, the Intracoastal Waterway, or Christmas Bay, targeting redfish, speckled trout, flounder, and black drum. Live shrimp under popping corks is a go-to rig, but soft plastics and topwaters also produce, especially in the early morning or over hard structure. Some captains wade fish during the right tides, especially along the flats and grass lines of West Bay or San Luis Pass.
Jetty trips—popular for all ages—target sheepshead, drum, trout, and mackerel. The Surfside and Quintana jetties produce year-round, with better bites on tidal movement. Light tackle with shrimp or crab gets the job done, and the variety keeps rods bent.
Head offshore and you’ll be looking at serious Gulf action. Depending on the trip, boats will run 15–60+ miles to fish reefs, wrecks, shrimp boats, and oil platforms. Red snapper are the big draw during the summer season, but amberjack, kingfish, cobia, and mahi are in the mix. Tuna trips run even farther, often overnight, to hit deep rigs and floating platforms. Slow-trolling live bait, chunking, or vertical jigging are common offshore techniques. Seas can get choppy, but the fish make it worth it.
Freeport’s location lets captains adapt fast—if the Gulf’s too rough, they’ll stay in the bays; if conditions are good, you can chase pelagics in blue water by mid-morning. With experienced captains and diverse habitat right at the dock, Freeport gives you real options every month of the year.
Fishing Seasons in Freeport
Spring
Spring is transition time. Speckled trout move onto the flats, redfish school tight, and the jetties fill with drum and sheepshead. Bay trips heat up fast as the water warms. Offshore, kingfish and cobia start showing close to shore by late spring. Live shrimp, mullet, and soft plastics all produce depending on the target.
Summer
Offshore season is wide open. Red snapper season draws most attention, but amberjack, mahi, tuna, and kingfish are all in play. Inshore, the early morning bite for trout and reds is strong, and flounder stage near drains and shell. Surf fishing can be great at first light. Most charters book out early, especially for red snapper weekends.
Fall
Fall brings some of the best fishing of the year. Water temps drop, bait pushes into the bays, and everything feeds heavy before winter. It’s prime time for flounder, big bull reds, and jetty trout. Offshore remains solid through October with kings, snapper, and grouper. Fewer crowds and cooler temps make this a local favorite season.
Winter
When the wind lays down, winter fishing stays productive—especially in the deeper channels, marshes, and around heated structure. Black drum, trout, and sheepshead dominate the winter bite. Offshore runs are less common but still possible for hearty anglers targeting snapper or tuna on a weather window.
Gamefish in Freeport
- Redfish – 18–30" slot, bulls over 36" Caught year-round in bays, marsh drains, and at the jetties. Popular setups include popping corks with shrimp or cut mullet near points, or weedless soft plastics in shallow grass.
- Speckled Trout – 15–25" Best from spring through fall. Found on grass flats, oyster reefs, and at night under dock lights. Live croaker and soft plastics on jigheads are top producers.
- Flounder – 14–20" Fall is peak season, but caught year-round. Fish slow near drains and sandy drop-offs with Gulp swimming mullet or live mud minnows on jigheads.
- Black Drum – 16–40+" Found in deeper marshes, channels, and around jetties. Take cut crab or shrimp fished on bottom rigs. Giant winter black drum show up near the bridges.
- Sheepshead – 12–20" Thick from late winter into spring. Found around jetty rocks, docks, and pilings. Fiddler crabs or small shrimp on tiny hooks are the ticket.
- King Mackerel – 10–40 lbs Peak in summer and fall. Troll spoons, live bait, or cigar minnows behind shrimp boats or near structure within 20 miles.
- Red Snapper – 5–20+ lbs Caught on natural and artificial reefs 20–60+ miles out. Fish squid or cut bait on knocker or Carolina rigs. Season typically opens June 1.
- Cobia – 20–60 lbs Spring and summer near surface structure, buoys, or following rays. Cast live bait or jigs to visible fish.
- Amberjack – 30–80+ lbs Targeted on full-day trips to rigs 40+ miles out. Heavy tackle and big live baits fished deep.
- Yellowfin Tuna – 30–100+ lbs Available on overnight trips to far offshore rigs. Chunking and trolling are the main methods. Peak in late fall through early spring.
Freeport Fishing FAQs
What kinds of fishing charters can I book in Freeport?
Freeport charters include inshore bay trips, jetty trips, nearshore runs, and full-day offshore excursions. Half-days are ideal for redfish or trout, while offshore trips often target snapper, kings, and tuna.
Where do Freeport fishing trips usually depart from?
Most charters leave from Surfside Beach, Bridge Harbor Marina, or boat ramps near the Intracoastal. Offshore trips tend to launch closer to Surfside for faster Gulf access.
Is Freeport a good place for deep sea fishing?
Yes. Deep sea charters out of Freeport can reach rigs and bluewater within 30–60 miles, making it one of the best launch points on the Texas coast for offshore species like snapper, amberjack, and tuna.
When is red snapper season in Freeport?
Federal red snapper season for Gulf waters typically opens in early June and runs several weeks, depending on quotas. It’s best to book early, as these trips fill fast.
Are Freeport fishing trips family-friendly?
Definitely. Jetty and bay trips offer calm waters and consistent action for families and kids. Many captains welcome all ages and provide beginner-friendly setups.
Do I need a license to fish with a charter in Freeport?
No. All licensed Texas charter captains carry a commercial guide license that covers passengers on their boat.
What’s the weather like for offshore fishing in Freeport?
Gulf conditions can change quickly. Summer usually offers calmer seas, while spring and winter can be windy. Captains monitor forecasts and only run offshore trips when it’s safe.
Can we keep the fish we catch?
Yes, as long as the species is in season and within legal size and bag limits. Most captains will clean and bag your catch at the dock.
What should I bring on a Freeport fishing charter?
Bring sun protection, snacks, drinks, a hat, and a cooler for your catch. The captain provides all gear and bait unless otherwise noted.
