top of page

Things to do In Port Mansfield

           1.  ​Fishing: Flounder, Red Snapper, Speckled Trout, Sheepshead, Red Drum
           2.  Hunting: White Tail, Nilgai, Fowl
           3.  Treasure Hunting
           4.  Fishing Tournaments



 


 

flounder_edited.jpg

Flounder fishing in Port Mansfield is an experience like no other. The beautiful Laguna Madre offers some of the best pole and gigging opportunities in the country. The geography of the bay makes it prime for some serious saddle blankets. With its delicious meat and challenging nature, flounder fishing is a popular activity.

The waters of South Texas are home to a wide variety of flounder, including the Gulf flounder, Southern flounder, and Summer flounder. These fish are known for their distinct flat shape, making them a unique catch for any angler. With their natural camouflage, flounder can be difficult to spot, which makes the catch even more exciting.

The South Texas Gulf is renowned for its delicious and abundant red snapper. These beautiful fish are a popular catch for anglers and seafood lovers alike. Red snapper is prized for its firm, white flesh and sweet, mild flavor, which makes it a versatile ingredient in a variety of dishes. Whether grilled, baked, or fried, red snapper is a delicious and healthy choice, rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids. So if you're looking for a taste of South Texas, be sure to try the fresh and flavorful red snapper.

nananilgai1.jpg

Nilgai hunting is a popular activity in Port Mansfield, Texas and surrounding areas. Nilgai, also known as blue bulls, are a large antelope species native to India and Pakistan but introduced to South Texas in the early 1900s. It is estimated that they exceed a population of 15,000.  They are known for their tough hides, speed, and agility, which make them challenging and exciting to hunt.

Port Mansfield offers a variety of guided and unguided Nilgai hunting opportunities. There are several hunting outfitters and guides in the area that offer packages for hunting nilgai on private land. Some of these packages include lodging, meals, and transportation to and from hunting areas.

In addition to guided hunts, there are also public hunting opportunities available in the nearby Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge offers a limited number of permits for hunting nilgai during specific hunting seasons.

Port Mansfield is surrounded on both the North and South by public islands inhabited by Nilgai and with a little effort and short boat ride, the general public is able to hunt them.  Hunting and Fishing regulations often change so it is recommended to do your research on bag limits and proper licensing.  

Speckled Trout, also known as spotted sea trout is a prized game fish that can be found in Port Mansfield, Texas, which is known for its vast fishing opportunities.  The best time for Speckled Trout fishing in Port Mansfield is typically from late spring through fall, with peak fishing occurring during the summer months. Anglers can use a variety of techniques to target Speckled Trout, including wading, drifting, and fishing from a boat.

One popular method for catching Speckled Trout in Port Mansfield is using live bait, such as shrimp or mullet, fished under a popping cork. Another effective technique is using soft plastic lures on jig heads, which can mimic the movement of live bait.

The largest Speckled Trout ever recorded in Port Mansfield, Texas weighed 13.12 pounds and measured 33 inches in length. This impressive catch was made by angler Troy Grogan in January 2015. The fish was caught using a soft plastic lure.

Port Mansfield is known for producing many large Speckled Trout, with many fish in the 5-10 pound range being caught each year. The area's shallow bays, flats, and backwaters provide ideal habitat for Speckled Trout, and the abundant food sources in the area help them grow to impressive sizes.

Due to the popularity of Speckled Trout fishing in Port Mansfield, there are several fishing tournaments held in the area each year,which attract anglers from across the state and beyond so that they can showcase their skills and compete for prizes and bragging rights.

IMG_0892_edited.jpg
IMG_6793 (1)_edited.jpg

  Fishing for Sheepshead is a popular activity in Port Mansfield, Texas, especially during the winter months. Sheepshead are a type of saltwater fish that are known for their hard fighting and tasty white meat.

Sheepshead are typically found around jetties, docks, pilings, and other structure in Port Mansfield's bays and estuaries. They are known for their sharp teeth and bait-stealing abilities, which make them a challenging target for anglers.

One effective technique for fishing for Sheepshead in Port Mansfield is to use live or fresh dead shrimp as bait. Anglers can also use artificial baits, such as small jigs or soft plastics, to mimic the movement of live shrimp.

When fishing for Sheepshead, it is important to use a light touch and pay close attention to the bait, as they are known for their quick and subtle bites. Once hooked, Sheepshead can put up a strong fight, requiring careful handling and patience to land.

Overall, fishing for Sheepshead in Port Mansfield is a popular and rewarding activity that offers a chance to catch a challenging and delicious game fish. With the right technique and a little bit of luck, anglers can enjoy a successful day on the water and bring home a tasty catch.

The jetties near Port Mansfield, Texas have long been a popular destination for treasure hunters. The area is known for its rich history and frequent shipwrecks, dating back to the days of Spanish exploration and colonization.

While there is no guarantee of finding treasure or artifacts at the jetties, many people have had success over the years searching the area for lost coins, jewelry, and other valuable items. Some of the most popular spots for treasure hunting at the jetties include the beach areas and shallow waters near the rocks, where debris from shipwrecks and other sources can accumulate over time.

 

IMG_6793 (1)_edited.jpg
IMG_2258_edited.jpg

Redfish, also known as red drum, are another  popular game fish in Port Mansfield, Texas. These hard-fighting fish can be found throughout the local bays and estuaries, as well as in the nearby Gulf of Mexico.

There are several different techniques used for catching redfish in Port Mansfield, including live bait fishing, artificial lure fishing, and fly fishing. Live bait such as shrimp or mullet can be effective, especially when fished under a popping cork or free-lined near the bottom. Soft plastic lures, topwater plugs, and spoons are also popular choices for targeting redfish in the area.

Redfish can be caught year-round in Port Mansfield, with peak seasons in the spring and fall. During these times, redfish can be found in large schools, making for some exciting and action-packed fishing opportunities.

It's worth noting that there are size and bag limits for redfish in Texas, and these regulations may vary depending on the area and time of year. 

Overall, redfish fishing in Port Mansfield is a rewarding and exciting experience for anglers of all skill levels, with the opportunity to catch some impressive fish in a beautiful coastal setting.

The largest red drum (redfish) ever recorded in Port Mansfield, Texas was caught in 2016 and weighed 59.6 pounds. This massive fish measured 53.5 inches in length and had a girth of 36 inches. The angler who caught this record-breaking redfish was using live bait and fishing near the jetties.

The new record fish caught in Port Mansfield is a testament to the quality of the fishery in the area and the potential for anglers to catch trophy-sized redfish.

bottom of page