Best Times & Seasons to Fish in Freeport, TX (Full Guide)

Freeport has some of the best fishing along the Texas gulf coast. Understanding the best times to fish in these rich waters around this city can make a huge difference in your fishing success.

The best time to fish in Freeport is from June through September as the hotter weather brings in many of the biggest fish to these waters. Winter is regarded as the slowest fishing season.

Season	Most Popular Species
Spring	Black Drum, Bonito, Mahi Mahi, Flounder, Spanish Mackerel, Redfish, Speckled Trout, Sailfish, Sheepshead, Wahoo
Summer	Amberjack, Jack Crevalle, Black Drum, Blackfin Tuna, Bonito, Cobia, Mahi Mahi, Flounder, King Mackerel, Pompano, Spanish Mackerel, Redfish, Speckled Trout, Blacktip Shark, Hammerhead Shark, Red Snapper, Sailfish, Tarpon, Wahoo
Fall	Amberjack, Jack Crevalle, Blackfin Tuna, Bonito, Mahi Mahi, Pompano, Redfish, Speckled Trout, Sailfish, Wahoo
Winter	Flounder, Redfish, Speckled Trout, Sheepshead, Snook, Wahoo

Freeport, Texas is a small city located an hour south of Houston. With that said, this small city can pack a big punch when it comes to fishing. The access to the Gulf of Mexico, as well as the Brazos River, results in some great fishing. Due to its subtropical climate, fishing is good year-round, as long as you know what species to target. Click here to find out the most fruitful times to go fishing in Texas.

Best Time to Fish Freeport, TX

A universal rule for most fishing is that fishing is the best during the spring and fall. However, Freeport sees the most action during the hot, summer months. June to September is when you will catch the greatest diversity of fish. Popular species during this time include Amberjack, Cobia, Mahi Mahi, King Mackerel, Blacktip and Hammerhead Sharks, Red Snapper, Sailfish, and Wahoo.

While these species are abundant during these months, fishing isn’t limited to the summer. Speckled Trout and Redfish can be caught year-round throughout the waters of Freeport, with species such as flounder and sheepshead peak during the winter.

To get the most “bang for your buck”, the summer will be the most effective season to fish.

Freeport Species Breakdown: Best Time

Species	Best Season	Time of Day	Location
Amberjack	August-October	Dawn to dusk	Inshore, offshore, structure, 60-240 feet
Blacktip Shark	June-September	All Day	Inshore, Offshore
Black Drum	March-July	Most of the day, early afternoon and through the  night	Current and structure such as bridges, jetties, or grass flats
Blackfin Tuna	June-September	Early morning, late afternoon	Offshore
Bonito	March-November	Bright days, after dawn to noon	Inshore, offshore
Cobia	June-August	During the day, to provide best visibility to sightfish	Inshore, offshore, near structure, bridges, jetties, and mangroves
Crevalle Jack	April-September	Dawn to dusk	Inshore, offshore, structure, 60-240 feet
Flounder	April-June; September-November	September 1 through September 14	Inshore near structure, bridges, jetties
Hammerhead Shark	June-September	All day	Offshore
King Mackerel	June-August	Dusk or dawn; High tide	Inshore/offshore, following bait
Mahi Mahi	May-September	Dawn to dusk	Offshore
Pompano	March-September	Early  morning, late afternoon	Piers, inlets, structure
Red Drum	August-November; Can be caught year-round	Rising and Falling Tides	Inshore near structure such as bridges, jetties, or grass flats
Red Snapper	Year Round, June-August	Early morning, late afternoon	Piers, inlets, structure, depths of 30-60 feet
Sailfish	May-September	Dawn or dusk	Offshore
Sheepshead	January-March	Rising and Falling Tides	Piers, inlets, structure
Snook	December-February	Dawn to Dusk	Inshore, near structure such as bridges and jetties
Spanish Mackerel	April-July	Sunrise, sunset, occasionally throughout the day in schools	Offshore, up and down the east coast, following bait
Speckled Trout	August-November; Can be caught year-round	Rising and Falling Tides	Inshore near structure such as bridges, jetties, or grass flats
Tarpon	July-September	Mornings	Inshore, reefs, rivers
Wahoo	May-September	Outgoing tide	Inshore, offshore reefs, drop-offs

Check out this helpful guide to how much Galveston fishing trips cost. You may also be interested in this article on the best Galveston fishing charters.

Recommended Fishing Charters in Freeport

These Freeport-based charters have earned great reviews from anglers and will offer you a tremendous service. The captains are knowledgeable, friendly, and are sure to put you on fish. By clicking the links below, you will be taken to the charter’s respective profile on Fishing Booker where you can read reviews, learn more about the charter, view photos, and book online at the best rate.

Recommended Fishing Charters	Location
Olivia J Charters	Freeport, TX
Meador’s Guide Service	Freeport, TX
Oilfield Outkasts – Standby	Freeport, TX
Oilfield Outkasts – No Mercy	Freeport, TX
Blue Streak Fishing Charters	Freeport, TX
Oilfield Outkasts – Specials	Freeport, TX
Texas Deep Sea Fishing – Freeport	Freeport, TX
Chasing Skales Fishing Charter	Freeport, TX
Action Outdoor Fishing And Diving	Freeport, TX
Rooster’s Crow Guide Service, LLC	Freeport, TX

Best Time of Day to Fish Freeport, TX

Similar to how the tidal changes affect fishing charters, shore fishing is very dependent on the tides. Rising tides will cause fish to travel upriver and closer to the shore. Falling tides pull the fish from upriver back out into the ocean.

Fishing the Mouth of the Brazos River on Bryan Beach during this time is likely to catch you quite a few fish. Even though the tide changes occur throughout the day, it may be best to avoid the Texas heat, especially during the summer.

Nighttime fishing in the areas of Freeport isn’t as common as in other coastal cities, but you can still find luck during this time. If fishing at night, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings, as the darkness will make traversing the rocky shores difficult. 

Freeport, TX Fishing & Tidal Impacts

Fishing in the ocean often revolves around the tidal changes throughout the day.  Slack tides, periods when the tide is not rising or falling, are notoriously slow times for fishing. Most fish will not feed during this time, and you will be lucky to catch anything at all. In contrast, rising tides are the best time to fish.

Incoming water brings oxygen-rich water toward the shore and up into the rivers and streams of Freeport. The fish will follow the increase in oxygen which will make them more active. The water clarity also improves, making it easier for fish to see bait and for fishermen to sight fish. Water is essentially pulled from the ocean up to the mouths of the rivers.

This results in very clear water with plenty of baitfish circulating in the estuaries of the area. Manu predatory fish such as speckled trout and red drum will thrive during this period of increased food. A falling tide is also a great time to fish. Predatory fish will wait at the mouths of the rivers for baitfish to be swept back out to sea.

This is an excellent time to throw out a lure and give it a shot. However, during the falling tides, the water will be very murky as sediment from the rivers is pulled out to the ocean. It’s important to have an understanding of the tide changes to make the most of your fishing experience. 

Storms & Freeport Fishing 

Freeport is no stranger to the heat. Reaching an average of above 90 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer, and maintaining the 60’s in the winter, the weather is relatively pleasant throughout the year. As is with everywhere else in the United States, Freeport isn’t without its storms.

Any transition from blue skies to overcast skies and a light drizzle can be prime-time fishing. Fish tend to get more aggressive during this time, especially in the flats and estuaries. The introduction of rain to the waters of Freeport can result in cooler water temperatures and decreases in barometric pressure, causing the fish to become more active.

Speckled trout and redfish are some of the species you can catch during this time, depending on where you go. Stick to inshore fishing around the flats and shallows of Freeport and you’re bound to catch a few. The weather isn’t without its faults.

With deep-sea charters, the weather may affect their ability to launch. Located along the Texas coast on the Gulf of Mexico, Freeport also experiences its fair share of hurricanes. Typically running from June to November, hurricane season is one of the most dreaded times in the southern United States.

While some storms are mild and may come and go, others can have devastating effects. It’s important to plan your trip accordingly, as you do not want to get caught in the middle of these destructive storms. 

Is Winter Fishing Bad or Good in Freeport?

During the winter, fishing does become more difficult. However, it is not impossible. As long as you know what species to target and where to target them, you’re bound to catch some fish. Red drum and speckled trout will travel up the rivers of Freeport to find places to spawn. This may be a good time to book a kayak charter, as kayaks can get you in the right location to catch them.

Flounder and black drum are found early in the winter (November-December), while they can stick around until January and February. Snook and sheepshead can also be caught during the Texas winter near structure. If you want to have a good fishing experience and catch many fish, it is best to go during the warmer months.

Night Fishing in Freeport

While not the most popular type of fishing, night fishing can definitely produce some great catches. The fish will use the low visibility to hunt prey. This technique can be used by you to catch these fish. During the nighttime, fish such as speckled trout and red drum may wander toward the shore, making them more accessible if you don’t have a boat.

As with most ocean fishing, the best times to go are during the rising and falling tides, both of which will occur during the nighttime. Of course, it is important to pay attention to your surroundings and exercise a lot of caution when going out at night.

The water current can be very strong and the low visibility can impact depth perception and make traversing the rocky shores of Freeport very difficult. Night fishing has the potential to be very productive, but it isn’t without its risks. 

Top 5-10 Fishing Spots in Freeport, TX

Location	Fishing License Required?	Overview	Best Season/Time
Mouth of the Brazos River	If fishing on your own – yes; If booking a charter – dependent on the type of trip	Located in the southeastern part of Freeport, the mouth of the Brazos River is a great location to fish during the changing tides. To get to the mouth of the river, you may need a car with four-wheel drive to take on the sandy beaches. In the spring and fall, speckled trout and red drum can be found in the mouth as they are in transition between the deeper waters and the areas up the river. For those interested in freshwater species, taking a trip up the river can prove beneficial in catching largemouth and smallmouth.	April-November; rising and falling tide
Mitchell’s Pier	If fishing on your own – yes; If booking a charter – dependent on the type of trip	Mitchell’s Pier is a tackle shop found right in the heart of Freeport, on the Old Brazos River. With the purchase of bait, you are permitted to fish the pier, banks and park free of charge. Speckled trout, red drum, and sheepshead can be caught in the Old Brazos River. The structure around the pier provides cover for many fish species. It’s a great place to get your line wet after grabbing some bait from the tackle shop.	March-October; rising and falling tide
Bryan Beach	If fishing on your own – yes; If booking a charter – dependent on the type of trip	Surf fishing is one of the common methods of fishing in the coastal areas of the United States. Surf fishing requires specific equipment if you want to have success. A surf rod and reel are essential tackle that you must have. A surf rod is longer than typical fishing rods (10-12 feet long) to ensure you can cast your bait far enough into the surf to find the fish. These rods are also stronger than most rods to withstand the biggest catches including sharks. A quality reel will also cast further and reel smoother. Heavy sinkers are also required to hold the bait in the surf. On Bryan Beach, you can catch red drum, speckled trout, black drum, sheepshead, and even some sharks.	Spring to Fall; rising and falling tide
Gulf of Mexico	If fishing on your own – yes; If booking a charter – dependent on the type of trip	Chartering a fishing trip is a great way to eliminate the mental stress of fishing. Being provided with tackle and brought to the location of fishing, charters are your best bet for an easy fishing experience. Fishing the Gulf of Mexico helps you target the larger trophy fish of the south. Mahi Mahi, red snapper, and marlin can all be caught, as well as hammerhead and blacktip sharks.	Year Round
Surfside Jetty County Park	If fishing on your own – yes; If booking a charter – dependent on the type of trip	Surfside Jetty County Park is a family-friendly fishing spot located on the southwestern tip of the Surfside Beach. The park offers a beach and a playground, making it an ideal location if you have younger kids with you. The jetty is a popular fishing area during both the daytime and nighttime. Red drum, speckled trout and sheepshead can all be caught, in addition to a few other species.	March-November; morning and afternoon
Freeport Municipal Park	If fishing on your own – yes; If booking a charter – dependent on the type of trip	Located at the end of the Old Brazos River, Freeport Municipal Park is a smaller park with access to the rocky shores of the river. There is also a small pavilion in which you can fish off of. Some species such as red drum and speckled trout may travel up the river, reaching this dead end. Smaller species such as perch and sea mullet can also be caught.	March-November; morning and afternoon

Booking Charters in Freeport, TX

Booking a fishing charter is common practice for those who are unfamiliar with the area. Most charter captains will be very familiar with the area and know where the fish will most likely be during that time. You’ll also be provided with all of the equipment you need, including bait and tackle, as well as any instructions that may be necessary, depending on your skill level.

Some charters will even fillet the fish you catch and let you take it home with you. For those that may dislike trips on larger boats, many locations throughout the United States are beginning to offer kayak charters. These smaller-scale trips can prove beneficial in catching fish such as redfish and speckled trout as the kayaks provide more accessibility to the waters of Freeport. 

Best Seasons to Go

While Freeport is located only an hour south of Houston, it maintains its small-town feel. You shouldn’t have to worry about tourism when planning your trip and are free to book your charter anytime. However, it is always helpful to plan ahead. Knowing what species you can catch will help you make an educated decision on when to book your trip. 

Deep Sea

As the weather heats up in the summer, the fishing also heats up. Big game fish such as Mahi Mahi, Cobia, Sailfish, and Wahoo become the prominent catches of the area in the open ocean. Amberjack, King Mackerel, and Red Snapper are also a few of the sought-after species of Freeport.

If you want to catch larger fish, booking a deep-sea charter certainly will increase your chances. Your captain will guide you to the best location to catch fish at the time, so it is important to trust their knowledge and enable them to showcase their wisdom. The summer is definitely the best time to book a deep-sea fishing trip, but as the weather cools down, the fish move inland.

Inshore

Redfish and speckled trout move to the shallower flats during the fall months. This can provide an amazing opportunity for inshore fishing. Inshore fishing typically includes bays and estuaries, while deep-sea fishing includes the open ocean.

A smaller charter boat will likely be used for any inshore fishing trips. Recently, kayak charts have gained momentum. These kayak trips enable the fishermen to gain access to otherwise unnavigable areas, creating great opportunities for fishing. The redfish and speckled trout of the area tend to live near shallow, grassy flats, making it difficult for a larger fishing boat.

These species are targeted all along the eastern coast of the United States, including the Gulf of Mexico. These fish put up a good fight, taste great, and can grow to some monstrous sizes. The fall and early spring make for some great fishing inshore for these fish and can result in an amazing fishing experience.

Time of Day

Morning vs. Afternoon

Most fishermen learn at some point throughout their life that the morning and late afternoon are the prime times to fish. This may hold true for bodies of freshwater, especially stagnant ones like lakes and ponds. However, saltwater species follow a different pattern: the tides. For saltwater fishing, the tidal changes will impact fish activity more than the time of day.

Yes, the tidal changes may coincide with the traditional “best times to fish”, but this is not always the case. A rising and falling tide can occur during the middle of the day when the sun is at its hottest, and can still produce plenty of fish to catch.

For fishing charters, you may not have much control as to when you go fishing, but your captain will have extensive knowledge of the tide charts and will schedule the trip at the most opportune time to reel in a healthy bag. Knowing the tidal impacts on fishing is essential to making the most of your fishing experience. 

Changing tides are definitely more productive than slack tides, periods when the water is stagnant and not rising or falling. For most coastal waters, rising tides are the best time to fish. As the tide rises, baitfish are brought closer to shore.

This will cause larger, predatory fish to follow, making them easier to catch from shore. Fish may tend to travel up estuaries in pursuit of these baitfish. The rising water also improves water clarity of the shoreline waters, and brings cooler, oxygen-rich air toward shore.

Outgoing tides are also effective for fishing. The baitfish that may have traveled up the rivers and streams will be returning to the ocean. Fish such as red drum and speckled trout will follow these fish back out to the ocean and can be caught on their way out. The time of day in which you fish is completely dependent on personal preference, as well as the type of fishing that you are doing. 

Charter Length

Inshore fishing charters are typically shorter than deep-sea trips. As a result, inshore trips may be affected by the tide changes. Your captain may also plan these trips around the tides to ensure that you have the best fishing experience. These trips can occur in the morning, mid-day, afternoon, and even nighttime. In contrast, deep-sea trips are less likely to be planned around the tides, as most of them are on strict schedules.

Chartered fishing trips vary anywhere from 4 hours to 12 hours. For the longer 12-hour trips, you will experience both morning and afternoon fishing, including many different tidal changes. If a captain is offering shorter, 4- or 6-hour options, there may be two trips per day, one in the morning, and one in the afternoon.

The morning trip may be more pleasant, especially in the summer heat, whereas the afternoon trip will catch the scorching heat. However, fishing can be excellent during both of these times, as deep-sea fishing isn’t as influenced by the tidal changes as inshore fishing. 

The shorter trips also target the species that are found close to the shore, as travel time is limited. The captain may take you a mile or two offshore to fish for speckled trout, flounder, red drum, and black drum.

Longer fishing charters will allow more time to travel out into the ocean. The target species for deep-sea fishing in Freeport are Mahi Mahi, marlin, tarpon, tuna, and the occasional shark. Since the time of day does not matter as much for fishing charters, and is out of your control, the length of your trip is dependent on how long you want to stay out on the water. As long as you have patience, more time out on the water will only increase your chances of reeling in a big one.