I've been fishing both for 25+ years. I'll put it like this…EVERYONE that fishes a Rockport tournament heads south. Starting at about 5 miles south of Marker 37 and extending to Greens Island (mouth of the Arroyo Colorado) is where the best fishing is located. Yes, you can catch good fish around Rockport and surrounding areas.
I have a place in Rockport and when I'm serious I tow to Marker 37 on Padre Island and head south.
During the week good guides can put you on fish around Rockport. The best can put you on good fish. If they have an air drive, you can score reds in the back lakes up against the island.
Reds on fly? Mansfield. Book the guide NOW! I fish my own boat 90% of the time. Ernest Cisneros is a great reds guide and the only guide I've fished with for reds down there. There are plenty others.
State snapper is good at Mansfield. 18 miles north of the Mansfield jetties in shallow water. You can chum them to the boat and catch them on flies.
Mansfield is sparse. Very few places to eat. Blues chill and grill is good. Pelican is a good burger meal. My crew always cooks when we go down. Sweet Gregory P's has good breakfast tacos. Windjammer is good enough.
If you want to save money, stay at sunset house. Clean rooms, cold ac. Otherwise find a nice Vrbo or stay at Pelican Point condos (get one that has been remodeled).
Harbor Bait & Tackle has tackle, basics needs and ice.
One last thing about PM. When the wind is down midweek you can find big redfish schools just south of the east cut ( the channel from PM to the jetties) pushing a wake and hammering topwaters.
Pics are last August. 6 fish over 25 plus a disastrously handsome pic of me lol.
Fair Winds
