When it comes to deep sea fishing, there is no place more versatile and satisfying than Port Aransas in Texas. If you are planning a summertime fishing expedition, look for snapper, amberjack, ling, marlin, sailfish, and kingfish to be hot, hot, hot all the way into the fall, when you should have good luck with redfish, trout, and some really good sized flounder. During the rest of the year, you will have good luck fishing for wahoo, blackfin tuna, and yellowfin tuna, but don't count out pulling some wonderful red snapper from the bountiful waters of the bay. In addition, you will find mullet, speckled trout, ladyfish, catfish, stingrays, and crabs throughout the year.

The guide services are top notch, with guide services for anglers of all levels of experience, from the novice to the expert. Many of these guide services really do provide everything you will need to make your fishing trip the experience of a life time. Most do expect the anglers to provide their own licenses, though that can be done easily at a local Wal Mart, bait shop, or sporting goods store.

When it comes to choosing a fishing guide or boat captain, there are some things you should look for. First and foremost, you should expect safe, safely run boats that have recently been inspected to insure their sea worthiness. Your captain and crew should have an expert knowledge base on both experience and location, and captains should be certified by the US coast guard.

If you fail to require captain to be properly certified, you are really taking a risk, and there are plenty of certified boat captains out there, so that you can find one easily, with just a little bit of planning. They should know the equipment, the boat, the area, and safe and effective techniques for bringing in your catch. They should know current, local regulations and laws governing fishing in the areas you will be visiting. The fishing guide should supply everything you need from equipment and lures to bait, everything needed for preparation, and most offer to clean and/or cook your fish for you. The ability, within reason (excepting acts of God such as inclement weather preventing the boat leaving shore) to carry out all the responsibilities and amenities offered in their advertisements.

Some fishing guides offer lunches and snacks on shore. One thing everyone needs to know is that anytime you wish to deviate from what is expressly allowed, such as desiring to use your own gear, or prepare your own fish, should be discussed well prior to your boat leaving dock if not when arrangements are being made. Some guides object to the use of personal equipment for reasons of liability since it is difficult to inspect gear for safety once you are out in the boat.

Keep in mind that the very best time to get a guide and hit the waters around

Port Aransas is from September through December if you are looking for a good catch on calm waters.