www.extremecoast.com

Winner of the 2008 Sharkathon Tournament, Kid's Division

Fishing has been one of the biggest attractions to Padre Island, long before its designation as a national seashore. Visitors may fish along the entire length of the Gulf of Mexico beach, in the Laguna Madre, and at Yarborough Pass and Bird Island Basin. To fish anywhere within the park requires a valid Texas fishing license and a saltwater stamp, which are only sold outside of the park at any local gas station or tackle shop.

Wherever you choose to fish, please stay safe and fish so that your fishing lines and other equipment do not pose a risk to the safety of other visitors. Please be alert to the presence of people and vehicles on the beach or in the water, and remember to park on the beach where you will not block traffic.

Padre Island National Seashore is proud to host the annual Sharkathon Tournament that promotes Catch-and-Release shark fishing practices. If you would like to learn more about catch-and-release fishing in national parks, please follow this link.

All Texas fishing laws apply at the National Seashore.  For detailed information on saltwater regulations and bag limits in Texas, follow this link to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's website.

If you are interested in providing specific visitor services in the park, you are required to have a Commercial Use Authorization. Please follow the link or call the Ranger Activities Assistant's Office at 361.949.9239, Extension 33, for an application.

Please visit the Superintendent's Compendium for a complete overview of the fishing-specific and other park regulations.

For more information on fishing, contact the Malaquite Visitor Center at 361.949.8068. The park's daily weather forecast is available at 361.949.8175 and includes a brief fishing report on the day's fishing.