Fishing spots
Lydia Ann Channel
The old channel behind San José Island, running past the Lydia Ann Lighthouse — deep water, hard edges, and steady current where it meets the ship channel. Almost nobody writes about it because almost nobody can walk to it, which is exactly the point.
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How do you fish the Lydia Ann Channel?
By boat, full stop. No verified public shore access exists on the channel, so it is water for your own hull, a rented skiff, or a guide trip — launched from the Dennis Dreyer Municipal Harbor ramps at Roberts Point Park, minutes away. City of Port Aransas — Harbor
The channel’s draw is edge water: redfish and trout work the flats margins and drop-offs where the shallow grass meets deep moving water, and big drum hold in the depths. It is a short, protected run from the harbor — a natural first stop on a guided bay trip.
What rules apply on this water?
Two sets. The seagrass rule governs every shallow flat you cross getting here. And where the Lydia Ann meets the Corpus Christi Ship Channel, federal security zones apply: 500 yards standoff from vessels carrying dangerous cargoes, 100 yards absolute, per the standing Coast Guard rule. Federal Register 2026-10492
The full text of the standing rule: Standing security zones surround vessels carrying Certain Dangerous Cargoes: 500 yards general standoff, 100 yards absolute without authorization, effective June 26, 2026. Request permission from the Captain of the Port on VHF-FM channel 16 or 1-800-874-2143, and hold minimum safe speed within 500 yards. Monitor VHF channel 16 around the big ships, give commercial traffic the channel, and mind their wakes on the spoil banks. The seagrass specifics are on the Redfish Bay page.
Straight answers
Frequently asked questions
Can you see the Lydia Ann Lighthouse without a boat?
Yes — the free Ancel Brundrett pier at the north end of Station Street looks straight at it, and the Roberts Point Park shoreline has channel views. Getting on the water beside it, though, takes a boat or a kayak with real open-water judgment.
Why is there no shore fishing on the Lydia Ann?
Because no verified public land access exists on its banks: no official source establishes a public shore access point anywhere on the channel. That is why this page says boat access only, rather than inventing a path in.
What will your trip cost?
Pick a trip type, length, and group size — the estimate is instant, free, and from current local market research.
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