Goose Island Passing Basin

Saltwater
Pass

Goose Island Passing Basin

Saltwater
Pass

Sq. miles: 0.1
Boat Ramps: 0
Access Points: 0
Species: 8

Goose Island Passing Basin is a significant saltwater fishing location within the expansive Laguna Madre system near South Padre Island, Texas. It functions as a deep-water harbor and navigation basin adjacent to the Brownsville Ship Channel, providing access to a rich network of surrounding bays, flats, and tidal passes. This area is a consistent producer for a variety of prized inshore gamefish, drawing both private anglers and professional fishing charters who target its productive waters year-round.

Texas licenses and regulations6 to check before you go

Species & education

Learn what type of fish are at Goose Island Passing Basin and what's needed to catch them.

Find which waters have the species you want to catch

Black Drum

Pogonias cromis

King Mackerel

Scomberomorus cavalla

Mangrove Snapper

Lutjanus griseus

Red Snapper

Lutjanus campechanus

Redfish

Sciaenops ocellatus

Snook

Centropomus undecimalis

Southern Flounder

Paralichthys lethostigma

Spotted Seatrout

Cynoscion nebulosus

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Goose Island Passing Basin. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Wreck

Know where you can legally fish on Goose Island Passing Basin

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

Texas licenses and regulations

Texas Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

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Texas Coastal & Inland Waters

A saltwater endorsement is required to fish Texas coastal waters, while a freshwater endorsement covers inland waters, and some waters require both. Texas Parks and Wildlife defines where each endorsement applies, including specific boundary rules for reservoirs and tidal areas. Check the general fishing regulations for details on how waters are classified and which licence applies where.

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Texas Federal Waters & Offshore Rules

Beyond state waters, federal rules managed by NOAA Fisheries and the regional fishery management councils apply, typically from 3 to 200 nautical miles offshore. Anglers targeting species such as tuna, billfish, swordfish, or sharks in federal waters must hold a federal Atlantic HMS vessel permit issued through NOAA Fisheries. You still need a valid Texas fishing license and saltwater endorsement to possess or land any fish taken in federal waters at a Texas port.

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Texas Saltwater Fishing License

Anglers need a Texas fishing license with a saltwater endorsement to fish coastal waters, and Texas Parks and Wildlife issues it. Anglers under 17 and the oldest residents are exempt, as is everyone on the annual Free Fishing Day. Fishing from banks or piers inside Texas State Parks also needs no license.

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Texas Saltwater Size & Bag Limits

Size and bag limits apply to every regulated saltwater species and can vary by region and time of year, with Texas Parks and Wildlife setting the rules. Headline species with specific slot, minimum, or bag limits include red drum, spotted seatrout, flounder, red snapper, and black drum. The current limits for all species are kept in the TPWD Outdoor Annual.

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Texas Shellfish Closures & Advisories

Recreational harvest of oysters, clams, and mussels is only permitted in areas designated as approved or conditionally approved, and Texas DSHS can close any area at any time due to red tide, harmful algal blooms, heavy rainfall, flooding, or water quality events. Texas Parks and Wildlife sets recreational oyster seasons and possession limits, while DSHS tracks and posts the current open and closed status of all shellfish harvest areas. Check the DSHS shellfish harvest area map before you go, as status can change daily.

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Take Goose Island Passing Basin with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

Use the map without signal
Download the map around Goose Island Passing Basin to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for Goose Island Passing Basin to find where and when fish are biting for you.

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Tides, wind & water conditions (10 day forecast)

On open water, wind and tide matter as much as the weather. See the best times to fish Goose Island Passing Basin and check the marine forecast before you launch.

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