First Post-Need Information on Sargent, Texas

billyii · Apr 21, 2023

After having a weekend place, fishing and shrimping at Sargent between the late seventies and the mid-nineties, I sold my boat and place in Sargent and have only been back a couple of times since. My last trip there was last fall and WOW things had certainly changed in the number of residences and in how to get in and out of the bay, etc. The Gulf was rough, and I didn't try to go into it.

I now have a new boat and want to start fishing out of Sargent again; however, I do have a few concerns before making my first trip out of Sargent in twenty something years.

My main concerns are getting in and out of Mitchell Cut and wondering if there are still any production and/or drilling platforms near the cut. There used to be several within ten miles and more out about twenty or so miles.

I would very much appreciate if some of you could fill me in on the current offshore fishing near Sargent and especially on the current difficulties of getting in and out of Mitchell Cut. Back then, the conditions in the cut often would change from day to day, but I understand it has been dredged and straightened out somewhat since I last went through it.

Also, I read that a lot of the platforms have been removed from the Gulf during the last few years. Any comments, instructions and information on the platforms and fishing within thirty miles of Mitchell Cut will also be appreciated.

Thanks so much,

Billy

tritonboat · Apr 21, 2023

I fish out of Matagorda so not familiar too much with Mitchell's cut but there are quite few boats that run through there. There are a number of abandoned rigs out in the 10 mile range and slightly farther out. Haven't heard of any in the 20 mile range but there are a few out at 50 miles - like you said a lot of them have been removed. There are also some state installed reefs that hold a few Snapper during the winter months

Capt_Gilligan · Apr 21, 2023

Hit the cut in the channel, put 165 on the bow and let her eat. Rigs are scarce but there’s a few scattered and some structure above the mud line.

billyii · Apr 22, 2023

My sincere thanks to both of you for your comments concerning Mitchell's Cut and the offshore platforms near Sargent. Since my original post, I have been trying to find some additional information on the internet about the remaining offshore platforms near Sargent. From what I found on the internet and what you said, it appears that Sargent may no longer be a good area to fish the Gulf from. I found several maps on the internet and most of their listed platforms have been removed according to a BSSE (Bureau of Safety and Environment Enforcement ) map at:

Saltwater Recon

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www.saltwater-recon.com

I did have my heart set on fishing again out of Sargent; however I am now having second thoughts. I would certainly like to hear some more comments about the rigs and platforms that are remaining and about your catches at them in the last two or three years. Your experiences from alternative ports like Matagorda and Port O'Connor will also be appreciated.

Thanks again!

JWT · Apr 22, 2023

Running through the cut is always a little challenging, I don't know anyone who isn't missing some paint on their skegs who does it regularly. It changes often, sometimes 6' deep and straight, othertimes curved and less than 2'. So, don't assume it's easy.
There is a standpipe at 7 miles, a small 4 leg platform maybe 1/2 mile to west of it, then 538 around 30 miles out. No other platforms out there unless you count Sunrise off Freeport. If you need to fish platforms I recommend fishing off Sabine and eastward.

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Capt_Gilligan · Apr 23, 2023

JWT said:
Running through the cut is always a little challenging, I don't know anyone who isn't missing some paint on their skegs who does it regularly. It changes often, sometimes 6' deep and straight, othertimes curved and less than 2'. So, don't assume it's easy.
There is a standpipe at 7 miles, a small 4 leg platform maybe 1/2 mile to west of it, then 538 around 30 miles out. No other platforms out there unless you count Sunrise off Freeport. If you need to fish platforms I recommend fishing off Sabine and eastward.

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I haven’t seen much at 538 except old ratty boats loaded with people in the last few years. May still be a few decent fish but not common.

Gfelix · Apr 23, 2023

I understand protecting the environment but making it so expensive to cut the rigs off and leave them was really short sighted and pointless. The old rig reefs are still there but they are pretty far out.

billyii · Apr 26, 2023

Thanks to all for your comments concerning offshore fishing near Sargent. It appears Sargent may not be the place to start back offshore fishing after twenty something years of not fishing in the Gulf.
I have a new boat and have my heart set on a few fishing trips in the Gulf this summer, limited to about 30 miles offshore. If there are any suggestions of where would be the best port to start from, I would very much appreciate hearing from you.
Thanks again,
Billy

Capt_Gilligan · Apr 26, 2023

Freeport, Matagorda, Port Aransas. Port A will have the deepest water closer in of the 3 I listed.

Erichter5674 · Apr 28, 2023

Port O'Conner is always a solid choice.

Capt_Gilligan · Apr 28, 2023

Not a bad port but a longish run to the jetties with a limited range.

billyii · May 2, 2023

Many thanks to all of you for answering my concerns about fishing in the Gulf out of Sargent. I think you all have convinced me that Sargent may not be the best place for offshore fishing. Now to decide which port to begin fishing from.

Thanks again for all your replies, they were very much appreciated.

Billy

MrRed · May 3, 2023

Freeport is a solid choice. Plenty of marinas and boat storage. PM me and I will share some coordinates to get you started. There are no rigs here so you have to fish structure.

First Post-Need Information on Sargent, Texas

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