Corpus Christi Fishing Charters
Corpus Christi fishing charters give anglers direct access to shallow bays, Gulf jetties, and nearshore rigs loaded with redfish, speckled trout, flounder, and kingfish year-round.
Top Rated Charters in Corpus Christi
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Corpus Christi, TX Fishing Guide
Corpus Christi is a year-round fishery with charter options that cover everything from flats and bay wade trips to nearshore rig runs out past the jetties. Most local guides offer half-day or full-day trips, depending on how far you’re going and what you’re targeting. For inshore action, the Laguna Madre is the main playground—this hypersaline lagoon stretches south past Baffin Bay and holds some of the best speckled trout and redfish habitat in the state. Sight-casting along the flats with soft plastics or live shrimp under popping corks is a staple approach, especially in the summer when the water clears up.
Launch points are scattered along the bayfront, with popular spots including the JFK Causeway, Packery Channel, and the downtown marina. For bay and backwater charters, it’s often just a 5–15 minute run to the first productive flat or drop-off. These waters are also prime territory for flounder and black drum in the cooler months, often caught while drifting or working slow-moving bait near mud bottoms.
Offshore and nearshore trips typically head out through Packery Channel or Port Aransas Pass. Nearshore rigs within 10 miles hold Spanish mackerel, kingfish, and snapper, especially in the warmer months. For deeper water species like mahi and amberjack, it’s more of a full-day run 30+ miles into the Gulf. Most captains run live bait when possible, but dead bait trolling and vertical jigging are also common offshore. In short, Corpus Christi offers a range of charter experiences—from casting tight to redfish tails on the flats to chasing big game out past the rigs.
Fishing Seasons in Corpus Christi
Spring
Spring kicks off the warming trend, and with it comes a strong inshore bite. Speckled trout and redfish begin pushing shallow again as water temps rise, especially around spoil islands and grassy flats in the Upper Laguna Madre. Black drum are still around in solid numbers, often caught on shrimp near deeper channels. Nearshore, look for Spanish mackerel and sheepshead on jetties and structure.
Summer
Summer means early morning flats fishing and offshore runs when the Gulf is calm. Speckled trout feed aggressively at first light on the flats, while redfish hold tight to structure. Deeper in the bay, live croaker becomes the bait of choice for bigger trout. Offshore charters target kingfish, snapper, and even the occasional mahi around rigs and weedlines. Expect longer runs and high action.
Fall
Fall is one of the most productive seasons around Corpus Christi. Bull redfish stage near jetties and passes, providing drag-screaming runs on live mullet and crabs. Trout feed heavily ahead of the first fronts, and flounder begin their migration—great for anglers working soft plastics near marsh edges. Offshore, kingfish and amberjack remain active into late October.
Winter
Winter brings cooler water but steady action, especially for black drum and sheepshead near channels and jetties. Redfish stay active on warmer afternoons, particularly in deeper potholes and along mud flats where temperatures stay stable. Some trout stay in the bays, especially near spoil islands or power plant discharges. It’s a slower season, but the bite is reliable for those who know where to look.
Gamefish in Corpus Christi
- Redfish – 18–35" Found across the Laguna Madre and flats year-round. Sight-cast with soft plastics, spoons, or live shrimp. Best near grassy potholes and oyster beds.ng> – The signature fish of Homer. Most catches range from 20 to 80 lbs, but true trophies exceed 200 lbs.
- Speckled Trout – 15–28" Targeted early mornings with topwaters, or deeper with live croaker in summer. Found on flats, channels, and spoil islands.
- Flounder – 12–20" Caught during fall migration and in cooler months. Work soft plastics or mud minnows along bottom near drains and structure.
- Black Drum – 16–40+" Common in channels, flats, and along ICW. Best caught on dead shrimp or crab on bottom rigs, especially in winter.
- Sheepshead – 2–8 lbs Caught around jetties, pilings, and structure with live shrimp. Peak in late winter and early spring.
- King Mackerel – 10–30 lbs Run the nearshore rigs and wrecks in summer and early fall. Trolled or drifted with ribbonfish or sardines.
- Spanish Mackerel – 1–4 lbs Nearshore summer species. Fast and aggressive, hit flashy spoons and small live bait near structure or bait schools.
- Mahi-Mahi – 5–20 lbs Caught farther offshore near weedlines and current edges. Targeted with trolled ballyhoo or drifting live bait.
- Amberjack – 20–50 lbs Live bait near offshore platforms and deep structure. Found deeper into the Gulf on full-day trips.
Corpus Christi Fishing FAQs
What types of fishing charters are available in Corpus Christi?
Charters here range from shallow flats trips and bay wade fishing to nearshore and offshore runs targeting Gulf species. Half-day and full-day options are common, depending on distance and target fish.
Where do most Corpus Christi fishing charters depart from?
Most charters launch from areas like the JFK Causeway, Packery Channel, and downtown Corpus Christi Marina. Some guides also run trips out of nearby Port Aransas.
What’s the best time of year to fish in Corpus Christi?
Fishing is good year-round, but fall offers the best overall action with bull redfish, trout, and flounder all active. Summer is great for offshore trips and morning flats fishing.
Do I need a fishing license for a Corpus Christi charter?
Yes, anglers 17 and older need a valid Texas saltwater fishing license unless it’s provided by the guide. Most guides do not include the license, so check ahead.
What gear is typically included on Corpus Christi fishing charters?
Most charters include rods, reels, bait, tackle, and sometimes bottled water or snacks. Captains usually provide spinning setups for inshore and heavier gear offshore.
Are kids allowed on fishing charters in this area?
Yes, many Corpus Christi charters are kid-friendly and welcome families. Let the captain know in advance so they can tailor the trip accordingly.
What fish can I catch inshore around Corpus Christi?
Inshore targets include redfish, speckled trout, flounder, black drum, and sheepshead—often found on flats, channels, and marsh edges.
How far offshore do charters typically go?
Nearshore trips stay within 10 miles and target kingfish and snapper. Full-day offshore trips can run 30–50 miles to reach deeper rigs and weedlines.
Is wade fishing an option with local charters?
Yes, wade fishing is popular here, especially in the Laguna Madre. Some captains offer guided wade trips targeting trout and redfish on the flats.
