Fishing in Corpus Christi

Situated along one of the most ecologically rich estuaries in the nation, Corpus Christi stands out as a destination where both bay and offshore fishing flourish in close proximity. Most angling action takes place in the protected Laguna Madre and Corpus Christi Bay with their vast, shallow-water flats easily accessible from piers, kayaks, or wading. But the deep blue of the Gulfalso lies within reach, offering a potential for offshore heavy tackle hunts.

inshore fishing is really outstanding in Corpus Christi, with numerous pears offering anglers an easy way to cast their lines well away from the bank. Alternatively, you can wade or kayak through the flats, and a motor boat expands your opportunities even further. The expansive Laguna Madre - one of the country’s most treasured seagrass lagoons - hosts clear, shallow flats ideal for light tackle and fly anglers targeting redfish, speckled trout, black drum, and a host of estuarine species. Its sun-drenched bends, oyster beds, and grassy shallows make for immersive inshore fishing experiences. Beyond the shallow flats lies Corpus Christi Bay, a diverse estuary running 15–30 feet deep in spots, teeming with redfish, trout, flounder, sheepshead, tripletail, and jack crevalle near structure and drop-offs. For even deeper water species, the bay leads quickly into the Gulf, where nearby offshore canyons and rigs offer a chance at tuna and even billfish, depending on the season.

On the flats and inshore, anglers chase hard-fighting redfish, speckled tuna, black drum, and flounder, often against serene sunsets. In the bay’s deeper channels, sheepshead, tripletail, jack crevalle, and flounder provide added variety and fight. Offshore waters broaden the roster with red snapper, king mackerel, amberjack, cobia, and, depending on season, yellowfin tuna, mahi-mahi, and even billfish.

Shallow water enthusiasts relish drifting or wading the grass flats using live bait or soft plastics to land reds, trout, and drum — often by sight-casting or stealth approaches. In the bay, anglers employ bottom rigs near oyster reefs or drift over structure for sheepshead and tripletail, switching to soft plastics for trout and jack action. Offshore trips lean on spread trolling, live-baiting, and bottom rigs to access apex pelagics and deep-water structure.