It isn’t too difficult to find the best fishing spots in Corpus Christi, TX. Located on Texas’ Coastal Bend along the Gulf of Mexico, Corpus Christi offers opportunities for both saltwater and freshwater fishing. Once you get your boat out of storage, the only question is where to go first.
Where Are the Best Fishing Spots in Corpus Christi, TX?
In Corpus Christi, you can fish from a boat or a pier, stand on the land, or wade in the water. Whatever your preference, these are nine of the best local fishing spots for all anglers .
1. Wilson’s Cut
Wilson’s Cut is on the backside of Mustang Island in Corpus Christi Bay. If you have a small skiff, you can use the mud ramp to get in the water. Wilson’s Cut doesn’t offer many amenities, but it also doesn’t cost money to fish here.
To get to Wilson’s Cut, take Highway 361 north from Padre Island. If you get to Port Aransas, you have gone too far. Find the Sea Gull and Sandpiper Condominiums and look for the double gate at their entrance. Look across the way, and you should find a dirt road that takes you to the boat launch.
2. Sunset Bay
As with Wilson’s Cut, it is free to fish at Sunset Bay. However, there are rules that you have to follow. For example, you cannot use a cast net in small ponds or tidal pools. The rules are available for your perusal, and it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with them once you arrive.
This fishing spot is popular with those who like wade fishing. Because of the oyster shell on the bottom, you should wear hard-soled reef boots. In warm weather, wear long wading pants to protect against jellyfish stings.
To get to Sunset Bay, take the Harbor Bridge from Corpus Christi north into Portland on Highway 181. Take the Moore Avenue exit, then turn right onto Bayview Boulevard. Turn right on Sunset Street, which will take you to Sunset Park and Sunset Bay.
3. Bird Island Basin
This is another spot popular with wade anglers, but there is a nearby shop where you can rent a kayak for fishing on the water. Bird Island Basin is part of the Padre Island National Seashore. It has strict rules for parking your vehicle and illegal parking penalties can be harsh, so make sure that you pay attention and comply.
You can get a daily parking permit for five dollars or an annual parking permit for $10. If you plan to stay and fish more than two days, purchasing an annual parking permit makes the most sense. To get into the park itself, you must pay an additional $10 per week or $20 per year.
4. Nueces Bay Marsh Restoration Area
Two of the best fishing spots in Corpus Christi are located near one another. Along with Sunset Lake, the Nueces Bay Marsh Restoration Area is in the same neighborhood across Highway 181. This 160-acre area is a project of the Coastal Bend Bays and Estuaries program. You can fish for flounder, drum, redfish, sheepshead, and trout here.
5. Fish Pass Jetty
If you like fishing but don’t like to get your feet wet, Fish Pass Jetty is a good place to try. You can fish for free here for a wide variety of species, including speckled trout, jack crevalle, and whiting, all without leaving the short jetty. It’s also free to fish here, but you do require a fishing license because the jetty is within Mustang Island State Park. Also, there are no amenities.
6. Big Tree at St. Charles Bay
There are good and bad things about fishing at Big Tree at St. Charles Bay. There’s no cost to fish here, and you can fish all year round for species such as flounder, trout, and redfish. However, there are no amenities and no protection from the wind, plus you may encounter alligators if you paddle to the small sloughs and coves.
7. Airport Road
As implied by the name, you’ll find this spot south of the Aransas County Airport. Get there by taking Texas Highway 35 north from Rockport. You’ll see Aransas Pathway signs indicating spots for wade fishing and kayak fishing.
There are no amenities, but the fishing is free. The bay provides protection from the wind from every direction but north. There is parking available, so you don’t have to worry about blocking a private drive or incurring a ticket.
8. San Jose Jetty
To get to San Jose Jetty, go to Fisherman’s Wharf to take the Jetty Boat. You can buy a discount ticket of 10 trips for $100; otherwise, the cost to ride the boat is $12 for adults and $6 for children. There are hourly boat departures every day starting at 7:00 a.m. and ending at 4:00 p.m.
Before you depart, you should rent a jetty cart to carry your equipment. You should also use the restroom as there are no amenities at the jetty. You can catch species such as tarpon, pompano, and black drum at the jetty. If there are members of your party who don’t fish or if the fishing doesn’t happen to be good that day, you can also pass the time watching turtles or birds, combing the beach, or going swimming.
9. Bob Hall Pier
This spot in Padre Balli Park offers amenities, including covered picnic tables, concessions, and restrooms. You can rent rods and reels and buy bait here. The fishing is year-round, and the hours are 24/7. In this spot, there is a cost involved: $3 per person, $4 per pole, $2 for a cast net. For $20, you can purchase a 72-hour pass with two poles, and there are discounts for military members and senior citizens.
Where Can You Find Boat Storage After Exploring the Best Fishing Spots in Corpus Christi, TX?
After a great day at Corpus Christi’s best fishing spots, you need a place to store your boat. Contact us at Boat Stop Storage and learn more about our secure and spacious facility.