Whether you’re an experienced or a new hobby fisherman, Corpus Christi is an optimal place to catch various fish. With the numerous Corpus Christi fish species, you can take your boat on the water and come home with some of the most valuable fish in Texas.
What Kind of Corpus Christi Fish Species Can You Catch?
The Gulf of Mexico is home to over 1,400 fish species, with various diverse species making their home near Corpus Christi.
Sheepshead
Sheepshead, also called convict fish, are light gray with dark vertical stripes. In addition to their notable stripes, sheepshead are also known for their uncanny human-like front teeth.
Sheepshead will often swim near underwater structures, such as pier pilings, docks, bulkheads, and jetties. To lure them out, try using shrimp as bait.
Black Drum
The black drum fish is a high-backed fish with barrels and whiskers under the lower jaw. While younger fish may have four to five vertical stripes on their sides, older fish do not and instead may have white bellies and varied coloring, compared to many Corpus Christi fish species that lack color and look silver or light gray.
Black drum fish prefer warm, shallow water but can survive in water more than 100 feet deep. Catching black drums requires little experience and no expensive equipment. Use rods, reels, hand lines, cane poles or trotlines, and artificial bait.
Spotted Sea Trout
The spotted sea trout, or speckled trout, averages 19 inches long for males and 25 inches for females. The fish’s coloring is dark green or gray back with round spots and a silvery-white belly.
Expect to find spotted sea trout in shallow bays and estuaries with oyster beds. As opportunistic carnivores, they tend to feed on small fish and shrimp. Any light to medium action rod and reel combination is suitable for trout fishing.
Flounder
Flounders are flatfish that tend to swim along the bottom of the water on their sides. For the southern flounder, the left side is the upside, and it can grow up to 12 inches for males and as large as 25 inches for females.
Fishermen can use a rod or reel and light tackle to catch flounder. Flounder prefers live bait, such as live shrimp or mud minnows.
Red Drum
The red drum, also called the redfish, can range in color from black to copper to silver. Most commonly, you can distinguish the redfish from other Corpus Christi fish species by its large black spot near the tail base. Many red drums have multiple spots. This fast-growing fish can reach about 11 inches within its first year of life and up to 24 inches in three.
In the first three years, red drums remain in the bays or surf zones, but they will move from the bay as they grow older and are often found in rivers and tidal creeks in the winter. Fishermen can use natural or artificial bait to catch redfish but may have more success with live shrimp, blue crabs, and small finger mullets.
Snapper
Snappers have a distinct red color, long triangular faces, equal jaws, and large canine teeth. While they grow moderately, they can reach up to 40 inches long and weigh as much as 50 pounds.
Many fishermen prize the red snapper. However, due to rebuilding plans, the U.S. limits its harvest. For example, in state waters, you can only catch four fish per day, with a 15-inch minimum.
Juvenile snappers live in shallow waters, but adults live near structures like coral and artificial reefs, caves, rocks, and ledges. Recreational fishermen can use hook-and-line gear to reel them in.
Sharks
In the sea around Corpus Christi, you can find inshore and nearshore species such as bull, hammerhead, blacktip, and tiger sharks. The population is varied, and most fishermen catch sharks between 4 and 6 feet. However, it’s not unexpected to see 10-ft hammerheads and tiger sharks.
To catch a shark, try fresh, dead bait and use a strong metal leader and stout reel.
Tuna
Yellowfin tuna are common in the Gulf of Mexico. The yellowfin is one of the fastest swimmers and must remain swimming to obtain oxygen from the water. This tuna gets its name from its bright yellow dorsal and anal fins, along with finlets. These giant fish have a torpedo shape and can reach up to 400 pounds and 7 feet long.
Texas has a bag limit of three yellowfin per day, and you must release any fish under 27 inches. While this tuna is not in danger of overfishing, the Texas and U.S. government maintain strong management and regulatory practices. To catch tuna, use baitfish like mackerel, squid, and sardines.
How Can You Catch Your Favorite Corpus Christi Fish?
There are a number of ways to get on the water and find the fish in Corpus Christi, including renting a vessel or purchasing your own.
Kayak Fishing
Kayak fishing is an excellent sport for fishermen who want to traverse rivers or lakes and escape the crowded pier. While you can use kayaks in the Gulf as well, they are best suited for experienced kayak fishermen. The fish often caught during kayak fishing sessions include redfish, flounder, and trout.
Pier Fishing
There are several fishing piers near Corpus Christi. Additionally, you can rent rods, buy bait, and store your boats close to the docks and marinas. When fishing off the pier, you may catch some famous fish, including sheepshead, flounder, trout, and redfish.
Party Boat Fishing
If you’re interested in catching a red snapper and want to fish with like-minded people, equipment included, consider the party boat experience. Party boats can take you to the local reefs where you can find the distinctive snapper.
Charter Fishing
Charter fishing is a simple way to catch popular fish in Corpus Christi. More private than party boat fishing, a charter boat will take you to the most successful places to catch snapper, trout, flounder, and more.
Find the Top Corpus Christi Fish Species
Fishing in Texas is a beloved and celebrated hobby. With the many popular Corpus Christi fish species, you can expect to catch a variety in the right times of year. If you’re a fisherman who needs to store their vessel in the off-season, we can help! Contact us today at Boat Stop Storage for large asset and boat storage.