Located on Texas’ Coastal Bend along the Gulf of Mexico, Corpus Christi offers plenty of opportunities for excellent saltwater and freshwater fishing. You might have heard about some of the best fishing spots in Corpus Christi, Texas, but there are likely a few hidden gems to discover. Figuring out where to go first will be a tough choice!
Where Are the Best Fishing Spots in Corpus Christi, Texas?
In Corpus Christi, you can fish from a boat or a pier, stand on the shore, or wade in the water. Whatever your preference, these are nine of the best places to fish in Corpus Christi.
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 there.
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
Some of the best bay fishing in Corpus Christi, TX, can be found at Sunset Bay. This fishing spot is popular with those who like wade fishing. Because of the oyster shells on the bottom, you should wear hard-soled reef boots. In warm weather, wear long wading pants to protect against jellyfish stings.
As with Wilson’s Cut, it is free to fish at Sunset Bay. However, there are rules you have to follow, so it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with them once you arrive. For example, you cannot use a cast net in small ponds or tidal pools.
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 regulations for parking your vehicle, and illegal parking penalties can be harsh, so make sure that you pay attention and comply with the rules.
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 very close to one another. The Nueces Bay Marsh Restoration Area is in the same neighborhood as Sunset Lake, just across Highway 181. This 160-acre area is a project of the Coastal Bend Bays and Estuaries program. You can fish for several different species, such as flounder, drum, redfish, sheepshead, and trout here.
5. Fish Pass Jetty
Fish Pass Jetty is one of the most popular Corpus Christi jetties. If you like fishing but don’t like to get your feet wet, this is a good place to try. You can fish for free there for a wide variety of species, including speckled trout, jack crevalle, and whiting, all without leaving the landing place. Although there is no cost to fish, a fishing license is required 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 there, 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. You may encounter alligators if you paddle into 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 except north. There is parking available, so you don’t have to worry about blocking a private drive and incurring a ticket.
8. San Jose Jetty
Another of the most common jetties in Corpus Christi is known as San Jose Jetty. To get there, go to Fisherman’s Wharf to take the Jetty Boat. The cost to ride is $12 for adults and $6 for children, or you can buy 10 trips for $100. 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. There are no amenities at the jetty, so be sure to also use the restroom before leaving.
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
Bob Hall Pier in Padre Balli Park offers amenities such as covered picnic tables, concessions, and restrooms. You can rent rods and reels and buy bait there. This is one of the best places to fish in Corpus Christi, because it’s available year-round and the hours are 24/7.
However, there is a cost to fish at Bob Hall Pier. Prices are $3 per person, $4 per pole, and $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.
Find Boat Storage After Exploring the Best Fishing Spots in Corpus Christi, Texas
After exploring the best fishing spots in Corpus Christi, Texas, the last thing you want to worry about is finding a place to store your boat. Make sure your boat stays safe and ready for the next adventure by choosing Boat Stop Storage. Secure your space with us today and ensure your boat is always ready for another great day on the water!