10 Fishing Spots in Corpus Christi for the Whole Family to Enjoy

Corpus Christi is the perfect fishing destination for you and your family. Not only does this coastal city offers picturesque surroundings, but there are also plenty of things to do!

Whether you prefer pier fishing, charter fishing, shoreline fishing, or night fishing, these fishing spots in Corpus Christi are definitely worth visiting. 

Padre Island National Seashore

Photo of Padre Island National Seashore, one of the best fishing spots in Corpus Christi

The first spot in our list of best fishing spots in Corpus Christi is Padre Island National Seashore. It is a 66-mile stretch of undeveloped barrier island – the longest in the world! 

So, what makes Padre Island National Seashore a must-visit for beginner and pro anglers? It is teeming with marine life. Here, you can catch red drum, spotted seatrout, and blacktip shark. Moreover, you can cast and fish anywhere from the Gulf of Mexico beach. 

Other must-do activities in Padre Island National Seashore include: 

  • Camping 
  • Canoeing and kayaking 
  • Waterfowl hunting
  • Birdwatching 
  • Windsurfing 

Bob Hall Pier

Photo of Bob Hall Pier in Corpus Christi, one of the best places to fish.

Bob Hall Pier is not only one of the best crabbing spots in Corpus Christi, but it is also a prime location to target trout, sheepshead, redfish, speckled trout, and shark at this location. You will find this must-visit pier fishing spot in the 400-acre Padre Balli Beach. 

Although Bob Hall Pier is currently under renovation and closed to the public, you can fish from the shoreline. You can even set up camp as there are 100 paved campsites in Padre Balli Park. 

Mustang Island State Park

Looking for one of the best flounder gigging spots in Corpus Christi? Head to the Mustang Island State Park at 9394 State Highway 361, Corpus Christi, TX 78418. 

Although there is an entrance fee of $5 for adults, this Corpus Christi remains the top destination for fishing because of its long 5-mile coastline. Plus, they are open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM. 

And that means more opportunities for you and your family to fish in the bay or simply enjoy the picturesque scenery. 

You can even stay at one of the 48 water and electric campsites or venture out to one of the 50 drive-up primitive campsites. If you are looking for another water activity, there is also a paddling trail to embark on. 

Packery Channel Park

Photo of Packery Channel Park

 You can easily navigate to Packery Channel Park on the Laguna Madre end of North Padre Island. This park, located at 14218 South Padre Island Drive, Corpus Christi, TX 78418, provides kayaking, fishing, birding, and nature watching. 

This beautiful location is a tidal channel that connects Corpus Christi bay to the Gulf. It is one of the best fishing spots in Corpus Christi because it is easily accessible and loaded with fish! At Packery Channel Park, you can reel in red drum, spotted seatrout, and black drum. 

Tip: Use the live shrimp for bait to maximize your chances of reeling in a catch! 

People usually target the shallow coves and flats where these fish like to hide. This park is busiest in the early evening, so plan on taking your fishing trip in the morning or late evening. Fortunately, entrance to this park is free. 

Cole Park

Cole Park, another one of the top fishing spots in Corpus Christi, sits on 1900 Ocean Drive, Corpus Christi, TX 78404. It is located south of downtown and directly on the Bay in Corpus Christi. 

There is plenty of parking available and activities for everyone. You and your family can enjoy fishing and sightseeing before enjoying the large playground, amphitheater, pickleball, volleyball, basketball, and much more. 

On your fishing trip, you should aim to catch black drum, red drum, and spotted seatrout. You should know that the busiest days at this park are Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday in the early afternoon, so plan your trips accordingly. 

Indian Point Pier

You will find this pier at 100 US Highway 181, Portland, TX 78374, about 10 minutes from downtown Corpus Christi. It extends out onto the water about 1,000 feet. 

Since this location is just a pier located on a beach in Texas, there is no fee to enter! You and your family can fish here all day and avoid paying meter or entrance fees other than parking if you drive there.

As with the rest of the Corpus Christi fishing spots, this location is great for catching spotted seatrout, red drum, and black drum. 

Choke Canyon Reservoir

At the 26,000-acre Choke Canyon Reservoir, you can tent camp or set up your camper and stay a few nights to sleep in between your fishing adventures! 

Located between San Antonio and Corpus Christi, this reservoir sits on 358 Recreation Road 8, Calliham, TX 78007. You can make your reservations by phone and pay a small entry fee of $5 per day for adults (13 years and over). Alongside fishing and camping, this park offers swimming, geocaching, and hiking. There are also recreational facilities such as basketball courts, tennis courts, and soccer fields. 

You can fish from the shore or bring your boat and venture out further! Some of the common catches here are largemouth bass and catfish. 

Bird Island Basin

Bird Island Basin has a campground, boat dock, large 122-space parking lot, and more. They placed their campsites perfectly to allow you to windsurf, kayak, boat, bird watch, and fish. Bird Island Basin does not take reservations, so their parking and campsites are on a first-come, first-serve basis. Unfortunately, the entrance fee at Bird Island Basin is slightly higher than other Corpus Christi spots at $8 per day. 

Bird Island Basin enforces some rules, including: 

  • Ban on generators during certain hours
  • Camping duration limit of fourteen days. 

The most popular fish you will catch here are red drum, alligator gar, and sheepshead. You can Bird Island Basin at 20420 Park Road 22, Corpus Christi, TX 78418.

Aransas Pass

A fishing pier near the Aransas Pass in Texas

Aransas Pass is not technically in Corpus Christi, but it’s a 21-mile drive. This small paradise on the Texas Gulf coast is known for its marine life – you can catch redfish and trout! 

This pass separates Mustang Island from San Jose Island, right at the heart of the Coastal Bend. They offer many excellent fishing spots if you prefer to make your trip outside a state park or reservoir, making it one of the top fishing spots near Corpus Christi. 

Lake Corpus Christi State Park

Photo of a fishing pier in Lake Corpus Christi State Park

 You will find Lake Corpus Christi State Park on 23194 Park Road 25, Mathis, TX 78368, which opens to you and your family every day from seven in the morning to ten at night. The fish most commonly caught here are largemouth and white bass, crappie, flathead catfish, bluegill, and redear sunfish. 

They also offer area attractions and activities, including: 

  • Ranger programs
  • Paddle boating
  • Water skiing
  • Camping
  • Hiking
  • biking
  • Geocaching

There is a $5 entrance fee at Lake Corpus Christi State Park. They often reach their occupancy limitation, so they ask that you make reservations, especially during the weekends of late winter through summer. 

Fishing in Corpus Christi FAQ

Do You Need a Fishing License to Fish in Corpus Christi

Yes, you will need a Texas fishing license to fish in Corpus Christi, whether you are a resident or a visitor. You can secure a valid Texas fishing license online.  

Can You Fish in Corpus Christi Bay

 Yes! In Corpus Christi Bay, you can fish for trout and take advantage of the many oyster reefs. You can also find redfish, trout, pompano, jacks, and sharks in the bay.

What Is the Best Time to Go Fishing in Corpus Christi?

The best time to go fishing in Corpus Christi depends on the fish you want to catch. For tuna, black drum, and mahi-mahi, go to Corpus Christi during summer. For largemouth bass and snappers, visit during fall.

Gon’ Fishin’!

Armed with the list of the top fishing spots in Corpus Christi, the next step for you is to start planning your next fishing trip! Don’t forget to include one or two of the best Corpus Christi fishing spots in your itinerary. 

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