Best Times & Seasons to Fish Corpus Christi (A Breakdown)

Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned angler, Corpus Christi has a wide range of fishing options to suit your interests. Knowing the best times and seasons to fish in Corpus Christi will make a huge difference in your fishing success.

Summer is the season to fish Corpus Christi for tuna, black drum, mahi mahi, redfish, flounder, and seatrout. Fall and winter are great times to focus on sharks, largemouth bass, and snappers in Corpus Christi.

Fish SpeciesBest Times to Fish in Corpus Christi-Area Waters
RedfishJuly through November is the best fishing window.
Mahi MahiMarch through the end of June is typically the best time to catch mahi in Corpus Christi.
SharksWintertime is the best season for sharks.
SnappersYear-round availability. Fall is viewed as the best season.
FlounderApril until June is the best season for flounder fishing.
SeatroutApril through August is the best season.
TunaTuna season is best during the summer months. Focus on offshore oil rigs.
MackerelJune through late October is the prime fishing season.
Black DrumYear-round availability. Summer is a very good time to focus on drum.
Largemouth BassYear-round availability. Spring and fall are the best fishing windows.

Corpus Christi is a good place to visit if you can’t imagine your life without fishing. There are a lot of barrier islands and other interesting fishing spots in the bay area. 

The islands create the ideal conditions for inshore fishing. Here, anglers also have a good chance to enjoy deep sea fishing and catch predators near reefs. So, fishing trips to Corpus Christi provide anglers with diverse fishing opportunities. Click here to find out the best periods for fishing in Texas. Check out this helpful guide to the best fishing times for Port Isabel. You may also be interested in this article on the best times for Port Aransas fishing.

redfish caught by happy angler
(Image courtesy of Team Liberty Guide Service (Corpus Christi) & Fishing Booker)

Best Time to Fish Corpus Christi 

Every fishing trip requires meticulous planning. That’s why anglers have to start preparing for a fishing trip in advance. It’s crucial for you to know where and what species you are going to fish in Corpus Christi. 

It all depends on your fishing preferences. So, you need to decide what fish species you are going to target ahead of time.   

After that, you have to take a look at a fish species calendar and analyze the best fishing times. At this stage, you have to find out what are the feeding times for fish species that you are interested in.  

In fact, there is no bad time to fish in the water resources of the Corpus Christi area. It’s worth noting that the vast majority of fish species are active here all year round. 

If the weather allows, anglers can successfully fish in the region any time of the year. No matter when you choose to come to Corpus Christi to enjoy fishing, you’ll always have a good chance to catch a big fish and get an unforgettable experience.    

Corpus Christi Species Breakdown: Best Time

The waters of Corpus Christi are best known for their fish diversity. Here, you can catch a huge range of fishing species. Now, we’ll talk you through the fish species that you can catch in the area.

Sharks

Do you like shark fishing? If so, you should go to Corpus Christi and try to catch a shark. Here, you can catch various shark species. Winter is the best season for shark fishing in the area.

Sharks are big, so you have to catch them from shore. Padre Island National Seashore is the ideal place to catch sharks in Corpus Christi.

Mahi Mahi

Corpus Christi is a great place for anglers, who would like to catch Mahi Mahi. Bear in mind that Mahi Mahi is also known as Dorado fish.

The season to fish Corpus Christi starts in Mahi Mahi starts in the spring and last till June. Morning is the best time of the day to catch Mahi Mahi. Offshore Oil Rigs is the best place to fish Mahi Mahi. 

Flounder

Offshore fishermen can try to catch flounder in Corpus Christi. You can also catch a flounder during kayak fishing trips.

Flounder is a very strong fish and a good fighter. The season to catch flounder is April – June. Sunset Lake Park is a good place to catch flounder in the Corpus Christi area.                  

Snapper

Snapper is a fish that you should try to catch during your Corpus Christi fishing trip. The fish is biting all year round. So, you can enjoy snapper fishing any time of the year.

The local anglers choose to target snapper in the fishing spots with deeper water. Here, you have a better chance to catch a big fish in summer.  

Redfish

Oftentimes, anglers catch redfish of huge size in Corpus Christi. This fish is a good fighter. So, you’ll find it interesting and enjoyable to catch it.

The period of time to catch redfish is between the late summer and fall. It would be better to fish redfish in the morning. Sunset Lake Park is the perfect place to fish for redfish in Corpus Christi.

Seatrout

People, who like to catch trout, should go to Corpus Christi to enjoy fishing. The season to fish for trout in the area starts in April and lasts till August. Bob Hall Pier is the perfect place to enjoy fishing in the area.  

Tuna

If you are a big fan of offshore fishing, then you should try to catch tuna during your boat fishing trip. Corpus Christi is the place where anglers can catch Blackfin Tuna as well as Yellowfin Tuna.

Summer is the best time of the year to fish for tuna in the Corpus Christi area. Offshore oil rigs are the most suitable for tuna fishing in the region.

Mackerel

And of course, you should try to catch mackerel during a Corpus Christi fishing trip. This type of fishing is very interesting, enjoyable, and relaxing.

The fishing season starts in June and lasts till October. Mackerel is the most active during these months. A lot of local fishermen try to catch mackerel in South Packery Channel.   

Largemouth Bass

The Corpus Christi area is not only about sea fishing. Here, you can also enjoy freshwater fishing and catch such fish species as the largemouth bass. Go to Lake Corpus Christi if you would like to catch the largemouth bass and other freshwater species during your fishing trip.

It’s possible to catch the fish at different times of the year. The best fishing times are early mornings and late evenings. 

Black drum

Anglers also have an opportunity to catch black drum in Corpus Christi. The fish actively feeds in summer. So, the chances to catch black drum are high during the summer months. It makes a lot of sense to fish for black drum in Aransas Pass.             

Recommended Fishing Charters in Corpus Christi

These Corpus Christi-based charters have earned great reviews from anglers and will offer you a tremendous service. The captains are knowledgeable, friendly, and are sure to put you on fish. By clicking the links below, you will be taken to the charter’s respective profile on Fishing Booker where you can read reviews, learn more about the charter, view photos, and book online at the best rate.

Recommended Fishing ChartersType of Fishing Offered
Lil Joe’s Guide Service (Port Aransas)Nearshore & Inshore
Fishswirl Guide Services (Corpus Christi)Nearshore & Inshore
Fillabite Guide Service (Port Aransas) Nearshore & Inshore
Team Liberty Guide Service (Corpus Christi)Nearshore & Inshore
Seidel Guide Service (Port Aransas)Nearshore & Inshore
Steven’s Guide Service (Port Aransas)Nearshore & Inshore

Best Time of Day to Fish Corpus Christi 

The best time of the day to fish in Corpus Christi depends a lot on water temperature. During the hot summer months, it would be better to fish in the morning. The water cools down at night and fishing is more comfortable in the morning.

On the other hand, you should go fishing in the area in the afternoon if the water is cold. The water is getting warmer in the afternoon and this positively affects fishing.  

Corpus Christi Fishing & Tidal Impacts

Fishing times depend on tide times in Corpus Christi. Water levels affect fishing potential. It’s recommended to go fishing during incoming times or rising tides.

A rising tide creates great bass fishing opportunities. When water enters the Corpus Christi area, it usually contains more oxygen.

It’s also important to note that water is clear during these periods of time. Plus, fish gets closer to the banks when water levels rise.

All of this positively affects fishing in the area. It’s worth noting that fishermen have a good chance to catch redfish in the Corpus Christi Bay region during low tides.     

redfish caught by happy angler
(Image courtesy of Fishswirl Guide Services (Corpus Christi) & Fishing Booker)

Storms & Corpus Christi Fishing

Tropical storms may happen in the Corpus Christi Bay region. And of course, tropical storms and rainstorms cause a lot of discomfort to anglers and make fishing challenging.

It’s dangerous to fish during storms. Also, it’s hard to catch fish during storms. Fish don’t bite, calm down and go to calmer waters during the storms.  

However, fish often bite well when it’s raining. Rain has a positive impact on the feeding activity of fish. It also makes sense to go fishing after rain.

The chances for productive fishing increase after rains. It’s important to note that rain brings oxygen to water and that’s why fish get active.      

Is Winter Fishing Bad or Good in Corpus Christi?

It’s possible to enjoy winter fishing in the Corpus Christi area throughout the year. Many fish species are active and bite well in winter. Despite the fact that fishing in cold weather is challenging, anglers have great opportunities.   

It’s important to know that fishermen have a good chance to catch trophy trout as well as redfish during the winter months. However, anglers, who are interested in catching redfish, have to target the warm areas. Large groups of redfish can be found in these places. 

It would be great to book a winter fishing trip with a local fishing expert, who knows the fishing spots well.

A highly experienced and friendly captain would be happy to show you the best fishing spots to catch redfish in the area. And of course, you should target the areas near the coastal islands during your winter fishing trips in Corpus Christi.     

Night Fishing in Corpus Christi 

Some anglers prefer to fish at night. Of course, night fishing is more difficult than day fishing. That’s why night fishing is more suitable for experienced fishermen, but not for beginners. It’s a great idea to try night fishing during hot summer months.

Lake Corpus Christi State Park is one of the best night fishing spots in Corpus Christi. Night fishing in Lake Corpus Christi State Park makes it possible for anglers to catch bluegill as well as crappies. So, you must be prepared to target these species during a night fishing trip in Lake Corpus Christi.         

Shore/Surf Fishing: Best Times & Seasons

A lot of anglers choose to go to Corpus Christi for surf fishing. You should know that surf fishing requires a lot of equipment.

However, you’ll be provided with all the necessary equipment if you choose to book a fishing trip with a local guide. Surf fishing allows anglers to catch a variety of fish species including jacks, pompano, redfish, trout as well as sharks.

Shore/surf fishing is available in the Corpus Christi area all year round. However, anglers usually get the best results between April and October. The best time of day for shore/surf fishing is 2 hours before and 2 hours after dusk. So, plan your fishing trip during these times.

Top Fishing Spots in Corpus Christi (Best Seasons)

The big question is – where to go fishing in Corpus Christi? The area impresses with its diversity of fish. Here, you can catch saltwater fish species in the ocean.

Plus, you can catch freshwater fish species in lakes, ponds, and reservoirs. There are so many places where anglers can enjoy both inshore and offshore fishing. Now, we’ll give you the list of the best fishing spots in Corpus Christi and the surrounding areas.    

Fish Pass Jetties

This fishing spot is best known for its calm waters. This shore fishing location is very popular among locals and travelers. It’s the place where anglers can catch such fish species as black drum, flounder, jack crevalle, redfish, sand trout, speckled trout, sheepshead, snapper as well as snook.

Fishing is excellent in this place during the winter months. It’s important to know that the vast majority of anglers come to Fish Pass Jetties for fishing in the early mornings.

Laguna Madre

Laguna Madre is also known as Mother Lagoon. It is one of the best fishing spots in the Corpus Christi area and one of the top lagoons in the world. The salt content of water in this area is very high. The lagoon impresses anglers with a huge variety of fish species. Y

ou can catch black drum, different types of catfish, kingfish, redfish, sea trout, mackerel, pompano, and sharks in this fishing spot. Here, the fish is most active during May and June.         

Oso Bay Bridge

Oso Bay Bridge is a good place to enjoy fishing when temperatures change. The fish is traveling to Corpus Christi Bay during these times. Among the fish species that you can catch in this spot are flounder, redfish, and trout. Here, you can enjoy fishing at any time of the year.

Indian Point Pier

Indian Point Pier is situated between Portland and Corpus Christi. This fishing spot is very popular. The pier offers a lot of space for fishing and provides anglers with excellent opportunities. It’s the right place to visit if you would like to try fishing in deep waters.

The pier has everything that anglers need. Among the most common fish species that you can catch in this area are black drum, red drum, redfish as well as spotted seatrout.

It’s also important to note that anglers also have an opportunity to enjoy fishing on docks. Here, you can catch brim as well as perch.

It’s possible to fish near Indian Point Pier all year round, however, the best time of the year to enjoy fishing in this place is summer. The reality is, redfish is the most active in this area during the summer months.

Coleto Creek Cooling Pond

We would recommend you to visit Coleto Creek Cooling Pond if you want to enjoy freshwater fishing in Corpus Christi. It’s a cooling pond for the Coleto Creek Power coal-fired power plant.

The reservoir offers great fishing opportunities. Coleto Creek Cooling Pond is a paradise for anglers, who give a preference to bass fishing.

Here, you can catch such fish species as bass, bluegill, carp, crappie, red drum, largemouth bass, white bass, catfish, trout, and others. Anglers can fish in the pond throughout the day.

However, the best time of the day to fish in this area is early morning because bass and crappie actively feed when temperatures are cooler.          

Booking Charters in Corpus Christi

There are so many booking chapters available for anglers in the Corpus Christi area. Explore all of your local fishing charter options carefully and book a charter cruise that meets your fishing preferences as well as budget.   

Best Season to go

As we have already said, it’s possible to fish in Corpus Christi and its surrounding areas every month of the year. The best season to visit this fishing destination is late summer. Fishing is excellent during the fall months as well. However, the demand is lower and, therefore, prices are cheaper.      

Morning vs. afternoon

The vast majority of anglers choose to enjoy fishing in the early mornings. What is great about fishing in the morning is that it’s more comfortable. It’s best to go on charter in the morning. It’s not comfortable to enjoy fishing during the hot summer months. If you fish in the afternoon in summer, give a preference to inshore fishing and try to find spots in the shadows.  

1/2 day, full-day, multi-day charters

There are different types of fishing charters in Corpus Christi. Anglers can take 1/2, full-day, or multi-day fishing trips. It’s worth noting that each type of trip has its pros and cons. Now, we’ll briefly describe each option.  

A half-day trip makes it possible for anglers to fish in the morning or in the afternoon or in the evening.

Full-day trips allow anglers to enjoy fishing for the entire day. On the other hand, a full-day fishing trip is more expensive than a 1/2 day trip.  

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