The offshore fishing Corpus Christi has access may be in the shadow of the inshore fishing here, but it’s just as amazing. The waters nearshore and offshore are super productive, too. You can catch something year-round, from Red Snapper to Marlin and more.

What to Catch

The season for Red Snapper never stops in Texas state waters, and you can catch especially huge specimens during winter. The offshore waters of Corpus Christi are also great for King Mackerel, False Albacore, and Spanish Mackerel. If you want to target Marlin, Tuna, or Sailfish, you’ll need an extended day or overnight charter to head into deep sea waters.

Where to Go

Staying within state waters (up to 9 miles offshore) is highly productive and enjoyable fishing. You benefit from the Texas fish limit regulations, as well as the calmer waters. Southern Texas is notoriously windy, so the protection the bays nearshore allow for year-round fishing. However, if you’re after the big pelagic predators, you’ll need to head 40 miles offshore or more.

Port Aransas

This is one of the best ports you can fish from. You might also know it as the “Gateway to the Gulf” or even the “Fishing Capital of Texas.” Both names are well-deserved and illustrate the productive fishing you can have from here. It’s no wonder that the summer months see over 20 fishing tournaments happen here.

From spring to around November, these waters are great for Spanish Mackerel, King Mackerel, Sharks, and False Albacore.

Aransas Pass

Behind Port Aransas is Aransas Pass, known locally as “Saltwater Heaven.” These nearshore waters are home to Speckled Trout, Redfish, Flounder, and Drum. The whole family will enjoy a trip through the Pass, where the waters are much calmer than further offshore.

North Padre Island

North Padre Island is a short journey from Corpus Christi and offers some excellent saltwater fishing. From the island, you can head further offshore for Snapper, Amberjack, Cobia, Mahi Mahi, Kingfish, Shark, and more. You can also go deep sea fishing for Billfish from here.

Packery Channel

Between Mustang Island and North Padre Island is the Packery Channel. Expect to catch Redfish, Whiting, Tarpon, and maybe even a Kingfish or two. This spot is fished regularly, so be aware of other anglers around you.

Ranzels Rock

On an extended day trip, you can head out to Ranzels Rock. You’ll need a longer day, as this small rock formation is over 65 miles offshore. It’s well worth the journey though, as you can target Yellowfin Tuna, Billfish, Amberjack, and Snapper.

How to Fish

• Although you can fish out of Corpus Christi year round, the best fishing occurs when water temperatures hit the 70℉ mark – this is when the fish are more active and varied.

• The fish offshore all respond well to live bait. You can keep it simple – use worms, small mullet, or shrimp.

• You can fish in state waters (up to 9 miles from shore) year round, just be sure to buy a Texas fishing license and saltwater endorsement ahead of time.

When to Fish

There’s something to catch throughout the year, but the prime time is between September and December. The fishing gets lively again in the spring, and during the summer when the shrimp boats are active.

There’s a lot of fun to be had when offshore fishing Corpus Christi waters. Stay within state waters to catch your fill of Red Snapper, one of the more prestigious and delicious fish here. Book a charter today for an unforgettable adventure.