People who love to fish know: Corpus Christi is a top city in the nation for fishing, whether in the surf, from a pier or boat, in one of the bays, or on board a charter.
Renting a charter boat to head into federal waters for deep sea fishing is a bucket list activity for many. In Corpus Christi, any number of expert anglers are available to take individuals and groups in search of some of the best fishing in the world. They help clean and pack your catch, which you can take home or even have prepared for you at several local restaurants.
Red snappers rank as a top fun fish to catch in the Gulf of Mexico. These beautiful aquatic creatures put up a challenging fight once hooked. Red snapper also are full of nutrition. The white, flaky meat has a lot of lean protein, vitamin A, omega-3 fatty acids, and potassium and is low-calorie.
These fish make the trip out to the deep blue sea an adventure worth sharing with friends and family. Some of the better charter boats in the Coastal Bend include:
Ryan Bailey Guide Services
Captain Bailey’s new 22-foot center console boat can take up to four anglers in search for redfish and spotted seatrout. An excellent teacher, he’ll help you land a fish, whether or not you’ve ever handled a fishing pole. When you’ve got your catch, he will make certain your fish are cleaned and filleted and ready to take home to cook to your liking.
Team Liberty Guide Service
Captain Jack Cooper leads this group of U.S. Coast Guard-licensed, full-time professional fishing guides. Located on North Padre Island in Corpus Christi, this veteran-owned guide service provides inshore fishing charters as well as offshore fishing in the Gulf of Mexico. Contact for information on “blast and cast” full-day duck hunting and fishing trips.
Captain Jon’s Laguna Lure Fishing
No fish, no pay with Captain Jon, who will take you out to sea or onto the Laguna Madre and Baffin Bay. It’s located on North Padre Island in Corpus Christi. Captain Jon uses both artificial lures and live bait.
High Tide Adventures
Captain Troy Butler is a USCG-certified and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department-licensed professional fishing guide in Port Aransas. All rods, reels, tackle, bait, and means to get to the biggest and best fish are provided for each trip. High Tide also provides bird-watching and sightseeing trips as well as wade fishing, shark fishing, flounder gigging, and fly fishing.
Deep Sea Headquarters
Captain Kelly’s Deep Sea Headquarters in Port Aransas is well-known for his deep sea fishing trips, tours of the bay, and dolphin watching cruises. A fleet of boats and a staff of expert captains guarantee memorable adventures in the Gulf of Mexico.
Dolphin Dock
Located in Port Aransas, Dolphin Dock offers charters from 5- to 80-hour trips year-round in the Gulf of Mexico. The company has four boats that accommodate individuals or large groups. Boats can be rented for private charters.
For those who want to stick with inshore fishing, which is just as spectacular as motoring off into the Gulf, these guides are top picks.
Doc’s Fishing Clinic & Guide Service
The Doc (aka Marcus Haralson) specializes in hunting “the drag-screaming bad boy redfish of South Texas” using fly and light tackle. You can fly fish year-round on the flats of the Lower Laguna Madre with all of the needed equipment needed, including custom flies. Doc’s holds fly tying and casting classes as well.
South Bound Fishing Charters
Captain Pierre Petrila is a Corpus Christi native who has learned where and how to land speckled trout, redfish, and flounder. He primarily fishes the Upper Laguna Madre, Baffin Bay, Landcut, and Corpus Christi Bay. Families and children are welcome.
Seidel’s Guide Service
Captain Randy Seidel specializes in the saltwater bays and flats around Rockport, Aransas Pass, Port Aransas, and Ingleside. He knows where the fish are holding in all the bays from Matagorda to Baffin.
