Out here, the water isn't just a backdrop; it's where the action is. If you're looking for fishing tournaments on the Texas Gulf Coast, Corpus Christi delivers all year long. From shark fishing on Padre Island to competitive kayak angling in the Coastal Bend, the Gulf Coast Capital is home to some of the most unique, community-driven fishing events in the country. Whether you're a seasoned angler searching for your next big tournament or a first-timer ready to fish for a good cause, there's a competition on these waters with your name on it. Conservation, community, and the thrill of the catch: this is where it all comes together.

Third Coast Fishing Tournament 

May 9, 2026

Held every May at the Packery Channel Boat Ramp in Corpus Christi, Texas, the Third Coast Fishing Tournament is one of the Gulf Coast's most competitive inshore fishing events, with $10,000 in prizes on the line across 15 places. Anglers compete to land the biggest Redfish, Flounder, and Trout in the waters of the Texas Coastal Bend. Every entrant receives a free t-shirt, raffle ticket, and lunch, and all funds raised benefit Young Life Ministry in Corpus Christi. Whether you're a tournament regular or stepping into competitive fishing for the first time, this is a great entry point into the Corpus Christi fishing tournament scene.

Babes on the Bay

May 15 & May 16, 2026 

Babes on the Bay is the largest women-only saltwater fishing tournament in the United States, held each May in Rockport-Fulton, Texas, just a short drive from Corpus Christi along the Texas Gulf Coast. This annual event was created to introduce more women to the sport of saltwater fishing with a strong emphasis on conservation education. Women anglers from across Texas and the entire country come together for a weekend that goes well beyond the water: live bands, vendor booths, and outreach from Texas Parks & Wildlife and other conservation organizations make this one of the most celebrated fishing events on the Gulf Coast. Whether it's your first time holding a rod or you've been fishing the bays your whole life, Babes on the Bay is a weekend that stays with you.

Valero Reel it in for Kids

Date TBD | June

Every June in Corpus Christi, Texas, hundreds of anglers cast their lines for something much bigger than a trophy. The Valero Reel It In for Kids fishing tournament is an annual charity fishing event on the Texas Gulf Coast that raises thousands of dollars each year for local organizations serving children and families in need, including the Wesley Community Center, United Way of the Coastal Bend, and others. It's one of the most beloved community fishing events in Corpus Christi, drawing participants who want to make a real difference while doing what they love on the water. Come for the fishing. Stay for the cause.

Hooked on Padre Fishing Tournament

July 24-25, 2026

Held each July on Padre Island in Corpus Christi, Texas, the Hooked on Padre Fishing Tournament is a two-day competitive angling event on the Texas Gulf Coast that brings together anglers of all experience levels. Padre Island sets the stage for two days of fishing, friendly competition, and the kind of coastal energy that makes the Gulf Coast Capital worth the trip. Whether you're a seasoned tournament angler or trying competitive fishing for the first time, Hooked on Padre is your invitation to get out on the water. Follow along on Facebook for full tournament details, registration info, and updates as they're announced.

Rey Del Mar Kayak Fishing Tournament  

Date TBD | August - September

The Rey Del Mar Kayak Fishing Tournament is the only exclusive inshore and offshore kayak fishing tournament of its kind in the nation, and it calls Corpus Christi, Texas home. Held each year during August and September at the scenic Marker 37 on the Texas Gulf Coast, this tournament draws kayak anglers of all skill levels competing for the prestigious Rey Del Mar title and a shot at real cash prizes. If you're searching for kayak fishing tournaments in Texas or along the Gulf Coast, Rey Del Mar is the one to know. Open to all kayak types and experience levels, it's an event built on passion for the water and respect for the sport.

Sharkathon 

Date TBD | October - November

Looking for one of the biggest shark fishing tournaments in the United States? Sharkathon, held annually on Padre Island in Corpus Christi, Texas, is one of the largest conservation-based shark fishing tournaments in the country. The event is built around a core mission: educating anglers on the importance of catch-and-release shark fishing and the broader role each of us plays in protecting Gulf Coast sea life. Held each fall during October and November, the tournament has grown significantly year over year, bringing larger cash prizes, expanded raffle opportunities, and a community of conservation-minded anglers who care as much about the ocean as the competition. Proceeds from raffle sales support educational opportunities for underserved children in the Coastal Bend. It's fishing with a purpose, right here on the Texas Gulf Coast.

Looking for more ways to spend your time on the coast? Check out  upcoming events happening around Corpus Christi, browse our visitor guides  for local favorites and trip ideas, and sign up for the newsletter to stay up to date on what’s happening next along the water.