With miles of scenic shoreline, piers, and jetties along both the Gulf and area bays, Corpus Christi offers some of the best fishing opportunities in Texas, no boat required. From free public access points to well-equipped piers with gear rentals and bait shops, anglers of all experience levels will find a spot that suits their style. Whether you’re casting with kids or chasing bigger catches solo, you’ll find safe, affordable, and family-friendly options throughout the Coastal Bend. Just grab your fishing license, pack your gear, and explore the top places to fish without a boat in the Gulf Coast Capital.
Note: Prices are subject to change, so call ahead to verify
Mustang Island State Park
Open daily
Fish license-free from the shore, jetty, or pier within the park boundaries. Mustang Island State Park offers access to shallow-water fishing areas along its paddling trails, ideal for both wading and kayaking anglers.
Cost:
$7 per person. (ages 13+); free for children 12 and under
Fish Pass Jetty
Open daily
Located near Mustang Island State Park, Fish Pass jetty offers a high and dry perch for fishing the Gulf surf. Access through the state park requires an entry fee.
Cost:
$7 per person (ages 13+); free for children 12 and under
Padre Island National Seashore
Open daily
Padre Island National Seashore provides 65 miles of surf-fishing along the Gulf beach. A valid Texas fishing license is required, and four-wheel-drive is recommended beyond the first few miles.
Cost:
Park entry is $10 per day
Bird Island Basin ( Padre Island National Seashore )
Open daily
Bird Island Basin offers access to the Laguna Madre for wade fishing or kayaking. Note that a valid Texas fishing license is required, and parking is limited.
Cost:
Park entry is $10 per day; additional parking fees may apply
Packery Channel Nature Park
Open daily
Provides about 200 yards of shoreline for bank fishing or wading, with easy kayak access to Packery Channel's depths and nearby seagrass flats.
Cost:
Free
Packery Channel Jetties
Open daily
Packery Channel Jetties consist of two concrete jetties with handrails offer convenient access for fishing. A beach parking permit is required to park at the base of either jetty.
Cost:
$12 beach parking permit
Cole Park Pier
Open daily
Cole Park Pier is a newly renovated pier featuring shaded seating, lighting, fish cleaning stations, and rod holders, making it a family-friendly fishing destination.
Cost:
Free
Philip Dimmitt Municipal Pier
Open daily
Philip Dimmitt Municipal Pier offers a great spot for fishing with LED lighting, benches, and fish cleaning stations for a comfortable fishing experience.
Cost:
Free
Red Dot Pier
Open daily; Hours may vary
Located on the Humble Channel, Red Dot Pier offers a well-lit environment suitable for both day and night fishing. The pier provides amenities such as bait sales, snacks, and tackle. It's a family-friendly spot where anglers can enjoy fishing for various species.
Cost:
$3.00 per person; $2.00 per fishing pole
Cos-Way Fishing Pier
Open daily; hours may vary
Situated along the Humble Channel, Cos-Way Fishing Pier is a lighted pier that offers excellent fishing opportunities. The on-site bait and tackle shop provides a variety of live and frozen bait, as well as fishing gear and snacks, making it convenient for anglers to get everything they need in one place
Cost:
Fees may vary; contact the pier directly for current pricing
Indian Point Park & Pier
Open daily
Indian Point features a long pier extending into the bay, suitable for catching species like black drum, redfish, and trout. Sunset Lake Park nearby offers additional wading opportunities.
Cost:
Free
Laguna Shores
Open daily
Laguna Shores is a popular wading and kayak launch spot providing access to the Upper Laguna Madre. The area features firm bottoms with seagrass and sand.
Cost:
Free
Oso Bay
Open daily
Oso Bay offers a convenient launch/wade spot for short paddles, ideal for beginner kayakers and waders. Best fishing times are late summer through early fall.
Cost:
Free
Clem's Marina & Fishing Pier
Pier open daily; store hours may vary
Clem's Marina features submerged green lights for night fishing and is within casting distance of the Intracoastal Waterway. Amenities include bait, restrooms, and a tackle shop.
Cost:
$3.00 per person; $1.00 per fishing pole
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