Fishing in Corpus Christi

Yes. Anyone age 17 or older is required to have a valid Texas fishing license to fish in Corpus Christi, whether you’re casting from the beach, a pier, or a boat.

Licenses can be purchased at the following: 

• Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (online)
• Roy's Bait & Tackle Outfitters
• Fin Factory Kayak & Tackle
• Mustang Island State Park 
• Walmart
• Academy Sports & Outdoors
• Dick's Sporting Goods
• Stripes

To purchase online or filter your search and find a specific retailer, view the Texas Parks & Wildlife License Retailer. 

Yes! There are many professional fishing guides and charters in Corpus Christi offering tailored trips. Some specialize in flats fishing with light tackle, while others focus on offshore big-game fishing. Most guided charters provide all the equipment, tackle, and even fishing licenses, making it easy for out-of-town visitors to enjoy the water.

Fishing Guides and Charters in Corpus Christi:

• CC Kayak Fishing
• Coastal Bend Kayaking 
• Corpus Christi Bay Charters
• Reel Addiction Fishing Guides
• Deep Sea Headquarters 

2026 Angler's Choice Award-Winning Fishing Guides in Corpus Christi:

• Joe Salas — Gojoe1
• Ryan McCain — McCain's Shallow Water Experience
• Roger Perez — South Texas Outcast Guide Service
• Sharka Brah — Sharka Brah
• Danny Jackson — Get Bent Charters

Yes! Several local charters offer half-day and full-day deep sea fishing trips into the Gulf. These trips typically target larger species like tuna, mahi-mahi, red snapper, and king mackerel. Most charters include all gear, bait, and a licensed captain who knows where the fish are biting.

The concept of "catch and release" is a pledge to protect the delicate balance of our aquatic ecosystems. The Texas Parks and Wildlife mandates that some fish species be released back into the water based on size, number caught, and seasons. However, in some cases, anglers will voluntarily release fish as a conservation strategy to protect fish populations and allow reproduction.

Catch and Release Best Practices

• Use gear suited to the size and species you are trying to catch.  
• Wet hands prior to touching fish.  
• Prevent bodily harm to slippery fish by handling them with lipping tool.  
• Hold fish horizontally and support abdomen when lifting.  
• Remove hooks with pliers to minimize the chance of damaging the jaws.  
• Gently pull fish in a figure eight pattern prior to release.   
• Return the fish to water quickly.  

Yes. Several Corpus Christi restaurants offer cook-your-catch services, turning your fresh catch into a prepared meal after a day of fishing in the bay or Gulf. 

Cook Your Catch Restaurants:

• Doc's Seafood & Steaks Restaurant
• Snoopy's Pier 
• The Cuban
• Hometown Seafood Co.
• The Blue Clove

Corpus Christi has miles of shoreline, multiple piers, and jetties along the Gulf and area bays, so there are plenty of spots to fish without a boat.  From free public access points to full-service piers with gear rentals and bait shops, there’s a spot for every style and skill level. Just grab a fishing license, pack your gear (or rent it nearby), and head to one of the many shore-based fishing spots in the Gulf Coast Capital.

Corpus Christi offers something for every type of angler from shoreline and pier fishing to kayak and offshore deep sea excursions. Whether you're after redfish in the shallow flats or hoping to land a larger catch offshore, you'll find a style of fishing to match your skill level and interest.

• Guide to Wade Fishing
• Guide to Jetty Fishing
• Guide to Pier Fishing
• Guide to Fly Fishing
• Guide to Kayak Fishing

Corpus Christi is known for its diverse fishing opportunities, but some of the most common catches are:

• Red Drum (Redfish)
• Speckled Trout
• Flounder
• Black Drum
• Sheepshead
• King Mackerel

Learn more about inshore and offshore species in Corpus Christi and where are the spots where you're likely to find them!

Yes! Corpus Christi hosts several fishing tournaments throughout the year, ranging from casual community events to competitive redfish and offshore tournaments. These events are a great way to meet local anglers, explore the waters, and win prizes.