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Premium Wade Fishing in Corpus Christi Bay
- Published Date: July 17, 2025
- Fishing
- Corpus Christi
- $500 - $750 price range
Summary
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Coastal Catches
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Hooked a Bonnethead Shark in cloudy Corpus Christi waters!
Corpus Christi Bay Best Fishing Charter
Limited out at Corpus Christi, TX!
This family caught a lot at Corpus Christi bay, TX
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Hooked a Bonnethead Shark in cloudy Corpus Christi waters!
Corpus Christi Bay Best Fishing Charter
Limited out at Corpus Christi, TX!
This family caught a lot at Corpus Christi bay, TX
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Wade Fishing in Corpus Christi: A 5-Hour Adventure
Ready to get your feet wet and reel in some of the best fish Corpus Christi has to offer? Captain Ben's 5-hour wade fishing trip is your ticket to an authentic Texas coastal fishing experience. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting out, this hands-on adventure puts you right in the action. We'll hit the sweet spots where redfish cruise the flats and trout lurk in the seagrass. With the sun on your face and the water at your waist, you'll quickly see why wade fishing is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
What to Expect on the Water
When you sign up for this trip, get ready to ditch the boat and get up close with Corpus Christi's rich marine ecosystem. We'll start bright and early to catch the best bite times. Captain Ben will gear you up and give you the lowdown on the day's hotspots. You'll be wading in knee to waist-deep water, feeling the gentle push and pull of the tide as you cast. This isn't just fishing; it's a full-sensory experience that connects you with the coastal environment. Keep your eyes peeled for mullet jumping – that's often a sign of predatory fish nearby. And don't be surprised if you spot some local wildlife like herons or even dolphins in the distance.
Casting Techniques & Gear Talk
Wade fishing is all about finesse and reading the water. Captain Ben will show you how to work a soft plastic lure with a slow, tantalizing retrieve that drives fish wild. You'll learn to feel the difference between your lure bouncing off grass and a fish strike. We use light tackle here – typically 7-foot medium-action rods paired with 2500-3000 size reels spooled with 15-20lb braid. This setup gives you the sensitivity to detect those subtle bites and the backbone to handle a chunky redfish. Don't worry if you're new to this style of fishing; Captain Ben's got plenty of patience and tricks up his sleeve to help you dial in your technique.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Redfish are the rock stars of Corpus Christi flats. These copper-colored bruisers love to hang out in shallow water, often giving themselves away with their tails sticking out of the water as they root for crabs. They put up a heck of a fight and can grow up to 40 inches long. The best time to target them is during the fall when they school up for their annual spawn.
Speckled trout, or "specks" as the locals call them, are another prized catch. These spotted beauties are known for their delicate flavor and tendency to hit topwater lures with explosive strikes. They're most active in the cooler months, from October through April. Look for them around grass beds and oyster reefs.
Black drum might not win any beauty contests, but they're a blast to catch. These bottom-feeders can grow to over 30 pounds and love to hang out near structure. They're here year-round but really shine in the late winter and early spring. When you hook one, get ready for some serious pull – these guys don't give up easily!
Flounder are the ninjas of the flats. These flat fish are masters of camouflage, burying themselves in the sand to ambush prey. They're most active during their fall run when they move to deeper waters. Catching a flounder requires a slow, methodical retrieve – Captain Ben will show you the "flounder walk" technique that gets results.
Sheepshead, with their distinctive black and white stripes, are the oddballs of the bay. They've got a mouthful of teeth that look almost human and use them to crush crabs and barnacles. These crafty fish are notorious bait stealers, making them a fun challenge for anglers. Winter is prime time for sheepshead fishing.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
There's something special about wade fishing that keeps folks coming back for more. Maybe it's the intimacy of being in the water, feeling the subtle changes in current and temperature. Or perhaps it's the satisfaction of outsmarting a fish on its own turf. Whatever it is, Captain Ben's trips have a way of turning first-timers into die-hard wade fishing fans. You'll leave with new skills, great stories, and probably a few fish for the cooler.
Top Catches This Season
Lately, the fishing has been on fire. We've been seeing some monster redfish cruising the flats, with several over 30 inches landed in the past month. The trout bite has been steady, with lots of fish in the 18-20 inch range. One lucky angler even pulled in a 28-inch gator trout last week – a true fish of a lifetime. Black drum have been showing up in good numbers too, especially around the deeper holes and channel edges.
Local Know-How
Corpus Christi's fishery is affected by wind and tides more than most places. A south wind can muddy up the flats, while a north wind can drop water levels dramatically. Captain Ben keeps a close eye on these conditions and knows just where to find clear water and active fish no matter what Mother Nature throws our way. He'll also clue you in on how to "match the hatch" – choosing lures that mimic the local baitfish and crustaceans the game fish are feeding on.
Conservation Minded
At Apex Fishing Guide Service, we're big on protecting the resource we love. Captain Ben practices catch-and-release for oversized fish and will show you how to properly handle and release your catch to ensure they swim away healthy. He's always happy to snap a quick photo before sending that trophy fish back to fight another day. By fishing responsibly, we help ensure that Corpus Christi remains a world-class fishing destination for years to come.
What to Bring
For your wade fishing adventure, you'll want to dress for the weather. Quick-dry clothing, a hat, and polarized sunglasses are must-haves. Don't forget sunscreen and water – the Texas sun can be intense out on the flats. Captain Ben provides all the fishing gear, but if you've got a favorite rod or lure, feel free to bring it along. Wade fishing boots or old sneakers are recommended to protect your feet from oyster shells. And of course, bring your sense of adventure – you're in for a day of fishing you won't soon forget!
Time to Book Your Spot
If you're itching to experience some of the best wade fishing Corpus Christi has to offer, Captain Ben's 5-hour trip is calling your name. With his local knowledge and your newfound skills, you're in for a day of non-stop action and maybe even a new personal best catch. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to lock in your date. Whether you're looking to learn the ropes or just want to get away from it all for a morning, this trip delivers. Give Captain Ben a call and get ready to make some waves in Corpus Christi!
Learn more about the species
Black Drum
Black Drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, with bulls often topping 30 pounds. You'll find them in shallow bays, around oyster reefs, and near pier pilings. They're most active in spring and fall, especially around full moons. Anglers love the strong, dogged fight of a big drum and the excellent meat of the smaller ones. These fish use their sensitive barbels to root out crabs and shrimp, so fishing on the bottom is key. Listen for their distinctive croaking sound - it's a dead giveaway. Here's a local tip: use fresh peeled shrimp or crab chunks on a circle hook. Let it sit on the bottom and be patient - when a drum takes it, you'll know!
Red Snapper
Red Snapper are a prized catch in our waters, typically ranging from 5-15 pounds but can grow much larger. You'll find them hanging around reefs, wrecks, and rocky bottoms in depths of 30-600 feet. Spring and summer are prime seasons when they move closer to shore. Anglers love targeting these fish for their hard-fighting nature and excellent table fare. Their bright red color and tasty white flesh make them a favorite for photos and dinners alike. To improve your chances, use heavy tackle and drop your bait all the way to the bottom - these fish won't chase far from their structure. A local tip: try using whole squid or cigar minnows on a circle hook to entice the bigger snappers. Just be ready for a strong pull when they bite!
Redfish
Redfish, or Red Drum, are one of our most popular inshore species. They typically range from 5-15 pounds in the bays, but bulls over 40 pounds are caught in the surf. You'll find them tailing in shallow flats, around oyster reefs, and near marsh edges. They're active year-round but especially in fall when they school up. Anglers love their powerful runs and their distinctive spot near the tail. These fish are known for their copper color and hard-fighting nature. A local trick: look for "tailing" reds in very shallow water during high tides. They'll have their tails sticking out of the water as they root for crabs. Cast a gold spoon or soft plastic shrimp just ahead of them for explosive strikes.
Sea Trout
Sea Trout, also known as Speckled Trout, are a favorite among our local anglers. They usually range from 1-3 pounds but can reach up to 10. You'll find them in grass flats, around oyster reefs, and in deeper channels during winter. They're active year-round but especially in spring and fall. Anglers love their aggressive strikes and delicate, flaky meat. These fish are known for their spotted pattern and delicate mouths, so use light tackle for the best experience. A local tip: try using a popping cork with a soft plastic about 18 inches below. The noise attracts the trout, and they'll smash the lure as it drifts by. Early mornings and late evenings are prime times to catch the bigger ones.
Sheepshead
Sheepshead, with their distinctive black and white stripes, are a unique catch in our waters. They typically weigh 2-4 pounds but can reach up to 15. You'll find them around any structure with barnacles or oysters - jetties, pilings, and reefs are prime spots. Winter and early spring are the best times to target them. Anglers enjoy the challenge of hooking these bait-stealers and their excellent table fare. They have human-like teeth perfect for crushing shellfish, so bring sturdy hooks. A local trick: use a small, strong hook with fiddler crab or oyster as bait. Fish it right up against the structure and be ready for a subtle bite - these fish are pros at stealing bait!
Southern Flounder
Southern Flounder are masters of camouflage, blending in with sandy or muddy bottoms in our shallow bays and estuaries. They typically weigh 1-5 pounds but can reach up to 20. Fall is the best time to target them as they move towards the Gulf to spawn. Anglers enjoy the challenge of spotting these flat fish and the delicious, mild-flavored fillets they provide. Look for them around drop-offs, channels, and structures where they ambush prey. They're not known for long runs, but they put up a good fight on light tackle. A local trick: use a slow retrieve with a soft plastic on a jighead, bouncing it along the bottom to mimic their favorite prey. And keep your eyes peeled - sometimes you'll spot their outline or even just their eyes sticking up from the sand.
About the Shoalwater (Bay boat)
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 50
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 300
