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Top-Rated Fishing Charters in Corpus Christi, TX
- Published Date: July 17, 2025
- Fishing
- Corpus Christi
- $500 - $750 price range
Summary
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Reels and Rods
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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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Reel in the Fun: 4-Hour Corpus Christi Fishing
Ready to wet a line in some of Texas' most fish-rich waters? Captain Ben from Apex Fishing Guide Service has you covered with this action-packed 4-hour charter out of Corpus Christi. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, you're in for a treat as we target everything from hard-fighting redfish to tasty black drum. With years of local knowledge under his belt, Capt. Ben knows exactly where the fish are biting and how to put you on them. So grab your hat and sunscreen - it's time to make some memories on the water!
What to Expect on the Water
As soon as we push off from the dock, you'll feel the excitement building. Capt. Ben will get you set up with all the gear you need - rods, reels, bait, the works. No need to bring anything but your enthusiasm (and maybe a snack). We'll cruise out to some of Capt. Ben's favorite honey holes, spots he's been fine-tuning for years. Depending on the season and what's biting, we might hit the flats, cruise along grass lines, or check out some deeper channels. The beauty of Corpus Christi fishing is the variety - one minute you might be battling a bull red, the next you could be finessing a flounder. And with a 2-person max on board, you'll get plenty of one-on-one attention to hone your skills.
Techniques That Land Fish
On this trip, we'll likely use a mix of live bait and artificial lures. Capt. Ben's a pro at reading the water and knowing what the fish want on any given day. You might find yourself tossing a popping cork for speckled trout, working a soft plastic for redfish, or dropping a shrimp to the bottom for black drum. Don't worry if you're new to these techniques - Capt. Ben's a patient teacher and will have you casting like a pro in no time. And when that rod bends over with your first big catch of the day? Well, let's just say it's a feeling you won't forget.
What Anglers Are Saying
"Trip was great. The fish weren't biting, but the guide didn't give up and got us on some." - Jason
Top Catches This Season
Red Snapper: These hard-fighting, tasty fish are a Gulf Coast favorite. They love structure and tend to hang out near reefs and wrecks. While we might not hit the deep waters on this 4-hour trip, if conditions are right and they're running closer to shore, Capt. Ben knows some spots where we might luck into a few. Red snapper put up a great fight and make for some excellent table fare.
Southern Flounder: Masters of camouflage, flounder are a prized catch for both their fight and their flavor. These flat fish like to hang out on sandy or muddy bottoms, often near structure like jetties or drop-offs. We'll use a technique called "bumping" - slowly dragging a bait or lure along the bottom to entice these ambush predators. Late fall is usually prime time for flounder as they start their annual migration to the Gulf.
Black Drum: Don't let their ugly mug fool you - black drum are a blast to catch and great eating (especially the smaller ones). These cousins of the redfish love crustaceans, so we might use shrimp or crab for bait. They tend to school up, so when we find one, chances are good there are more nearby. Black drum can grow huge, with some topping 50 pounds, but we're more likely to catch "puppy drum" in the 5-15 pound range.
Sheepshead: With their distinctive black and white stripes and impressive teeth, sheepshead are a unique and fun target. They're notorious bait stealers, so hooking them takes a bit of finesse. We'll likely find them around structure like pier pilings or oyster beds. Sheepshead put up a great fight for their size and are excellent eating - they're not called "poor man's lobster" for nothing!
Sea Trout: Also known as speckled trout, these popular game fish are a staple of inshore fishing. They're aggressive predators and will hit a variety of baits and lures. We might target them over grass flats or near drop-offs. Sea trout are known for their delicate flavor and are a favorite among local anglers.
Redfish: No Corpus Christi fishing trip would be complete without targeting redfish. These copper-colored beauties are known for their hard runs and telltale tail spots. We might sight-cast to them in the shallows or fish deeper channels, depending on conditions. Redfish can grow big - anything over 28 inches is considered a "bull" - but even the smaller ones put up a great fight. And if you've never had blackened redfish, you're in for a treat!
Time to Book Your Spot
So there you have it, folks - a 4-hour fishing adventure that packs in all the best Corpus Christi has to offer. With Capt. Ben's expertise, top-notch equipment, and a boatload of local knowledge, you're set up for a day of non-stop action. Whether you're looking to put some fish in the cooler or just enjoy a day on the water, this trip delivers. Spaces fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to lock in your date. Give Apex Fishing Guide Service a call and get ready to make some fishing memories that'll last a lifetime. The fish are waiting - are you ready to catch 'em?
Customer Review
Persistent Guide Wins
Jason Hislop
March 15, 2024
Learn more about the species
Black Drum
Black drum are the bulldogs of the bay, with adults commonly reaching 20-30 pounds. You'll find them in shallow, muddy areas, often rooting around oyster beds. Spring is spawning season when big schools move in close to shore. These fish aren't known for long runs, but they'll use their size to dig in and test your gear. Fresh crab or shrimp on a circle hook is hard to beat for bait. Listen for their distinctive grunting sound - it can help you locate a school. While the smaller ones under 5 pounds are great eating, larger drum can get wormy, so we usually release the big ones. For a real thrill, try sight-casting to tailing drum in shallow water on calm days.
Red Snapper
Red snapper are a prized catch in Corpus Christi, typically ranging from 5-15 pounds. You'll find them around offshore reefs and structures in 100-300 feet of water. They're most active in warmer months, from late spring through fall. Anglers love targeting red snapper for their hard-fighting nature and excellent taste. Their firm, white meat is considered some of the best eating around. To improve your odds, use heavy tackle with circle hooks and drop your bait right to the bottom. Chunk bait like cigar minnows or squid works well. Just be ready for a fight when you hook one - these fish will try to dive back into the structure. Patience and a steady hand are key to landing a nice red snapper.
Redfish
Redfish are the rockstars of Texas flats fishing. Most are in the 20-30 inch range, but bull reds over 40 inches show up in fall. You'll find them tailing in super shallow water, often with their backs out of the water. Spring through fall is prime time, with big schools moving in to spawn. Reds are known for powerful runs and dogged fights. Live bait like mullet or crabs works great, but sight-casting with lures is a rush. Look for their copper color or spots flashing in clear water. When hooked, they'll often make a blistering first run, so be ready to chase them down. The meat is excellent but can get tough in bigger fish. For a real treat, try blackened redfish on the half shell.
Sea Trout
Speckled trout, or "specks," are a favorite inshore target here. Most run 1-3 pounds, but gator trout over 5 pounds aren't uncommon. Look for them around grass flats, creek mouths, and deeper holes when it's hot. They're active year-round but really fire up in spring and fall. Specks are known for their soft mouths, so a gentle hookset is key. Live shrimp under a popping cork is deadly, but soft plastics and topwater lures can be a blast too. They don't make long runs, but larger ones give a good account on light tackle. The meat is mild and flaky - perfect for a fish fry. One local trick: fish the lights at night when trout stack up to feed on bait.
Sheepshead
Sheepshead are the bait stealers of the bay, with human-like teeth perfect for crushing crustaceans. Most run 2-4 pounds, but 8-10 pounders pop up regularly. You'll find them around any hard structure - pilings, jetties, reefs. They're here year-round but really stack up in late winter before spawning. Sheepshead are notorious for their light bite, so stay alert. Fresh shrimp, fiddler crabs, or barnacles are top baits. Use a small, sharp hook and just enough weight to hold bottom. When you feel that tap-tap, be ready to set the hook fast. The fight is solid, and the white, flaky meat is delicious. Pro tip: scrape some barnacles off the pilings to chum them up.
Southern Flounder
Southern flounder are masters of camouflage, blending in perfectly with sandy or muddy bottoms. Most weigh 1-5 pounds, though bigger ones up to 10 pounds aren't unheard of. Look for them in shallow bays, estuaries, and around jetties. Fall is prime time as they migrate to spawn. Flounder are ambush predators, so a slow presentation is key. Try drifting or dragging a live mullet or soft plastic along the bottom. When you feel that telltale thump, give them a second to take the bait before setting the hook. Flounder put up a decent fight and make for some mighty fine eating. One local trick: target sandy patches next to grass or structure where flounder like to hide.
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
Trip was great. The fish weren't biting, but the guide didn't give up and got us on some.