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Top-Rated Fishing Charters in Corpus Christi, TX
- Published Date: July 17, 2025
- Fishing
- Corpus Christi
- Updated Date: December 8, 2025
Summary
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Corpus Christi Catch Showcase
Reel in Redfish and More: Corpus Christi's Top Fishing Trip
Ready for some serious rod-bending action in the Coastal Bend? Captain Ben of Apex Fishing Guide Service has got you covered with this half-day inshore fishing trip in Corpus Christi. Whether you're itching to battle a bull redfish or finesse some speckled trout, this 4-hour adventure packs in plenty of fishing excitement. From first-timers to seasoned anglers, everyone's welcome aboard for a shot at Corpus Christi's prized gamefish.
What to Expect on the Water
As soon as you step on Captain Ben's boat, you'll know you're in for a treat. He'll get you set up with quality tackle and share some local knowledge that'll have you fishing like a pro in no time. The beauty of Corpus Christi Bay unfolds around you as you cruise to Ben's favorite honey holes. You might find yourself sight-casting to tailing reds in the shallows or working a topwater lure for explosive trout strikes. With a max of two anglers per trip, you'll get plenty of one-on-one guidance to dial in your technique and maximize your catch count.
Fishing Tactics & Hot Spots
Captain Ben's got a whole bag of tricks to put you on fish. Depending on the conditions and what's biting, you might be throwing soft plastics, working live bait, or even fly fishing if that's your thing. He knows all the prime spots - from grass flats and oyster reefs to deeper channels where the big ones lurk. You could be drifting for trout one minute and poling along mangroves for redfish the next. It's all about adapting to what the fish want on any given day, and that's where Ben's local expertise really shines.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
"Ben did a fantastic job. I would recommend him to family and friends alike." - Paul "Had a great morning of fishing with Brent. No disappointments!" - Candace "Trip was great. The fish weren't biting, but the guide didn't give up and got us on some." - Jason
Species You'll Want to Hook
Redfish: The rock stars of Corpus Christi inshore fishing, redfish (or red drum) are hard-fighting and great eating. These copper-colored beauties with their distinctive spot near the tail can grow to over 40 inches. Look for them tailing in shallow water or crushing bait along grass lines. Fall is prime time for big bull reds, but you can catch them year-round.
Speckled Trout: Also known as spotted seatrout, these wily predators are a favorite among light tackle enthusiasts. They've got a soft mouth, so finesse is key when fighting them. Specks love to ambush bait in deeper holes and along grass edges. Early mornings and late evenings often produce the best topwater action for trout.
Black Drum: Often overlooked but incredibly fun to catch, black drum can grow to massive sizes. They've got sensitive barbels under their chin that they use to root out crabs and shrimp from the bottom. While the smaller ones are excellent table fare, the big ones over 30 inches are best released. Look for them around structure and in deeper holes.
Sheepshead: With their distinctive black and white stripes and impressive teeth, sheepshead are unique-looking fish that put up a great fight. They're notoriously tricky to hook due to their small mouths and bait-stealing prowess. You'll often find them around pilings, jetties, and oyster reefs. They're fantastic eating and are most abundant in cooler months.
Southern Flounder: Masters of camouflage, flounder lie in wait to ambush passing bait fish. While they might not look like much, they can put up a surprising fight and are considered one of the best-tasting fish in the bay. Fall is the prime time to target flounder as they migrate to the Gulf to spawn.
Red Snapper: While this trip focuses on inshore waters, Captain Ben might venture a bit further out if conditions allow for a shot at these prized reef dwellers. With their bright red color and delicious white flesh, red snapper are always a welcome addition to the ice box. They're typically found around structure in deeper waters.
Time to Book Your Spot
Whether you're looking to fill the cooler with some of the tastiest fish the Gulf has to offer or just want to experience the thrill of battling inshore gamefish, this Corpus Christi fishing trip delivers. Captain Ben's local know-how, combined with the incredible variety of species on offer, makes for an action-packed half day on the water. Don't miss your chance to create some lasting fishing memories in one of Texas' premier coastal destinations. Grab your spot now - the fish are waiting!
Customer Reviews
Bens Brilliant Touch
Paul Poncio
August 30, 2025
Brent Reels Success
Had a great morning of fishing with Brent. No disappointments!
Candace Coy
August 28, 2025
Persistent Pro Guide
Trip was great. The fish weren't biting, but the guide didn't give up and got us on some.
Jason Hislop
March 15, 2024
Learn more about the species
Black Drum
Black Drum are the heavyweight champions of our local waters, ranging from 5 to 30 pounds, with some monsters hitting 90 pounds. You'll find them in shallow, brackish waters around oyster beds and mudflats. They use their powerful jaws to crush shellfish, making a distinctive drumming sound. Spring is the best time to target them, as they school up for spawning. Anglers love Black Drum for their strong fight and the challenge of landing bigger ones. For the best eating, aim for fish under 15 pounds - the bigger ones can be tough. Use fresh crab or shrimp on a heavy bottom rig, and fish near structure. Here's a local tip: when you feel a bite, wait until the fish starts to move away before setting the hook. Black Drum can be finicky, so patience pays off.
Red Snapper
Red Snapper are a prized catch in our waters, typically weighing 5-10 pounds but can grow up to 35 pounds. You'll find them hanging around structures like reefs and oil rigs in depths of 30-620 feet. These fish are known for their bright red color and tasty white meat. They're aggressive feeders and put up a good fight, making them fun to target. Spring and summer are prime seasons, as they move closer to shore to spawn. To land a big one, use heavy tackle and drop your bait right to the bottom. Fresh squid or live bait like pinfish work great. Just be ready for a battle - these guys like to make a run for cover when hooked. Red Snapper are excellent eating too, with a mild, slightly sweet flavor that's hard to beat.
Redfish
Redfish, or Red Drum, are a staple in our waters, typically ranging from 20 to 30 inches. You'll find them in shallow flats, often tailing in water so low their backs break the surface. They love hanging around oyster reefs and grass beds, crushing crabs and small fish. Fall is prime time as they school up for their annual spawn. Anglers can't get enough of their powerful runs and copper-colored sides with that distinctive black spot near the tail. To catch reds, try sight-fishing with gold spoons or soft plastics. When the water's murky, live or cut bait works wonders. Here's a local trick: on calm days, look for their tails waving above the water as they root for food in the shallows. Approach quietly, make a precise cast, and hold on tight - these guys know how to put up a fight.
Sea Trout
Sea Trout, also known as Speckled Trout, are a favorite among local anglers. They typically range from 14 to 24 inches and weigh 1 to 5 pounds. You'll find them in shallow grass flats and around oyster reefs, especially active during low light hours. Fall and spring are prime seasons when water temperatures are moderate. Anglers love sea trout for their aggressive strikes and delicate, flaky meat. To catch them, try using soft plastic lures or live shrimp under a popping cork. Work the bait with short, sharp jerks to mimic injured prey. Here's a local tip: on cloudy days, look for trout in slightly deeper water adjacent to the flats. They're less spooky and often more willing to bite. Remember, these fish have soft mouths, so set the hook gently to avoid tearing it.
Sheepshead
Sheepshead, or convict fish, are a unique catch in our waters. They typically weigh 1-8 pounds and grow up to 20 inches. You'll find them around structures like docks, bridges, and reefs, where they use their human-like teeth to crush barnacles and crabs. Spring is prime time as they gather to spawn. Anglers love the challenge of hooking these bait-stealers and appreciate their sweet, white meat. To catch sheepshead, use small hooks with fiddler crabs or shrimp. Fish as close to the structure as possible, and be ready for a subtle bite. Here's a pro tip: when you feel a nibble, count to three before setting the hook. These fish are masters at stealing bait, so timing is everything. The fight might not be long, but landing a big sheepshead is always satisfying.
Southern Flounder
Southern Flounder are masters of camouflage, blending in with sandy or muddy bottoms in our bays and estuaries. They typically range from 15-18 inches but can grow up to 33 inches. These ambush predators lie in wait for prey, making them a unique challenge to catch. Fall is prime time as they migrate to deeper waters to spawn. Anglers love targeting flounder for their delicate, white meat and the thrill of sight fishing in shallow waters. To up your chances, try drifting with a live mullet or shrimp on a Carolina rig. Keep your bait close to the bottom and move slowly - flounder won't chase far. When you feel a bite, give it a moment before setting the hook. These flat fish are experts at stealing bait, so patience is key to landing one.
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
Ben did a fantastic job. I would recommend him to family and friends alike.