Ready to swap your rod and reel for a bow and arrow? Join Captain Ben of Apex Fishing Guide Service for a 4-hour bowfishing adventure in the rich waters of Corpus Christi, Texas. This ain't your typical fishing trip - it's a fast-paced, adrenaline-pumping experience that'll have you hooked from the get-go. Whether you're a seasoned bowfisher or a first-timer, Captain Ben's got the know-how to put you on the fish and help you nail that perfect shot.
Picture this: You're cruising the flats of Corpus Christi Bay, bow at the ready, as Captain Ben guides you to prime fishing spots. The sun's barely up, but the action's already heating up. You'll be targeting a smorgasbord of species - black drum, flounder, and redfish are all on the menu. Don't worry if you're new to this; Captain Ben's got patience in spades and will walk you through the basics. Before you know it, you'll be drawing back and letting those arrows fly like a pro. This trip's perfect for sharpening your skills or just getting a taste of what bowfishing's all about. Trust me, once you stick your first fish, you'll be itching to come back for more.
Alright, let's break down the nuts and bolts of bowfishing. First off, forget everything you know about traditional angling - this is a whole different ballgame. You'll be using specialized bows equipped with reels and heavy-duty line. The arrows? They're not your standard hunting arrows - these bad boys are designed for aquatic warfare, with barbed tips to keep your catch secure. Captain Ben will set you up with all the gear you need, so no worries there. As for technique, it's all about quick reflexes and good aim. You'll be shooting at fish near the surface, which means you've got to factor in water refraction. It sounds tricky, but don't sweat it - Captain Ben's got some tricks up his sleeve to help you dial in your aim. The best part? There's no waiting around for bites. You see a fish, you take your shot. It's non-stop action from start to finish.
"Captain Graham was great. He put me on the fish right away. We caught our limit of Sea Trout on a pretty windy day. He put us on some big drum but they were finicky today. If I come back I will definitely charter another trip. He is knowledgeable and passionate about fishing. His boat, and gear are great. Thanks for the fun day in Corpus Christi." - Rudy
Red Snapper: These ruby-red beauties are the crown jewels of the Gulf. They're known for their firm, white flesh and sweet flavor. Red snapper tend to hang out near reefs and wrecks, so you'll need to be quick on the draw when they pop up. They can grow up to 40 inches long, but even the smaller ones put up a good fight. Late spring through summer is prime time for red snapper, and trust me, there's nothing quite like the rush of arrowing one of these guys.
Southern Flounder: Now here's a fish that'll test your skills. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, blending in perfectly with the sandy bottom. You've got to have a keen eye to spot them, but when you do, it's game on. Flounder can grow up to 25 inches long and are most active in the fall when they're getting ready to spawn. They're not just a challenge to catch - they're also some of the best eating fish out there.
Black Drum: These bruisers are the heavyweights of inshore fishing. They can grow over 40 inches long and weigh up to 80 pounds. Black drum love to root around in the shallows, making them perfect targets for bowfishing. They're most active in the cooler months, from late fall to early spring. When you arrow a big one, get ready for a workout - these guys don't give up easily.
Sheepshead: Don't let their goofy grin fool you - sheepshead are tough customers. These striped fish are notorious bait stealers, but with a bow, you bypass that problem entirely. They hang around structure like jetties and pilings, so keep your eyes peeled. Sheepshead are most abundant in the winter and early spring. They're not the biggest fish out there, maxing out around 30 inches, but they're a blast to target and make for some mighty fine eating.
Sea Trout: Also known as speckled trout, these fish are the bread and butter of inshore fishing in Corpus Christi. They're fast movers, darting in and out of the shallows, which makes them an exciting target for bowfishing. Sea trout are active year-round but really turn on in the spring and fall. They average 1-2 feet in length, and their speckled pattern makes them stand out against the sandy bottom.
Redfish: Last but certainly not least, we've got the redfish. These copper-colored bruisers are a favorite among bowfishers for their hard fights and tendency to cruise in shallow water. They can grow over 40 inches long and are most active in the fall when they gather in large schools to spawn. Spotting a group of reds tailing in the shallows is a sight that'll get any angler's heart racing. And let me tell you, sticking a big red with an arrow is about as good as it gets in the bowfishing world.
Look, I could go on all day about the thrill of bowfishing in Corpus Christi, but nothing beats experiencing it for yourself. This 4-hour trip with Captain Ben is the perfect way to dip your toes into the world of bowfishing or to hone your skills if you're already hooked. You'll be targeting some of the Gulf's most prized species, all while enjoying the beautiful scenery of Corpus Christi Bay. And with Captain Ben's expertise guiding you, you're in for a day of non-stop action and big catches. So what are you waiting for? Grab your spot on the boat, and get ready for a fishing experience like no other. Trust me, once you try bowfishing, you'll never look at a regular fishing rod the same way again. See you on the water!
May 26, 2024
Black drum are the big boys of our inshore waters. Adults typically run 5-30 pounds, but can reach 90! You'll find them in shallow, muddy areas near oyster beds year-round. They love crustaceans, so crab or shrimp are top baits. Spring is spawning time, when big schools gather and make their distinctive croaking sounds. Anglers appreciate black drum for their strong fights and good eating, especially the smaller ones under 15 pounds. To target them, use a simple bottom rig with a circle hook. Here's a tip: If you feel light taps, don't set the hook right away. Black drum often play with the bait before fully committing. Let them run with it a bit, then reel down and lean back to set.
Red snapper are a prized catch in our Corpus Christi waters. These beautiful pink to red fish typically weigh 5-10 pounds but can grow much larger. You'll find them hanging around reefs, wrecks, and other structures in 30-300 foot depths. Spring and fall are prime seasons when the water's around 60-70 degrees. Anglers love red snapper for their hard-fighting spirit and excellent table fare. To land one, use heavy tackle with strong line - these fish will try to dive back to structure once hooked. My local tip: Rig up with circle hooks and drop your bait right to the bottom. A chunk of squid or cigar minnow works great. Just be ready for that initial powerful run when a big one takes the bait!
Redfish, or red drum, are a staple of our Corpus Christi flats. Most inshore reds run 20-30 inches, with bigger ones offshore. They love super shallow water - sometimes you'll see their backs out of the water! Look for them around oyster reefs, grass flats, and marsh edges year-round. Anglers prize redfish for their powerful fights and copper-colored scales with that distinctive tail spot. To catch 'em, try sight-casting with soft plastics or topwater lures. Here's a local trick: On hot days, cruise the shallows and look for their wakes or tails. Cut the engine, ease into casting range, and present your lure right in front of them. Hold on tight when they hit - reds pull hard!
Sea trout, or speckled trout, are a favorite inshore target here. They typically run 14-24 inches and a few pounds. Look for them around grass flats, oyster reefs, and drop-offs, especially at dawn and dusk. They feed aggressively on shrimp and small fish. Spring and fall are prime seasons as the water temperatures are ideal. Anglers love sea trout for their willingness to hit lures and their excellent flavor on the table. To catch them, try working a soft plastic jig or topwater plug around structure. Here's a tip: On calm mornings, look for subtle surface disturbances - that's often trout feeding on bait. Cast beyond the ripples and work your lure through the area for some exciting strikes.
Sheepshead are unique fish with those human-like teeth and black stripes. Most run 1-8 pounds, living around docks, pilings, and reefs. They're tough to catch but fun to target, especially in cooler months. Anglers enjoy the challenge and their sweet, white meat. Sheepshead are notorious bait stealers, so you need to be quick on the hookset. Use light tackle with small, strong hooks. For bait, nothing beats fiddler crabs or pieces of shrimp. Here's a local secret: Scrape some barnacles off a piling to chum them up, then drop your bait right in the mix. You'll feel the bite as a series of light taps - that's your cue to set the hook hard.
Southern flounder are masters of camouflage, blending into sandy or muddy bottoms in our shallow bays and estuaries. They're typically 15-18 inches long, weighing a few pounds. Fall is prime time as they migrate to spawn offshore. Flounder fishing takes patience - they often lie motionless, waiting to ambush prey. Anglers enjoy the challenge and the flounder's delicate, sweet meat. To catch 'em, try slow-dragging a jig or live bait along the bottom near grass flats, oyster reefs, or channel edges. Here's a local trick: On incoming tides, focus on points and cuts where flounder stack up to intercept bait. A light setup with braided line gives you the best feel for their subtle bite.
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Captain Graham was great. He put me on the fish right away. We caught our limit of Sea Trout on a pretty windy day. He put us on some big drum but they were finicky today. If I come back I will definitely charter another trip. He is knowledgeable and passionate about fishing. His boat, and gear are great. Thanks for the fun day in Corpus Christi.