Corpus Christi Bay is a bonafide fisherman’s paradise. Its warm waters, diverse ecosystems, and abundant marine life make it a prime location for both amateur anglers and seasoned pros.
If you’re planning a fishing trip or simply curious about the different fish species that call this bay home, you’ve come to the right place! Stick around to see what kinds of fish are in Corpus Christi Bay and what makes the area such a popular fishing destination.
7 Kinds of Fish in Corpus Christi Bay
With such a wide variety of fish, the bay is a top spot for anglers looking to catch everything from spotted sea trout to redfish. These seven kinds of fish are some of the most common you’ll come across as you fish the bay.
1. Speckled Trout (Spotted Sea Trout)
Speckled trout are one of the most sought-after fish species in Corpus Christi Bay. Known for their beautiful spotted appearance, they thrive in the shallow waters of the bay. These fish are aggressive predators and put up a good fight when hooked, making them a favorite among sport fishermen.
- Best Time to Catch: Spring and Fall
- Fishing Techniques: Casting with soft plastics, topwater lures, or live bait.
Fun Fact: Speckled trout are known for their delicate, mild flavor and are a popular choice in local seafood dishes.
2. Redfish (Red Drum)
Redfish are another popular catch in Corpus Christi Bay. Recognized by their distinctive copper-colored bodies and black spots near the tail, redfish are prized for their fighting ability and delicious taste. These fish prefer the shallow, grassy areas of Corpus Christi Bay, where they can feed on smaller fish and crabs.
- Best Time to Catch: Year-round, but best in fall when they’re near the shallow flats.
- Fishing Techniques: Drifting with live bait, sight-casting, or using lures.
Fun Fact: Redfish are often caught in the bay’s shallows and are frequently featured on local seafood menus.
3. Flounder
If you’re looking for a unique fishing challenge, flounder are a great option. Known for their flat bodies and camouflage capabilities, they hide in the sandy bottoms of the bay, waiting to ambush unsuspecting prey. Flounder fishing is a fun experience, especially if you’re using light tackle and hunting them near shallow waters.
- Best Time to Catch: Fall, especially around the full moon.
- Fishing Techniques: Light tackle and drifting with live bait are the most effective methods for flounder.
Fun Fact: Flounder can be cooked in a variety of ways, but fried or grilled are local favorites.
4. Black Drum
The black drum is another abundant species in Corpus Christi Bay. These fish are characterized by their dark, almost black appearance and distinctive barbels (whisker-like features) on their chin. Known for their strong, pulling fight, black drum are often found in the bay’s deeper areas.
- Best Time to Catch: Spring and Summer
- Fishing Techniques: Bottom fishing with cut bait or crabs is often the best approach for black drum.
Fun Fact: Black drum are often larger than redfish and can reach sizes of up to 90 pounds!
5. Pompano
If you’re after a delicious fish that’s also a fun catch, look no further than the pompano. This small, silver fish is popular for its sweet, mild taste and is often caught along the sandy beaches of Corpus Christi Bay. Pompano are easy to catch and are especially abundant in the warmer months.
- Best Time to Catch: Late spring to early fall
- Fishing Techniques: Surf fishing with shrimp or cut bait works best for pompano.
Fun Fact: Pompano are excellent eating and are often prepared by grilling or frying in local seafood restaurants.
6. Sheepshead
The sheepshead, known for its distinctive black vertical stripes, is a great catch in Corpus Christi Bay. They’re typically found around rocky areas and pier pilings, where they feed on barnacles and crustaceans. Although not as popular as redfish or trout, they’re still a fun catch and provide excellent sport fishing.
- Best Time to Catch: Winter to spring
- Fishing Techniques: Using shrimp or crabs is a common bait method for sheepshead.
Fun Fact: Sheepshead are known for their sharp, human-like teeth used for cracking shells.
7. Mahi-Mahi (Dorado)
While Mahi-Mahi is more commonly found in offshore waters, these colorful fish sometimes make their way into Corpus Christi Bay during the summer months. Known for their bright yellow and blue hues, mahi-mahi are aggressive predators that put up a good fight.
- Best Time to Catch: Summer and fall
- Fishing Techniques: Trolling with lures or live bait for a better chance at catching mahi-mahi.
Fun Fact: Mahi-Mahi is one of the most prized fish for anglers due to its taste and fight.
Why Corpus Christi Bay Is a Prime Fishing Destination
Thanks to calm waters, diverse ecosystems, and abundant fish species, this coastal city is an ideal destination for virtually any angler. These aspects demonstrate why fishing in Corpus Christi is such an exceptional choice.
- Variety of Fish Species: The bay is home to many sought-after fish like redfish, speckled trout, and flounder, making it an exciting place for anglers.
- Calm Waters: The bay’s shallow, protected waters offer easy access for both beginners and those with more experience, making it an inviting environment for all skill levels.
- Diverse Habitats: With its mix of saltwater marshes, grassy flats, and shallow reefs, the bay provides varied ecosystems that attract a wide range of fish species, offering anglers plenty of opportunities.
- Affordable Fishing: Fishing in Corpus Christi is an accessible and budget-friendly activity, with plenty of affordable options for equipment rentals, guides, and permits.
Plus, there’s plenty to do in Corpus Christi between fishing excursions, so you really can’t go wrong when you book a fishing trip to the region.
Catch All Kinds of Fish in Corpus Christi Bay!
Whether you’re targeting a specific fish or just casting a line, this one-of-a-kind bay is filled with endless fishing chances. With its diverse fish species and stunning natural beauty, it’s a perfect place for anglers of all levels. You never know what kind of fish you’ll find in Corpus Christi Bay!
You can enjoy easy access to the bay and the best fishing spots at Sunset Ridge RV Resort. Stay at the resort for quick access to many prime locations in the area—fishing and otherwise—and enjoy a relaxing, family-friendly atmosphere. Book now and start planning your fishing getaway in Corpus Christi today!