Have you thought about catching your own dinner in Corpus Christi? Whether you’re new to crab fishing in Texas or looking for your next favorite spot, the warm Gulf waters and endless shoreline make this city a year-round haven for blue and stone crabs. Corpus Christi is home to some of the best crab fishing in Texas. Learn what you need to know about recreational crabbing in Corpus Christi.
Can You Crab in Corpus Christi?
Absolutely! You can crab in Corpus Christi. There are over 60 types of crabs within the Gulf of Mexico, but most people target just a couple. For example, blue and stone crabs are popular choices and are readily abundant within the warm bays and Gulf waters.
What Month Is Best for Crabbing in Texas?
The summer is when crab season in Texas is really heating up — literally. The warm waters bring about a flurry of activity, making blue claw crabs pretty easy to target. July and August are among the best months for crabbing around Corpus Christi. That makes it a great summer vacation activity for the family!
You should have good luck through most of the fall, too. Thanks to the relatively warm winters, crab season goes year-round in Texas. That is especially true if the water stays warm. If you look at the water conditions in the area, you’ll quickly see they are ideal for crabs throughout most of the year.
What Is the Best Method for Crabbing Around Corpus Christi?
You can take one of several approaches to crabbing in Texas. The most popular one is to use traps. Sometimes called crab pots, these are cages that you place on the sea floor. They attach to a buoy so you can locate and retrieve them later. Crabs enter the traps and then get stuck.
Since Texas’s fishing season also goes year-round, crabbing is a great way to change things up and try something a little different. You can also set traps on one day, go out and fish, and then collect the traps the next day. Even if you don’t have great luck fishing, you will probably still have a full pot of crabs to boil that evening.
Some people use a fishing pole and net to scoop crabs out of the water. This requires a little more finesse and a lot more patience since a crab line does not use a hook.
Toss the baited line into the water and wait for the telltale tug of crabs picking away. Then, start slowly reeling it in. When you can see the crab and bait, scoop it into the net. Just remember to do that while the crab is still in the water.
Texas Parks and Wildlife lists folding panel traps and umbrella nets as additional approved methods for harvesting crabs. No matter which method you choose, be sure to stay within the guidelines posted by TPW. If you choose to use traps, be courteous about their placement and retrieval.
What Types of Bait Are Good for Crabbing in Texas?
Chicken parts make excellent bait for Texas crabbing traps. Toss some chicken necks or legs into the trap, and you are good to go. You can also use chicken parts when line fishing. You’ll want to be patient to avoid dislodging the crabs when you pull the line in.
Many people prefer to go a more traditional route and use fish for bait. This is equally effective. There are some rules about what types of fish you can use, with specific restrictions on area game fish. For example, TPW prohibits the use of red drum and tarpon for bait.
Do You Need a License To Go Crabbing in Texas?
You need to have a valid Texas fishing license with a saltwater endorsement to go crab fishing in Texas. You also must abide by all rules and regulations to catch them. While there are no bag limits on the number of blue claw or stone crabs you can take, there are some restrictions about size.
There is no official crab fishing season in Texas. However, there is a 10-day window starting in late February when crab traps are prohibited. This is so the state can collect abandoned traps that might harm wildlife.
What Do You Need for a Successful Texas Crabbing Trip?
Crabs are among the easiest prey for recreational fishers. Following a few simple tips like these can help ensure you have a successful outing:
Always follow the state regulations about crab size, sponge crabs, and traps.
Choose a location that allows you to set traps or drop a line without interfering with boat traffic.
Keep crabs on ice so they are alive and fresh when you get home.
Time your Corpus Christi crabbing trip around slack tide for good results.
If you are still unsure about crabbing in Corpus Christi on your own, consider hiring a fishing guide. Some that specialize in bottom fishing are also really great at finding and netting crabs. They can also provide the equipment and bait needed, so you don’t have to worry about a thing.
Where Are Some of the Best Crabbing Spots in Corpus Christi?
You should have no trouble finding great spots in and around Corpus Christi. The water around the city’s piers is great for finding both blue and stone crabs. Some of the top spots in Corpus Christi for crabbing include:
Kennedy Causeway is great on late summer evenings when the tide turns.
North Beach sees a spike in blue crab activity after light summer rains.
Oso Pier tends to be less crowded during weekday mornings
Red Dot Pier is perfect from late spring to early fall.
The T-Heads are particularly good at dawn and dusk.
There are also some prime spots along the bayfront. Boat Stop Marina offers unrivaled access to these spots with its flexible and affordable memberships, secure truck and trailer parking, and fish-cleaning station.
Nearby Crabbing Spots
You can also go a bit farther out to find some nice spots for crabbing in Texas. For example, Port Aransas is just a short drive away; people report bountiful harvests there. You can also access the area by boat when you launch from one of Corpus Christi’s bayside marinas.
Are You Ready To Try Crabbing in Corpus Christi?
If you are ready to try crabbing in Corpus Christi, Boat Stop Marina has you covered. We are an excellent base for all things fishing in the coastal bays and nearby Gulf waters. Boat Stop Marina gives you direct access to top crabbing spots like Red Dot Pier, the T-Heads, and Kennedy Causeway. We’re your go-to base for the Texas crabbing season. Stop in or give us a call to learn about our great fishing services.
Texas is known for great fishing, with more than a dozen types of popular fish, including Redfish. Redfish season in Texas is all year long, and with three unofficial peak seasons, you can’t go wrong. Here’s what you need to know about the best time to catch red drum in Texas using different popular approaches.
When Is The Most Active Redfish Season in Texas?
The spring is widely considered the most active Texas redfish season. It is a time when you will find fish becoming more active, thanks to warming waters. They actively seek out food, which anglers are happy to provide.
Spring red drum season in Texas runs from March through May. You will likely have success in clear shallow waters, fly fishing, or in some marshy areas where the seabed drops off. While red drum activity slows down by early June, it is a great time to take advantage of Texas’s Free Fishing Day.
What Is the Best Month To Catch Redfish?
If you are planning on fishing for red drum in coastal Texas, then you want to head out around September. If you can time your trip around stormy weather, you will find it is a great time to catch trophy fish from marina piers. The fish tend to head to the warm, calm water closer to shore.
When Do Redfish Spawn?
Redfish spawn from late August through October. Known as the fall bull redfish run, this is when the big drum head to shallow waters for spawning. This makes the fall a prime time to head to Corpus Christi for a Gulf waters fishing trip. September and October are the prime months for the bull run, but it starts as early as mid-August and can run through November in some years.
Can You Catch Red Drum All Year in Texas?
Texas offers a year-round fishing season, and with no official red drum season, you can try for them all year. For example, even though summer is not the best time for red drum, it offers a decent Texas redfish season for those with some patience. The fish tend to go to deeper water when the weather warms up, so early morning or evening trips are often the most successful.
If you go during an off time, use these tips for red drum fishing in Texas to get started on the right foot:
Fish around structures like bridges or jetties
Seek out areas with sudden drop offs
Use live bait when possible to attract more fish
Hiring a fishing guide who is familiar with the local waters is also a good idea. It can also help ensure that you stay well within the bag limits for drum and other fish while you are out.
Are You Ready To Make the Most of Redfish Season in Texas?
Make Corpus Christi your home base for this year’s redfish season in Texas. Whether you’re chasing the fall bull run or hoping for a spring strike, Boat Stop Marina puts you right where the action is. With easy Gulf access, a fish-cleaning station, and expert local insight, we’re your launch point for redfish success. Contact us today to plan your stay.
Corpus Christi, Texas, is known around the world for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and great weather—and it’s easily one of the best destinations in the U.S. for windsurfing.
Thanks to favorable wind conditions and vast stretches of water, windsurfing in Corpus Christi attracts both beginners and seasoned enthusiasts alike. No matter your level of experience, Corpus Christi offers everything you need for an unforgettable time windsurfing.
This guide shares the best windsurfing spots in Corpus Christi, tips on when to go, and where to find convenient access to the water for all your windsurfing needs.
Why Corpus Christi Is a Top Windsurfing Destination
Known by many as “the surfing mecca of Texas,” Corpus Christi is home to some of the best windsurfing in the country for many reasons:
Great Location: Corpus Christi’s location on the Gulf of Mexico gives it a natural advantage for water sports like windsurfing.
Mild Weather: The windsurfing season in Corpus Christi runs for 10 months out of the year with consistent winds and mild temperatures, so it’s perfect for nearly year-round action.
Warm Waters: The warm waters and steady breezes make Corpus Christi a stable spot for both learning the ropes and perfecting your technique.
Windsurfing in Corpus Christi, Texas, is also popular due to the variety of spots that cater to different skill levels and preferences. Whether you’re after smooth, flat water to practice your tricks or more challenging conditions with larger waves, there are plenty of areas to match your style.
The Best Windsurfing Spots in Corpus Christi
While you can go just about anywhere to windsurf, these Coastal Bend spots are truly one-of-a-kind.
1. The Flats at North Padre Island
One of the most popular locations for windsurfing in the area, the Flats at North Padre Island is a vast stretch of shallow water with consistent winds that make it a top spot for windsurfers of all kinds.
The water here is super calm, so it’s a great place for beginners to get comfortable with their board and sail. For intermediate to advanced windsurfers, the flats provide plenty of space to test out new moves to level up your skills.
2. Bird Island Basin
Located within the Padre Island National Seashore, Bird Island Basin is known for its strong winds and flat water, which makes it one of the most sought-after spots for windsurfing in Texas. With some larger swells for more advanced windsurfing, it’s a perfect spot for those who feel comfortable out on the water and want to experience a bit more of a challenge.
Bird Island Basin tends to be less crowded than other parts of the island, so windsurfers here can enjoy a more peaceful and open environment.
3. Mustang Island State Park
Just a short drive from Corpus Christi, Mustang Island State Park features many different water conditions, from calm, shallow areas for people just getting their bearings to stronger winds for windsurfers with experience. Its long stretch of beach gives you plenty of space to set up and really enjoy your time on the water.
The park is also a great spot to enjoy other outdoor activities like hiking and fishing after you’ve had your fill of windsurfing.
When To Go Windsurfing in Corpus Christi
The Corpus Christi windsurfing season generally runs from March through October, with the best months being April through September. During this peak stretch, winds are steady and the weather is almost always perfect for water sports.
If you prefer hitting the waves in warmer weather, the summer months will provide top-tier windsurfing conditions, though the locations can definitely become a bit more crowded. To avoid the busy season, visit in the spring and fall when the temperatures are milder and the crowds are smaller.
Top Tips for Windsurfing in Corpus Christi
To make your windsurfing adventure in Corpus Christi as fun and smooth as possible, keep these helpful tips in mind:
1. Rent Equipment
Don’t worry about purchasing equipment right away. Many locations offer windsurfing rentals that allow you to try out the sport without committing to all the gear. Renting also gives you the chance to test different types of boards and sails to find what works best for you.
To get started with windsurfing, you’ll need a basic collection of gear:
Windsurfing board
Sail
Harness
Wet suit
If you’re unsure about what gear to get, professionals at rental shops or local windsurfing schools can help guide you in choosing the right equipment.
2. Take a Lesson
Whether you’ve never tried the sport or just want to master your technique, taking a windsurfing lesson is a wise choice. Many instructors in Corpus Christi offer private or group lessons for all skill levels. Beginner lessons typically cover things like sailing basics, safety, and techniques to help you get comfortable on the water. Plus, getting feedback from instructors is a great way to improve.
3. Watch the Weather Conditions
Before heading out, always check the wind and water conditions. Corpus Christi is known for its consistent winds, but it’s important to be aware of the current weather to make sure you have a safe and enjoyable experience.
Your Access To Incredible Windsurfing in Corpus Christi!
Want to make your windsurfing experience as easy as possible? The best thing you can do is plan your trip with easy water access in mind. Located on Corpus Christi Bay, Boat Stop Marina provides direct access to the water with convenient boat ramps, plenty of parking, and seamless entry to some of the best windsurfing spots in the area. The marina is also just a short distance from Padre Island, instantly making it a no-brainer starting point if you’re heading to locations like Bird Island Basin or North Padre Island.
Ready to get out on the water? Book now to secure your spot at Boat Stop Marina and start exploring the beauty of Corpus Christi windsurfing!
Baffin Bay is a bucket-list destination for anglers chasing trophy-sized speckled trout, redfish, and flounder. But if you’re new to the area, it’s hard to know exactly where to fish in Baffin Bay for success. Unlike other bays along the Texas coast, Baffin has no direct river inflow. The bay’s clear, hypersaline waters cause unique fish behavior, with the advantages of shallow flats and submerged structures.
The best fishing spots in Baffin Bay attract locals and visitors alike no matter the time of year, especially those willing to explore.
The Ultimate Guide to Where To Fish in Baffin Bay
Whether you like drifting, wading, or kayak fishing, these Baffin Bay fishing spots should definitely be on your radar.
1. The Rocks (Serpentine & Cathead Reefs)
Baffin Bay’s famous rocks are prime for anyone targeting monster trout. These ancient serpulid worm reefs provide the perfect ambush points for monster trout. Fish here by wading or drifting with live croaker, soft plastics, or topwater lures in the morning.
Boat Stop Tip: The rocks can be tricky to maneuver. Watch your depth finder to avoid running aground.
2. The Tide Gauge Bar
Located near the mouth of Baffin Bay, the Tide Gauge Bar is a great destination if you’re looking to catch slot redfish and trout. The grass beds and sandy pockets make it a great place to throw topwaters, soft plastics, or live shrimp under a popping cork.
Boat Stop Tip: If the bite slows down, try moving just off the edge of the bar into deeper water, where fish stage throughout the day.
3. Penascal Point
One of the best fishing spots in Baffin Bay, Penascal Point is excellent for both shore-based and boat anglers. A mix of mud, shell, and sand bottom attracts trophy trout and slot reds. On windy days, fish stack up along deeper edges. Slow-sinking lures and bottom fishing with live bait are solid choices.
Boat Stop Tip: During the colder months, fish move onto mud bottoms that retain heat, which is perfect for a winter fishing trip.
4. Alazan Bay
If you’re looking for a secluded, less-pressured area, head to Alazan Bay. This westernmost section of Baffin Bay is perfect for wading and kayak anglers who enjoy shallow water, grass beds, and sand pockets. It’s also an amazing flounder spot in the fall.
Boat Stop Tip: Look for nervous baitfish or slicks on the water’s surface. These are telltale signs that predators are feeding nearby.
5. Cayo del Grullo
For those who prefer drifting over wading, Cayo del Grullo is a must-fish spot. This bay arm’s long, grassy flats attract redfish, trout, and black drum. Drift a popping cork with shrimp or work a paddle tail along the bottom for best results.
Boat Stop Tip: Fish tend to push up shallow early in the morning and move deeper as the day heats up. Adjust your strategy accordingly.
How To Find Your Own Baffin Bay Fishing Spot
If you’re feeling adventurous, these tips can guide you toward your own honey hole:
Look for Slicks: Oily patches signal feeding fish.
Watch the Birds: Diving gulls or terns mean baitfish (and hungry predators below).
Check the Wind & Tides: Some spots fish better on incoming or outgoing tides.
Explore the Shorelines: Wading mudflats and grass beds often lead to big catches.
Plan the Perfect Trip To Fish in Baffin Bay
You’ve figured out where to fish in Baffin Bay—now it’s time to start planning your trip. Whether launching from Boat Stop Marina, storing your boat at Boat Stop Storage, or staying at a nearby RV resort, you’re in prime position to hit these Baffin Bay fishing spots with ease. Ready to reel in your next big catch? Book your spot today and get on the water!
The Gulf of Mexico is a sought-after destination for boat adventures due to its dynamic sights, including Alabama and Florida’s white, sandy beaches. While boating in the Gulf of Mexico, you can visit the five states that border it, as well as Cuba and parts of Mexico. However, there are hazards to watch out for if you are boating in the Gulf. The weather can change rapidly, and the further you travel into the Gulf, the more oil rigs you will encounter. Let’s dive in to see what size boat for the Gulf of Mexico is best.
How Big of a Boat Do You Need to Travel Across the Ocean?
The best boat for the Gulf of Mexico will be at least 30 to 40 feet long to travel across the ocean in safety and comfort.
Comfort
The larger the boat, the more room there is to move around, stretch your legs, and rest. A larger boat also allows for more people to be on board comfortably.
Seaworthiness
The weather on the ocean is highly unpredictable, so you need a boat big enough to withstand the storms. A canoe-style stern on a boat is also a good idea because the waves will have less impact.
What Size Boat is Good for the Bay?
For Bay boating, a 20- to 30-foot-long boat should be adequate for your needs. You want the boat to be big enough to handle the choppy, rough waters of the Bay. It should also be versatile and maneuverable to help you avoid obstacles in more crowded or busy areas.
You will want to check the weather multiple times before you leave the dock. Also, check the tide times so you are not going out during low tide. This can help prevent injury to sea creatures and vegetation that are vulnerable during that time. In addition, it will help you avoid running aground.
Dress in layers. Even if it is warm on land, the wind picks up out at sea. Layers can also help protect you from the sun.
Ensure you have a boat safety kit, a first-aid kit, and enough provisions for the journey. You do not know if you will have trouble along the way, so you should pack double the amount you think you will need.
For Gulf of Mexico boating, it is also essential that your boat has the proper safety gear, including life jackets, fire extinguishers, a flare gun, etc.
Visit Boat Stop Marina To Learn What Size Boat for the Gulf of Mexico Is Best
The best boat for the Gulf of Mexico would be a 30- to 40-foot boat that is seaworthy and comfortable. You want to ensure the boat is big enough for the crew on board and has enough storage space for provisions. If you have questions regarding what size boat for the Gulf of Mexico, contact Boat Stop Marina and we can help you get set up for your Gulf of Mexico boating experience.
