If you’re a fishing enthusiast, Texas is one of the best states to reside or visit. With thousands of freshwater lakes, rivers, and the saltwater Gulf to take advantage of, there is never a shortage of fish. What is the best time to go fishing in Texas? Fishing season in Texas is open year-round, so the best time to go fishing depends on your fishing preferences.
What Are the Fishing Requirements in Texas?
To fish in Texas, you need a Texas fishing license and the appropriate endorsement. Saltwater endorsements are for coastal waters, whereas freshwater endorsements are for inland waters. Recreational anglers can purchase a fishing license in August that will remain valid until August 30 of the following year.
Fishing licenses allow you to catch various game fish but will not allow you to hunt frogs or non-protected turtles.
When Is Fishing Season?
In Texas, fishing season lasts all year! The best time to take your boat out will depend on various factors, including where you fish and the fish you hope to catch.
Fall Fishing
As the temperature cools from summer, fall fishing begins. In freshwater lakes, the largemouth bass regain their appetite and return strong for fishermen. Catfish also tend to have their peak bite in autumn.
As the saltwater shallows begin to cool, giant bull redfish move ahead, and sea trout follow. Anglers tend to have more luck catching redfish in the fall, unlike other seasons.
As blackfin tuna begin to travel offshore, they become one of the most easy-to-catch in fall.
Winter Fishing
Because you don’t have to wait for warm weather for fishing season in Texas, remember to dress for winter fishing. Most anglers take their boats on the water during the season’s sparse, warm days.
Alligator gars live in inland lakes, rivers, and reservoirs throughout the year. Since they can tolerate saltwater, they may also be found in the Gulf. Catfish are abundant, no matter the season, and widely distributed throughout freshwater in Texas.
Look for saltwater fish, like sheepshead, in areas with muddy bottoms.
Spring Fishing
Spring is when the fishing season in Texas really kicks off, and most anglers begin to haul out their boats in the springtime. As the coastal waters warm, huge trout flow into the Gulf, and the lakes, too, see an influx of biting fish.
Largemouth bass and crappie move to shallow water in freshwater lakes and rivers following the winter months. At the same time, nearshore saltwater has its peak monster amberjack season.
If you prefer offshore fishing, you’ll find plenty of yellowfin tuna, wahoo, and kingfish.
Summer Fishing
In the summer, catfish are found in the deep channels during the day but in the shallows by night. Likewise, as dams release cool water, striped bass flow through freshwater.
For saltwater anglers, the typical fish turn from trout to redfish as the weather warms. In nearshore waters, you’ll find plenty of snappers and kingfish. Fishing charters, like those in North Padre Island, can take you out on deep water to catch sharks, snapper, snook, tarpon, mahi-mahi, and other large fish.
Enjoy Fishing Season With Boat Stop Marina
If you’re a fishing enthusiast, Texas offers recreation throughout the year. To enjoy the fishing season with your friends and family, consider our luxury marina, equipped with 24/7 security, a spacious dual boat launch ramp, and areas to spend time with your loved ones. To learn more about what we offer, contact us today!
Are there sharks in the Gulf of Mexico? Sharks thrive in the Gulf and every ocean worldwide. Boating enthusiasts, beachgoers, residents, and tourists alike can take advantage of spotting some of the most common species throughout the Gulf.
What Is the Truth Behind Sharks in the Gulf?
Sharks are an important part of the Gulf’s natural ecosystem. Unfortunately, they tend to have a bad reputation among the general public. People see them as voracious predators hungry for all forms of meat, including human flesh.
Sharks do not naturally attack humans. Most shark bites occur because of poor visibility in the water and because sharks are curious. Since they only have their mouths to explore the world, most bites occur as inquisitive bites.
Sharks have a diverse population, with over 500 species worldwide. Of those 500 species, only three are responsible for the most bites.
What Sharks Are in the Gulf of Mexico?
What sharks are in the Gulf of Mexico? As one of the largest bodies of water in the world, at over 600,000 square miles, the Gulf of Mexico is home to a variety of marine life. There are sharks in the Gulf of Mexico, around 24 species.
We narrowed down some of the most infamous shark species.
Atlantic Blacktip Shark
Named for its black-tipped dorsal, pectoral, and tail fins, the Atlantic blacktip is a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) success story. In the 1990s, NOAA had to implement restrictions on fisheries due to overfishing. The blacktip rebounded, with four times as many as before.
To distinguish the Atlantic blacktip from other sharks with black-tipped fins, such as the spinner shark, look for a white anal fin. Often, people will spot blacktips leaping from the water as they hunt for schools of fish.
Atlantic Sharpnose Shark
The Atlantic sharpnose is one of the most common Gulf sharks. They are relatively small, ranging from two and a half to three feet long, and pose little threat to humans. When looking out for the Atlantic sharpnose, look for its gray and brown coloring, white dots, slender body, and pointed snouts. While these sharks will come closer to shore in the late spring and early summer to birth live young, they live and feed at multiple depths.
Tiger Shark
Young tiger sharks famously have dark vertical stripes along their bodies. You should remember this because there are sharks in the Gulf of Mexico, and given the tiger shark’s curious nature, it sometimes swims close to humans. While shark bites are uncommon, the tiger shark has a bite history, second only to the great white shark. Most shark bites, however, do not occur as random attacks. Typically, attacks happen because humans attempt to feed the sharks.
Due to overfishing, tiger sharks are endangered and protected.
Hammerhead Shark
The hammerhead is one of the most famous shark species in the Gulf of Mexico. Multiple species of hammerheads, including great hammerheads, bonnetheads, and scalloped hammerheads, make the Gulf home.
The great hammerhead is a large shark, with some reaching up to 20 feet. You can identify these renowned sharks by the shape of their head, with their nostrils and eyes positioned on either side of a hammer-shaped head. Hammerheads stay close to the seafloor, feeding on catfish, groupers, and stingrays. While there are sharks in the Gulf of Mexico, the great hammerhead is a critically endangered species.
Bull Shark
Bull sharks thrive in various environments, including fresh and saltwater. They travel wherever they can find prey, including dolphins, fish, turtles, and other sharks. These medium-sized sharks can reach about 11 feet long and have small snouts reminiscent of a bull’s nose.
Swimmers and beachgoers should watch out for bull sharks, which tend to swim close to the shore and in shallow water to search for food.
FAQs About Gulf Sharks
The Gulf of Mexico is a thriving ecosystem for various sea life, including sharks. To live in harmony with the sharks and mitigate any danger helps to understand their movements and habits.
Do Sharks Swim Close to the Shore in the Gulf of Mexico?
Yes, sharks can swim close to the shore. Some shark species thrive in shallow waters and perform most of their hunting near shore. Others, like the Atlantic Blacktip shark, give birth in shallow water.
Are There Great Whites in the Gulf of Mexico?
Yes, there are sharks in the Gulf of Mexico, including great white sharks. Following a dramatic decline, marine biologists restored the great white shark population. Now, biologists believe that at least half of the tens of thousands of great white sharks spend their summers on the East Coast and winters in the Gulf of Mexico. Fortunately, great white sharks remain farther from shore than other, smaller species.
Has There Ever Been a Shark Attack in the Gulf of Mexico?
While there are sharks in the Gulf of Mexico and attacks have occurred, they are uncommon. For example, in Florida, the International Shark Attack File claims that there have been 15 recorded attacks. Even when it comes to attacks that have happened, no one has died from a shark attack in 131 years.
What Should You Do if You See a Shark?
If you see a shark while enjoying your day at the beach, try not to fret. If you see a shark swim towards you, stay calm and safely swim. Never flail or panic, as this may draw unwanted attention from the shark.
Do You Need a Boat License for Shark Fishing or Watching?
You need a boat license to operate personal watercraft, boats with motors over 15 horsepower, and sailboats longer than 14 feet.
Adventure With Sharks By Day and Protect Your Boat By Night
Boating on the Gulf of Mexico will allow you to witness marine life. This can be especially thrilling, considering there are sharks in the Gulf of Mexico. However, when it comes time to dock, you need a marina to call home. Boat Stop Marina, located in the heart of Corpus Christi, promises luxury and security at our facility.
Our marina offers a 45-foot dual launch ramp, dock power receptacles, and access to the Intracoastal waterway. Enjoy your day, and trust we will keep your boat safe at night. To find out more about our membership options, contact Boat Stop Marina today!
How deep is Corpus Christi Bay? This center of commerce and tourism is part of a multi-body system covering 124,796 acres in total. As a result, the depth varies, making certain areas better for boating and fishing. If you plan to explore this beautiful Texas destination, here are a few things you should know.
How Far Down Is the Bottom of Corpus Christi Bay?
There are four bays within the Corpus Christi Bay System:
Oso Bay
Redfish Bay
Nueces Bay
Corpus Christi Bay
Corpus Christi Bay is the largest and the deepest — the other three measure only 2 to 3 feet deep on average. In contrast, the average Corpus Christi Bay depth is 11 feet. Of course, this takes into account the variances in depth across miles of water.
How deep is Corpus Christi Bay at its deepest point? The maximum depth is 16 feet. While that may not sound like a lot, it’s enough for fun activities such as surfing, fishing, and sailing.
What Can You Do in Corpus Christi Bay?
Corpus Christi is a lively port city with plenty to appeal to tourists and native Texans alike. You can attend events centering on boats and recreational vehicles, allowing you to explore the endless vacationing opportunities in the city. There are also year-round attractions that highlight the biodiversity and rich history of the area.
If you are interested in military history, consider visiting the USS Lexington. It’s a naval aviation museum today, but it served as an aircraft carrier in WWII. You can take a tour, try your hand at an escape room, and even use a flight simulator.
Fans of beachgoing may prefer Padre Island National Seashore, which lies east of Corpus Christi on North Padre Island. Its gorgeous dunes and tidal flats make it a beautiful place for a picnic. You can even rent a boat or kayak to explore Laguna Madre.
How deep is Corpus Christi Bay at this location? It is only 3 feet long, making it appealing for people who are less comfortable in the water.
Nature lovers can find a lot to admire at the South Texas Botanical Gardens & Nature Center. There’s a play area where families can relax and plenty of exhibits for everyone to enjoy:
An orchid conservatory
Butterfly House
a hummingbird garden
Arid Garden
A rose pavilion
Additionally, Corpus Christi is home to the Texas State Aquarium. Here, you can see a variety of animal exhibits, including birds of prey, tropical fish, bottlenose dolphins, and jellyfish. It’s a gorgeous and educational glimpse into the beauty of the bay and Caribbean, jungle, and coral reef habitats.
Finally, you can explore Mustang Island State Park, an excellent location for campers and beach-goers. It’s also well-known for its shallow-water fishing and even has a Paddling Trail you can follow to hit the best spots.
Need to Dock in Corpus Christi Bay? Contact Us
Now that you know how deep Corpus Christi Bay is, you’re ready to start your adventure. You can explore the blue waters on your own or on a rented boat. Of course, you’ll need a place to dock, which is where Boat Stop Marina comes in. Contact Boat Stop Marina today at 361-937-2423 to learn more.
Redfish are a great catch for both beginner and experienced anglers. Not only do they taste great when you’re fishing for dinner, but they are also worthy opponents that put up story-worthy battles and often reach record-breaking sizes. Knowing how to catch redfish is important if you want to hook one of these fish.
Are Redfish Hard To Catch?
Redfish are notorious for going after nearly any type of bait. Whether you prefer to fish with artificial lures or natural bait, you have a good chance of catching red drum if you know where to look for them. However, this fish species is feisty and puts up a decent fight, so it is a good target for anglers who enjoy battling for their spoils.
Redfish are distinctive because of the black spot near their tails. They often inhabit shallow waters where you can see their backs while swimming, so red drum are easy to spot and identify.
They respond to both natural and artificial bait. One important thing to know about how to catch redfish is they are bottom feeders. You may need to use weights on your line to cast it where the fish search for food.
Once you hook a fish, the battle is on. On average, adult redfish weighs 50 pounds. The current Texas record red drum weighed more than 59 pounds. The potential bragging rights and record-breaking size are enough to make redfish a target for many fishermen.
What Is the Best Time of Day To Catch Redfish?
One of the biggest draws of red drum is their year-round availability. You can find red drum every season, but the temperature dictates where they swim and what time of day is most promising for fishing.
When the weather is cool, you can usually find the fish in shallow waters. On warmer days, redfish tend to move into deeper water to escape the summer heat, so you may have better luck if you fish in the early morning or late evening.
Red drum are readily available to catch during the winter and spring months. Because of the cooler temperatures, they are usually found in extremely shallow water.
However, the best season for catching the red drum is fall. This is because the spawning season lasts from mid-August to mid-October, and adult redfish move inshore to bays and rivers for reproduction. The cooler temperatures mean they don’t dive deep and are more easily found when spawning.
What Should You Look For When Fishing for Redfish?
Red drum prefer to inhabit shallow water less than four feet deep, which is important to know when you’re learning how to catch redfish. They tend to live in spots with a lot of underwater vegetation.
Until they reach three years of age, red drum live in shallow rivers and bays. Once they mature, they move out into the Gulf of Mexico, where they live the rest of their lives except for visits to the rivers and bays during spawning season.
Although sexually mature redfish live in the Gulf of Mexico, they still stick to shallower spots. They prefer areas with soft mud and submerged vegetation. Breaks in the shoreline also attract red drum.
If you want to know how to catch red drum, look for them near natural and non-natural features in shallow water. Redfish thrive in oyster reefs, coves, piers, and jetties, so fishing near these areas usually yields good results in the winter, spring, and summer. During spawning season in the fall, look for the fish near the mouths of rivers or close to the bay shore.
What Is the Best Bait for Redfish?
You can catch red drum with both natural and artificial bait. Natural bait is slightly more effective than artificial lures.
Young redfish feed on worms, small crabs, and shrimp. Older red drum prey on smaller fish but continue to consume shrimp, worms, and crabs in larger varieties. They often look for food in clumps of underwater vegetation, and you may see their tails stick up out of the water while they hunt.
Knowing how to catch redfish includes knowing the best type of live bait. Choose the creatures that red drum consume as part of their natural diet. Good options include:
Atlantic croaker
Shrimp
Blue crabs
Finger mullet
Live bait is most effective because the creatures wiggle on the hook as they try to swim away. If you use an artificial lure instead, you may have more luck by skipping the bait along the bottom of the ocean or river bed to mimic movement. Fish-shaped plugs and copper, silver, and gold spoons are some of the most effective lures for learning how to catch redfish.
Are There Any Rules for Catching Redfish?
Now that you know how to catch redfish, you must prepare to fish legally. Whether fishing from the shore, a boat, or a pier, you must have a Texas fishing license to cast a line legally. Every angler with a valid license can keep three redfish daily, but you must have a special permit to keep a large red drum. If fishing from a boat, you also need a Texas boating license.
You may obtain a state fishing license from Texas Parks and Wildlife. Each permit is valid for one year and allows you to keep three fish per day that measure between 20 and 28 inches. This limit applies whether fishing is a hobby you enjoy daily or one you participate in a few times a year. The only people who do not need a fishing license are those under the age of 17 and those who were born before January 1, 1931.
If you want to keep larger fish as hobby trophies, you must have a Red Drum Tag, which comes with a type of license called a Saltwater Fishing Endorsement. This tag permits you to keep one redfish larger than 28 inches long annually.
Where Can You Learn How To Catch Redfish in Texas?
Redfish are commonly found in many states, but Texas is one of the best spots to find large red drum. If you want to find a boat to prepare for a fishing expedition, Boat Stop Marina is ready to help. Contact us today to see how we can help you learn how to catch redfish.
Fishing is a great opportunity to spend time outdoors. Usually, this activity requires spending money on the proper licensing, but there are exceptions. Free Fishing Day in Texas allows everyone a chance to break out the poles without purchasing a package.
When Is Free Fishing Day in Texas?
Free Fishing Days in Texas occur in June, on the first Saturday. On this day, you can fish from a boat without worrying about having the proper fishing license and endorsements.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department typically requires individuals over 17 and under 93 to purchase at least one type of fishing license, which allows them to fish in Texas’s public waters, and an endorsement, which allows them to take the fish they catch. There are three basic types of licenses:
Saltwater
Freshwater
All-Water
You can purchase endorsements of the same type or get packages that include the appropriate license and endorsements.
You may also need red drum tags depending on the type and size of fish you plan to catch. The total price of your fishing trip depends on whether you qualify for a senior or resident discount. While the various permits are essential for funding Texas Parks and Wildlife services, it’s a lot of information to navigate. Free Fishing Day in Texas simplifies the process, allowing more people to try the sport.
What Do You Need for Free Fishing Day?
While you don’t need to worry about licenses, there’s plenty to do to prepare for Free Fishing Day. First and foremost, you’ll need to bring sun protection and plenty of water.
Temperatures can reach over 90 degrees in June in Texas, and the skies are mostly clear. Dehydration and heat exhaustion are real concerns, so plan accordingly, especially if you’re out with kids.
According to the CDC, you should drink about 1 quart an hour when active in the heat. To keep your beverages cold, consider bringing an ice cooler along.
Sunscreen is also crucial during Texas summers. Choose a broad-spectrum option of at least 30 SPF for maximum protection. Experts recommend reapplying every 2 hours, though you may need to reapply more frequently if you sweat a lot. It’s also a good idea to wear a wide-brimmed hat treated with chemical sun protection to shield your neck, ears, and face. Sunglasses can protect your eyes from the bright sun and glare off the water.
You’ll also need the appropriate fishing gear. The year-round rules still apply on Texas’s Free Fishing Day, so make sure your equipment complies:
No underwater, hand-operated devices for game fish
No fishing devices not explicitly listed on the TPWD website
No more than 100 hooks in total
Finally, check out your chosen fishing area before you head out. Review the rules, including those about parking. Every destination has its own amenities and regulations, so familiarize yourself with the layout and restrictions. Doing so will help you and your fellow anglers have the best time.
Why Spend Free Fishing Day at a Texas Marina?
Boat Stop Marina is an excellent place to spend your Free Fishing Day in Texas. Our members-only location in Corpus Christi offers a fish cleaning station, family picnic area, dual launch ramp, and more. To learn more about our amenities, contact us today.
