Every year, over 10 million visitors make their way to Corpus Christi to explore the beautiful Gulf Coast Capital. Among those visitors are anglers from all over the world who are excited to reel in some of the abundant and diverse fish that live along the coast. With tons of convenient fishing spots, Corpus Christi is a destination for anglers of all experience levels.

If you’re headed out to fish on the Gulf Coast, we’ve put together a complete list of the best bait for fishing in Corpus Christi so you can bring home the catch of the day.

Best Bait for Fishing in Corpus Christi by Fish Type

best bait for fishing in corpus christi

One of the easiest ways to figure out what bait to use in Corpus Christi is to think about the type of fish you hope to catch. Using bait that has been proven effective for a certain fish will greatly increase your chances of reeling in the fish you want.

To make the process even simpler, we’ve compiled some of the most prominent fish in Corpus Christi and broken them down into 2 categories: saltwater and freshwater fish.

Saltwater Fish

Whether you choose to fish from the pier, the surf, or a charter boat, you can catch many different types of saltwater fish in the ocean around Corpus Christi.

Redfish are one of the most sought-after fish for anglers visiting the Texas Coast. To catch them, use lures such as rattling plugs or various types of fresh bait, including live shrimp or crabs, mullet, and squid.

Next up, we have the famous tuna. Prepare to journey pretty far offshore for these large fish. Local live bait works best for reeling them in, so try out squid, mackerel, anchovies, and other small fish.

You can also catch big, tasty snappers at nearly any time of the year in Corpus Christi. To attract them, you can choose from a variety of baits, including mullet, shrimp, pilchards, and even lures like swimbait.

Freshwater Fish

If saltwater isn’t your scene, you might be more interested in heading to one of the abundant freshwater locations in Corpus Christi.

Both white and largemouth bass make their home in the area, particularly in Lake Corpus Christi. To catch their attention, try using either jigs or bait fish like crawfish, minnows, and shad.

There are also three different types of catfish living in the Corpus Christi waters: blue, channel, and flathead. Most fresh-caught bait, including shad, skipjack herring, and bluegill, will work for these fish.

You can find rather large crappie in freshwater fishing spots as well. To reel them in, many anglers turn to either live minnows or, in some cases, their own handcrafted crappie jigs.

Where To Use the Best Bait for Fishing in Corpus Christi

A fisherman wonders what bait to use in corpus christi

Now, it’s time to put your knowledge about the best bait for fishing in Corpus Christi into action! The next time you visit, consider docking at Boat Stop Marina, an exclusive private marina located right in the heart of Corpus Christi.

With ultra-wide dual launch ramps and a commercial-grade fish cleaning station, our marina is a safe haven for all anglers. Contact us today to learn how a Boat Stop Marina membership can enhance your next boating adventure!