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.