Texas is a hotspot for flounder, particularly the Southern Flounder species. Flounder fishing in Texas is very popular as a result, both for sport and for food. This guide will give you everything you need to know to get started with flounder fishing. Learn the best fishing spots and techniques, as well as how to be compliant with local wildlife and conservation laws.
Why Go Flounder Fishing in Texas?
Not only can flounder fishing be fun, rewarding, and even relaxing, but it is also a healthy way to feed yourself and your family if you want to fish for more than just sport. Flounder is a fish that is low in fat and high in protein. Of course, catch-and-release is a great way to enjoy the hobby of fishing as well.
Flounder fishing is also an accessible hobby, even for beginner anglers. With a minimal investment in fishing supplies and just a basic grasp of simple techniques, you can start reeling in the big ones right away. Flounder is abundant in Texas, and the species native to the Gulf Coast will bite just about any small artificial bait.
What Month Is Best for Flounder?
Flounder season in Texas lasts from October to December, when flounder migrate from the Gulf of Mexico toward the bays and estuaries closer to the Texas coast. During this “Flounder Run,” fishers can find an abundance of flounder in some very easily accessible areas of water.
However, this migration period is important for the fish to spawn and feed, so there is a seasonal closure from November 1st to December 14th. It is illegal to harvest or keep any flounder from fisheries during this time. The closure helps ensure the preservation of the flounder population.
While the fall is the best time to catch lots of flounder, fishing season is open all year-round in Texas. It is still entirely possible to catch flounder outside of the fall run, but it may require sailing out to the deeper waters of the Gulf.
Where Is the Best Flounder Fishing in Texas?
During the fall season, flounder migrate en masse into the bays all along the Texas coast. In particular, many fishing experts consider the barrier islands in southeastern Texas to be prime flounder fishing locations.
Galveston Bay is a popular flounder fishing spot in southeast Texas. It is conveniently located near Houston and is a very large body of water that can accommodate many fishing vessels, not to mention many fish. Corpus Christi Bay is another great hotspot known for providing plenty of opportunities to catch flounder by gigging, boating, or fishing from piers.
What Are the Flounder Fishing Laws in Texas?
It can be tempting to just get out there and start reeling in all those abundant flounder. However, there are flounder regulations in Texas that you must follow for the sake of the environment and to avoid fines and other legal consequences.
Have a Valid Fishing License
You must have a Texas fishing license to legally fish in any public body of water in the state. The licensing system helps manage the number of active fishers and protects wildlife populations by mitigating overfishing. License fees are also necessary for funding conservation efforts. If you are a Texas resident, you can get a yearly all-water license that permits you to fish in freshwater and saltwater for $40.
Follow Applicable Fishing Laws
There are general-purpose regulations that apply to all forms of fishing in Texas, including limitations on fishing devices and methods. It is important to check with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to make sure your equipment is legal.
Violating state fishing laws can result in criminal misdemeanor charges. Depending on the severity of the misdemeanor, fines can range anywhere from $25 to $4,000. Multiple offenses of fishing in a private waterway can even result in a felony charge with much harsher consequences.
Abide by the Texas Flounder Limit
For the sake of conservation, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department sets a daily bag limit for catching fish as well as a minimum length for the fish you may choose to keep.
The daily bag limit for flounder in Texas is five fish per day, except during the period from November 1st to December 14th, when you may not bag any flounder whatsoever. The minimum length of a bagged flounder is 15 inches. These numbers are subject to change on a yearly basis, so always check with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department before bagging your fish.
What Is the Best Way To Catch Flounder?
There is a technique for every species of fish. Before you can explore how to fish for flounder, though, you need to have the right gear.
The best bait for catching Southern Flounder is mud minnow or other small fish like shrimp or mullet. You can buy these live specimens at most bait shops or collect your own from marshy areas all around the Texas coastal region. Small artificial bait can work well, too.
Can You Catch Flounder With a Fishfinder Rig?
Flounder are bottom-dwelling fish, so a fishfinder rig works well to hook them effectively. This setup includes a sinker, swivel, and leader to move bait freely at low depths and let the fish take the bait without sensing the weight of the sinker. If you choose to use a lure instead, consider jigging or using a paddletail lure that you can slowly roll across the water bottom.
How Do You Catch Flounder By Drifting?
When the wind is favorable, drifting can be a great technique for catching some flounder. This entails letting your boat simply drift with the current, dragging your bait or lure along the water’s floor in a very natural motion. You can efficiently cover a lot of area with this method.
Boat Stop Marina Is Your Headquarters for Flounder Fishing in Texas
Flounder fishing in Texas is even more rewarding if you have your own boat and a convenient place to dock near some of the best fishing hotspots. Secure your spot at Boat Stop Marina in Corpus Christi so you can launch directly into prime fishing waters. Enjoy amenities tailored to veteran anglers and first-time fishers alike, complete with 24/7 facility surveillance so you can focus on hauling in your next catch.
Whether you live in the area or plan to visit, you may wonder about the best things to do in North Padre Island, TX. This seaside sanctuary is a barrier island more than 100 miles long located on the east side of Texas in the Gulf of Mexico. At its upper end, North Padre Island is a district of Corpus Christi, Texas, where year-round mild temperatures provide ample opportunities for entertainment, both outdoors and indoors.
What Are the Most Popular Things To Do in North Padre Island?
North Padre Island is a coastal haven packed with outdoor adventures, wildlife encounters, and relaxing recreation. Whether you’re here for the Gulf breezes or the open water, there’s no shortage of ways to spend your time. No matter your pace, North Padre Island attractions offer something for every kind of traveler.
1. Boating
North Padre Island is a premier boating locale. You can charter boats to see dolphins, host special events, watch the sunset, or even just enjoy the island’s natural ecology. You may also enjoy sailing, water skiing, or simply spending time on the water for pleasure.
2. Fishing
As a world-renowned fishing destination, anglers flock to North Padre Island. For those who prefer to keep their feet on the ground, there are lots of places where you can fish right from shore. Upper Laguna Madre, for example, is one of the area’s most important estuaries and an ecological hotspot where you can find trout, flounder, black drum, and redfish.
If you prefer to get out on the water, you can launch your boat at a local marina. North Padre Island and Corpus Christi also offer fishing charters that allow you to get into deeper waters and catch sharks, northern red snapper, tuna, snook, sailfish, tarpon, marlin, mahi-mahi, and other large fish species.
Before your fishing adventure, get a valid fishing license from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Learn about the regulations concerning freshwater and saltwater fin fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. These include rules on catch limits, fishing methods, boating regulations, and aquatic species transport. Before you eat any fish you catch, check with the Environmental Protection Agency and the State of Texas to learn about any advisories.
3. Non-Motorized Water Sports
If you seek a non-motorized activity on the water, you can lease a kayak and get close to the sea life. There are opportunities to take guided kayak tours, including night tours in transparent kayaks illuminated with colorful lights. This unique experience is one of the most popular things to do in North Padre Island for both locals and visitors.
Surfing, a very popular water sport, is one of the most common North Padre Island attractions. If you don’t have experience, you can lease equipment and pay for lessons. You can also try skimboarding and bodyboarding, or even paddleboarding, which has become a popular water sport in recent years.
If you want more of an adrenaline rush, consider kite surfing or windsurfing. Both these activities harness the wind to move you around the water. You can also enjoy scuba and snorkeling adventures.
4. Padre Island National Seashore
Padre Island National Seashore is 130,434 acres of undeveloped island, including 70 miles of coastline. Visiting this national park is one of the most appreciated things to do in North Padre Island.
Here you can observe the Kemp’s ridley sea turtle, the most endangered in the world, as well as other endangered and threatened species. You can also view bird species in the park’s different habitats, such as the tidal mudflats, the grasslands, and the beaches.
At the beach, you can swim, fish, search for seashells, or just relax in the sun. You will also find campgrounds where you can place your tent right along the beach. You can even rent beach chairs, fishing equipment, children’s toys, coolers, and canopies. Don’t forget to include horseback riding along the beach as part of your adventure!
5. Texas Sealife Center Tours
Beautiful different type of birds seen roaming around the bird’s sanctuary of the island in South Padre
If you have children or simply want to learn more about wildlife preservation, consider some alternative North Padre Island attractions, such as the Texas Sealife Center. This nonprofit rescues local wildlife that have been injured or become stranded and need a little help.
The center provides rehabilitation and support to these local aquatic and coastal species, but its goal is to release the wildlife back into their natural environment. They also provide educational opportunities and try to raise awareness about conservation efforts.
6. Golf
If you enjoy golf and are looking for things to do in North Padre Island, you are in for a treat. In Port Aransas, you will find Pamilla Beach, where you can golf without a club membership. This 12-hole course was an Arnold Palmer creation.
The Oso Beach Golf Course offers lessons, camps, a junior academy, and golf events, including the Monday Night Scramble and a 9-hole league. Designed by John Bredemus in 1949, the course hosts the World Championship Four-Ball Match.
If you want an 18-hole regulation course, driving range, and putting area, check out the Lozano Golf Center. For families with children, consider visiting Treasure Island Golf and Games, a mini-golf course with an indoor arcade.
7. Corpus Christi Museums
If you are looking for some indoor activities to do in North Padre Island, TX, consider visiting the museums in Corpus Christi. Start with the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History and the Bay Education Center, which houses the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Science on a Sphere.
You may also consider the Art Museum of South Texas or the Art Center of Corpus Christi. View various historic homes, including the French Galvan House, Britton-Evans Centennial House, Julius Lichtenstein House, and the Grande-Grossman House, which includes the Tejano Civil Rights Museum.
For a little naval history, check out the USS Lexington Museum, a working WWII aircraft carrier. Experience the Haunting on the Blue Ghost and tour, and don’t forget the Texas Maritime Museum.
8. Swimming in North Padre Island
Several beaches in the area allow swimming, including North Beach, Malaquite, Laguna Madre at Bird Island Basin, and South Beach. However, none of these beaches have lifeguards and often have strong currents, tides, and sharp drop-offs. Pay attention to the beach warning flags to keep yourself and your family safe.
What Are Your Favorite Things To Do in North Padre Island?
North Padre Island is a paradise for those seeking a blend of adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty. Whether you’re enjoying a day on the water, exploring the local wildlife, or taking in the serene landscapes, there’s no shortage of things to do in North Padre Island. Plan your visit today and explore all that this seaside escape has to offer! For more information on getting out on the water, check out Boat Stop Marina for boat storage and more.
If you are exploring recreational boating as a fulfilling pastime, you have many great adventures to look forward to. However, there are also some crucial nuances to understand. One of the first misconceptions to clear up is the difference between a marina vs. a harbor. Understanding this difference will help you decide where to dock your vessel or launch it onto the water.
What Is a Marina?
A marina is a docking facility designed specifically for personal sailboats, yachts, and other recreational boats. With that in mind, many marinas have amenities that appeal to recreational skippers and sailors. These may include moorings, fuel stations, or connections for water and electricity. It is also common for local yacht clubs to have a presence on or near the marina.
Docking your boat in a marina is straightforward, but requires some considerations for safety and etiquette toward other boat-goers. Make sure you know the steps to follow and always communicate your intentions to the marina staff, anyone aboard your boat, and other nearby guests using the marina facilities.
What Is a Harbor?
A harbor is a general-purpose area designed for large-scale commercial vessels to moor or anchor. Smaller private vessels are allowed at a harbor, but accessing your boat and getting out on the water for recreational purposes may not be as seamless.
The primary purpose of a harbor is to facilitate safe anchorage, moving commercial cargo, and embarking or disembarking passengers. If other vessels have priority, it can be difficult to move your boat as you please. Harbors also tend to lack many of the amenities that marinas provide, but they can be much more affordable as a result.
Marina vs. Harbor: Which Is the Right Choice for Your Boat?
Choosing between a marina vs. a harbor is a matter of convenience and budget. If you value better dock access and amenities, such as on-site showers or restaurants, then docking at a marina may be worth it for you. If you need a more affordable way to moor your boat and are willing to share a space with commercial vessels, then a harbor can be a good alternative.
Whether you choose to use a harbor or a marina, you may find yourself using a boat ramp to launch your vessel out onto the water. It is very important to observe proper boat ramp etiquette, especially in a crowded marina or harbor. This includes launching and docking your boat quickly yet safely to make way for other vessels. It is also important to be mindful of any behavior that might harm other vessels or endanger other marina visitors.
Make the Right Decision Between a Marina Vs. Harbor
To summarize, the difference between a marina vs. harbor is that the former caters specifically toward recreational boaters while the latter is more practical for commercial vessels. When you choose to moor at Boat Stop Marina, we provide convenience, security, and a tight-knit community of fellow boating enthusiasts that a commercial-focused harbor can’t beat. Browse our exclusive amenities or contact us to learn more about our membership services.
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.
