If you want a beautiful place to sail, look no further than the Gulf of Mexico. Gulf of Mexico sailing brings views of white sand beaches and diverse ecosystems. It is accessible from five U.S. states, Cuba, and parts of Mexico. The Gulf of Mexico offers great deep-sea fishing and boating opportunities.
Gulf of Mexico Sailing: Your Questions Answered
If you plan to sail the Gulf of Mexico, you should plan your trip ahead and ensure your navigation equipment works correctly due to the hazards present. You want to ensure you have the right boat for the journey, map out how long the trip will take, know the key sailing routes, and remember tips for safe travel.
Can You Sail Across the Gulf of Mexico?
The simple answer is that you can sail across the Gulf of Mexico. Depending on where you set sail, you can travel from East to West or West to East. However, there are hazards to be aware of before setting sail.
Traveling East to West
If you are traveling East to West, common departure points include Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. If you choose to stop along the way, there are many places to visit. For example, Pensacola, Florida, offers great fishing and diving or snorkeling opportunities.
Traveling West to East
If you are traveling West to East, the waters are usually oil-patched due to off-shore drilling rigs. As you get closer to Mississippi and Alabama, the oil patches are fewer and farther between. Florida is great to visit on your travels due to the lack of offshore drilling.
Hazards of Sailing the Gulf of Mexico
Before sailing the Gulf of Mexico, be aware of two main hazards: The first is gas and oil rigs. There is an extraordinary number of these rigs throughout the Gulf of Mexico. They are usually well-lit, so you will unlikely sail into one.
The second hazard is the weather. Due to the Gulf of Mexico’s warmer climate, cyclones and hurricanes gain speed and can make the Gulf treacherous. Since the Gulf of Mexico is connected to the Atlantic Ocean, it is important to note the Atlantic Hurricane season before setting sail. Hurricane season for the Atlantic Ocean lasts from June until November.
How Big of a Boat Do You Need To Cross the Gulf of Mexico?
When deciding which size of boat you need to cross the Gulf of Mexico, there are a few things to consider. First, water conditions. Bigger boats tend to be more stable when the weather is bad, or there are waves.
Other considerations include the length of the trip and weather conditions. A 30—to 40-foot boat is suggested for long trips. This size boat will also be more stable in inclement weather.
Boat Recommendations
There are many boats to choose from for sailing the Gulf of Mexico, but here are five we highly recommend:
Grady White Fisherman 216
MasterCraft XT23
Tidewater 210 LXF
Robalo R230
Sea Hunt Gamefish 25
These boats have proven to sail well in the Gulf.
How Long Does It Take To Sail from Texas to Florida?
In good weather, it takes approximately seven to ten days to sail from Houston, Texas, to Florida at a speed of five to seven knots. However, several factors can affect the duration of the trip.
Distance
It is approximately 1,000 nautical miles from Houston to Florida, but the exact distance can vary depending on your starting point.
Weather Conditions
If the weather is good and the wind is on your side, the trip will go much smoother and faster than in unfavorable weather conditions. If adverse weather occurs during your trip, it can slow you down or even make you stop to seek shelter.
Vessel Speed
The speed at which your boat can travel plays a significant role in how quickly you reach your destination. A slower boat will take longer to get somewhere than a faster one.
Crew Experience
Experience and skill level also affect the time it takes to reach your destination. A more experienced crew will know more about handling the boat than an inexperienced crew.
How Deep Does the Gulf of Mexico Get?
The Gulf of Mexico has an average depth of approximately 5,200 feet. However, there are deeper locations, like the Sigsbee Deep, which ranges up to 14,383 feet.
Safety Tips for Sailing the Gulf of Mexico
Many safety tips for boating are common knowledge, and all should be remembered when sailing across the Gulf of Mexico. However, here are some additional safety tips specifically concerning sailing the Gulf of Mexico.
Be aware of weather patterns at all times. Check the weather and tides multiple times before leaving port. This will help you avoid running aground because of shallow water and prevent damage to sea life.
Pay attention to and remember nautical rules. Buoys and other navigational aids are there for safety purposes, for you and wildlife, so always keep a lookout and pay attention to your surroundings.
Always dress in layers even if it is warm on land. The weather can change quickly, and you want to avoid getting cold. Layering also gives added protection against the sun.
Ensure you have a first-aid kit and enough food and other supplies, including safety gear. Double the amount of food and drinks you think you will need. It is better to be prepared than not have enough.
Use common sense and safe docking habits. It is important to go at a safe speed and keep a safe distance from other vessels on the water, especially those with limited movement capabilities. Regarding safe docking habits, go slow to avoid damage or injuries to you or others.
Gulf of Mexico Sailing Is Safe and Fun With the Proper Equipment and Resources
Sailing the Gulf of Mexico can be an exhilarating experience if you plan ahead and keep a weather eye on the horizon. With the proper equipment and resources at your disposal, there is no reason to have a safe and fun trip.
If you have any questions or concerns about your Gulf of Mexico sailing expedition, contact us at Boat Stop Marina. Come dock with us to get your trip off to a great start.
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
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
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!
With more than 100 miles of coastline between the Gulf of Mexico and Corpus Christi Bay, there a lot of open water to explore in the Corpus Christi area. Whether you’re an experienced boater or a passenger looking to take in the beauty of the Texas Coast, you need to add these locations for sailing in Corpus Christi to the top of your bucket list right away.
Why Should You Go Sailing in Corpus Christi?
Corpus Christi is a destination for sailors throughout every season of the year. The winters are warm, and the summers are even warmer, drawing in plenty of marine life for watching or fishing. Plus, depending on where you choose to sail, you may be able to enjoy breathtaking views of the sunrise, sunset, or even the city skyline.
When you go sailing in Corpus Christi, you open yourself up to amazing experiences, including:
Dolphin-watching.
Boat racing.
Island-hopping.
Deep-sea fishing.
Sunset cruises.
Corpus Christi gives you the opportunity to explore the Gulf Coast your way. No matter what activities you choose or where you decide to set sail, you’re guaranteed to have a unique adventure that you and your loved ones will never forget.
Top 6 Destinations for Corpus Christi Sailing
The waters of Corpus Christi have something to offer for every type of sailor. From calm, protected recreational areas to slightly more challenging waters, our list presents a variety of Corpus Christi sailing destinations so you can be sure to select the right one for your trip.
1. Corpus Christi Bay
The Corpus Christi Bay is a hotspot for both leisurely cruisers and thrillseekers. With a wide expanse of open water and strong, steady winds, there’s plenty of room in the bay for casual sailors to spend the afternoon coasting around. You can take in the stunning views of the city skyline or participate in exciting activities like racing and water sports.
The Bay also hosts a variety of sailing events throughout the year. From sailing camps to scheduled races and regattas, there is plenty for sailors of all experience levels to enjoy in Corpus Christi Bay. Check out the Corpus Christi Yacht Club’s event schedule when you plan your next trip. That way, you won’t miss out on any fun activities.
2. Laguna Madre
The Laguna Madre is a safe haven of shallow water perfect for small boat sailors. These safe waters include protected areas that are delightful for paddling and windsurfing, so make sure to bring your smaller craft with you to explore the beautiful scenery up close.
One of the best parts about sailing in the Laguna Madre is the opportunity to catch a glimpse of a pod of dolphins. Bottlenose dolphins are indigenous to the area and are visible throughout the day. Whether you’re out on the water at sunrise, mid-day, or sunset, you can often see these wonderful sea creatures hanging out in their natural habitat during any season of the year.
3. Aransas Pass
Located a bit north of Corpus Christi, Aransas Pass is another excellent destination for sailing in Corpus Christi. Within the Coastal Bend, sailors can access both the Gulf of Mexico and the protected waters of the Intracoastal Waterway. This makes it a great entry point for Gulf Coast explorers.
Adventurous sailors will love navigating the various water conditions in Aransas Pass. If you’re lucky, you might also be able to catch a dolphin sighting while taking in the view of a gorgeous Gulf Coast sunset.
4. Packery Channel
You might be surprised to find a man-made waterway on our list, but Packery Channel is a great destination for Corpus Christi sailing. The Channel connects Corpus Christi Bay to the Gulf of Mexico. This gives sailors the ability to explore and navigate their way through a wide variety of coastal environments.
Since Packery Channel is only open to recreational vessels, sailors don’t have to worry about the area clogging up with commercial craft. The waters are full of wildlife, and visitors can freely use the area for everything from fishing to surfing and kiteboarding. Or, simply enjoy sailing around and soaking up some sun.
5. Oso Bay
If you’re a beginner sailor, you may want to consider checking out Oso Bay. Situated on the southern end of Corpus Christi, the Bay is a bit smaller than other waterways. It is well-protected, making it a great place to learn and test the waters.
Water conditions in Oso Bay stay relatively calm most of the time. Add the shallower waters on top of those calm conditions, and you have the perfect environment for practicing different sailing techniques. Because of this, any families looking to show their kids the ropes in a peaceful body of water will definitely want to head out to Oso Bay.
6. Padre Island National Seashore
Stretching nearly 70 miles, Padre Island National Seashore is the longest undeveloped barrier island in the world. The area is under federal protection, making it an excellent stop for boaters who want to take in the beauty of rare or endangered wildlife like the Kemp’s ridley sea turtle.
The Padre Island beaches also offer a variety of activities, including camping, horseback riding, and ranger-led nature programs. So, when you’re done on the water, you can come back to shore, put up your tent, enjoy an evening on the beach, and set sail again early the next morning. It’s a sailor’s dream come true!
The Best Boat Stop for Sailing in Corpus Christi
Before you hit the open ocean, you need a safe, reliable place to put your vessel in the water. The Boat Stop Marina is an exclusive private marina located right in the heart of Corpus Christi. There is a spacious 45-foot dual boat launch ramp and an easy route to the Intracoastal Waterway, so our marina is one of the top choices for water access in the area.
If you want to take your adventures to the next level when sailing in Corpus Christi, trust Boat Stop Marina to help you experience boating at its finest! Call us today to learn more about our membership and exciting upcoming events hosted at our private marina.
If you are new to boating or you just have a new boat, you need to learn how to dock a boat in a marina. Once you understand the steps, you will find the process easy to replicate. However, you need to take time to study and practice these steps to protect yourself, your guests, your boat and the dock and marina.
Learn About Your Boat
The first step in safely docking your boat in a marina is to learn about your boat. Every vessel is different, so learn how your boat maneuvers, such as its lateral wind resistance and turn radius.
Educate Yourself on Your Dock and Marina
The next step in how to dock your boat in a marina requires learning about the marina and dock. Ask about the dock size and water depth. Then, find out if you will have a dock or slip and the docking difficulty.
Dock versus Slip
A dock is open on three sides, so you have ample room to maneuver your boat as you prepare to dock. A slip is surrounded on three sides by structures or piers. These are much more complicated to dock in because you lack the space to maneuver.
Communicate Your Intentions
You may not think communication is a big priority when you learn how to dock a boat in a marina, but it is. You may need to let the marina know you are about to dock your boat. You should also share your intentions with anyone on your boat. Encourage them to sit down, and direct them to keep their limbs inside the boat.
Prepare Your Boat
Push your fenders over the sides of your boat near the dock structure so they sit just above the water line. Then, prepare your bow and spring lines.
Observe Your Surroundings
The next step in how to dock your boat is to observe. Pay attention to the wind and how it moves your boat. Then, check the current. Adjust how you move your vessel accordingly. Also, watch for other boats in the area.
Slow Your Speed
Reduce your speed to a crawl as you get within 100 yards of the dock. Power your boat in short bursts.
Move Toward the Dock
If you can, approach the dock at a 45-degree angle because you can target a specific spot. Line up your boat with the dock. Then, accelerate and decelerate slowly moving forward and backward, shifting away from the pier or shearing off as you move. Avoid using your forward and backward thrusters for more than two seconds at a time.
Before you meet the pier with your bow, toss the eye line over the pier cleat. Then, move your boat ahead slowly about two feet.
Secure Your Boat
The final step in how to dock a boat in a marina is to tie your boat to the dock. Tie off the bow rope first after you stop the boat. Then, tie your spring line to prevent your boat from moving backward and forward or hitting the dock.
Conclusion Heading
If you have questions about how to dock a boat in a marina or seek a marina with free parking and amenities, contact us.
Sheepshead fish are popular targets for anglers because they are widely available, fun to catch, and delicious to eat. If you want to successfully fish for your target, you need to know how to catch sheepshead before starting your expedition. Although these unique fish with dorsal spines and human-like teeth thrive both inshore and offshore, they can be difficult to catch.
How To Catch Sheepshead
Many anglers love to fish for sheepshead because they are one of the most delicious fish species to eat. They’re also difficult to catch, so targeting them often creates a great story. Knowing specifics about this fish species is the best way to learn how to catch them.
Sheepsheads have the nickname “convict fish” because they have a distinctive yellow body with black stripes. They have dorsal spikes along their spine, but teeth are the most distinctive feature of these fish.
They average about four pounds as adults, but they sometimes weigh 10 to 15 pounds. The biggest fish are usually the oldest, and they can live for up to 20 years.
Learning how to catch sheepshead involves much more than just knowing how to identify them. You must know where to find them, how to set the hook properly, which bait to use, and which rig to choose if you want to catch a sheepshead fish successfully.
Why Are Sheepshead Hard To Catch?
Many fishermen have a hard time catching sheepshead because these fish have an incredibly light bite. If you don’t recognize the slight tug on the line and react immediately, the fish will likely steal the bait without getting hooked.
If you typically target fish that have a stronger bite, you may not recognize the moment when a sheepshead hits the line. It typically feels like a light thump. Sheepshead are notorious for sucking the bait into their mouths and spitting the hook out after stealing the food, so you must set the hook immediately if you want to catch the fish.
The most distinctive feature of sheepshead is their human-like teeth. This is what makes it hard to hook this type of fish. You must pull on the rod sharply to set the hook properly and keep the sheepshead from escaping. Some tips for catching sheepshead include:
Use a hard-tipped fishing rod
Keep the line tight
Use small bait
Keep the tip of your line pointed up to avoid drag
Check the line often in case you missed a bite
Position bait near an underwater structure such as a reef or some debris
Can You Catch Sheepshead From a Pier?
You can easily find sheepshead inshore around piers during the cooler months of the year. They move offshore as the weather warms up so they can dive deep to avoid the heat.
Although you can find sheepshead in freshwater during the winter months, they prefer saltwater or brackish water. They thrive around underwater structures, so look for them around reefs when they are offshore or near piers and jetties when they are inshore. Learning how to catch sheepshead from a pier is a great to hone your fishing skills.
The easiest way to catch sheepshead is from a pier. It’s hard to feel a bite from this fish species, but they tend to swim for cover immediately after hitting a hook, so watching the line helps. You can look down at your line when you fish from a pier and see if it starts moving to the left or the right. If the line starts moving, you likely have a sheepshead on the hook even if you didn’t feel the bite.
What Is the Best Bait To Catch Sheepshead?
You have the best luck with sheepshead when you use natural bait. This fish species has a small mouth and is attracted to small pieces of food.
Juvenile sheepshead naturally feed on soft-bodied animals. They start to eat crustaceans with a hard shell once they reach maturity at around two years old. The best bait for sheepshead is the food they would naturally prey on, such as:
Sand fleas
Small crabs
Shrimp
Pieces of oysters and clams
Barnacles
One of the factors that make sheepshead a desirable target is the year-round availability. In the summer months, they move offshore and gather around reefs. During the winter, you can find them inshore.
The time of year impacts the type of bait that is most effective for catching sheepshead. When they are offshore, they tend to eat crabs and barnacles. Shrimp is often more effective when the fish move inshore, but most anglers report the most success when they use the bottom half of the shrimp.
What Is the Best Rig for Catching Sheepshead?
You can use various rigs to catch sheepshead, but anglers often have the most success with a slideable sinker and minimal weight. The Carolina rig is one of the most popular options.
The Carolina rig consists of a swivel attached to an egg slider and a fluorocarbon leader line with a hook. The egg slider is important because it allows to fish to see and grab the bait without feeling the resistance of the hook.
Most people use a 15-pound leader, although you may need to use a weight of up to 30 pounds to get the hook to sink to the proper level. The perfect weight varies depending on the depth you are fishing in. However, because sheepshead have such a light bite and it’s hard to tell if you have a fish on the line, it’s best to use the smallest weight possible that will get the hook to where you need it to go.
Learn How To Catch Sheepshead in Texas
Sheepshead are a worthy target because they are elusive, making them fun to catch, and they make a tasty dinner. You need to know how to catch sheepshead if you want to successfully target this fish species. If you want to take your fishing expedition offshore, Boat Stop Marina is ready to provide you with the right launch location. Contact us today to prepare for your sheepshead fishing trip in Texas.
Whether you’re an experienced angler or a beginner fisherman, the Lone Star State offers plenty of opportunities to catch dinner for people with a fishing license. How much is a fishing license in the state of Texas? If you want to cast a line in Texas, prepare to spend up to $68 depending on the type of fishing you want to do and your residency status.
How Much Does a Fishing License Cost in Texas?
Fishing license costs in Texas vary widely depending on the type you need and your residency status. Texas residents who are legally blind can obtain a one-day permit for $7, while out-of-state anglers can expect to pay $68 for a yearly all-water package.
You can buy either a one-day or year-long fishing license from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. One-day passes cost $11 for able-bodied residents, while non-residents must pay $16 for the same license. A yearly license lasts from the day of purchase until August 31 of the same year, although the fee differs depending on whether you purchase a pass for saltwater, freshwater, or both:
Saltwater package: Residents pay $35 for a yearly saltwater license, while the fee for non-residents is $63.
Freshwater package: The fee for non-residents is $58 per year while residents can buy a license for $30.
All-water packages: Non-residents pay $68 while residents pay $40.
Can I Fish Anywhere in Texas Without a License?
You must have a fishing license to fish in any public body of water in Texas. The state does not require you to have a permit to fish on private property or in a state park.
Texas also declares the first Saturday in June to be Free Fishing Day every year. Anyone may cast a line on this day in any public body of water even if they don’t have a license. This special day promotes fishing and tries to attract more people to the sport.
Who Is Exempt From a Fishing License in Texas?
Although Texas law requires most people to have a fishing license to cast a line in both freshwater and saltwater, there are a few exceptions. People who have intellectual disabilities, are under the age of 17, or were born before January 1, 1931, may fish without a license.
Texas does not require people with disabilities to have a fishing license, but they must meet two criteria to qualify for the exception. First, they must carry documentation of the disability either on a card or in the form of a doctor’s note. Second, they must be with someone who either has a license or is a certified care provider.
Minors under the age of 17 do not need a fishing license, although most adults with them must have a valid license. Senior citizens who were born before 1931 are the only adults without a disability who can fish without a license according to Texas fishing regulations.
Buy a Fishing License in the State of Texas Today!
Whether you prefer freshwater or saltwater, you need to have a valid fishing license to cast a line in Texas. Buy one today and contact Boat Stop Marina to ask about reserving a boat that can take you offshore and make the most of your fishing expedition.
