5.0(1 Reviews)4-Hour Bowfishing Trip in Corpus Christi
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Four-hour bowfishing adventure targeting black drum, flounder, and redfishExpert Captain Ben guides both beginners and experienced bowfishersSmall group experience accommodating up to two guests maximum
Looking for something different than your usual rod-and-reel action? Captain Ben's bowfishing trips with Apex Fishing Guide Service bring a whole new level of excitement to the waters around Corpus Christi. This isn't your grandpa's fishing trip – we're talking about combining archery skills with fishing instincts for one heck of an adventure. Whether you've been slinging arrows for years or you're curious about trying something new, this 4-hour trip puts you right in the action targeting some of the Gulf Coast's most sought-after species.
Captain Ben keeps things intimate with just 2 anglers per trip, so you get plenty of personal attention and coaching. The shallow flats and backwaters around Corpus Christi are perfect for bowfishing – crystal clear water lets you spot your targets cruising below while you position for the perfect shot. Don't worry if you're new to this; Captain Ben walks you through everything from proper stance to leading moving fish. The boat's set up specifically for bowfishing with elevated platforms and proper lighting systems for those early morning or late evening sessions when fish are most active. You'll be amazed how quickly you pick up the rhythm of drawing, aiming, and releasing when you see a nice red cruising by.
All the bowfishing equipment comes included – specialized bows, arrows with retrieval lines, and polarized glasses to cut through surface glare. The arrows are designed differently than hunting arrows, with barbed points and attached lines so you can retrieve your fish and your gear. Captain Ben uses a shallow-draft boat that lets us get into skinny water where the fish feel safe and feed actively. The technique is all about patience and timing – you'll learn to account for light refraction in the water and lead moving targets. Most folks get the hang of it within the first hour, and by the end of the trip, you're making shots you never thought possible.
"Captain Graham was great. He put me on the fish right away. We caught our limit of Sea Trout on a pretty windy day. He put us on some big drum but they were finicky today. If I come back I will definitely charter another trip. He is knowledgeable and passionate about fishing. His boat, and gear are great. Thanks for the fun day in Corpus Christi." - Rudy
Red Snapper are absolute fighters and one of the most prized catches in these waters. While they're more commonly found offshore, younger snapper sometimes cruise the nearshore structure during warmer months. When you connect with one through bowfishing, you're in for a battle – they're strong, smart, and don't give up easily. The satisfaction of landing a red snapper with a bow is something most anglers never forget.
Southern Flounder are perfect bowfishing targets because they often lay flat on sandy bottoms in shallow water, especially during their fall migration runs. These flatfish can reach impressive sizes, with some doormat flounder topping 5-6 pounds. They're masters of camouflage, so spotting them takes a trained eye, but once you develop that skill, you'll start seeing them everywhere. Fall months from September through November are prime time when they're moving toward deeper water to spawn.
Black Drum are the heavyweights of the shallow flats, and mature fish can exceed 30 pounds. They're year-round residents that love oyster reefs and grass beds where they root around for crabs and shellfish. These fish are incredibly strong and will test your bowfishing skills to the limit. The smaller "puppy drum" in the 2-8 pound range are more common targets, but when you spot a big bull drum cruising the flats, your heart rate definitely picks up.
Sheepshead are the pickiest eaters in the bay, but they're also some of the best table fare you'll find. They hang around structure like piers, jetties, and oyster reefs where they use their human-like teeth to crush barnacles and small crabs. Bowfishing for sheepshead requires precision because they're skittish and won't stick around long if they sense danger. Winter months are typically best when they school up in deeper holes and around warm-water discharge areas.
Sea Trout are probably the most consistent year-round target for bowfishing in Corpus Christi waters. They love grass flats and drop-offs where they ambush shrimp and small baitfish. Speckled trout are aggressive feeders and often travel in schools, so where you find one, there are usually more nearby. Spring and fall provide the best action when water temperatures are in that sweet spot and the fish are most active.
Redfish are the ultimate bowfishing target – they're abundant, fight hard, and regularly cruise shallow water where you can get clear shots. These copper-colored beauties love marshes, oyster reefs, and grass flats throughout the year. Slot-sized reds between 20-28 inches are perfect for the dinner table, while the oversized bulls provide pure sport. Summer months bring schools of reds into super shallow water where they're easier to spot, but these fish are catchable year-round in Corpus Christi.
Captain Ben's bowfishing trips fill up fast, especially during peak seasons when the fish are most active. This isn't just another day on the water – it's a chance to learn a new skill while targeting some of the best fish species the Texas coast has to offer. The 4-hour format gives you plenty of time to get comfortable with the equipment and technique while maximizing your shot opportunities. Whether you're looking to try something different or you want to introduce friends to a unique style of fishing, this trip delivers memories that last long after you head back to the dock. Book now
Captain Ben's motorboat is your ticket to the prime bowfishing spots around Corpus Christi's inshore waters. This well-equipped vessel handles up to 2 anglers and comes loaded with everything you need for a successful hunt. The wireless trolling motor keeps things whisper-quiet as you stalk black drum, flounder, and redfish in the shallows. A sharp fish finder pinpoints your targets below, while the GPS navigation system gets you to the hottest fishing grounds fast. Between shots, you can enjoy the onboard multimedia system. The boat's shallow draft design is perfect for accessing those backwater areas where the big fish like to hide. Whether you're drawing your bow for the first time or you're a seasoned archer, this setup gives you the best platform for putting arrows on target in some of Texas' most productive inshore waters.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of the drum family and can be absolute bruisers. Most range 5-30 pounds, but I've seen monsters hit 90 pounds. These gray-black fish have powerful jaws built for crushing oysters and crabs. You'll find them around oyster beds, muddy flats, and shallow estuaries - they love brackish water and aren't picky about depth, from ankle-deep to 100 feet. Spring spawning season is prime time when they school up and make those distinctive drumming sounds. What makes them fun? They pull like freight trains and put up serious fights. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are great eating too - firm, white meat. Here's my go-to tip: use fresh crab or cut bait on the bottom near oyster bars. The drum follow those scent trails right to your hook.
Lutjanus CampechanusRed snapper are the trophy fish every angler wants on their wall. These beautiful fish turn bright red as they mature and can reach 35+ pounds, though most we see run 1-2 feet and under 10 pounds. They live in deeper Gulf waters around structure - think 30-620 feet near reefs, wrecks, and oil rigs. The cooler months from October through March give you the best shot at landing one. What makes them special? They fight like hell once hooked, often running straight for cover to cut your line. Plus, they're absolutely delicious - mild, nutty flavor that's hard to beat. Here's a local tip: when you hook one, keep steady pressure and pull them away from structure fast. They're smart fish and will use every piece of cover against you.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of Texas coastal fishing. These copper-colored beauties with the distinctive black spot near their tail are built for shallow water - we're talking 1-4 feet, sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. They cruise oyster reefs, grass flats, and muddy shorelines looking for crabs and shrimp. Most slot fish run 20-28 inches, but the big bulls offshore can hit 40+ pounds. Year-round fishing is good, but fall and spring offer the best action when they school up. What makes them special? They fight like bulldogs, make explosive topwater strikes, and taste fantastic - mild, sweet flavor. Here's the deal: look for nervous water or "tailing" fish in the shallows. Approach quietly and cast ahead of them, not right on top. They spook easy but hit hard when you do it right.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks" as we call them, are one of our most popular inshore targets. These silvery fish with dark spots typically run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, with the occasional trophy pushing bigger. They love grass flats and shallow bays, especially around structure like oyster bars and drop-offs. Best action comes during cooler months when they school up, and early morning or evening bites are prime time. What guests love about specks? They're aggressive strikers, great fighters for their size, and absolutely delicious - tender, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. The key is not overcooking them since they're more delicate than other fish. Pro tip: work soft plastics or live shrimp slowly over grass beds at first light. When you find one speck, there's usually more nearby.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with their black and white stripes, but what really sets them apart are those human-like teeth. Most run 1-8 pounds and 14-20 inches, though 20-pounders show up occasionally. These crafty fish love structure - docks, bridges, pilings, anywhere with barnacles to munch on. They're year-round residents but really active in spring during spawning season. What makes them challenging and fun? They're notorious bait thieves with delicate bites, then suddenly turn into bulldogs when hooked. The payoff is some of the best-tasting fish in the Gulf - sweet, flaky white meat. My secret: get your bait right against the pilings and keep it pinned tight on the hook. When you feel them nibbling, don't wait - set that hook aggressively or they'll steal your bait every time.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are the masters of disguise in our shallow waters. These flat, oval-shaped fish have both eyes on their left side and can change color to match sandy or muddy bottoms perfectly. Most run 15-18 inches, but you'll occasionally find one pushing 33 inches and over 20 pounds. They hang out in shallow coastal areas, bays, and estuaries - anywhere with sandy or muddy bottoms where they can ambush prey like shrimp, crabs, and small fish. Fall and winter months are prime time when adults move offshore. Guests love targeting them because they're sneaky fighters and excellent eating - sweet, flaky white meat. The trick with flounder is patience. They're notorious bait thieves, so when you feel that subtle nibble, give them a second to really take the bait before setting the hook hard.
5.0 out of 5.0Captain Graham was great. He put me on the fish right away. We caught our limit of Sea Trout on a pretty windy day. He put us on...
Corpus Christi