Swordfish fishing out of Corpus Christi starts at the passes
Boats leave through Packery Channel and Port Aransas and run past the barrier islands. The named structure ranges from reefs close to the beach to longer offshore runs. Our Corpus Christi port guide covers the port itself.
The reefs a few miles off the barrier islands and the 70-ft TPWD reef are nearshore. Ranzels Rock, the Ant Hills rigs and 29 Fathom Bank are the longer runs out of the Coastal Bend.
| Ground | Location given | Depth given |
|---|---|---|
| Corpus Christi Reef Site | TPWD nearshore reef | |
| TPWD nearshore reef | State waters between Packery Channel and Port Aransas | 70 ft |
| Lonestar Reef | A few miles out from the barrier islands | |
| Boatmen’s Reef | A few miles out from the barrier islands | |
| Mustang Island-775 | Backup spot only | |
| Ranzels Rock | About 65 miles southeast of Corpus Christi | |
| Ant Hills area oil rigs | About 200 ft | |
| 29 Fathom Bank | Mid-shelf bank |
Nearshore reefs off the barrier islands
The TPWD nearshore reef covers 160 acres in about 70 ft of water, in state waters between Packery Channel and Port Aransas. The Corpus Christi Reef Site is also TPWD nearshore structure.
Lonestar Reef and Boatmen’s Reef sit a few miles out from the barrier islands. Mustang Island-775 is a backup spot.
Ranzels Rock
Ranzels Rock lies about 65 miles southeast of Corpus Christi. A run that long sets your fuel plan and range, so work those out before you leave the dock.
Ant Hills area oil rigs
The Ant Hills area rigs are fished in about 200 feet of water.
29 Fathom Bank
29 Fathom Bank is a mid-shelf bank. Chart Contours shows the shelf around it. Chart layers are not for navigation.
How swordfish are fished from this port
Corpus Christi is a private-boat port for this fishery. The general picture is in the linked guides below.
Timing
For the season picture across the western Gulf, read the Gulf of Mexico swordfish guide (see also the Gulf of Mexico offshore fishing guide).
Methods
For gear, rigging and how the fish are worked, read the swordfish fishing guide.
Who fishes from Corpus Christi
Private boats that already run offshore leave from Packery Channel and Port Aransas. If you fish the wider category, the billfish fishing guides cover the neighboring species.
Checking offshore conditions from Corpus Christi
No working NOAA buoy is confirmed for Corpus Christi, so rely on the official NWS marine forecast for the Texas coastal waters.
Three numbers in that forecast decide the run: wind speed, wave height and wave period. Read them against your boat and your range.
FAQ: swordfish fishing out of Corpus Christi
How far is Ranzels Rock from Corpus Christi?
About 65 miles southeast, a distance that sets your fuel and range planning.
How deep are the Ant Hills rigs?
The Ant Hills area rigs are fished in about 200 feet of water.
Where is the TPWD nearshore reef?
It covers 160 acres in about 70 ft of water, in state waters between Packery Channel and Port Aransas.
Where do boats leave from?
Boats leave through Packery Channel and Port Aransas and run past the barrier islands.
Is there a NOAA buoy for Corpus Christi?
No working station is confirmed. Check the NWS marine forecast and judge the run on wind, wave height and wave period.
