When sailfish are off Corpus Christi
The sailfish season off Texas runs July to September, and the fish are found offshore. Launch and pass detail is in our Corpus Christi port guide, the species is covered in our sailfish fishing guide, and the wider Gulf pattern is in our guide to sailfish fishing in the Gulf of Mexico (see also the Gulf of Mexico region guide). If you’re taking your own boat, the main decision is where to run.
Where boats run and the structure that holds fish
Boats run offshore for sailfish. The named structure runs from reefs a few miles off the barrier islands out to a rock about 65 miles southeast of Corpus Christi.
| Spot | Type | Depth | Location or distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| TPWD nearshore reef (Corpus Christi Reef Site) | Reef, 160 acres | 70 ft | State waters between Packery Channel and Port Aransas |
| Lonestar Reef | Reef | – | A few miles out from the barrier islands |
| Boatmen’s Reef | Reef | – | A few miles out from the barrier islands |
| Mustang Island-775 | Backup spot | – | – |
| Ant Hills area oil rigs | Rigs | About 200 ft | – |
| 29 Fathom Bank | Mid-shelf bank | – | – |
| Ranzels Rock | Rock | – | About 65 miles southeast of Corpus Christi |
Nearshore reefs off Packery Channel and Port Aransas
The TPWD nearshore reef, also called the Corpus Christi Reef Site, covers 160 acres in 70 ft of state water between Packery Channel and Port Aransas. It is part of the TPWD artificial reef program.
Lonestar Reef and Boatmen’s Reef sit a few miles out from the barrier islands, the shortest runs on the list. Mustang Island-775 is named only as a backup spot.
Rigs, banks and rocks farther offshore
Past the reefs, the named grounds mean longer runs:
- Ant Hills area oil rigs: fished in about 200 ft of water.
- 29 Fathom Bank: a mid-shelf bank.
- Ranzels Rock: about 65 miles southeast of Corpus Christi.
A run of about 65 miles depends on your boat’s range and fuel load. Check wind, wave height and period against the NWS Corpus Christi marine forecast before you go.
You can mark these spots against the Chart Contours layer in Breakpoint. Chart layers are not for navigation.
Who fishes sailfish out of Corpus Christi
Private boats run their own trips here, and the structure you pick sets the length of the day:
- Shorter run: the TPWD nearshore reef, Lonestar Reef and Boatmen’s Reef
- Longer run: the Ant Hills rigs and 29 Fathom Bank
- Long run: Ranzels Rock, about 65 miles southeast
If you would rather fish with a guide, see our billfish fishing guides.
FAQ: sailfish fishing out of Corpus Christi
When is sailfish season out of Corpus Christi?
Sailfish fishing out of Corpus Christi runs July to September, with boats running offshore.
How far is Ranzels Rock from Corpus Christi?
Ranzels Rock is about 65 miles southeast of Corpus Christi.
How deep is the TPWD nearshore reef?
The reef is in 70 ft of water. It covers 160 acres in state waters between Packery Channel and Port Aransas.
What depth are the Ant Hills rigs in?
The Ant Hills area oil rigs are fished in about 200 ft of water.
What is Mustang Island-775 used for?
Mustang Island-775 is a backup spot.
