RwRandall Loc: Arvada co

Looking to go to Texas beach fishing any advice

Flytier Loc: Wilmington Delaware

Bring a fishing rod. You never know
Seriously though, welcome to the Stage. I've never been there, so I can't help much.

Robert J Samples Loc: Round Rock, Texas

Unless you are a very experienced Gulf fisherman, I suggest using live shrimp. It is the universal best bait. You will probably catch all kinds of fish, but at least you will be catching, rather than just fishing! Just Sayin...RJS

Pounding banks Loc: South Central Texas

i agree with RJS, or use croakers. good luck

Paul McNutt Loc: Kansas

Mullet always works for me

Jneeb1 Loc: Port Aransas texas

I use 12' rods with 8000 reels spooled up with #35 test line. with a 20 to 30 LB Flourocarbon leader. Learn to make your own leaders and ditch the terminal tackle. Youtube University has several good videos. I use gamakatsu hooks and a 3OZ to 6OZ spider weights. A piece of PVC cut off at a 45 DEG angle driven in the sand with a rubber mallet works good for a rod holder. There is any array of baits you can use. Mullet, croaker, shrimp. All are good, but everything in that water will eat a shrimp. Be careful with the hardhead catfish and gaftops as they do have venomous fins that hurt a little. But most of all enjoy the beaches and have fun. Good luck

Old Coach Loc: Corpus Christi Tx

Welcome to SoTx! If you’re planning just surf fishing, I’ll try to help out the best I can. This might get a little long winded, but there’s plenty to discuss. Remember, wind, waves, weeds and driving conditions are key. I’m going to start with driving conditions and navigation. From Port A to Padre Island National Park, you’ll have lots of options and beach to cover. I suggest you study a few maps first, start with Google Maps, use the satellite view. You can still see the highways, parks, jetties, and the beach access roads. Starting at the north end of the county at Port A, you can start at the jetty and work south. Port A does a better job of packing the sand road by running their big Caterpillar tractor daily. Generally , 4 WD is not required, but some days and some places you might need it. Once you leave the city limits, you’ll notice the difference. Soft sand can be tricky, you’ll know it when you see it. You can travel several miles south before hitting Mustang Island State Park barricades. You’ll have to jump back on the highway on the next beach access road, continue south on Hwy 361 and you’ll see the state park. If you wish to explore there, you’ll have to pay a gate fee. If you bypass it, you can take the next beach access road south of the state park and head south on the sand to the old Fish Pass Jetty. Fishing those north rocks from the surf or the rocks, is a spot to check out. If you go there, You’ll have to double back to the beach access road to continue your journey south. The next beach access road will get you to the surf and north side of the Packery Channel Jetty or stay on the pavement for a little city traffic and businesses. After that, several beach access roads will be on your left once you turn onto Park Rd 22. If you want to hit the south side of the Packery Channel Jetty, turn left at the stop light/intersection of Whitecap. Take the last left before hitting the sand and go behind the hotel/condos. If not, you can get back on the sand and drive south towards Padre Balli Park and the site of the old Bob Hall pier. You could skip that sand, and stay on the highway a couple of miles and turn directly into the park. The intersection at Whitecap will be your last chance for supplies if you plan to head south for a long day. A couple more beach access roads are available before going thru the gate at the national park. The last beach access road south is actually within the park boundary, but north of the pay station. That’s as far south as you can get for free. If you want fewer people and want to explore, paying the park fee is worth it. If you choose heading further south, the park will probably tell you 4WD is required.

Ok, enough navigation, if you don’t have traditional long rods and surf supplies, you can fish the surf with light casting/spinning gear. If your a lure guy, I suggest heavier and brighter lures like spoons, ratl trap, mirror lures, or any dive bait. Soft plastic swim baits and tails with heavier lead heads will help with casting into/across the wind and help keep the lures in the strike zone.

If you’re a bait guy, l suggest having a supply of bigger cut baits. The many bait shops will have bull/pony mullet or skipjack. Buy a couple of pounds and cut it into slabs about the size of a hard boiled egg, or golf ball. Stick it on a 5/0 hook on a slip sinker rig or bottom rig. If you want, or can, keep live bait alive, finger mullet, perch, croaker are good live baits, But they can be expensive and a pain to keep alive. Same goes for live shrimp, not as expensive, but still a hassle if you’re driving the beach. Every bait bandit in the bay and surf will eat shrimp, but so will nice game fish. I’ll always take a pound or two and throw some. You’ll know soon enough if the little guys found you. Personally, I prefer cutting squid into about 1” slabs and using a smaller hook on a slip rig or light bottom rig and catching whiting in the first two guts. It’s a lot tougher than shrimp and the bandits can’t peel it off a smaller hook as quickly. If I catch perch or whiting under about 9”, I’ll cut them into slab baits for reds, specks, or sharks or fish the smallest one live. If they’re over that size, = ice chest and filet knife for a fish fry. A 12” whiting in the surf is a fun fight. When you find a school, it’s fun.

Next, what to look for. First thing, as you drive, diving birds. Next, unusual bowls, flows, sand bars or water color changes. Sometimes the water in the first guts looks like chocolate milk and sometimes it can be gin clear. Never know until you’re there. Both can hold fish. As you gathered by now, I feel mobility can be important. Stopping, setting up camp and never moving may work or be exactly what you want to do. I don’t know what you’re thinking, but I do both types.

BTW, it’s been hotter than hell this summer, be sure to hydrate and gets some electrolytes in you before spending hours in the sun. Take some shade, even if it’s an umbrella
Hope this helped some. Send me a message when you get to town, maybe the grandsons and I can bird dog for you.