AROUND THE BEND 5 BEST
Fishing Piers COASTAL BEND SPOTS PERFECT FOR CASTING A LINE BY: ALEXA RODRIGUEZ PHOTO BY: LILLIAN REITZ
The Gulf Coast is home to a vast array of fish, and thanks to shallow bays protected by narrow barrier islands, fishing enthusiasts can find recreational fishing conditions year-round. So grab your gear, lather on some sunscreen and head out to one of these primo fishing pier destinations.
Cole Park Pier 1900 Ocean Drive
LISABE LLA' S BIST RO & B A R
Originally constructed in 1971, the newly renovated fixture situated right off Cole Park offers 505 feet of brand-new concrete fishing pier. Equipped with fish cleaning stations, benches, picnic tables, lights and shade structures, it lets anglers enjoy day and night fishing with 360-degree Corpus Christi Bay views.
Keepers at Horace Caldwell Pier 230 N. Port Aransas
Known as one of the most productive fishing piers in the gulf, Keepers’ location, water depth and abundance of fish species make for a terrific fishing adventure. The concrete, lighted pier stretches 1,230 feet out into the gulf and gives anglers access to species such as king mackerel, tarpon, red fish and speckled trout. On site you’ll also find rentals, bait, food and drink.
The Pier at Goose Island State Park 202 S. Palmetto St.
While out and about exploring all that Goose Island State Park has to offer, be sure to cap your day off by visiting its recently renovated, lighted fishing pier. Don’t worry about bringing your own gear; there are fishing rods for rent and 1,620 feet of pier reaching out into the beauty of Aransas Bay.
Paradise Pier at Marker 37
13317 S. Padre Island Dr
Fish, eat, drink and be merry at Paradise Pier at Marker 37 — an ideal place to cast while also enjoying a beverage from one of the tiki bars or a great meal at the Marina. Get your bait at its shop and fish while you watch boats come in off the bay, then have your catch cleaned afterward.
Fulton Harbor Fishing Pier
301-102 Deforest Loop
Right across the street from Fulton Harbor Park and just a few minutes down the road from Rockport is the 1,200-foot Fulton Harbor pier stretching into Aransas Bay. Fishermen can rent a rod for just $5 and get bait at the entrance to the pier or from multiple bait shops nearby.
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