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Elite Inshore Fishing | South Padre Island
- Published Date: August 19, 2025
- Fishing
- Texas
- $500 - $800 price range
Summary
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Inshore Action Shots
Texas Flats, Big Rewards
Reeling in a Texas Slam
Took the bait and now it's a catch.
Snook night fishing in Texas. Cool experience
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Big Snook, Big Texas Energy
Texas Night Fishing Moments
Fly Fishing Texas Flats
South Texas Redfish Day
Light Tackle, Heavy Action
Texas Flats, Big Rewards
Reeling in a Texas Slam
Took the bait and now it's a catch.
Snook night fishing in Texas. Cool experience
null
Big Snook, Big Texas Energy
Texas Night Fishing Moments
Fly Fishing Texas Flats
South Texas Redfish Day
Light Tackle, Heavy Action
Texas Flats, Big Rewards
Reeling in a Texas Slam
Took the bait and now it's a catch.
Snook night fishing in Texas. Cool experience
Reel in the Big Ones on South Padre Island
Ready to tangle with some of South Texas's most prized inshore species? Captain Mark's got you covered with this five-hour afternoon charter that'll have you casting for redfish, snook, and flounder in the rich waters around South Padre Island. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this trip is all about hands-on fishing action using artificial lures or fly gear. We'll be chasing the bite in either a nimble 19' Mako Bay Boat or a sleek Maverick HPX-T skiff, depending on what the conditions call for. It's just you, a buddy, and miles of productive flats stretching out before you.
What to Expect on the Water
This ain't no party boat fishing - we're talking a private, personalized experience where you'll be working the shallows and learning the ropes from a local pro. Captain Mark knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll put you on fish while showing you the ins and outs of inshore tactics. We provide all the gear you need, from rods and reels to the latest artificial lures that the local gamefish can't resist. Just remember to grab your Texas saltwater fishing license before you show up, and don't forget to pack some grub and plenty of water - the South Padre sun can be brutal, but the fishing's too good to call it quits early.
Techniques for Inshore Success
We'll be focusing on light tackle and artificial lures to target the big three - redfish, snook, and flounder. Expect to do a lot of sight casting in the crystal-clear shallows, where you might spot a tailing red or a snook lurking in the mangroves. We'll work topwater lures across grass flats, bounce soft plastics along drop-offs, and maybe even break out the fly rod if conditions are right. Captain Mark will show you how to work a popping cork for those finicky flounder or how to walk-the-dog with a topwater plug to entice an explosive strike from a hungry snook. It's all about reading the water, adjusting to the conditions, and being ready when that big fish decides to play.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are the pride of Texas inshore fishing. Known for their distinctive spot near the tail, redfish put up a stubborn fight and can grow to over 40 inches. We'll be targeting them in the shallows where they often "tail" while feeding on crabs and baitfish. The fall months are prime time for big bull reds, but you can catch them year-round in South Padre.
Snook: The elusive linesider is a prized catch in these parts. With their distinctive lateral line and underslung jaw, snook are ambush predators that love to hang around structure. They're known for their acrobatic jumps and blistering runs. While they can be caught year-round, the best action is typically in the warmer months. Landing a big snook on light tackle is a thrill you won't soon forget.
Southern Flounder: These flatfish might not look like much, but they're crafty predators and tasty to boot. We'll target them around drop-offs and sandy bottoms where they lie in wait for unsuspecting prey. Flounder fishing heats up in the fall during their annual migration, but you can find them year-round if you know where to look. The challenge is in the hookset - when a flounder takes your bait, you've got to resist the urge to set the hook too early.
Black Drum: Often overlooked in favor of their redfish cousins, black drum can grow to enormous sizes and provide a great fight on light tackle. We'll look for them tailing in shallow water or hanging around oyster beds. They're suckers for crabs and shrimp imitations, and the bigger ones can really test your gear.
Tarpon: While not an everyday catch, the "silver king" does make appearances in South Padre waters, especially in the warmer months. Hooking into one of these prehistoric gamefish is the thrill of a lifetime. They're known for their spectacular aerial displays and can grow well over 100 pounds. Even if we don't hook one, just seeing a tarpon roll can make your day.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
South Padre Island isn't just about spring break parties and beach lounging - it's a serious angler's paradise. The diversity of species and fishing opportunities is off the charts. One minute you're sight-casting to tailing reds in gin-clear water, the next you're working a topwater along a mangrove shoreline for snook. The weather's great year-round, and there's always something biting. Plus, with Captain Mark at the helm, you're not just going fishing - you're getting an education in inshore tactics that'll up your game no matter where you wet a line.
Top Catches This Season
Lately, we've been absolutely crushing the redfish. The fall run has been epic, with schools of bull reds blitzing bait on the flats. Snook fishing has been hot too, especially around the jetties and mangrove areas. We've even been lucky enough to tangle with a few tarpon rolling through the area. The flounder bite picks up as we move into winter, so don't sleep on those flatties - they make for some mighty fine eating if you're looking to take home a fresh dinner.
Time to Book Your Spot
Look, if you're itching to bend a rod and feel that South Texas sun on your face, this is the trip for you. Whether you're looking to cross some species off your bucket list or just want to learn from a seasoned pro, Captain Mark's got you covered. We keep the groups small - just you and a buddy - so you get plenty of one-on-one instruction and time on the water. Don't wait too long to book, though. The prime dates fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. So grab your hat and sunscreen, and let's go stick some fish. The flats are calling, and the bite is on!
Learn more about the species
Black Drum
Black Drum are the big cousins of redfish, often ranging from 5 to 30 pounds, with some monsters hitting 90 pounds. You'll find them in brackish waters, around oyster beds, and in depths up to 100 feet. Spring is prime time as they school up to spawn. Anglers love Black Drum for their strong fight and the distinctive "croaking" sound they make. While smaller ones are great eating, bigger drums can be tough and less tasty. To catch them, use fresh crab, shrimp, or clams on the bottom. A local trick is to fish near pier pilings or in channels during incoming tides. When you feel a bite, give them a moment to take the bait fully before setting the hook. Black Drum aren't known for speed, but their power can really test your gear. It's a great species for anglers looking to tangle with something big without heading offshore.
Redfish
Redfish, or red drum, are the bread and butter of Texas inshore fishing. These copper-colored bruisers typically run 20 to 30 inches, but can grow much larger. You'll find them tailing in super shallow water, often with their backs out of the water. They love hanging around oyster reefs, grass flats, and marsh edges. Fall is prime time as they school up, but you can catch them year-round. Anglers love reds for their powerful fights and excellent table fare. To catch them, try gold spoons, soft plastics, or live bait like mullet or shrimp. A local trick is to look for their distinctive v-shaped wakes in shallow water and cast ahead of them. When you hook one, be ready for some drag-screaming runs. That iconic black spot near their tail? It's actually a false eye to confuse predators. Whether you're sight-casting or blind-casting, redfish offer consistent action and tasty fillets.
Snook
Snook are one of the most sought-after game fish in South Texas. These sleek predators typically range from 24 to 38 inches and put up an impressive fight. You'll find them lurking around mangroves, dock pilings, and oyster bars in our shallow bays and estuaries. Spring and fall are peak seasons when water temperatures are just right. Snook are prized for their acrobatic leaps and hard runs, making them a blast on light tackle. Their meat is excellent too, though we encourage catch and release to maintain the population. When targeting snook, use live bait like pinfish or mullet, or try walk-the-dog topwater lures early morning. A local tip: focus on ambush points during tidal changes, when snook are most active. Just be ready for explosive strikes and keep your drag set light - these powerful fish can snap your line in an instant if you're not careful.
Southern Flounder
Southern Flounder are masters of camouflage, blending in with sandy or muddy bottoms. They typically range from 15 to 18 inches, but can grow up to 33 inches. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. Fall is prime time for flounder fishing as they migrate to spawn. Anglers love targeting them for their delicious, mild white meat. To catch flounder, use a slow retrieve with soft plastic lures or live bait like mullet or shrimp. A local trick is to fish the edges of grass flats or near structure during incoming tides. When you feel a bite, wait a few seconds before setting the hook - flounder often grab bait sideways before fully committing. Their unique shape and fight make them a fun catch, especially for beginners getting used to reading subtle bites.
Tarpon
Tarpon, known as the "silver king," are one of the most exciting game fish in our waters. These prehistoric monsters can reach over 6 feet and 280 pounds, though 80-100 pounders are more common. You'll find them in coastal waters, estuaries, and sometimes even up rivers. Late spring through summer is prime tarpon time here. Anglers chase tarpon for their spectacular aerial acrobatics - these fish can leap 10 feet out of the water! They're strictly catch-and-release, valued for the thrill of the fight. To hook one, try live mullet or crabs, or big topwater lures in deeper channels. A local tip: when you get a bite, drop your rod tip to give the tarpon a moment to turn the bait - their hard mouths make hook-sets tricky. Be prepared for a long battle and have your camera ready. Landing a tarpon is a true bucket-list experience for any angler.
About the Snook On A Hook
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 35
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 115
