Premium 5-Hour Inshore Charter | South Padre Island

Published Date: July 18, 2025
Fishing

Texas
$500 - $800 price range

Summary

Ready for some serious inshore action? Join Captain Mark for a 5-hour fishing trip around South Padre Island. You'll be targeting some real fighters – Snook, Flounder, Redfish, and Jack Crevalle. This trip is all about artificial lures or fly fishing, so get ready to work those skills. Don't worry if you're new to it, though. The captain's got all the gear you need and plenty of know-how to share. You'll be cruising in either a 19" Mako Bay Boat or a Maverick HPX-T, perfect for getting into those fish-rich spots. Remember to grab your Texas saltwater license before you come. Pack some snacks, drinks, and sun protection – it can get pretty bright out there. Oh, and definitely bring a camera. You'll want proof when you're telling stories about the ones that didn't get away. It's just you and one other person on this trip, so you'll get plenty of attention and casting time. Get ready for a day of non-stop fishing in one of Texas' prime coastal spots!

Premium 5-Hour Inshore Charter | South Padre Island

Rods Bent, Lines Tight

Stunning view of South Padre Island's coastline

Took the bait and now it's a catch.

Snook night fishing in Texas. Cool experience

That’s a keeper!

Tarpon fish caught while fishing at South Padre Island

tarpon strike success!

Reel in the Action: 5-Hour SPI Fishing Charter

Hey there, fellow angler! Ready to hit the rich waters of South Padre Island for some serious inshore action? Strap in for a 5-hour private charter that'll have you casting for some of Texas' most sought-after gamefish. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, Captain Mark's got you covered with top-notch gear and local know-how that'll put you on the fish.

What's the Scoop?

Picture this: You're cruising the crystal-clear flats of SPI on a slick 19" Mako Bay Boat or Maverick HPX-T, rod in hand, ready to tangle with some of the Gulf's hardest-fighting inshore species. We're talking Snook, Flounder, Redfish, Jack Crevalle – the whole crew's here, and they're hungry. This isn't your average boat ride; it's a full-on fishing frenzy where every cast could mean the catch of a lifetime.

Bait Up and Cast Out

On this trip, we're keeping it sporty with artificial lures and flies only. Don't sweat it if you're new to the game – Captain Mark's got a tackle box full of tricks and tips to help you nail that perfect presentation. We'll be working the grass flats, oyster beds, and channel edges where the big boys like to hang out. Expect to throw everything from topwater walking baits for explosive strikes to soft plastics for those finicky feeders lurking in the deeper pockets.

Raving Reelers

"highly recommended!" - Alfredo

"Great Highly Recommended!" - Joshua

Fish on the Line

Southern Flounder: These flatfish are the masters of camouflage, blending in with the sandy bottoms. But don't let their looks fool you – they put up a scrappy fight when hooked. Fall is prime time for flounder, as they migrate to the Gulf for spawning. Anglers love 'em for their delicate, sweet meat – talk about a tasty target!

Snook: The snook is the rockstar of inshore fishing around SPI. These line-siders are known for their acrobatic leaps and blistering runs. They love to ambush prey around structure, so casting near mangroves or dock pilings can lead to some heart-pounding hookups. Spring and fall are your best bets for tangling with these bad boys.

Black Drum: Don't let their ugly mugs fool you – black drum are brutes that'll test your drag and your biceps. These bottom-feeders grow to monster sizes, with some topping 50 pounds! They're suckers for crabs and shrimp imitations worked slowly along the bottom. Winter is prime time for the big girls to show up in the bays.

Tarpon: The "Silver King" is the holy grail for many inshore anglers. These prehistoric beasts can top 200 pounds and are famous for their gill-rattling jumps and long, screaming runs. Late spring through summer is your window to tangle with these bucket list fish. Landing one is an accomplishment you'll be bragging about for years.

Redfish: Ah, the good ol' red drum – a Texas inshore staple. These copper-colored bruisers are known for their distinctive tail spots and bulldogging fights. They'll happily crush a topwater lure or slurp up a well-presented fly. Fall is fantastic for reds, as they school up for their spawning run, but you can find 'em year-round in the bays.

Time to Wet a Line

Look, the fish are out there waiting, and Captain Mark's boat is gassed up and ready to roll. All you need to bring is your Texas fishing license, some grub and drinks to keep you fueled up, and the essentials like sunblock and a hat. Don't forget your camera – you're gonna want proof when you're telling fish tales back home. So what are you waiting for? Book your spot now and get ready to make some memories on the water. The big one isn't going to catch itself!

Customer Reviews

A Must Experience

highly recommended!

Alfredo A

May 15, 2024

Top Notch Choice

Great Highly Recommended!

Joshua V

July 18, 2024

Learn more about the species

Black Drum

Black Drum are the gentle giants of our inshore waters. These cousins of the redfish can grow huge - up to 90 pounds - but the sweet spot for eating is under 15 pounds. You'll find them in brackish waters, around oyster beds, and in deeper holes of shallow bays. They use their strong teeth to crush shellfish, making a distinctive croaking sound while feeding. Spring is prime time for drum fishing, especially around spawning season when they school up. Anglers love them for their hard-pulling fight and good table fare when smaller. When targeting drum, fresh crab is hard to beat as bait. Here's a local secret: listen for their croaking sounds on quiet days - it can lead you right to them. Just remember, the big ones are full of worms, so it's best to release those monsters after a photo.

Redfish

Redfish, or red drum, are the bread and butter of our inshore fishing. These copper-colored beauties typically run 20-30 inches in the bays, but can grow much larger offshore. Look for them in shallow flats, around oyster reefs, and near marsh edges. They love to tail in super skinny water, making for exciting sight fishing opportunities. Fall is prime time as they school up for their spawn. Anglers prize redfish for their hard-pulling fights and excellent table fare. When targeting reds, keep an eye out for their distinctive tail waving above the water as they root for crabs and shrimp. Here's a local trick: on calm days, drift the flats and look for push waves - often it's a redfish cruising just under the surface. These fish aren't picky eaters, so experiment with different lures and techniques.

Snook

Snook are the rockstars of our local waters. These sleek, powerful fish can grow up to 4 feet long, but most you'll catch are around 1.5 feet. Look for them around mangroves, docks, and in coastal creeks. They love structure and moving water. Snook fishing heats up in spring and fall when they're on the move. They're famous for their explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps - real heart-pounders on light tackle. The fight alone makes them a favorite, but they're also great eating if you decide to keep one. Here's a pro tip: when you're working a lure, mix up your retrieve speed. Snook often hit when you pause or slow down. And don't forget to check those tide charts - moving water is key for active snook.

Southern Flounder

Southern Flounder are masters of disguise, blending perfectly with the sandy or muddy bottoms they call home. These flat fish 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. They're ambush predators, lying in wait to snatch up smaller fish and crustaceans. Fall is prime time for flounder fishing as they move to deeper waters to spawn. Anglers love targeting them for their delicate, white meat and the challenge of hooking these crafty bottom-dwellers. When fishing for flounder, patience is key. Use a slow retrieve with live bait or soft plastics, feeling for that distinctive "thump" when they strike. A local trick: try drifting with the current, dragging your bait along the bottom for best results. Remember, these guys are left-handed - both eyes are on their left side!

Tarpon

Tarpon, the "Silver King," is the ultimate trophy fish in these parts. They can grow over 8 feet long and weigh up to 280 pounds, but 4-5 footers are more common. You'll find them in coastal waters, inlets, and sometimes even up in freshwater rivers. These prehistoric fish are known for their spectacular aerial acrobatics when hooked - they'll jump clear out of the water multiple times. Spring and early summer are prime tarpon seasons as they migrate along the coast. Anglers come from all over to test their skills against these powerful fighters. Here's a tip: when a tarpon jumps, lower your rod tip to give them slack. It's called "bowing to the king" and helps keep them on the line. Remember, tarpon are catch-and-release only - they're not good eating, but they're incredible sportfish.

About the Snook On A Hook

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Mercury

Maximum Cruising Speed: 35

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 115

Get ready for a fun five-hour fishing trip on the waters around South Padre Island! We'll be cruising in either a 19-foot Mako Bay Boat or a Maverick HPX-T, perfect for inshore fishing. Captain Mark knows all the best spots to catch Snook, Flounder, Redfish, and Jack Crevalle. This trip is great for both experienced anglers and newcomers - all the gear you need is provided. Just remember to bring your Texas fishing license, some snacks and drinks, and sun protection. Don't forget your camera to snap pics of your catches! With room for two guests, it's an ideal outing for a pair of fishing buddies or a cozy couple's adventure. The local waters are teeming with fish, so get ready for plenty of action as you cast your line and reel in some beauties. It's a great way to spend a morning or afternoon on the water, soaking up the sun and enjoying the coastal scenery of SPI.

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