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World-Class Full-Day Inshore Fishing | South Padre
- 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
Full-Day Inshore Fishing: South Padre's Hotspots
Ready to spend a full day chasing reds, trout, and flounder in the rich inshore waters of South Padre Island? Captain Mark's got you covered with this eight-hour private charter that'll have you working artificial lures or fly tackle from sunup to sundown. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this trip offers the perfect mix of challenge and reward in one of Texas' top fishing destinations.
Trip Overview
Kick off your day early, meeting Captain Mark at the marina as the sun starts to peek over the horizon. You'll hop aboard a well-equipped inshore skiff, perfect for navigating the shallow flats and backwaters of South Padre. With room for two anglers, this private charter ensures you'll get plenty of one-on-one time with the captain, picking his brain for local tips and tricks. The focus here is on artificial lures and fly fishing, so leave the live bait at home and get ready to work those topwaters, soft plastics, and flies. Over the course of eight hours, you'll hit multiple spots, from grass flats to oyster beds, giving you the best shot at a diverse catch. And with species like redfish, speckled trout, black drum, and flounder on the menu, you're in for a Texas inshore grand slam.
What to Expect on the Water
This isn't your grandpa's bait-and-wait fishing trip. You'll be actively working lures and flies all day, so come prepared to cast... a lot. Captain Mark's a pro at reading the water and putting you on fish, but it's up to you to make that perfect presentation. Expect to do some sight fishing in the shallows, watching for tailing reds or the telltale "V" of a cruising trout. In deeper holes, you might switch to soft plastics or jigs to tempt those big sow trout or hefty black drum. The boat's equipped with top-notch rods and reels, and if you're keen on fly fishing, just give the captain a heads up and he'll have the fly gear ready. Don't forget your Texas saltwater fishing license – it's required and not included in the trip. And while you're at it, pack some drinks and snacks to keep your energy up throughout the day. There's a cooler on board to keep everything frosty, and Captain Mark's got fresh water covered.
Top Catches This Season
South Padre's inshore waters are teeming with gamefish year-round, but each season brings its own highlights. In the warmer months, redfish action heats up, with schools of bulls cruising the flats. Fall sees an influx of monster speckled trout, while winter can be prime time for hefty black drum. Flounder tend to peak in the cooler months, especially during their fall run. No matter when you book, Captain Mark knows where the fish are biting and how to put you on them. He's been known to find some sneaky snook spots too, giving you a shot at one of Texas' most prized inshore species.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Redfish: The crown jewel of Texas inshore fishing, redfish (or red drum) are hard-fighting, copper-colored beauties that'll test your skills and your drag. They love to cruise shallow flats, often revealing their location with their distinctive tailing behavior. Reds in the 20-30 inch range are common, but don't be surprised if you hook into a bull red over 40 inches. These guys are suckers for a well-placed topwater lure or fly, making for some explosive strikes.
Speckled Trout: Don't let the name fool you – these "trout" are actually members of the drum family and are revered for their delicate flavor and challenging fight. Specks, as the locals call them, are ambush predators that love to hang around structure like grass beds and oyster reefs. They're known for their soft mouths, so a gentle hookset is key. While most run in the 15-20 inch range, gator trout pushing 30 inches are the stuff of South Padre legends.
Southern Flounder: These flatfish might not win any beauty contests, but they're prized for their tasty fillets and the challenge they present to anglers. Flounder are masters of camouflage, burying themselves in the sandy bottom and waiting to ambush prey. You'll need a keen eye and a delicate touch to detect their subtle strikes. Fall is prime time for flounder, as they move towards the Gulf passes for their annual spawn.
Black Drum: Often overlooked in favor of their redfish cousins, black drum can offer some serious pull when hooked. These bottom-feeders can grow to massive sizes, with fish over 30 pounds not uncommon. They love crustaceans, so crab-imitating lures or flies can be deadly. While the bigger ones can be tough eating, slot-sized black drum are excellent on the table.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
South Padre Island isn't just another fishing spot – it's a year-round angler's playground. The mix of grass flats, channels, and backwaters creates a diverse ecosystem that supports a variety of gamefish. And with Captain Mark at the helm, you're not just fishing, you're getting an education in reading the water, understanding tides, and matching your lures to what the fish are feeding on. It's this combination of great fishing and expert guidance that keeps anglers coming back season after season. Plus, the chance to tangle with a trophy trout or that personal-best redfish is always just a cast away.
Time to Book Your Spot
If you're itching to test your skills against South Padre's inshore slam, this full-day trip with Captain Mark is your ticket. With eight solid hours on the water, you'll have plenty of time to dial in your technique and put some serious bend in the rod. Remember, this is a private charter for up to two anglers, so it's perfect for a duo looking to maximize their time on the fish. Whether you're after your first redfish on the fly or hoping to best your personal record for speckled trout, this trip offers the time and expertise to make it happen. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to lock in your date. Grab your fishing buddy, pack your sunscreen and snacks, and get ready for a full day of inshore action on South Padre Island. The fish are waiting – are you ready to hook 'em?
Learn more about the species
Black Drum
Black drum are the bulldogs of the flats. They're not the prettiest fish, but they're fun to catch and good eating when smaller. Most run 5-30 pounds, but they can get huge - up to 90 pounds or more. You'll find them in brackish water around oyster beds, mudflats, and creek mouths. Spring is prime time when they school up to spawn. Drum make a distinctive croaking sound, so listen for them. They're bottom feeders, so use natural baits like crab or shrimp on a simple bottom rig. My secret weapon is peeled shrimp - the scent drives 'em wild. When you feel the bite, give 'em a second to get the bait in their mouth before setting the hook. The bigger ones put up a great fight, and the smaller ones under 15 pounds are excellent on the table.
Redfish
Redfish are one of our top targets here in South Padre. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-30 inches but can grow over 40. You'll find them tailing in shallow flats, often so shallow their backs are out of water. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but we catch 'em year-round. Reds put up a great fight and make excellent table fare. Look for them around oyster reefs, grass flats, and mangroves. They'll hit just about any lure, but I like gold spoons or soft plastics that mimic shrimp or baitfish. A local trick - when you see a school, cast beyond them and slowly drag your lure through. Redfish can spook easily, so a stealthy approach is key. Nothing beats the thrill of sight-casting to a tailing red in gin-clear water.
Snook
Snook are hard-fighting, smart fish that'll test your skills. They average 24-28 inches around here but can top 40. You'll find them lurking around mangroves, docks, and inlets - anywhere there's structure and moving water. Spring and fall are prime, especially around the new and full moons. Snook are prized for their challenging fight and excellent eating, though we practice catch-and-release to protect the population. They're ambush predators, so work your lures close to cover. I like using soft plastic jerkbaits or topwater plugs at dawn and dusk. Here's a pro tip: when a snook hits, drop your rod tip to give it slack. They have sandpaper-like jaws that can wear through your line if you keep it tight right away. Let 'em run, then start the fight.
Southern Flounder
Southern flounder are ambush predators that lie flat on the bottom, blending in perfectly with sand or mud. They typically run 15-18 inches but can reach over 30. We find them in coastal waters, bays, and estuaries, often near structure like jetties or dropoffs. Fall is the best time as they migrate to spawn offshore. Flounder fishing takes patience, but it's worth it - their firm, white meat is delicious. We use a slow retrieve with soft plastics or live bait like mullet or shrimp. My go-to rig is a Carolina setup with a 1/4 oz weight. When you feel a bite, don't set the hook right away. Give the flounder time to grab the bait and turn it - wait for the second thump before you reel. It's a unique style of fishing that'll keep you on your toes.
