Top-Rated South Padre Inshore Fishing Charters

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

South Padre Island, TX
$425 - $625 price range
Updated Date: September 18, 2025

Summary

Get ready for a full day of family-friendly fishing in the calm waters of South Padre Island. This 8-hour trip takes you out on the Lower Laguna Madre, where redfish, speckled trout, and flounder are waiting. Whether you're new to fishing or an experienced angler, the extended time on the water gives you plenty of chances to try different techniques and catch more fish. Leaving from Port Isabel, you'll have your pick of morning or afternoon departures. All the gear you need is provided, so just bring your sun protection, snacks, and a valid Texas fishing license. It's a great way to spend quality time with the family while enjoying the beautiful coastal scenery and learning from a local guide. With a small group size, you'll get personalized attention and tips to improve your fishing skills throughout the day.

Top-Rated South Padre Inshore Fishing Charters

Laguna Madre Catches

5 fish caught while fishing in Port Isabel

Red Snapper Haul! - Port Isabel, TX.

Snook Alert! - Port Isabel, TX.

3 people fishing for a group of 5 fish in Port Isabel

A proud Family with their haul - Port Isabel, TX.

Love is on the sea! - Port Isabel, TX.

Full Day Family Fishing Fun on South Padre Island

Ready to make some lasting memories on the water? Our full-day inshore fishing trip is perfect for families looking to reel in some Texas-sized fun. We'll spend 8 hours exploring the rich waters of the Lower Laguna Madre, where redfish, speckled trout, and flounder are waiting to bend your rods. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your kiddo's first time holding a fishing pole, Captain Jaime knows how to put you on the fish and keep smiles on faces all day long.

A Day on the Laguna Madre

We'll kick things off bright and early (or later if you prefer an afternoon start) from Port Isabel. As we cruise out onto the calm waters of the Lower Laguna Madre, you'll get to soak in the stunning coastal scenery that makes South Padre Island famous. This shallow, protected bay is a fish factory, and we'll hit all the local honey holes where the big ones like to hang out. With a full 8 hours on the water, we've got plenty of time to try different spots and techniques to maximize your catch.

Fishing That's Fun for Everyone

Don't worry if you've never baited a hook before – this trip is perfect for beginners and kiddos. We provide all the gear you need, from rods and reels to bait and tackle. Captain Jaime will show you the ropes, teaching you how to cast, set the hook, and reel in your catch like a pro. For the more experienced anglers, we can get into some light tackle action that'll really test your skills. We'll use a mix of live bait and artificial lures, adjusting our tactics based on what the fish are biting that day.

What Anglers Are Saying

"Captain Jaime will make sure you have a great time." - David

"A most excellent adventure with Captain Jaime! Made sure Turner caught his first fish and more. Knowledgeable, prepared and patient. Would highly recommend booking with Jaime. Looking forward to our next outing. Definitely 5 out of 5 stars⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!!!!!" - James W

The Local Lineup: Fish You'll Target

Redfish are the rock stars of Texas inshore fishing. These copper-colored bruisers put up a heck of a fight and can grow to over 40 inches long. We'll target them around grass flats and oyster beds, where they love to hunt for crabs and shrimp. The "bull reds" (over 28 inches) will really test your drag, but even the smaller ones will give you a run for your money.

Speckled trout, or "specks" as we call 'em, are another local favorite. These silver beauties with spotted backs are known for their acrobatic jumps and delicious flavor. We'll often find them hanging around deeper holes or chasing bait schools in the shallows. Light tackle and topwater lures can make for some exciting action when the trout are feeding aggressively.

Southern flounder might not win any beauty contests, but they're prized for their tasty white meat. These flat ambush predators like to hide in the sandy bottom, waiting for unsuspecting bait to swim by. We'll target them along drop-offs and channel edges, especially during their fall run when the big ones move towards the Gulf.

Black drum are the gentle giants of the bay. They can grow to over 30 pounds and are often found rooting around the bottom for crabs and shrimp. While they might not fight as hard as their redfish cousins, hooking into a big "blackie" can still give you a workout. Plus, the smaller ones under 5 pounds are excellent eating.

What to Bring for a Day on the Bay

We've got all the fishing gear covered, but there are a few things you'll want to bring to make your day on the water more comfortable. Sunscreen is a must – that Texas sun can be brutal out on the water. A hat, sunglasses, and light, long-sleeved clothing will keep you protected. Don't forget to pack some snacks and drinks to keep your energy up throughout the day. And most importantly, make sure everyone in your group has a valid Texas fishing license before we hit the water.

Weather Watch: When to Book

South Padre Island's weather is pretty sweet year-round, but each season offers something special for anglers. Spring and fall are prime times, with mild temperatures and hungry fish. Summer can be scorching, but the early morning bite can be red hot. Winter might surprise you – on calm days, the fishing can be phenomenal, and you might have the whole bay to yourself. Just keep an eye on the forecast, as we may need to reschedule if the weather looks dicey.

More Than Just Fishing

While hauling in fish is our main goal, there's so much more to experience on this trip. Keep your eyes peeled for dolphins playing in the bay, or ospreys diving for their lunch. The coastal birds are a sight to behold, from pelicans dive-bombing for fish to roseate spoonbills wading in the shallows. And the sunsets over the Laguna Madre? They're the kind of views that'll have you reaching for your camera every time.

Time to Get Your Lines Wet!

So, are you ready to make some fishing memories that'll last a lifetime? This full-day trip is perfect for families, friends, or anyone looking to experience the best of South Padre Island's inshore fishing. With Captain Jaime's local know-how and a fully-equipped boat, all you need to bring is your sense of adventure. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to book your trip. Whether you're after your personal best redfish or just want to see your kids' faces light up with their first catch, we've got you covered. Give us a call or book online today – the fish are waiting!

Customer Reviews

Jaime Guarantees Fun

Captain Jaime will make sure you have a great time.

David D

November 30, 2024

Fish On With Jaime

A most excellent adventure with Captain Jaime! Made sure Turner caught his first fish and more. Knowledgeable, prepared and patient. Would highly recommend booking with Jaime. Looking forward to our next outing. Definitely 5 out of 5 stars⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️!!!!!

James W Culpepper

July 20, 2024

Learn more about the animals

Black Drum

Black Drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, often hitting 30 pounds and sometimes pushing 90. You'll find these bruisers in brackish waters, hanging around oyster beds and mudflats. They use their strong teeth to crush shellfish, so areas with plenty of crabs and oysters are hotspots. Spring's the best time to target them, as they school up for spawning. Anglers get a kick out of their deep, croaking sound and the powerful fight they put up. For eating, stick to the smaller ones under 15 pounds - the meat's sweeter and more tender. When fishing for Black Drum, remember they're bottom feeders. Use a heavy sinker to keep your bait down, and try fresh crab or shrimp. Here's a tip: if you're having trouble finding them, listen for that distinctive drumming sound. It's a dead giveaway and can lead you right to them.

Redfish

Redfish, or Red Drum, are the rockstars of our inshore waters. You can spot 'em by that trademark black spot near the tail - nature's own bullseye. They love shallow water, often cruising in just 1 to 4 feet deep. Look for 'em around oyster reefs, grass flats, and even old piers. Most of our reds run 20 to 30 inches, but the big boys can hit 45 inches and 50 pounds. They're not picky eaters, which makes 'em fun to catch on all kinds of lures and bait. Fall's prime time when they school up, but you can find 'em year-round. Anglers go nuts for their hard-fighting spirit and excellent table fare. Here's a local tip: on calm days, look for their tails sticking up out of the water as they root around for crabs and shrimp. It's called "tailing," and sight-casting to a tailing red is about as exciting as it gets. Just remember to approach quietly - these fish can spook easily in shallow water.

Sea Trout

Sea Trout, or Speckled Trout as we call 'em here, are a favorite among local anglers. These silvery beauties usually run 14 to 24 inches, with some monsters hitting 5 pounds or more. You'll find them in grassy flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They're suckers for shrimp and small baitfish. Winter's actually a great time to target them - they school up in deeper waters, sometimes as deep as 164 feet. Anglers love 'em for their aggressive strikes and tasty, flaky meat. They put up a decent fight too, especially on light tackle. Here's a local trick: try using topwater lures at dawn or dusk. The surface action can be explosive and it's a blast to watch. Just remember, these fish have soft mouths, so set the hook gently. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, Sea Trout fishing is always a good time on the water.

Southern Flounder

Southern Flounder are masters of camouflage, blending perfectly with sandy or muddy bottoms. These flat fish typically range from 15-18 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 for 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 delicious, mild flavor and the challenge of spotting them. To catch one, try drifting or still fishing with live bait like mullet or shrimp. Here's a local trick: when you feel a bite, wait a few seconds before setting the hook. Flounder often grab prey and hold it before swallowing, so patience pays off. Their fight might not be as spectacular as some other species, but the reward on your plate makes up for it.

About the Dargel Boats

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 5

Manufacturer Name: Suzuki

Maximum Cruising Speed: 40

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 250

Picture yourself cruising the calm waters of the Lower Laguna Madre on a comfy boat built for family fun. This full-day fishing trip from South Padre Island is perfect for anglers of all skill levels, from total newbies to seasoned pros. You'll have a blast trying to reel in redfish, speckled trout, and flounder (when in season) using different techniques throughout the day. With 8 hours on the water, there's plenty of time to find the hot spots and improve your skills. The captain provides everything you need - rods, reels, bait, and expert advice. Just bring your sense of adventure, some snacks, and get ready for a relaxing day of fishing in the Texas sun. Whether you're an early bird or prefer afternoons, flexible departure times let you choose what works best for your family's schedule.

Sitemap