Top-Rated South Padre Inshore Fishing Charters

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

South Padre Island, TX
$425 - $625 price range

Summary

This 5-hour inshore fishing trip in South Padre Island is perfect for families and new anglers looking to catch some fish without venturing too far out. You'll be fishing the calm waters of the Lower Laguna Madre, where Redfish, Speckled Trout, and seasonal Flounder are common catches. Your experienced captain knows all the local hotspots and will help you reel in some nice ones. Whether you choose a morning or afternoon trip, you'll have plenty of time on the water. The boat can take up to 2 guests, so it's a great option for a couple or parent-child outing. Reel Therapy Charter Service provides all the gear you need - just remember to bring sun protection and your Texas fishing license. It's a laid-back trip, but you'll still have a good shot at maxing out your catch. If plans change, you can cancel up to a day before.

Top-Rated South Padre Inshore Fishing Charters

Laguna Madre Catches

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Redfish caught by anglers in Port Isabel

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South Padre Island Fishing Charters

Fishing South Padre Island

Reel in the Action: South Padre Inshore Fishing

Get ready to wet a line in the fish-rich waters of South Padre Island! This 5-hour inshore trip with Reel Therapy Charter Service is perfect for anglers of all skill levels. Whether you're a seasoned pro or introducing the kids to their first fishing adventure, Captain Jaime knows how to put you on the fish. We'll be targeting some of the most sought-after inshore species in Texas, including redfish, speckled trout, and the elusive flounder. With morning and afternoon trips available, you can choose the time that works best for your schedule. Just remember to bring your Texas fishing license and some sunscreen – we'll take care of the rest!

What to Expect on the Water

As soon as we push off from the dock, you'll feel the excitement build. The Lower Laguna Madre is known for its crystal-clear, shallow waters – perfect for sight-fishing and getting up close to the action. Captain Jaime will navigate us to his favorite honey holes, where we'll use a mix of live bait and artificial lures to entice the fish. Don't worry if you're new to fishing; the captain will show you the ropes and have you casting like a pro in no time. The calm waters make this trip ideal for families, and there's plenty of room on the boat for everyone to spread out and find their lucky spot.

Inshore Tactics That Work

We'll be using light tackle and a variety of techniques to land our catch. Depending on the conditions and what's biting, we might drift fish over grass flats, work the edges of oyster reefs, or pole along mangrove shorelines. The captain might have you tossing soft plastics for trout one minute and free-lining live shrimp for redfish the next. It's all about adapting to what the fish want, and that's where Captain Jaime's years of experience come into play. He'll teach you how to read the water, spot fish movement, and present your bait in a way that's irresistible to our target species.

Customer Stories

"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

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish: These copper-colored beauties are a favorite among anglers for their hard-fighting spirit and excellent table fare. In the Lower Laguna Madre, redfish can be found year-round, but they're especially active in the fall when they school up for their annual spawn. Look for their distinctive tail-waving behavior in shallow water – it's a sight that'll get your heart racing! Redfish in these waters typically range from 20 to 30 inches, but don't be surprised if you hook into a bull red over 40 inches.

Speckled Trout: Also known as spotted seatrout, these fish are prized for their delicate flavor and the challenge they present to anglers. They're most active in the cooler months, from fall through spring. Specks are ambush predators, so we'll target them around structure like grass beds and oyster reefs. The thrill of a speckled trout hitting a topwater lure at dawn is something every angler should experience. While most trout we'll catch will be in the 15 to 20-inch range, South Padre is known for producing some true gators over 25 inches.

Southern Flounder: These flatfish are the masters of camouflage, blending in perfectly with the sandy bottom. Flounder fishing requires finesse and patience, but the reward is well worth it. The best time to target flounder is during their fall run when they move to deeper waters to spawn. We'll use a technique called "bumping" where we slowly drag a bait along the bottom to entice a bite. Flounder in the 2 to 4-pound range are common, but lucky anglers might land a doormat over 5 pounds.

Black Drum: Often overlooked by visiting anglers, black drum can provide some of the best action on light tackle. These cousins of the redfish are known for their powerful fights and distinctive chin barbels. We'll find them rooting around on the bottom for crabs and shrimp. The smaller "puppy drum" in the 14 to 30-inch range are excellent eating, while the bigger ones over 40 inches are fun to catch and release. Black drum are available year-round but are especially abundant in late winter and early spring.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

It's not just about the fish – though that's a big part of it! The Lower Laguna Madre is a unique ecosystem that offers some of the best shallow-water fishing in Texas. The crystal-clear waters let you see the fish before you cast, adding an exciting visual element to your fishing experience. Plus, with the backdrop of South Padre Island's pristine beaches and diverse wildlife, you're in for a treat even between bites. Captain Jaime's local knowledge ensures that every trip is tailored to the current conditions and your fishing goals. Whether you're after a cooler full of fish for dinner or looking to land that personal best, we've got you covered.

Time to Book Your Spot

Don't let this opportunity to fish some of South Texas' most productive waters slip away. With Reel Therapy Charter Service, you're not just booking a fishing trip – you're signing up for a day of memories on the water. Captain Jaime's expertise, combined with the incredible fishery of the Lower Laguna Madre, means you're in for a top-notch angling experience. Remember, we provide all the gear you need, so all you have to do is show up ready for action. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to lock in your date. Whether you're planning a family outing, a day with friends, or a solo fishing adventure, this South Padre Island inshore trip is your ticket to tight lines and big smiles. Book now and get ready to feel the tug – it's time to make some fishing stories of your own!

Customer Review

Fishy Fun 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 species

Black Drum

Black Drum are the heavyweight cousins of Redfish, and boy can they put up a fight. These bruisers typically run 5-30 pounds, but the big ones can hit 90 pounds. You'll find them in shallow, brackish waters around oyster beds and mudflats. Spring's the best time to target them as they school up to spawn. Black Drum make a distinctive croaking sound, so listen for that underwater drumming. They're not the prettiest fish, but smaller ones under 15 pounds are great eating. Bigger ones get tough and less tasty. For bait, nothing beats fresh crab or shrimp. Here's a local trick: use a heavy leader and let your bait sit on the bottom. When you feel that thump, give 'em a second before setting the hook.

Redfish

Redfish are the rockstars of our flats fishing scene. These copper-colored beauties with the trademark tail spot typically run 28-33 inches when full-grown, but can get much bigger offshore. You'll spot them tailing in super shallow water, sometimes with their backs out of the water. They love hanging around oyster beds, grass flats, and mangroves. Fall's the best time as they school up, but you can catch 'em year-round. Reds put up a hell of a fight and taste great too, making them a favorite for anglers. They'll hit just about anything when they're feeding, from topwater lures to live bait. Here's a local secret: on calm days, look for pushes of water or "nervous" bait. That's often a sign of redfish on the hunt. Cast ahead of the movement and hold on tight!

Sea Trout

Sea Trout, or Speckled Trout as we call 'em here, are a staple in our inshore waters. These silvery fish with dark spots usually run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, though some monsters push 40 pounds. You'll find them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They love to ambush bait, so working lures around structure is key. Spring and fall are prime seasons when the water's not too hot. Trout are popular for their sporty fight and excellent taste on the table. They're not the toughest fish, but their aggressive strikes make for exciting fishing. Try this: use a popping cork with a soft plastic underneath. The noise attracts trout, and they'll smash the lure when it drops. Just remember, they have soft mouths, so don't set the hook too hard.

Southern Flounder

Southern Flounder are a unique flatfish that's a favorite target in our shallow waters. These masters of camouflage can change color to blend with the bottom, making them tricky to spot. They typically range from 15-18 inches but can grow up to 33 inches and 20 pounds. You'll find them in sandy or muddy areas, often near structure like oyster beds. Fall is prime time as they migrate to spawn offshore. Flounder are ambush predators, so we'll use slow-moving baits like live mullet or shrimp. They're not known for epic fights, but the challenge of hooking them and their excellent table fare make them popular. Pro tip: When you feel a bite, wait a few seconds before setting the hook. Flounder often grab prey sideways before swallowing it head-first.

About the Dargel Boats

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 5

Manufacturer Name: Suzuki

Maximum Cruising Speed: 40

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 250

Ready to reel in some fish without venturing too far from shore? This 5-hour trip on South Padre Island's calm inshore waters is perfect for anglers of all skill levels. You and a buddy can hop aboard for a morning or afternoon of fishing in the Lower Laguna Madre, where Redfish, Speckled Trout, and seasonal Flounder are waiting to bite. Your experienced captain will show you the ropes and take you to the best spots, so even if you're new to fishing, you'll have a great shot at landing some keepers. No need to lug your own gear – everything you need is provided on the boat. Just remember to bring sun protection and your Texas fishing license. With a max of two guests, you'll get plenty of personalized attention and fishing time. Whether you're looking for a laid-back family activity or a chance to improve your angling skills, this trip offers a fun, productive day on the water without the hassle of heading far offshore.

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