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Steven Hillarys Redfish Adventures in South Padre
Redfish Fishing in South Padre Island
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The Sciaenops Ocellatus belongs to the order Perciformes and family Sciaenidae. It typically measures between 30 and 61 inches in length, with a weight range from 10 to 45 lbs. Habitat: onshore, flats, backcountry, nearshore. - Redfish are also known as Red Drum and are prized gamefish. - They can be identified by distinctive eyespots near the tail. - These fish have a copper-red back that fades to white on the belly.
Guided Fishing Trip by Captain Steven Hillary in December
Meet your Captain Steven Hillary
- Specializing in Family & Children Fishing Trips
Summary
Captain Steven Hillary of Today We Fish Charter and Adventures on Wednesday November offers proven redfish fishing in South Padre Island's productive bay waters. Our half-day morning guided fishing trip targets redfish using drift fishing and bottom bouncing techniques with light tackle gear. Starting at 7:00 am, we focus on shallow flats and backcountry spots where redfish are most active during early morning hours. Whether you're new to inshore fishing or an experienced angler, our local knowledge and proven techniques give you the best chance at landing these prized gamefish. All light tackle equipment is provided, and we know the productive spots that consistently hold fish around South Padre Island. The early start maximizes your fishing time when redfish are feeding and leaves your afternoon free to enjoy other island activities. Book your redfish charter and experience what makes South Padre Island one of Texas's premier fishing destinations.
Guided Fishing Trip with Captain Steven Hillary – Rates & Booking
Captain Steven Hillary of Today We Fish Charter and Adventures on Wednesday November provides expert redfish fishing guidance in South Padre Island's productive bay waters. Our half-day morning trips start at 7:00 am and run approximately 4-6 hours, giving you prime fishing time when redfish are most active. We provide all light tackle equipment, local expertise, and knowledge of the best drift fishing and bottom bouncing spots. Pricing varies by group size and season—contact us directly for current rates and availability. As a licensed guide with years of local experience, Captain Steven knows where the fish are and how to put you on them consistently.
Highlights of Today We Fish Charter and Adventures
Our redfish charters focus on proven techniques that work in South Padre Island's unique bay system. We specialize in drift fishing and bottom bouncing with light tackle, which keeps the fight sporting while effectively targeting redfish in their preferred shallow water habitat. The early morning departure gets you on the water when fish are actively feeding, and our local knowledge means we're always fishing the most productive spots based on current conditions.
What sets our charters apart is the combination of technique variety and local expertise. We move between different spots throughout the trip, adapting our approach based on weather, tides, and fish activity. Whether conditions are calm or challenging, we're prepared to adjust our strategy to keep you on the fish.
Local Species Insights: Redfish
Redfish thrive in South Padre Island's shallow bay waters, flats, and backcountry areas where they feed on crabs, shrimp, and small baitfish. These copper-colored gamefish are perfectly adapted to the warm Texas coastal waters, preferring depths of 1-4 feet where they can easily ambush prey. During November, redfish are particularly active in the mornings as water temperatures remain comfortable and baitfish are abundant. The combination of structure, current, and food sources around South Padre Island creates ideal redfish habitat year-round.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
Our half-day morning bay fishing trips accommodate up to 6 anglers and include all necessary light tackle equipment. We start at 7:00 am to take advantage of prime feeding times and typically return by early afternoon, leaving you time to enjoy other South Padre Island activities. The boat is equipped for comfort and safety, with all required safety equipment and local knowledge to navigate the bay system effectively. We provide instruction for beginners and advanced techniques for experienced anglers, ensuring everyone has a productive and enjoyable time on the water.
Fishing in Texas: Redfish
The Redfish (Sciaenops ocellatus), also known as Red Drum, belongs to the order Perciformes and family Sciaenidae. This popular gamefish is easily identified by its distinctive copper-red coloration that fades to white on the belly and one or more black eyespots near the tail. In South Padre Island waters this November, redfish are particularly active in the shallow bay systems and backcountry flats where they feed aggressively during morning hours.
Redfish Overview
Redfish are among the most sought-after inshore gamefish along the Gulf Coast, prized for their fighting ability and excellent table fare. They inhabit shallow coastal waters, flats, and backcountry areas where they can easily ambush prey. These adaptable fish thrive in varying salinity levels and are known for their powerful runs and stubborn fights when hooked.
Redfish Habitat and Distribution
These fish prefer shallow waters ranging from 1 to 4 feet deep, including grass flats, oyster bars, and backcountry areas. Around South Padre Island, redfish are commonly found in the Laguna Madre bay system, where the shallow waters and abundant structure provide ideal feeding and spawning habitat. They move with tides and seasons, often congregating in specific areas based on food availability and water temperature.
Redfish Size and Weight
Adult redfish typically range from 30 to 61 inches in length and weigh between 10 to 45 pounds. Slot-size fish (20-28 inches) are most commonly caught by recreational anglers, while larger bull redfish over 40 inches provide trophy-class fishing experiences. The largest specimens can exceed 50 pounds and are often found in deeper nearshore waters.
Redfish Diet and Behavior
Redfish are opportunistic feeders that consume crabs, shrimp, mullet, and various baitfish. They often feed by tailing in shallow water, where their tails break the surface as they root for crabs and other bottom-dwelling prey. During morning and evening hours, they become more active and move into shallower areas to feed, making these prime times for targeting them with light tackle.
Redfish Spawning Season
Spawning occurs in nearshore waters from late summer through fall, typically when water temperatures range from 70-80°F. During this period, mature redfish form large schools and move to deeper waters to spawn. After spawning, they return to inshore waters where juveniles develop in protected marsh and grass flat areas.
Redfish Fishing Techniques
Effective techniques include drift fishing with live or cut bait, bottom bouncing with jigs, and sight fishing with artificial lures. Popular baits include live shrimp, cut mullet, and blue crab, while artificial options like soft plastics, spoons, and topwater plugs work well. In November around South Padre Island, anglers find success using light tackle to drift fish over grass flats and oyster bars during morning hours when redfish are actively feeding.
Redfish Is It Good to Eat?
Redfish offer excellent table fare with firm, white meat and a mild, slightly sweet flavor. The flesh is low in fat and high in protein, making it a healthy seafood choice. Popular cooking methods include blackening, grilling, and baking. Smaller slot-size fish typically provide the best eating quality, while larger bull redfish are often released to preserve the breeding population.
Redfish Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for redfish?
A: Live shrimp, cut mullet, and blue crab are top natural baits. For artificials, soft plastic jigs, gold spoons, and topwater plugs work well in shallow water.
Q: Where can I find redfish near South Padre Island?
A: Focus on shallow grass flats, oyster bars, and backcountry areas in the Laguna Madre. Look for tailing fish in 1-4 feet of water during morning hours.
Q: Is redfish good to eat?
A: Yes, redfish have firm white meat with a mild flavor. Slot-size fish (20-28 inches) provide the best eating quality and are legal to keep within bag limits.
Q: When is the best time to catch redfish?
A: Early morning and late afternoon are prime times. During November, morning trips are particularly productive as redfish feed actively in cooler water temperatures.
