Steven Hillarys Outdoor Fishing Charter South Padre Island

Guided Fishing Trip with Captain Steven Hillary – Rates & Booking

Captain Steven Hillary of Today We Fish Charter and Adventures on Friday April specializes in 5-hour afternoon bay fishing trips that target the abundant red drum and spotted seatrout populations in South Padre Island's inshore waters. These licensed guided fishing experiences include all tackle, bait, and safety equipment, with trips accommodating both experienced anglers and families new to saltwater fishing. The afternoon departure timing takes advantage of optimal feeding periods when gamefish move into shallow feeding areas. Contact the charter directly for current rates, availability, and to secure your spot on these popular South Padre Island fishing adventures.

Highlights of Bay Fishing in South Padre Island

The expansive bay system surrounding South Padre Island creates ideal conditions for targeting multiple inshore species during a single trip. Red drum patrol the grass flats and oyster reefs, while spotted seatrout cruise the deeper channels and drop-offs. The protected waters offer comfortable fishing conditions even when offshore seas are rough, making these trips perfect for anglers of all experience levels. Light tackle techniques using live shrimp, mullet, and artificial jigs produce consistent results throughout the year.

The afternoon timing allows the morning boat traffic to settle while positioning anglers during prime feeding windows when fish move shallow to hunt. These 5-hour trips provide ample time to work multiple productive areas, from the shallow grass beds near the causeway to the deeper waters around the jetties, maximizing opportunities for steady action and memorable catches.

Local Species Insights: Red Drum & Spotted Seatrout

Red drum, locally known as redfish, thrive in South Padre Island's shallow bay waters where they feed aggressively on crabs, shrimp, and small baitfish around oyster bars and grass flats. These powerful fish are known for their distinctive copper-bronze coloration and the characteristic black spot near their tail, making them easily identifiable when brought to the boat. Spotted seatrout prefer slightly deeper water with sandy bottoms and grass beds, where they ambush prey using their excellent camouflage and lightning-fast strikes. Both species respond well to live bait presentations and artificial lures, with the key being to match the technique to current conditions and fish behavior patterns that change throughout the day.

Plan Your Fishing Charter Day

These afternoon bay fishing trips depart from South Padre Island's marina facilities, with the charter providing all necessary fishing equipment, tackle, bait, and safety gear. The experienced captain handles navigation, fish location, and technique instruction, allowing guests to focus on the fishing experience. Trips typically accommodate small groups, ensuring personalized attention and plenty of room to fish comfortably. Guests should bring sun protection, drinks, snacks, and a cooler if they plan to keep their catch, while the charter handles fishing licenses and all technical aspects of the trip.