%2Ffit-in%2F250x250%2Fguide_websites%2F3047%2Fimages%2F1753381719109stevelogo.jpg&w=1200&q=100)
Top-Rated South Padre Fishing: 5-Hour AM Charter
- Published Date: July 16, 2025
- Fishing
- Texas
- $100 - $500 price range
- Updated Date: November 28, 2025
Summary
%2F%2Fusers%2F3e750e46-d58e-456c-9169-d46dfdead4c0%2Fratecard%2Ffamilyfishing.jpg&w=1200&q=75)
Inshore Catches
Hook Into South Padre's Inshore Bounty
Ready to wet a line in some of the best inshore waters Texas has to offer? Our half-day trips out of South Padre Island put you right where the action is. We're talking light tackle fun in the bays and flats, where redfish cruise the shallows and trout hang out waiting to ambush your bait. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod, we'll get you on fish and show you the ropes of inshore fishing, South Padre style.
What to Expect on the Water
Picture this: You're drifting along calm, gin-clear shallows, sight-casting to tailing reds in water so shallow you can see their backs breaking the surface. Or maybe we're anchored up on a deeper flat, working soft plastics for monster trout. That's the kind of day you're in for with Today We Fish. We keep things simple but effective, using tried-and-true techniques like drift fishing and bottom fishing that put fish in the boat day in and day out. And with a max of 3 guests per trip, you'll get plenty of one-on-one time with your guide to dial in your technique and learn the local hotspots.
Techniques That Turn Heads
Inshore fishing is all about finesse and reading the water. We'll show you how to work a popping cork for aggressive trout, or the subtle art of slow-rolling a paddletail for big reds. Depending on conditions, we might be tossing live bait under the mangroves or working topwaters across grass flats at first light. Our guides are masters at matching the hatch and putting you on the pattern of the day. And don't worry if you're new to this - we've got all the gear you need and the patience to get you catching like a pro in no time.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Redfish: The crown jewel of Texas inshore fishing, redfish are hard-fighting and great eating. These copper-colored beauties love to cruise shallow flats, often giving themselves away with their signature tail waving above the surface as they root for crabs. Fall is prime time for big bull reds, but we catch them year-round. Nothing beats the screaming run of a red when it realizes it's hooked!
Speckled Trout: Also known as spotted seatrout, these wily predators are a light tackle angler's dream. They've got soft mouths, so finesse is key, but land a big one and you're in for some of the best fish tacos you've ever had. We target them over grass flats and around structure, often using live bait or soft plastics. The bigger ones, called "gator trout," are a true trophy.
Black Drum: Often overlooked but seriously fun to catch, black drum are like redfish's bigger, uglier cousin. They love to hang out around oyster beds and bridge pilings, and they put up a great fight on light tackle. The smaller ones (under 5 pounds) are excellent eating, with sweet, white meat. We catch them year-round, but spring sees some truly massive ones move in to spawn.
Sheepshead: These striped convicts are the bane of many anglers due to their uncanny ability to steal bait, but man are they fun when you hook up. They've got human-like teeth perfect for crushing crabs and barnacles, which means they love structure. We target them around jetties and pilings, usually with live or cut bait. They're plentiful in the cooler months and make for some fantastic fish and chips.
Crevalle Jack: Hold onto your rod when one of these bruisers hits! Crevalle jacks are like inshore tuna - pure muscle and speed. They show up in the warmer months and can often be seen busting bait on the surface. While they're not known for their table fare, pound for pound they're some of the hardest fighting fish in the bay. Hooking one on light tackle is a sure way to get your arms burning.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
South Padre Island isn't just a spring break destination - it's a year-round fishing paradise. Our protected bays offer consistent action even when the offshore waters get rough, and the variety of species means there's always something biting. Plus, with our experience and local know-how, we put you on fish fast so you can make the most of your half-day on the water. Whether you're looking to bend a rod, learn new techniques, or just enjoy a relaxing day soaking up the Texas sun, we've got you covered.
Time to Book Your Spot
Look, the fish are out there waiting, and we've got the boat gassed up and ready to go. Whether you're a local looking for a quick fishing fix or a visitor wanting to experience the best of South Padre's inshore action, this half-day trip is your ticket to tight lines and screaming drags. We provide all the gear, know-how, and good vibes - all you need to bring is your sense of adventure and maybe a cooler for your catch. So what are you waiting for? The redfish are tailing, the trout are schooling, and your next "big fish" story is just a cast away. Book your spot now and let's get out there and make some memories on the water. Trust me, once you feel that first hit, you'll be hooked on South Padre fishing for life!
Learn more about the species
Black Drum
Black Drum are the heavyweights of our local waters, often tipping the scales at 5-30 pounds. You'll find these bruisers hanging around oyster beds and muddy flats, using their powerful jaws to crush shellfish. Spring's your best bet for hooking into a school, but don't go too big - those over 15 pounds can be tough eating. These guys make a distinctive drumming sound underwater, which is pretty cool to hear if you're lucky. When you're targeting them, patience is key. Use fresh crab or clams on the bottom and wait them out. They're not the prettiest fish, but man, do they put up a fight! Just remember, if you're looking for good table fare, stick to the smaller ones under 10 pounds. They've got a mild, sweet flavor that's hard to beat when cooked right.
Crevalle Jack
Crevalle Jack are the bulldogs of our inshore waters. These powerhouses usually run 3-5 pounds, but the big ones can top 30. You'll find them busting bait on the surface, often giving themselves away with birds diving on the chaos. They're in both shallow and deep water, wherever there's prey to chase. Summer and fall are prime Jack seasons when they're in a feeding frenzy. Anglers love 'em for their sheer power - hook into one and you're in for a fight. They'll hit just about any lure that moves fast, from topwater plugs to spoons. Here's a local trick: when you see them feeding, cast beyond the school and retrieve quickly through it. Jacks aren't great eating, but pound-for-pound, they're some of the hardest-fighting fish in these waters. Just be ready - they can spool you if you're not careful!
Redfish
Redfish are the rockstars of our flats fishing here. These copper-colored bruisers usually run 20-30 inches, but the big bulls can top 40. Look for 'em tailing in shallow water, often so shallow their backs are out of the water. They love hanging around oyster beds and grass flats, especially early morning or late evening. Fall's prime time when they school up, but you can catch 'em year-round. Redfish are famous for their hard-pulling fights and those heart-stopping surface strikes. They'll hit just about anything, from live bait to topwater lures. Here's a pro tip: on calm days, look for their wakes or tails breaking the surface. Sight-casting to a tailing red is some of the most exciting fishing you'll ever do. Plus, they're delicious - mild, flaky meat that's great on the grill.
Sea Trout
Sea Trout, or Speckled Trout as we call 'em here, are a staple of our inshore fishing. These silvery, spotted beauties usually run 14-24 inches, with the big gals hitting 5 pounds or more. You'll find them cruising grass flats and hanging around oyster beds, especially at night. They're suckers for live shrimp, but artificial lures work great too. In winter, they school up in deeper channels where the water's warmer. Trout fishing's hot year-round, but fall and spring are prime time. Anglers love 'em for their aggressive strikes and the fun fight they put up on light tackle. Here's a local tip: try a slow-moving jig in deeper holes during a cold snap. Sea Trout make excellent table fare too, with delicate, flaky meat that's hard to beat when fried up fresh.
Sheepshead
Sheepshead are the oddball characters of our local waters. With their black and white stripes, they look like little convicts swimming around. These guys usually run 1-8 pounds, but the big ones can hit 20. You'll find them hanging around any structure with barnacles - docks, bridges, you name it. They're famous for their human-like teeth, which they use to crush crabs and oysters. Spring's the hot time to catch 'em, when they school up to spawn. Anglers love the challenge - these fish are notorious bait stealers. My tip? Use a small, sharp hook and set it fast when you feel that nibble. Sheepshead put up a decent fight and make great eating, with sweet, white meat. Just be ready to work for your dinner - cleaning them can be tricky with those tough scales.
About the Majek ( Center console boats )
%2F%2Fusers%2F3e750e46-d58e-456c-9169-d46dfdead4c0%2Fvehicle_picture%2F9be86863-095d-44df-8e0c-119296a09b07.jpg&w=1200&q=75)
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 70
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 300
