Afternoon Inshore Fishing in South Padre Bay
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Afternoon inshore fishing charter targeting Sea Trout, Redfish, and FlounderIntimate 2guest capacity with Captain Aaron providing all fishing equipmentSunset fishing experience on calm South Padre Bay waters
There's something special about fishing South Padre Bay as the afternoon sun starts its descent toward the horizon. Captain Aaron knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious fish. This intimate 2-person charter gives you the perfect opportunity to target the bay's most sought-after species while enjoying the calm, protected waters that make South Padre Bay a top-rated fishing destination. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this afternoon trip delivers the kind of action that keeps folks coming back season after season.
Captain Aaron runs a tight ship, but the vibe stays relaxed and focused on putting fish in the boat. You'll launch into the shallow, grass-covered flats and back-lake areas where the big trout like to hang out, then work your way along the drop-offs and channel edges where redfish cruise looking for an easy meal. The afternoon timing is money – as the sun gets lower, the fish start moving and feeding more aggressively. You'll be working these prime spots right when the bite turns on. The bay stays pretty calm most days, so even if you're prone to getting queasy, you'll be comfortable out there. Captain Aaron brings all the tackle you need, from topwater plugs for those heart-stopping surface strikes to soft plastics for working the bottom where the flounder lie. Just make sure you've got your Texas fishing license sorted before you show up – that's on you to handle.
This isn't your typical party boat experience where you're dropping chicken rigs and hoping for the best. Captain Aaron runs a proper inshore operation with medium-light spinning gear that lets you feel every bump and head shake. You'll be throwing everything from topwater baits over the grass flats to bouncing jigs along the shell reefs. The water here runs anywhere from 2 to 8 feet deep, so you're sight fishing a lot of the time – watching for those telltale swirls and tails that give away where the fish are holding. When the trout are up shallow, you'll work soft plastics under a popping cork, letting the current do most of the work. For redfish, it's all about finding those muddy spots where they're rooting around for crabs and shrimp. Captain Aaron's got the local knowledge to read the water and put you on the most productive structure, whether that's oyster reefs, grass beds, or those sweet drop-offs where multiple species stack up.
Southern Flounder are the bread and butter of South Padre Bay, and these flatfish know how to put up a fight once you get them off the bottom. They're ambush predators that bury themselves in the sand near drop-offs and channel edges, waiting for baitfish to swim by. Most of the keepers here run 16 to 20 inches, with some real doormat-sized fish pushing 4 to 5 pounds. Fall and winter are prime time for flounder, when they're fattening up before their spawn. What makes them so fun to target is that strike – they hit hard and fast, then try to bulldoze their way back to the bottom.
Snook are the glamour fish of the bay, and while they can be finicky, when you connect with one it's pure magic. These fish love structure – docks, bridges, mangrove shorelines – anywhere they can stage and ambush prey. They're incredibly explosive when hooked, with that signature head-shaking jump that gets your heart racing. In South Padre Bay, most snook run 20 to 28 inches, though the occasional pig over 30 inches shows up to make your day. They're most active during warmer months and love low-light conditions, making this afternoon charter perfect timing as the sun starts to drop.
Black Drum might not win any beauty contests, but they're absolute bulldogs that will test your drag system. These bottom-dwellers cruise the oyster reefs and shallow flats, using their powerful pharyngeal teeth to crush crabs and shellfish. They're year-round residents in the bay, with the bigger fish – we're talking 20 to 40 pounds – showing up in spring and fall. When a big drum takes your bait, there's no mistaking it. They make long, powerful runs that will have you wondering if you've hooked into a truck tire.
Spotted Sea Trout are the most consistent performers in South Padre Bay, and for good reason. These fish are aggressive feeders that hit a variety of baits and lures throughout the day. The bay's grass flats and drop-offs provide perfect habitat for trout ranging from keeper-sized 15-inchers up to those coveted 5-pound-plus "gator trout" that make for wall-hangers. They're most active in spring and fall when water temperatures are in that sweet spot between 65 and 75 degrees. What anglers love about trout fishing here is the variety of techniques that work – from topwater early and late to soft plastics and live bait during the day.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Texas inshore fishing, and South Padre Bay serves up some of the most consistent red drum action on the coast. These copper-colored bruisers patrol the shallow flats and back-lake areas, often in schools that will keep you busy for hours. Slot-sized reds between 20 and 28 inches are common, with plenty of oversized fish that provide catch-and-release action you won't forget. Reds are visual feeders that often give themselves away by tailing in shallow water or creating muddy spots as they root for food. When conditions are right, you can sight-cast to individual fish – it doesn't get much better than watching a red crush your lure in 2 feet of crystal-clear water.
Captain Aaron's
Captain Aaron's motorboat is your ticket to the productive waters of South Padre Bay. This well-equipped fishing machine features GPS navigation to pinpoint the hottest fishing spots where Sea Trout, Redfish, and Flounder are biting. The onboard multimedia system keeps you connected while you wait for that perfect strike. Built for serious anglers, this boat handles the bay's conditions with ease, getting you to shallow flats and deeper channels where fish love to feed. With space for 2 guests, you'll have plenty of room to cast, fight fish, and move around the deck. The captain provides all tackle and gear, so just bring your license and refreshments for an afternoon of quality fishing in these rich coastal waters.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the bulldogs of the bay - powerful fish that use their crushing jaws to demolish crabs and oysters on the bottom. We catch them from 5-30 pounds regularly, with the occasional monster pushing 40+. They hang around oyster reefs, mud flats, and creek mouths in 2-15 feet of water. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning and you can actually hear them drumming underwater. Guests love the steady, powerful fight and that satisfying thump when they inhale your bait. Keep the smaller ones under 15 pounds for the table - they're excellent eating. My secret: fresh blue crab cut in half works better than anything else. Fish it right on the bottom near oyster bars and be patient. When a drum picks it up, let them run before setting the hook.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are South Padre Bay's signature species - bronze-backed bruisers with those distinctive black spots near their tails. Our slot fish run 20-28 inches and fight like they're twice that size in shallow water. You'll find them cruising oyster reefs, grass flats, and marshy shorelines in 1-4 feet of water, often so shallow their backs show above the surface. Year-round fishing is good, but fall brings the best action when they school up. What makes them special? Those explosive topwater strikes and that never-give-up attitude that'll test your drag system. They're also outstanding table fare. Local trick: look for nervous water or "waking" fish on calm mornings. When you spot feeding reds, cast ahead of them and work your bait slowly back through their path.
Salmo TruttaSpotted Sea Trout, or "specks" as we call them locally, are the bread and butter of South Padre Bay fishing. Most run 14-20 inches with those beautiful black spots scattered across their silver sides. They cruise grass flats, sandy potholes, and drop-offs in 2-8 feet of water, feeding on shrimp and small baitfish. Spring through fall provides consistent action, but they really turn on during cooler months when they school up in deeper channels. Guests love their willingness to bite and that soft mouth that requires finesse - plus they're fantastic on the dinner table with delicate, flaky white meat. Key tip: use lighter tackle and don't horse them. Their soft mouths tear easily, so keep steady pressure and let your drag do the work.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are the ultimate inshore gamefish with their golden sides and signature black lateral line. In our waters, most run 18-28 inches, but the big females can push 35+ inches and really test your drag. They love structure - docks, mangroves, bridge pilings, and creek mouths where current brings food. Spring through fall gives us the best action, especially around the new and full moons when they're most active. What gets anglers hooked? That explosive topwater strike and their bulldogging fight in shallow water. They're also excellent table fare when kept within slot limits. Pro tip: work your lures slow and close to structure. Snook are ambush predators, so that perfect cast right along the mangrove edge often gets hammered.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are masters of disguise - these flat fish bury themselves in sand and mud, changing color to match the bottom perfectly. Around South Padre Bay, we typically catch them between 15-20 inches, though some push into the mid-20s. They love shallow sandy flats, oyster bars, and muddy bottoms where they ambush shrimp, crabs, and small baitfish. Fall and winter are prime time when they school up before heading offshore to spawn. What makes them special? That explosive strike when they come off the bottom, plus they're some of the best eating fish we catch. My tip: when drift fishing, feel for that subtle "tick" - flounder don't slam baits like other fish. Set the hook gently and keep steady pressure.
South Padre Island, TX