Half Day Morning Redfish And Flounder Fishing Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Halfday morning charter targets redfish, trout, and flounder inshoreFivehour guided trip includes all gear and expert instructionSmall group experience accommodates maximum two guests per boat
Picture this: it's 7 AM, the Texas sun is just starting to peek over the horizon, and you're cruising through some of the most productive inshore waters along the Gulf Coast. Captain Makiolke knows these South Padre Island flats like the back of his hand, and for the next five hours, you'll be targeting two of the most sought-after species in Texas – redfish and flounder. This isn't your typical crowded charter boat experience either. With space for just two anglers, you get personalized attention and prime positioning for every cast. At $475 for two people, everything's included except the fish stories you'll be telling for years to come.
When you step aboard with Captain Makiolke, you're getting more than just a boat ride – you're tapping into decades of local knowledge. The morning start time isn't just about beating the heat (though that's a nice bonus). These early hours are when redfish are actively feeding in the shallows, cruising the grass flats and oyster bars that make South Padre Island's back bays so productive. The water's usually glass-calm in the morning, making it easier to spot tailing reds and the subtle mud puffs that give away feeding flounder. Captain Makiolke runs a clean, well-maintained boat equipped with everything you need – quality rods and reels, a full tackle selection, and most importantly, the local intel that separates a good day from a great one. Don't worry if you're new to inshore fishing; the captain takes time to explain techniques and help you read the water. Experienced anglers appreciate his willingness to put you on fish while sharing insights about seasonal patterns and productive structure.
South Padre Island inshore fishing is all about finesse and reading the conditions. Captain Makiolke typically runs medium-action spinning gear spooled with 15-20 pound braid – perfect for the slot reds and keeper flounder you'll be targeting. Depending on water clarity and fish activity, you might be throwing soft plastics on 1/4 to 1/2 ounce jig heads, working topwater plugs over shallow grass beds, or drifting live shrimp along drop-offs where flounder ambush prey. The beauty of these back bay systems is their diversity. One minute you're sight-casting to a school of reds in two feet of water, the next you're working a channel edge in eight feet, bouncing baits along the bottom for flounder. Captain Makiolke reads the tides, wind, and water temperature to put together a game plan that maximizes your time on productive water. The boat's equipped with a shallow-draft hull that can access skinny water spots where bigger boats can't reach, plus the electronics needed to mark structure and bait schools in deeper areas.
Redfish are the bread and butter of South Padre Island inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers are year-round residents, though their behavior changes with the seasons. During cooler months, look for them in slightly deeper water around oyster reefs and channel edges. As water temperatures rise, they move into the shallows to feed aggressively on crabs, shrimp, and small baitfish. What makes reds so special isn't just their fight – though they'll definitely test your drag system – it's their willingness to eat a variety of baits and lures. A 20-inch slot red might crush a topwater plug at sunrise, then turn around and inhale a Carolina-rigged shrimp an hour later. Captain Makiolke knows where these fish concentrate based on tide, season, and recent weather patterns. The sight of a red's broad back cutting through shallow water never gets old, whether it's your first or your hundredth.
Southern flounder are the masters of camouflage in these waters, lying buried in sand and mud waiting for unsuspecting prey to swim overhead. These flatfish can be tricky to pattern, but that's what makes them so rewarding to target. They typically hold along drop-offs, channel edges, and around structure where current brings food to them. Size-wise, a keeper flounder in Texas waters measures at least 15 inches, but the fish Captain Makiolke puts clients on often run well into the 20-inch range. Fall months are prime time for flounder as they fatten up before their offshore spawning migration, but skilled guides like Captain Makiolke know how to find them year-round. The key is understanding their ambush feeding style – flounder don't chase baits very far, so presentation is crucial. When you feel that subtle tap-tap-tap on your line, resist the urge to set the hook immediately. Give them time to turn the bait and commit before lifting into them.
South Padre Island's inshore fishery is world-class for a reason – diverse habitat, year-round fishing opportunities, and guides like Captain Makiolke who've dedicated their careers to understanding these waters. This half-day morning trip gives you a perfect taste of what Texas coastal fishing is all about without the commitment of a full day on the water. The early start time means you're fishing during prime feeding windows, and the intimate two-person capacity ensures you get individual attention whether you need help with technique or just want to soak up local knowledge. At $475 for two anglers with all gear and tackle included, you're getting exceptional value for a top-rated South Padre Island fishing charter. These morning slots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to secure your date. Whether you're looking to introduce someone new to saltwater fishing or add another memorable day to your angling resume, this trip delivers the authentic Texas coast experience you're after.
Your morning redfish and flounder hunt starts aboard this reliable 2015 Majek flats boat, purpose-built for prowling South Padre's shallow waters where the big fish hide. At 23 feet with a 175HP Suzuki pushing you along at 30 knots, this rig gets you to the productive spots fast and runs whisper-quiet through skinny water without spooking your targets. The onboard fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools, while GPS keeps you on the hottest fishing grounds around the island. With room for up to 6 anglers but limited to just 2 guests on this trip, you'll have plenty of space to work your lines and fight those hard-pulling reds. The shallow draft design lets you slip into those backcountry flats where trophy flounder lay waiting, making this the perfect platform for serious inshore fishing around South Padre's grass beds and drop-offs.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are hands-down one of the most exciting targets in our shallow waters here at South Padre. These copper-colored beauties average 20-30 inches and love hanging out in 1-4 feet of water around grass flats, oyster bars, and muddy bottoms. You'll spot them by their distinctive black eyespot near the tail and that reddish back that fades to white underneath. They hit hard and fight like crazy, making long runs that'll test your drag. Spring through fall are prime time when they're actively feeding in the shallows. What makes them special is they're not picky eaters - they'll crush topwater plugs, soft plastics, or live shrimp. The meat is fantastic too, with a mild, sweet flavor that's perfect on the grill. Pro tip: when you see them tailing in skinny water, cast well ahead of where they're moving and let your bait settle to the bottom. They'll find it.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are the masters of disguise on our sandy and muddy bottoms around South Padre. These flatfish typically run 15-18 inches, though we catch some pushing 25+ inches that really bend the rod. Both eyes sit on their left side, and they're amazing at changing color to match whatever bottom they're lying on. You'll find them in shallow bays, around structure, and near drop-offs where they ambush prey. Fall and winter are peak seasons when they're fattening up before their offshore spawning runs. What guests love is the challenge - they're not easy to spot and require patience and technique. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in these waters with sweet, flaky white meat. The fight is more about weight than speed, but a big flounder will give you a solid battle. My go-to tip: use a slow drift with live mud minnows or shrimp on a light jighead, and feel for that subtle tap-tap bite.
South Padre Island