Half Day Morning Redfish And Flounder Fishing
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
5-hour morning inshore fishing trip targeting redfish and flounderAccommodates 2 guests with all gear and expert guidance providedDeparts 7 AM from South Padre Island waters
Looking for a solid morning on the water targeting some of the Gulf Coast's most popular inshore species? This 5-hour fishing trip with Capt. Makiolke puts you right in the heart of South Padre Island's best redfish and flounder waters. Starting at 7:00 AM when the bite is hot, you'll fish the flats, channels, and grass beds where these fish love to hang out. At $475 for up to 2 anglers, you get everything included – rods, reels, tackle, bait, and most importantly, a captain who knows exactly where to find them. Whether you're new to inshore fishing or you've been chasing reds for years, this trip delivers the goods.
We kick off early to beat the heat and catch the morning bite when redfish and flounder are most active. You'll be fishing the shallow waters around South Padre Island where these species thrive – think grassy flats, oyster reefs, and drop-offs where the current brings in baitfish. The boat stays in protected waters, so you won't deal with big waves or rough conditions. Capt. Makiolke runs a clean, well-maintained vessel with all the gear you need, from light tackle setups perfect for sight-fishing reds to the heavier rigs needed when flounder are holding deep. The vibe is relaxed but focused – we're here to put fish in the boat, and the captain knows how to make that happen. You'll spend your time moving between productive spots, reading the water, and learning what makes these fish tick.
This is classic inshore fishing at its finest. We'll be using live bait like shrimp and mullet, plus soft plastics that mimic the crabs and baitfish these species feed on. For redfish, expect to throw paddle tails and gold spoons around structure, while flounder fishing means working the bottom with jigs and live bait rigs. The captain provides all tackle, but if you have a favorite rod or reel, feel free to bring it along. We'll be fishing depths from 2 to 15 feet, using everything from topwater plugs during the early morning action to Carolina rigs when we need to get down deep. The key is staying mobile and adjusting techniques based on what the fish are telling us. Some days they want fast-moving lures, other days they prefer a slow presentation. That's where having an experienced captain makes all the difference.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Texas inshore fishing, and South Padre Island serves up some beauties. These copper-colored fighters typically run 18 to 28 inches in these waters, with plenty of slot-sized fish that make great table fare. Reds are year-round residents here, but spring and fall offer the best action when they school up in the shallows. What makes them so exciting is their aggressive strike and bulldogging fight – they'll pull drag and test your skills. Plus, they're not shy about eating topwater plugs, which creates some of the most exciting fishing you'll experience on the Texas coast.
Southern Flounder might not win any beauty contests, but they're masters of disguise and fantastic eating. These flatfish can grow over 20 inches and several pounds in local waters, with the best fishing typically from late spring through early winter. They're ambush predators that bury themselves in sandy bottoms near structure, waiting for unsuspecting prey to swim by. The challenge with flounder is feeling that subtle bite – they don't slam lures like redfish. Instead, you'll feel a gentle tap or just extra weight on your line. Once hooked, they fight differently than other fish, using their flat bodies to create resistance. Many anglers specifically target flounder because they're considered some of the best eating fish in the Gulf.
This morning trip hits the sweet spot for serious fishing without eating up your whole day. You'll be back at the dock by noon with time to clean your catch and still enjoy other South Padre Island activities. The early start means cooler temperatures and more active fish, while the 5-hour duration gives you plenty of time to work different spots and techniques. At $475 for two people with everything included, it's a solid value for a top-rated South Padre Island fishing charter. Capt. Makiolke knows these waters like the back of his hand, and his track record speaks for itself. Whether you're visiting South Padre for the week or you're a local looking for a great day on the water, this trip delivers the kind of fishing memories that keep you coming back for more.
You'll be fishing from a reliable 2015 Majek flats boat that's built specifically for these South Padre waters. This 23-footer handles the shallow flats like a dream with its 175HP Suzuki pushing you to the honey holes at a smooth 30 knots. The boat's designed for serious fishing - low profile to sneak up on those spooky redfish and flounder without spooking them. On board, you've got GPS to mark productive spots and a quality fish finder to locate structure where the fish are holding. With room for up to 6 anglers, there's plenty of space for you and your buddy to work different areas of the boat and stay out of each other's way when fighting fish. The shallow draft lets us get into those back-country spots where the big reds cruise the grass beds, and the stable platform gives you solid footing whether you're sight-casting or working the bottom for flounder. This boat gets you to the fish quickly and quietly.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our South Padre flats. These copper-colored beauties love cruising the 1-4 foot shallows around oyster reefs and grass beds, especially during warmer months. You'll spot them by their distinctive black spots near the tail and that bronze back that fades to white underneath. Most fish we catch run 20-28 inches, but don't be surprised if a bull red over 35 inches shows up. They fight hard with long runs and head shakes that'll test your drag. The meat is sweet and flaky - perfect for the dinner table. Here's a local trick: when you see them tailing in shallow water, cast your bait about 3 feet ahead of where they're moving, not right at them. Spook one and the whole school disappears.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are masters of disguise that lie buried in sandy and muddy bottoms waiting to ambush prey. These flat, oval-shaped fish have both eyes on their left side and can change colors to match the bottom perfectly. Most run 15-18 inches, but we catch plenty in the 3-5 pound range with some pushing 8+ pounds. Fall and early winter are prime time as they move toward passes heading offshore. They hit live shrimp, mullet, and bull minnows worked slowly along the bottom. What makes them special is the challenge - you're sight fishing for fish that are nearly invisible. The meat is white, flaky, and some of the best eating in the bay. Pro tip: look for nervous baitfish or small puffs of sand on the bottom. That's usually a flounder giving away its hiding spot.
South Padre Island