Half Day Afternoon Redfish And Flounder Fishing
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target redfish, speckled trout, and flounder in prime inshore watersFive-hour afternoon trip accommodates up to two guests maximumProfessional captain guides through South Padre Island fishing hotspots
Looking for some serious inshore action? This 5-hour afternoon fishing adventure with Capt. Makiolke puts you right in the heart of South Padre Island's most productive waters. We're talking about prime redfish and flounder territory here – the kind of spots where these fish have been schooling up for generations. The afternoon bite can be absolutely killer, especially when the tide starts moving and these predators get hungry. You'll be fishing the flats, channels, and grass beds that make South Padre Island one of Texas' top-rated inshore destinations. With just 2 anglers max, you get personalized attention and plenty of elbow room to work your lines without bumping into other folks.
We kick things off in the early afternoon when the fish are starting to get active after laying low during the midday heat. The beauty of fishing these South Padre waters is the variety – one minute you're sight-casting to tailing reds in 18 inches of water, the next you're drifting over sandy bottoms where flounder are waiting to ambush your bait. Captain Makiolke knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's constantly reading the conditions – wind direction, tide movement, water clarity – to put you on the most productive spots. The boat stays in motion, covering different structures and depths until we find where the fish are holding. Don't worry if you're new to this game; the captain will walk you through everything from proper casting technique to reading the water signs that indicate fish presence.
We'll be running a mix of techniques depending on what the fish are telling us. Live bait fishing with shrimp, mullet, or croaker is always a solid choice – nothing beats the real thing when these fish are being picky. You'll also get to throw some artificials, which is where the real fun begins. Soft plastics rigged on jig heads are money for both reds and flounder, especially when you're working them slow along the bottom structure. Topwater action can be explosive during the right conditions, typically when we find reds cruising the shallows. The tackle is medium to medium-heavy spinning gear that gives you enough backbone to turn a big red away from structure but still lets you feel every subtle flounder bite. All rods, reels, tackle, and bait are provided, so you just need to bring yourself and maybe some snacks since meals aren't included on this trip.
Redfish are the crown jewel of South Padre Island inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers typically run 18-30 inches in these waters, with the occasional bull red pushing 40+ inches that'll test your drag system. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, but winter fishing can produce some of the biggest specimens when they school up in deeper channels. What makes reds so special is their aggressive nature – they'll crush topwater lures, inhale live bait, and put up a bulldogging fight that'll have your arms burning. The sight-fishing opportunities here are world-class, especially when you spot their distinctive black spots and bronze backs cruising the grass flats.
Southern Flounder might not win any beauty contests, but they're pure table fare and a blast to target once you understand their behavior. These masters of camouflage bury themselves in sandy or muddy bottoms, waiting for unsuspecting prey to swim within striking distance. They typically range from 14-20 inches, with keeper size being 15 inches, and the bigger "doormat" flounder can stretch past 24 inches. Fall is prime time when they're fattening up for their offshore spawning run, but you can find quality fish year-round in the right spots. The bite is subtle – often just a gentle tap or the line going tight – so you need to stay focused and set the hook at the first sign of resistance. Landing a nice flounder always brings smiles because everyone knows they're heading straight to the frying pan.
This customer-favorite afternoon trip combines everything that makes South Padre Island inshore fishing legendary – diverse species, stunning scenery, and fishing action that keeps you engaged from start to finish. The 2-angler limit means you're getting a premium, personalized experience without the crowds you'll find on larger boats. Captain Makiolke's local knowledge and years of experience give you the best shot at connecting with quality fish while learning techniques you can use for years to come. Whether you're looking to put some fresh fillets in the cooler or just want to experience some of the best inshore fishing Texas has to offer, this trip delivers the goods. Don't let this opportunity swim away – book your spot today and get ready for an afternoon of world-class fishing action.
Your fishing adventure awaits aboard this nimble 23-foot Majek flats boat, designed specifically for prowling the shallow waters around South Padre Island. Built in 2015 and powered by a reliable 175HP Suzuki engine, this vessel cruises comfortably at 30 knots to get you to those prime redfish and flounder hotspots quickly. The boat's shallow draft design lets you access those skinny water areas where the big fish like to hide. With GPS navigation and a fish finder on board, you'll spend more time with lines in the water and less time searching. The spacious layout comfortably handles up to 2 anglers, giving everyone plenty of room to cast and fight fish without getting tangled up. Whether you're sight fishing for tailing redfish in the grass flats or working structure for flounder, this boat gets you there safely and puts you on the fish.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our shallow water fishing here around South Padre. These copper-colored beauties with their signature black spots near the tail typically run 20-30 inches, though we catch plenty of slot fish in that sweet 18-27 inch range. They love cruising the grass flats, oyster reefs, and muddy bottoms in 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. Fall and spring offer the best action when they're feeding heavy. What makes reds special is their bulldogging fight and that perfect table fare with mild, flaky meat. My local tip: when you see them tailing in skinny water, cast your bait well ahead of where they're headed and let it sit still. They'll find it.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are masters of disguise that lie buried in sand and mud waiting to ambush baitfish. These flatfish typically run 15-18 inches, but we catch doormat-sized ones up to 25+ inches that'll surprise you with their pull. They hang out on sandy and muddy bottoms in bays, channels, and around structure where current brings food. Cooler months from fall through early spring are prime time when they move into our shallow areas to feed. Guests love flounder because they're sneaky fighters and absolutely delicious - sweet, white meat that's hard to beat. Here's my go-to trick: use a bucktail jig with live shrimp and work it slow along the bottom. When you feel that subtle thump, count to three before setting the hook.
South Padre Island