Half Day Redfish And Flounder Hunt
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target redfish, speckled trout, and flounder inshoreFivehour afternoon fishing trip for two guestsProfessional guide service in prime South Padre waters
Captain Makiolke knows where the fish are biting, and this 5-hour afternoon trip puts you right in the sweet spots around South Padre Island. You'll be targeting two of the area's most prized inshore species - hard-fighting redfish and crafty flounder - in waters that consistently produce quality catches. With room for just two anglers, you get personalized attention and prime positioning at every stop. The afternoon bite can be absolutely electric here, especially when the tide's moving and these fish are actively feeding in the shallows.
This top-rated inshore adventure starts in the early afternoon when the sun's warming up the flats and getting these fish moving. Captain Makiolke runs a clean, well-equipped boat that's perfect for navigating the shallow waters where redfish love to cruise and flounder lay in ambush. You'll hit multiple spots during your 5 hours, from grass flats where reds tail in inches of water to sandy drop-offs where flounder wait for an easy meal. The intimate 2-person capacity means no crowded rails or fighting for the best fishing spots - just you, your fishing partner, and some of the most productive inshore waters on the Texas coast. The captain reads these waters like a book, adjusting tactics based on tide, wind, and what the fish are telling him.
Captain Makiolke sets you up with quality spinning gear perfect for sight fishing and bottom bouncing - the two main approaches you'll use out there. For redfish, you'll work topwater plugs and soft plastics around grass beds and oyster reefs, often sight-casting to fish you can actually see cruising the flats. The flounder game is all about patience and feel - you'll drift live bait or bounce jigs along the bottom, waiting for that telltale thump when a flatfish inhales your offering. All rods, reels, and terminal tackle are provided, along with a good selection of proven lures that produce in these waters. The captain brings live bait when conditions call for it, and he's always ready to switch up techniques if the fish want something different. You'll learn to read the water, spot nervous baitfish, and feel the difference between a bite and bottom contact.
Redfish are the stars of South Padre's inshore scene, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-28 inches in these waters, with plenty of slot fish that fight like they're twice their size. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, but even winter can produce when conditions align. What makes reds so special is their willingness to feed in super shallow water - you'll often spot their bronze backs and distinctive black spots as they cruise the flats looking for crabs and shrimp. When a red hits your lure, that initial run will test your drag and get your heart pumping. They're smart fish that spook easily, making each successful hookup feel earned.
Southern flounder are the masters of disguise in these waters, lying perfectly camouflaged on sandy bottoms waiting to ambush passing prey. They're most active during moving tides, particularly in spring and fall when they're feeding heavily before and after their spawning runs. A quality flounder here runs 16-20 inches, though the occasional doormat over 24 inches keeps things interesting. What anglers love about flounder fishing is the technique involved - you need to feel every bump and tick transmitted through your line, distinguishing between structure, crabs, and that subtle pickup when a flatfish engulfs your bait. Once hooked, they make determined runs toward bottom structure, using their broad profile to create impressive drag pressure.
This customer favorite afternoon trip fills up fast, especially during peak season when the fishing is at its best. Captain Makiolke's reputation for putting clients on fish and his intimate knowledge of South Padre's inshore waters make this a world-class fishing experience that delivers consistent results. Whether you're looking to target your first redfish or add a trophy flounder to your catch list, this 5-hour adventure gives you the best shot at both species in one trip. The small group size ensures you get the most out of your time on the water, with hands-on instruction and prime fishing opportunities from start to finish. Don't wait - book your spot and get ready to experience some of the best inshore fishing Texas has to offer.
Your fishing adventure starts aboard a reliable 2015 Majek flats boat that's built for the shallow waters around South Padre Island. At 23 feet, this boat gives you and your fishing partner plenty of room to work the rods while staying stable in choppy conditions. The 175HP Suzuki engine gets you to the prime redfish and flounder spots quickly, cruising at 30 knots so you spend more time fishing and less time traveling. The onboard fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools, while GPS navigation ensures we hit all the productive flats and backcountry areas where these fish love to feed. This boat handles the skinny water perfectly, letting us get into those hard-to-reach spots where the big reds hang out. Whether we're sight-fishing the flats or working deeper pockets for flounder, this Majek gives us the versatility to adapt to whatever the fish are doing that day.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our South Padre flats. These copper-colored bruisers typically run 20-30 inches and love cruising the shallow grass beds and oyster bars in 1-4 feet of water. You'll spot that signature black dot near their tail - it's their calling card. They bite year-round here, but spring and fall offer the best action when they're actively feeding. What makes reds special is their aggressive strike and bulldogging fight once hooked. Plus, they're table fare gold with that mild, sweet flavor. Here's a local secret: when you see their backs cutting the surface in skinny water, cast your shrimp or topwater plug about 10 feet ahead of where they're heading. Let it sit still until they're close, then twitch it once. Game on.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are the masters of disguise on our sandy and muddy bottoms around South Padre. These flat, oval-shaped fish typically measure 15-18 inches, though we regularly see some pushing 25+ inches. Both eyes sit on their left side, and they're pure ambush predators - burying themselves in sand waiting for baitfish and shrimp to cruise by. You'll find them in shallow bays, around structure, and near drop-offs where current brings food. Fall and winter months are prime time when they fatten up before heading offshore. Guests love the surprise factor - one second you're dragging bottom, next you've got a strong, steady pull. They're also some of the best eating fish in these waters. Pro tip: use a slow, steady retrieve with live shrimp or small jigs, and keep contact with the bottom.
South Padre Island