Half Day Advanced Fishing in South Padre Island
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Advanced 5hour inshore charter targeting redfish and speckled troutCaptain Andrew guides experienced anglers with all gear providedPeak season opportunities for kingfish and tarpon fishing
If you're looking to step up your inshore game, Captain Andrew's advanced fishing charter is exactly what seasoned anglers need. This isn't your typical tourist trip – it's a focused 5-hour hunt targeting the species that make South Padre Island one of Texas' top-rated fishing destinations. With only 2 spots available, you'll get personalized attention and access to techniques that separate the weekend warriors from the serious stick holders. Captain Andrew knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on redfish, speckled trout, sheepshead, flounder, and black drum using methods that challenge your skills and fill your cooler.
This charter starts early and runs hard for 5 hours, hitting the productive flats, structure, and drop-offs where big fish live. Captain Andrew tailors each trip to current conditions and seasonal patterns, which means you might find yourself sight-casting to tailing reds one day or working bottom structure for heavyweight black drum the next. The boat stays close to shore but covers serious ground – from grass flats loaded with trout to oyster reefs holding monster sheepshead. During peak seasons, don't be surprised if Captain Andrew calls an audible to chase kingfish or even tarpon when conditions align. The small group size means everyone gets prime fishing time, and there's no fighting for the best spots or waiting your turn with the net.
This trip focuses on elevated techniques that require skill and finesse. You'll work with live bait presentations, precision lure placement, and reading water conditions that most weekend anglers miss completely. Captain Andrew provides top-shelf tackle perfectly matched to South Padre's inshore conditions – medium-heavy spinning combos spooled with braided line for maximum sensitivity and hookset power. Depending on targets and conditions, you might be throwing topwater plugs at dawn, working soft plastics through grass beds, or presenting live shrimp around structure with surgical precision. The captain brings a full spread of proven baits including live shrimp, croaker, and mullet, plus an arsenal of artificials from MirrOlure trout catchers to DOA shrimp imitations. All gear, tackle, and bait are included, though many experienced anglers bring their favorite rods for that personal touch.
Redfish are the backbone of South Padre's inshore scene, and these copper-colored bulldogs provide world-class action year-round. Spring through fall offers the best numbers, with fish ranging from schoolie-sized 20-inchers to bull reds pushing 40+ pounds. What makes redfish special here is their willingness to eat both artificials and live bait, plus their habit of feeding in skinny water where you can sight-cast to individual fish. The fight is pure power – reds use their broad shoulders and that distinctive bronze coloring helps them blend perfectly with South Padre's sandy bottoms until they explode on your offering.
Speckled trout, or "specks" as locals call them, are the thinking angler's favorite target. These spotted beauties love South Padre's grass flats and drop-offs, especially during cooler months from October through March when they stack up in deeper pockets. A good speck runs 2-4 pounds, but trophy fish over 6 pounds lurk in these waters for anglers who know how to present baits with finesse. Specks have soft mouths that require smooth drag settings and steady pressure – they'll teach you patience while rewarding skilled presentations with spectacular gill-rattling jumps.
Sheepshead are the technical challenge that advanced anglers crave. These black-and-white striped convicts live around South Padre's abundant structure – bridge pilings, jetties, and oyster bars – where they use their human-like teeth to crush crabs and barnacles. Catching sheepshead requires perfect bait presentation and lightning-fast hooksets, as they're notorious bait stealers. But land one of these 3-5 pound slabs and you'll understand why they're considered some of the best eating fish in the Gulf. Peak season runs from late fall through early spring when they gather around structure in impressive numbers.
Black drum are the heavyweights of South Padre's inshore waters, with fish regularly exceeding 20 pounds and occasional monsters topping 40. These bottom-dwelling bruisers feed on crabs and shrimp around oyster reefs and mud flats, using their powerful pharyngeal teeth to crush shellfish. What makes black drum exciting is their incredible pulling power – they don't jump like tarpon or make blazing runs like kings, but they'll test your drag system and forearms with sustained, bulldogging fights that can last 10-15 minutes. Spring and fall provide peak action when large schools move through South Padre's back bays.
When conditions align during peak seasons, Captain Andrew targets two bonus species that elevate any trip to legendary status. Kingfish, or king mackerel, are speed demons that patrol South Padre's nearshore waters during summer months, offering blistering runs and aerial displays that'll test your reflexes and tackle. Tarpon, the "silver king," show up sporadically but provide the ultimate inshore challenge – these 100+ pound giants offer jumps that defy physics and fights that create lifelong memories. Both species require specific conditions and timing, but when the stars align, you'll understand why anglers travel across the country for a shot at these apex predators.
Captain Andrew's advanced fishing charter delivers exactly what serious anglers want – access to productive water, proven techniques, and species that'll challenge your skills while filling your cooler. With all gear, bait, cleaning services, and refreshments included, you just need to bring your Texas fishing license and the desire to catch quality fish using advanced methods. The 2-angler limit ensures personalized instruction and maximum fishing time
Captain Andrew's motorboat cuts through South Padre Island waters like it was built for serious fishing—because it was. This nimble inshore rig gets you to the prime redfish and trout spots fast, then sneaks into those shallow grass flats where the big reds like to hide. The boat's equipped with everything you need: GPS to hit the productive areas, fish finder to locate your targets, and an icebox to keep your catch fresh and your drinks cold. Perfect for two experienced anglers who know their way around a rod and want to get after some quality Texas Gulf Coast fishing without the crowds.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are some of the strongest fighters you'll hook in these waters. They typically run 5-30 pounds around South Padre, though we've seen monsters push 50+ pounds. These powerhouses love oyster beds and muddy flats where they crunch up crabs and shellfish with their crushing jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when we find the best action. They're bottom feeders, so fresh crab or cut bait works best. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. Pro tip: when you feel that steady pull and head shake, keep steady pressure and let your drag work - they'll tire themselves out trying to get back to structure.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of South Padre inshore fishing - copper-colored bruisers with distinctive black spots near their tails. They typically run 20-35 inches and love super shallow water, sometimes with their backs showing above the surface. You'll find them cruising oyster reefs, grass flats, and marsh edges year-round, but fall gives us the best action. What guests love is their aggressive strikes and bulldogging fight - they'll peel drag and make long runs. The smaller "slot" fish make excellent eating with mild, sweet meat. Topwater plugs at dawn create explosive strikes, but live shrimp under a popping cork is deadly consistent. Watch for nervous water or tails - that's your target zone.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are a staple of our inshore fishing, running 14-24 inches with beautiful spotted sides that shimmer in the water. They love grass flats and drop-offs in 2-8 feet of water, especially around dawn and dusk when they're most active. Spring through fall gives us the best action, but winter can be productive when they school in deeper holes. What makes them special is their delicate white meat and willingness to hit artificial lures. They're not the strongest fighters, but they're plentiful and tasty. Soft plastics and topwater plugs work great, but here's my tip: work your lure slowly and keep it just above the grass. Their mouths are soft, so don't horse them in or you'll pull the hook.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish of inshore waters with their black and white stripes, but don't let their looks fool you - they're some of the best eating fish we catch. They average 1-8 pounds and love hanging around any structure with barnacles, especially bridge pilings and docks. Winter and early spring are prime time when they school up. What makes them tricky is those human-like teeth and their light bite - they're master bait thieves. Fresh shrimp or small crabs work best, but you need to feel for that subtle tap and set the hook fast. My trick: use a smaller hook and keep your bait tight to the structure. When you feel them nibbling, don't wait - set that hook hard and quick.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the ultimate trophy fish - silver kings that can reach 100+ pounds and jump clean out of the water when hooked. We typically see them during warmer months when they move through our shallow flats and channels. These ancient fish are pure muscle and will test every bit of your skill with their aerial acrobatics and powerful runs. Most anglers fish them for the sport since they're not great eating - tough meat and lots of bones. We target them with live bait like mullet or pinfish around structure. Here's the key: when one jumps, bow to the fish by dropping your rod tip toward the water. This keeps tension off the line during their aerial show and prevents them from throwing the hook.
South Padre Island