Half Day Advanced Fishing in South Padre Island
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Five-hour inshore charter targeting redfish, trout, and sheepsheadAdvanced fishing techniques guided by experienced Captain AndrewAll gear, fish cleaning, and refreshments included
Captain Andrew's 5-hour inshore charter is built for seasoned anglers who know their way around a rod and reel. This isn't your typical tourist trip—we're talking serious fishing in some of South Padre Island's most productive shallow waters. You'll be targeting redfish, speckled trout, sheepshead, flounder, and black drum using techniques that separate the weekend warriors from the real deal. With only two spots available, you get personalized attention and access to Captain Andrew's best-kept fishing holes without the crowd.
This top-rated charter kicks off early when the fish are most active and the water's still calm. Captain Andrew runs a tight ship, focusing on productive areas where experienced anglers can put their skills to work. You'll be working structure, grass flats, and drop-offs where these species love to hang out. The boat's rigged with quality gear, but if you've got your lucky rod or favorite lures, bring them along. During peak season, we're also watching for shots at kingfish and tarpon—those are the kind of opportunities that make stories worth telling. Fish cleaning, ice, snacks, and drinks are all handled, so you can stay focused on what matters: putting fish in the boat.
Captain Andrew doesn't mess around with basic bobber fishing. You'll be sight fishing for tailing reds in skinny water, working soft plastics along grass lines for trout, and presenting live bait around structure for the bigger drum and sheepshead. The approach changes based on conditions—maybe we're drifting oyster bars with jigs, or anchored up on a productive hole letting the fish come to us. The captain provides all the tackle you need, from light spinning gear for trout to heavier setups for drum and potential tarpon. He'll adjust techniques based on tide, weather, and what the fish are doing that day. This is hands-on fishing where reading the water and adjusting your presentation makes all the difference.
Redfish are the bread and butter of South Padre Island inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters range from slot-size fish around 18-27 inches up to bull reds that'll test your drag and your arms. Spring through fall offers the best action, with fish moving shallow to feed on crabs and baitfish. When you hook into a red, expect powerful runs and that distinctive head-shaking fight that makes them a customer favorite among serious anglers.
Speckled trout, or "specks" as locals call them, are the thinking angler's fish. These spotted beauties require finesse and the right presentation to consistently catch. They love grass flats and drop-offs, especially during cooler months when they school up in deeper pockets. A good trout will run 15-20 inches, with bigger specimens pushing 24+ inches. They're notorious for their soft mouths, so keeping steady pressure without horsing them is key to landing these world-class gamefish.
Black drum are the heavyweights of the inshore scene, with mature fish weighing 20-40 pounds or more. These bottom-dwellers love structure like oyster reefs and pilings, where they root around for crabs and shellfish. Their fight is more bulldogging than spectacular, but the steady pull of a big drum will make you appreciate your reel's drag system. Peak season runs from late fall through early spring when they move shallow to spawn.
Sheepshead are the technical challenge every advanced angler should tackle. These black-and-white striped fish have human-like teeth and a knack for stealing bait without getting hooked. They hang around structure year-round but are most active in cooler months. Landing a quality sheepshead requires patience, light tackle, and the ability to detect subtle bites. When you do connect, they're excellent table fare and a real test of angling skill.
Flounder are the masters of camouflage, lying flat on sandy bottoms waiting to ambush prey. These flatfish can be tricky to locate but respond well to slow-moving baits dragged along the bottom. South Padre's flounder typically run 14-18 inches, with doormat-sized fish over 20 inches providing bragging rights. Fall migration offers some of the best opportunities when they're staging near passes before heading offshore to spawn.
Captain Andrew's advanced inshore trips fill up fast, especially during peak fishing months. With only two anglers per trip, you're getting personalized instruction and access to techniques that produce consistent results. Whether you're looking to refine your sight fishing skills, learn new presentations, or just get on some quality fish, this charter delivers the goods. Bring your Texas fishing license and any personal gear you prefer—everything else is covered. Book now and get ready for some serious inshore action that'll remind you why South Padre Island is renowned as one of Texas's premier fishing destinations.
Our nimble motorboat cuts through South Padre's inshore waters like it was built for these grass flats—because it was. This sleek fishing machine gets you to the hottest redfish and trout spots fast, then quietly slides into those shallow areas where the big ones hide. The fish finder keeps you on top of the action while GPS gets you back to that sweet spot where you nailed three reds last time. Cold drinks and snacks stay fresh in the icebox during your 5-hour hunt for speckled trout, sheepshead, and flounder. Captain Andrew knows exactly where this boat shines—sneaking up on redfish in knee-deep water and positioning perfectly for those tricky sight-casting shots. With room for just two anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work your favorite techniques without bumping elbows. This boat doesn't just fish the Texas Gulf Coast waters, it owns them.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are chunky, powerful fish that run 5-30 pounds around here, though we've seen some monsters hit 90+. They love shallow flats, oyster beds, and creek mouths where they use those crushing jaws to feed on crabs and shellfish. You'll hear them "drumming" underwater during spring spawning season - that's your best shot at getting into schools. These fish fight hard and make great eating if you keep the smaller ones under 15 pounds. The bigger ones get tough and stringy. My trick? Use fresh crab on a tight line right on the bottom near oyster structure. They're sneaky biters, so stay alert for that subtle weight.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are copper-colored bruisers with that signature black eyespot near the tail, running 20-40 inches in our waters. They cruise super shallow flats, sometimes with their backs out of the water, hunting crabs and baitfish around grass beds and oyster bars. Fall and spring are prime time when they school up and feed aggressively. These fish fight like freight trains and taste great - firm, mild meat that's perfect on the grill. The key is being quiet and making long casts to avoid spooring them in skinny water. Gold spoons and topwater plugs work magic, but my secret weapon is a weedless gold spoon worked slowly over the grass. They can't resist it.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled Trout are sleek, spotted fish that typically run 14-24 inches and make for some of our most consistent action. They love grass flats in 2-6 feet of water, especially around dawn and dusk. Spring through fall gives you the best shot, with cooler months finding them schooled up in deeper channels. These fish have a delicate, flaky white meat that's hard to beat on the dinner table. They're aggressive feeders but have soft mouths, so don't horse them in. My go-to setup is a popping cork with live shrimp about 18 inches below. Work it slow over the grass beds and listen for that telltale "pop" when they hit topwater lures in low light.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with those distinctive black and white stripes, running 1-8 pounds typically. They're notorious bait thieves with human-like teeth built for crushing barnacles and crabs around docks, pilings, and jetties. Peak season is late winter through early spring when they school up for spawning. These fish make excellent table fare - sweet, white meat that's worth the effort to clean. They're masters at stealing bait, so you need to stay sharp. Best trick is to use small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crab, fish tight to structure, and set the hook hard the moment you feel them nibbling. Don't wait - they'll clean your hook otherwise.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the ultimate bucket-list fish - silver kings that average 80-100 pounds and can jump 10 feet out of the water. We find them in our deeper channels and around nearshore structure during late spring through summer. These prehistoric fish have been around 125 million years and they'll test every bit of your skill. The fight is pure athleticism - multiple jumps, long runs, and that classic gill-rattling headshake. Most anglers practice catch and release since they're full of bones and taste pretty poor. Live mullet or pinfish works best, but here's the key: when they jump, bow to the king - drop your rod tip toward the fish to keep tension without breaking them off.
South Padre Island