5.0(1 Reviews)Half Day Fishing Trip - Redfish & More
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Half-day inshore fishing targeting redfish and speckled troutBeginner-friendly charter with gear and fish cleaning includedCaptain Andrew provides guidance in calm South Padre waters
Captain Andrew's half-day inshore fishing charter gives you everything you need for a perfect morning on South Padre Island's protected waters. This 5-hour trip targets some of the Gulf Coast's most sought-after species including Redfish, Speckled Trout, Sheepshead, Flounder, and Black Drum. Perfect for beginners and families, you'll fish the calm back bays and flats where these fish love to hang out. Captain Andrew knows these waters like the back of his hand and will put you on fish while teaching you the ropes. All gear, bait, and fish cleaning are included, plus you get light snacks, drinks, and ice for your catch. Just grab your fishing license and sunscreen – we've got the rest covered.
Your morning starts early when you meet Captain Andrew at the dock. After a quick safety briefing and gear check, you'll head out to the prime fishing spots around South Padre's extensive bay system. These inshore waters stay protected from ocean swells, making for a comfortable ride even for those who might get queasy in rough seas. Captain Andrew runs a clean, well-maintained boat equipped with quality rods, reels, and tackle boxes full of proven baits. The beauty of inshore fishing here is the variety – you might be sight-casting to tailing redfish in skinny water one minute, then dropping down for black drum around structure the next. During peak seasons, Captain Andrew will also target bigger game like Kingfish and Tarpon when conditions allow. The relaxed pace makes this trip ideal for kids and first-time anglers who want to learn proper techniques without feeling rushed.
Captain Andrew uses a mix of live bait and artificials depending on what the fish are hitting that day. For redfish and trout, you'll often work with live shrimp under popping corks or throw soft plastics around grass beds and oyster reefs. When targeting sheepshead, he'll rig up with fiddler crabs and have you working the pilings and structure where these bait-stealers like to hide. The beauty of fishing with an experienced guide is learning to read the water – Captain Andrew will show you how to spot nervous baitfish, work the tide lines, and position your boat for the best drifts. All rods are spooled with appropriate line weights for the species you're after, typically 15-20lb test that can handle both the smaller trout and the bruiser redfish that South Padre is famous for. He provides a full selection of hooks, weights, and leaders so you're always rigged right for the conditions.
"Captain Andrew was the best. My kids loved him and I had a great time! I highly recommend him and will be going out again when we return!" - John Hester
Redfish are the crown jewel of South Padre's inshore scene and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters typically run 18-27 inches in the slot and put up one heck of a battle on light tackle. They cruise the shallow flats and grass beds year-round, though fall and winter months often produce the most consistent action. What makes reds so exciting is their aggressive strikes and powerful runs – they'll peel drag and make your reel sing. Captain Andrew knows where they school up and feed, often putting you on multiple fish in a single spot.
Speckled Trout are another staple that keeps anglers coming back. These beautiful fish with their distinctive spotted sides typically range from 14-20 inches, with occasional "gator trout" pushing 25+ inches. They're most active during cooler months and love to ambush bait around grass beds and drop-offs. Trout have a softer mouth than reds, so Captain Andrew will teach you the proper technique to keep them hooked. They're also excellent table fare, making them a favorite for families wanting to bring dinner home.
Sheepshead earn their nickname "convict fish" from their black and white stripes, but they're no joke when it comes to fighting ability. These structure-loving fish have human-like teeth and are notorious bait thieves, making them a fun challenge for experienced anglers and beginners alike. They're most active in cooler months around docks, pilings, and reefs. Captain Andrew will have you using small hooks and light leaders to fool these finicky feeders.
Southern Flounder are the masters of camouflage, lying flat on sandy bottoms waiting to ambush passing baitfish. These "doormat" fish can reach impressive sizes, with anything over 20 inches considered a trophy. Fall months bring the best flounder action as they migrate toward the Gulf. They're excellent eating and provide a different style of fishing as you work soft baits along the bottom.
Black Drum are the heavyweights of the inshore world, with mature fish often exceeding 30+ pounds. These powerful fish are most active in spring and early summer around oyster beds and structure where they crush crabs and shellfish. Younger "puppy drum" in the 16-20 inch range are more common and make for excellent eating. Their deep, powerful runs will test your tackle and technique.
This top-rated half-day charter offers unbeatable value for families and beginners looking to experience South Padre's world-class inshore fishing. With Captain Andrew's local knowledge, quality equipment, and patient instruction, you're set up for success whether you've never held a rod or you're looking to learn new techniques. The included fish cleaning service means you can head straight home with fillets ready for the dinner table. Morning trips book fast, especially during peak season, so don't wait to secure your spot on the water with one of South Padre's most trusted guides.
Our motorboat is built for South Padre's inshore waters and designed to get you on the fish fast. She's quick enough to reach the hottest fishing spots around the island, yet handles shallow grass flats like a dream when we're sneaking up on tailing redfish. The boat comes equipped with a fish finder to locate schools of speckled trout and a GPS system to navigate the maze of back bays where the big fish hide. An onboard icebox keeps your drinks cold and your catch fresh throughout the morning. Captain Andrew knows these Texas Gulf Coast waters inside and out, so whether we're working the flats for reds or hitting deeper channels for black drum, this boat will put you right where the action is. Perfect for beginners and families looking to experience some of the best inshore fishing the coast has to offer.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, ranging from 5-30 pounds with some giants pushing 50+ pounds. They cruise muddy bottoms, oyster beds, and shallow flats, using their powerful jaws to crush shellfish and crabs. Spring is peak season when they school up to spawn - that's when you'll hear them "drumming" underwater with those mating calls. What guests love is the strong, steady fight they put up, plus the smaller ones make great table fare with sweet, flaky meat. They're bottom feeders, so fresh crab or cut bait works best on a fish finder rig. Here's the key: use circle hooks and let them run with it - they'll hook themselves. These fish are smart and spooky, so keep noise to a minimum when you're over them.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are our bread and butter inshore - bronze-colored beauties with distinctive black spots near their tails that run 18-28 inches most commonly. They love shallow grass flats, oyster reefs, and marsh edges in 1-4 feet of water, sometimes so shallow their backs show. Year-round fishing here, but fall and spring are peak when they're most aggressive. What guests love is their strong fights and those explosive topwater strikes in skinny water. The meat is excellent too - mild and sweet. They'll eat live shrimp, mullet, or artificial lures readily. My favorite local trick is using gold spoons over the grass flats early morning - that flash drives them crazy. When you see tailing fish, approach quietly upwind and cast past them, then work your lure back through their path.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with those distinctive black stripes and human-like teeth perfect for crushing barnacles and crabs. They typically run 2-5 pounds and 14-18 inches, hanging tight around any structure - docks, pilings, jetties, and oil rigs. Winter through early spring is prime time when they're most active and feeding heavily before spawn. Guests love them for the challenge and excellent table fare - sweet, white meat that's hard to beat. They're notorious bait thieves, so you need small hooks and fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs. Here's the trick: get your bait right against the structure and stay alert - when you feel that subtle tap-tap-tap, set the hook hard immediately. Wait too long and they'll steal your bait every time.
Paralichthys LethostigmaThese flat, oval fish are masters of disguise - they bury in sand and mud with both eyes on their left side, waiting to ambush prey. Most run 15-18 inches around here, but we've seen them push 25+ inches. They love shallow bays, grass flats, and channel edges where they can camouflage perfectly. Fall and early winter are prime time when they're feeding heavily before their offshore spawn. What makes them special is that sneaky bite - they'll grab your bait and just sit there, so you need to feel for that subtle weight. The meat is excellent, white and flaky. Pro tip: use a slow drift with live shrimp or finger mullet on a Carolina rig, and when you feel them pick it up, count to three before setting the hook - they need time to fully commit.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the ultimate game fish - silver kings that can reach 6+ feet and 200 pounds, known for those jaw-dropping jumps when hooked. Around South Padre, we see them mainly in summer months when water temps climb. They cruise channels, pass mouths, and deeper bay areas, often rolling on the surface. What makes them special isn't the eating - we always release these giants - but the fight of a lifetime with acrobatic leaps and long runs. They're surprisingly leader-shy despite their size. My go-to setup is live mullet or crab on a 6/0 circle hook with 60-pound fluorocarbon leader. When one jumps, bow to the king - drop your rod tip to give slack and prevent the hook from pulling out during those wild aerial displays.
5.0 out of 5.0Captain Andrew was the best. My kids loved him and I had a great time! I highly recommend him and will be going out again when we...
South Padre Island