Full Day Fishing Trip in South Padre Island
Private Trip
Flats/Shallows Fishing
Eighthour private flats fishing trip targeting redfish and troutSmall 18foot boat accommodates up to three guests maximumAll equipment and fish cleaning services included with trip
Captain Phil Hill's full-day flats fishing adventure gives you eight solid hours to work the legendary waters of South Padre Island's Laguna Madre. Starting at 7:00 AM, this world-class fishing experience puts you right in the heart of some of Texas' most productive inshore waters. You'll be targeting the big three – Redfish, Speckled Trout, and Snook – while enjoying the relaxed pace that only comes with having all day on the water. This isn't a rush job; it's the kind of fishing trip where you can really settle in, learn the water, and give those fish the time they deserve.
You'll be fishing from an 18' Shallow Sport flats boat, which is absolutely perfect for working these skinny waters. This top-rated boat design lets us get into spots where the big boats can't go, putting you right where the fish live. The Laguna Madre's gin-clear shallows are what dreams are made of – you can actually see the fish before you cast to them, which makes for some heart-pounding sight fishing action. With room for up to two anglers, you'll have plenty of space to cast without bumping elbows, and Captain Phil keeps the atmosphere relaxed so you can focus on what matters most: putting fish in the boat. The extended eight-hour window means we're not watching the clock – if the fish are biting at a particular spot, we can stay and work it properly. And when they move, we move with them.
Flats fishing is all about stealth, precision, and reading the water. In these shallow waters of the Laguna Madre, we're talking about depths anywhere from one to four feet, where every cast counts. Captain Phil provides all the bait and tackle you'll need, from live shrimp and finger mullet to the latest soft plastics that have been producing consistently. We'll be sight fishing when conditions allow, which means spotting fish before we cast – there's nothing quite like watching a big red cruise by and dropping a bait right in front of it. When the water's stirred up or we're working deeper pockets, we'll switch to working structure and grass lines where these fish love to ambush prey. The boat's poling platform lets us move silently through the shallows, and the electric trolling motor keeps us positioned perfectly without spooking fish. You'll learn to read water color changes, bird activity, and subtle signs that separate the fish-holding water from the empty stuff.
Redfish are the bread and butter of South Padre Island flats fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-28 inches in these waters and fight like they're twice that size. Reds feed year-round here, but fall through spring offers the most consistent action when they're fattening up and aggressive. What makes catching them so addictive is how they eat – whether they're tailing in six inches of water or cruising a grass flat, they hit with authority and immediately head for the nearest structure to try and break you off. The sight of a big red's back and tail breaking the surface as it roots around for crabs never gets old.
Speckled Trout bring a different kind of excitement to the mix. These beautiful fish are plentiful in the Laguna Madre's grass beds and typically run 14-20 inches, with occasional specimens pushing the 25-inch mark. Spring and fall are prime time for specks, when they're actively feeding on shrimp and small baitfish. They're finicky eaters compared to reds – you need to work your bait with more finesse – but when you find a school, you can really put a hurt on them. Speckled trout also happen to be some of the best eating fish in these waters, making them a customer favorite for those who like to take a few home for the dinner table.
Snook represent the wild card of South Padre Island fishing. These tropical gamefish are at the northern edge of their range here, making every encounter special. They're most active during the warmer months and are notorious for their explosive strikes and acrobatic fights. Snook are structure-oriented fish, hanging around docks, bridges, and mangrove shorelines where they can ambush passing baitfish. They're also notorious for their moody feeding habits – they can be incredibly aggressive one day and completely shut down the next. When you do connect with a good snook, though, you'll understand why anglers travel from all over to target them. Their gill-rattling jumps and line-burning runs make them pound-for-pound one of the hardest fighting fish in these waters.
This full-day fishing adventure represents the best value for serious anglers who want to experience everything South Padre Island's flats have to offer. Eight hours gives you the flexibility to adapt to conditions, target multiple species, and really get a feel for this renowned fishery. Captain Phil Hill's experience in these waters, combined with top-quality gear and a boat designed specifically for flats fishing, sets you up for success from the moment you step aboard. All you need to bring is a valid Texas fishing license, some snacks and drinks, and the desire to catch fish. The bait, tackle, and fish cleaning are all handled, so you can focus on the fishing. Don't wait – the best fishing days fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. Book your full-day flats fishing experience today and get ready to see why South Padre Island consistently ranks among the top inshore fishing destinations in the Gulf Coast.
Your fishing platform for the day is an 18' Shallow Sport flats boat, specifically designed to navigate the skinny waters of Laguna Madre where the big reds and trout like to feed. This boat draws just inches of water, letting you slip into those back-country spots that deeper hulls can't reach. The 140 HP Suzuki gets you there fast, while the wireless trolling motor keeps things whisper-quiet when you're working productive flats. The boat comfortably handles up to three anglers with plenty of casting room. Keep your drinks cold in the onboard icebox during those hot South Padre days. The fish finder helps locate structure and baitfish, while GPS navigation ensures you hit all the prime spots. There's even a multimedia system for the ride out. Recently refurbished, this shallow-draft workhorse is built for serious flats fishing and designed to put you on fish in the legendary waters around South Padre Island.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our flats fishing here, running anywhere from slot-sized 18-27 inchers to big bulls over 30 inches. You'll find them cruising super shallow water, sometimes with their backs out, around oyster reefs and grass flats. Those black spots near their tail make them easy to identify. They're year-round residents but really turn on during fall when they school up for spawning. What makes reds so popular is their powerful runs and stubborn fights - they'll peel drag and head straight for structure. Plus, slot fish make excellent eating with sweet, firm meat. The key to success is staying quiet and making long, accurate casts ahead of cruising fish. Work your bait slowly - they'll follow it for a while before committing.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout, or "specks" as we call them locally, are beautiful fish covered in distinctive black spots. They typically run 14-20 inches in our waters and love grass flats in 2-6 feet deep. These fish are most active during cooler months and low-light periods like dawn and dusk. They school up in deeper holes during winter, making them easier to target. What guests love about specks is their willingness to hit artificial lures and their delicate, flaky white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. They're also great for sight fishing on calm days when you can spot them cruising the flats. Pro tip: use a popping cork with live shrimp over grass beds - the noise draws them in from a distance and triggers aggressive strikes.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are some of the smartest fish we chase in these waters, typically running 18-30 inches with that distinctive black lateral line and golden color. They love hanging around mangroves, docks, and structure in 2-8 feet of water where they can ambush prey. Best fishing happens during warmer months when water temps stay above 68°F - they're very temperature sensitive. What makes them special is their explosive strikes and bulldogging fights, plus they're excellent table fare with firm, white meat. These fish are also unique because larger ones are usually females - they actually change sex as they mature. My go-to tip: work your lure slowly along the shadow line of docks or mangroves where they wait to ambush baitfish.
South Padre Island