Private 5 Hour Fishing Trip In South Padre Island
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fivehour inshore fishing adventure targeting redfish, trout, snook, and tarponTechnical polling skiff navigates shallow Lower Laguna Madre flatsBoth fly fishing and conventional gear provided with expert guidance
Get ready to fish some of the most productive shallow water flats on the Texas coast. Captain Jason runs a tight ship on the Lower Laguna Madre, where crystal-clear water meets world-class fishing opportunities. This isn't your typical party boat charter – we're talking about a technical poling skiff built for sneaking up on spooky fish in skinny water. You'll have the entire boat to yourself and one fishing buddy, which means more time with your line in the water and zero pressure from crowded decks. The Lower Laguna Madre has earned its reputation as a premier inshore fishery, and after five hours working these flats, you'll understand why serious anglers keep coming back.
This top-rated fishing charter starts early when the fish are most active and the water is glass-calm. Captain Jason knows every grass bed, oyster bar, and drop-off in the Lower Laguna Madre like the back of his hand. You'll spend your day poling across shallow flats where redfish cruise in water so clear you can watch them eat your bait. The technical poling skiff is designed specifically for this type of fishing – it's quiet, stable, and draws less than a foot of water, letting us reach spots where bigger boats can't go. Whether you're a fly fishing purist or prefer conventional tackle, we've got you covered with quality gear that's maintained and ready to fish. The captain provides plenty of water to keep you hydrated under the South Padre sun, and he'll adjust the fishing style based on conditions and what the fish are telling us that day.
Fishing the Lower Laguna Madre flats is all about stealth and presentation. We use a push pole to move silently across the shallows, scanning for tailing redfish, rolling tarpon, and cruising trout. The clear water here is both a blessing and a challenge – you can see the fish, but they can see you too. Captain Jason will position the boat for the perfect cast while you get ready to make your shot. Fly fishing is particularly effective in these conditions, with streamers and shrimp patterns working well for reds and trout. If you're more comfortable with conventional gear, we'll rig up with soft plastics, topwater plugs, or live bait depending on what's working. The key is staying quiet and making accurate casts to fish that are often visible from 50 feet away. This style of fishing rewards patience and precision, but when you connect with a 30-inch redfish in two feet of water, you'll never want to fish any other way.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Lower Laguna Madre fishing, and these copper-colored bruisers put up a fight that'll test your drag system. They cruise the shallow flats year-round, with fish ranging from schooling 20-inchers to bull reds pushing 40 inches. Spring and fall offer the most consistent action, but summer mornings can be phenomenal when you find tailing fish in knee-deep water. What makes reds so special is their aggressive nature and the visual aspect of the bite – watching a redfish turn and inhale your lure in clear water never gets old.
Sea trout are the other main target, and the Lower Laguna Madre grows some true giants. These spotted beauties are most active during cooler months, with the best action typically from October through March. Trout here average 15-20 inches, but don't be surprised if you hook into a 25-inch gator trout that'll make your reel sing. They're structure-oriented fish that love grass beds and drop-offs, making them perfect for the varied terrain we'll be fishing.
Snook are the exotic wildcards that make every cast exciting. These tropical gamefish are near the northern edge of their range here, making them somewhat unpredictable but incredibly rewarding to catch. They're ambush predators that love structure and moving water, with the best chances coming during warmer months. Snook have a distinctive black lateral line and gill covers that'll slice through light tackle if you're not careful.
Black drum might not win beauty contests, but these bottom-dwellers are strong fighters that can surprise you with their power. They're most common in deeper grass beds and around oyster bars, where they root around for crabs and shrimp. Fall and winter are prime time for drum, and the bigger fish can really test your tackle.
Tarpon are the holy grail of Lower Laguna Madre fishing – silver rockets that can turn a routine day into something legendary. These fish are seasonal visitors, typically showing up from late spring through early fall. Even the smaller tarpon here will jump multiple times and put on an aerial show that'll have you shaking with adrenaline. Landing one is optional; the experience of having a tarpon crush your topwater plug is something you'll remember forever.
The Lower Laguna Madre doesn't fish itself, and the best dates fill up fast with repeat customers who know what Captain Jason brings to the table. This customer favorite charter gives you access to some of Texas's most renowned shallow water fishing, with the personalized attention you can't get on crowded head boats. Whether you're looking to master sight fishing techniques or just want to catch fish in one of the most beautiful settings on the coast, this five-hour adventure delivers. The combination of technical fishing, pristine water, and a captain who knows how to put you on fish makes this a best trip choice for serious anglers. Don't wait – the fish are biting, and your spot on the Lower Laguna Madre is just a phone call away.
Your fishing machine awaits! This 2020 18' Sabine Skiff is built for serious anglers who want to get into the shallow flats where the big reds and trout hang out. The 60HP Mercury will zip you across Lower Laguna Madre at 32 knots, then pole silently into those skinny waters where fish get spooky. Perfect for two anglers who want room to cast without tangling lines. GPS keeps you on the productive spots, while the shallow draft design lets you reach fish that bigger boats can't touch. Whether you're sight-casting to tailing redfish or working grass beds for trout, this technical poling skiff puts you right where the action is. Built for the flats, designed for fishing success.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the bulldozers of the flats - thick, powerful fish that can really test your gear. Most run 5-15 pounds, but we regularly see 20-30 pounders that'll make you question your tackle choices. They cruise shallow muddy areas and oyster beds, using those crushing jaws to demolish crabs and shellfish. The cooler months from November through March bring the best fishing when they school up for spawning. What guests love about drum fishing is the steady, determined fight - no flashy jumps, just pure muscle pulling drag. The smaller ones make decent table fare, though the big breeders are tough and better released. Pro tip: always keep your bait on the bottom and use fresh crab when possible. These fish have an incredible sense of smell, so old bait won't cut it.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our shallow water fishing, and it's easy to see why. These copper-colored beauties typically run 20-30 inches in the shallows, with that telltale black spot near their tail. They cruise oyster reefs, grass flats, and muddy shorelines in water so thin their backs sometimes break the surface. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall brings the best action when they school up. What makes reds special is their powerful, bulldogging fight combined with excellent eating quality - firm white meat with a mild flavor. Plus, sight-fishing for tailing reds in skinny water is about as exciting as it gets. My go-to tip: watch for nervous water and subtle wakes rather than just looking for fish. Reds often give away their location by pushing water before you actually see them.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout are bread-and-butter fish on these flats, and for good reason. Most run 12-20 inches with beautiful spotted sides that shimmer in shallow water. You'll find them over grass beds and sandy potholes in 2-6 feet, especially around dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding. Fall and spring provide the most consistent action, though summer nights can be phenomenal. Trout are popular because they bite readily, fight well for their size, and make excellent table fare with sweet, flaky white meat. They're also great for beginners since they're forgiving and abundant. The trick with trout is to work your lures slowly - they're not ambush predators like snook. A steady retrieve with occasional twitches over grass beds will trigger strikes. Soft plastics on light jigheads are hard to beat for consistent success.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are sleek ambush predators with that distinctive black lateral line running down their sides. Around here, you'll typically catch them in the 18-24 inch range, though bigger ones lurk near structure. They love hanging around mangroves, docks, and oyster bars in 2-6 feet of water where they can dart out to nail baitfish. Spring through fall gives you the best action when water temps are warm. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and acrobatic fight - they'll jump and make blistering runs that test your drag. The meat is excellent too, white and flaky when cooked right. Here's a key tip: always approach snook structure quietly and make accurate casts. They're spooky fish, so if you splash around or make noise, they'll shut down fast.
Megalops AtlanticusTarpon are the silver kings of our flats - pure fishing magic when they show up. These prehistoric giants typically run 50-150 pounds around here, with their massive scales catching sunlight like mirrors. Look for them rolling in 4-8 feet of water along current breaks and deeper channels, especially during warmer months from May through September. What makes tarpon legendary is their aerial show - they'll launch completely out of the water multiple times, shaking their heads to throw hooks. Nobody keeps tarpon since they're terrible eating, but landing one creates memories that last forever. The fight can go an hour or more on heavy fish. Key advice: when they jump, bow to the king by dropping your rod tip toward them. This gives slack so they can't use their weight against the line and break off.
Brownsville