Half Day Advanced Fishing Trip In South Padre
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
5hour inshore charter targeting redfish, snook, and mackerel speciesAdvanced fishing trip designed for experienced anglers seeking actionCaptain Manny Perez guides trips around Port Mansfield waters
Captain Manny Perez knows these waters like the back of his hand, and this 5-hour advanced charter proves it. You're not just fishing—you're hunting trophy species in some of Texas's most productive inshore waters around Port Mansfield and South Padre Island. This trip is designed for serious anglers who want to skip the basics and get straight to the action. With only 2 spots available, you'll get personalized attention and access to Captain Manny's insider spots where redfish, snook, king mackerel, and Spanish mackerel call home. Come ready to work because these fish don't give up easy.
This isn't your typical tourist charter. Captain Manny runs a tight ship focused on results, and he expects his anglers to match that energy. You'll launch early and cover serious ground, hitting multiple productive zones throughout the morning. The boat comes fully rigged with top-shelf tackle, and Captain Manny adjusts techniques based on what's biting and where. One minute you might be working topwater lures for explosive redfish strikes, the next you could be trolling for kings in deeper water. The pace stays steady, the lines stay wet, and the cooler fills up fast. With just two anglers max, you'll have room to fight fish properly and access to prime real estate on the boat.
Captain Manny's approach combines old-school knowledge with modern techniques. He reads water conditions, tide movements, and seasonal patterns to put you on fish consistently. Depending on the day, you might be throwing live bait around structure for snook, working artificial lures through grass flats for reds, or trolling spoons and plugs for mackerel species. The captain provides all terminal tackle and knows exactly which presentations work best for each target species in these waters. He's not afraid to switch things up mid-trip if the bite changes—that flexibility is what separates good guides from great ones. You'll learn advanced techniques while putting them to immediate use on quality fish.
Spanish Mackerel are speed demons that hit hard and fight dirty. These silver bullets typically run 2-4 pounds in these waters and are most active during cooler months from fall through early spring. They school up around baitfish and provide non-stop action when you find them. What makes them special is their willingness to hit both live bait and artificials, plus they make excellent table fare with their mild, flaky meat.
Snook are the crown jewel of inshore fishing here, and South Padre's population is world-class. These ambush predators love structure, current breaks, and shadowy spots where they can surprise prey. Most snook in these waters run 20-30 inches, with trophy fish over 35 inches always possible. They're catch-and-release only, but the fight is worth it—powerful runs, acrobatic jumps, and a stubborn attitude that keeps you working until the very end.
Black Drum are the heavyweights of the flats, with mature fish reaching 30+ pounds in these waters. They're bottom feeders with excellent hearing, so presentation matters. These fish are most active during warmer months and provide a completely different fight than the other species—long, steady pulls that test your endurance. They're also excellent eating in the smaller sizes, with sweet, firm meat that's perfect for blackening.
King Mackerel bring the offshore experience to inshore waters around South Padre. These torpedo-shaped predators can exceed 20 pounds and are known for blistering runs and sharp teeth. They're most common during spring and fall migrations when they move through the area chasing baitfish. Kings require wire leaders and strong drag systems, and they'll test every knot and connection on your rig.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Texas inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers average 20-30 inches in these waters and are available year-round. They're aggressive feeders that hit everything from topwater plugs to live shrimp, and they put up a fight that combines power with endurance. Reds are also fantastic table fare, with firm white meat that's perfect for grilling or frying.
This advanced charter fills up fast because Captain Manny has built a reputation for putting experienced anglers on quality fish. With only 2 spots available per trip, you're guaranteed personal attention and access to techniques that work consistently in these waters. Whether you're chasing a personal best or just want to fish hard for 5 straight hours, this trip delivers the goods. The combination of Captain Manny's local knowledge, top-tier equipment, and productive waters makes this one of the best advanced fishing opportunities on the Texas coast. Book now and get ready to fish like you mean it.
Captain Manny's 25-foot Majek center console is built for serious fishing in South Padre's productive waters. This 2022 bay boat packs a 300HP Mercury engine that'll get you to the hotspots fast, cruising smooth at 45 knots to maximize your time on the water. The center console design gives you 360-degree casting room while the captain works his magic navigating the flats and deeper channels where redfish, snook, and king mackerel hunt. Onboard fish finder helps locate schools and structure, while GPS keeps you on the most productive spots. The icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during the 5-hour grind. With space for up to 5 anglers but limited to 2 guests for this advanced trip, you'll have plenty of room to work lures and fight fish without getting tangled up. This boat means business - no frills, just the right equipment to put you on fish in Port Mansfield and South Padre's prime inshore grounds.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, typically running 5-30 pounds but capable of hitting 90+ pounds around South Padre. These powerful bottom-feeders have crushing jaws perfect for shellfish and love shallow muddy flats, oyster beds, and creek mouths. Spring spawning season is prime time when they school up and make those distinctive drumming sounds you can actually hear underwater. What draws anglers? The arm-burning fights and their unique feeding behavior - watching a big drum tail in skinny water never gets old. Smaller ones under 15 pounds eat great, but the giants are better released. My go-to tip: use fresh blue crab on a circle hook and let it sit on the bottom - black drum are notorious bait inspectors, so patience pays off.
Scomberomorus CavallaKings are the big brothers of the mackerel family, typically weighing 20-40 pounds with some monsters pushing 90+ pounds. These olive-backed speedsters cruise 40-150 feet of water around structure, drop-offs, and temperature breaks. Spring through fall brings the best action when they follow bait migrations along the coast. What makes them special? Pure speed and power - kings are built for long, screaming runs that'll test your drag system. The meat is rich and oily, perfect for smoking or grilling steaks. They're also tournament favorites for their size and fight. Here's a trick that works: use a two-hook rig on wire leader with live bait - kings often attack from behind, so that trailing hook catches the short-biters that would otherwise get away.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of South Padre inshore fishing, running 20-35 inches on average with those distinctive black spots near the tail. These copper-colored bruisers love super shallow water - sometimes so skinny their backs show above the surface. You'll find them around oyster reefs, grass flats, and shoreline structure in 1-4 feet of water. Fall and spring offer the best action, but they bite year-round in our mild climate. What makes them special? Powerful runs, easy feeding habits, and great table fare with that mild, sweet flavor. Plus, sight-fishing for tailing reds in skinny water is pure excitement. Pro tip: when you see mullet jumping nervously, reds are usually nearby feeding. Cast just past the commotion and work your bait back through the zone.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are ambush predators with that signature black lateral line and protruding lower jaw. Around South Padre, they typically run 1-3 feet, though bigger ones lurk in deeper holes. These temperature-sensitive fish love mangroves, creek mouths, and structure in brackish water where fresh meets salt. Spring through summer is prime time, especially around the new and full moons when they spawn and their fins turn bright yellow. Anglers love snook for their explosive strikes and bulldogging fights in tight quarters. They're excellent table fare when handled properly. Here's a local trick: work your lure slowly around cover - snook are lazy hunters that prefer easy meals, so a wounded baitfish presentation near structure often triggers strikes when fast retrieves fail.
Scomberomorus MaculatusSpanish mackerel are some of the fastest fish in the Gulf, averaging 1-2 feet and 8-11 pounds around South Padre. These silver speedsters with yellowish spots travel in massive schools near the surface, making them prime targets when conditions are right. You'll find them in 40-150 feet of water around structures and drop-offs. Spring through fall offers the best action when they're actively feeding on baitfish. What makes them special? Lightning-fast strikes, acrobatic fights, and some of the best eating you'll find. The meat is mild, flaky, and perfect for grilling or smoking. Pro tip: when you see birds working, get ready - Spanish mackerel often feed just below diving pelicans and gulls chasing the same baitfish.
South Padre Island