5.0(1 Reviews)5 HR Bay Fishing Trip - South Padre Island
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Halfday inshore fishing targeting redfish and speckled troutLight tackle and fly fishing techniques in Lower Laguna MadreCaptain Glenn guides up to 2 anglers on flats fishing
Captain Glenn knows the Lower Laguna Madre like the back of his hand, and his 5-hour bay fishing trips prove it every time. This isn't your typical crowded charter boat experience – you're getting a personalized fishing adventure that targets some of the Gulf Coast's most prized inshore species. With room for just two anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work the flats and backwater areas where the big reds and specks like to hang out. The Lower Laguna Madre is a world-class fishery that stretches for miles, offering crystal-clear waters and endless opportunities to sight-cast to tailing fish or work the grass beds where these predators ambush their prey.
Your day starts early when Captain Glenn picks you up at the marina, but trust me – those sunrise hours are when the fish are most active. You'll be running a shallow-draft boat that can get into skinny water where the commercial guys can't go, giving you access to prime fishing spots that see minimal pressure. The trip focuses on light tackle and fly fishing techniques, which means you'll feel every headshake and tail-walking jump these fish throw at you. Glenn's got all the gear you need, from perfectly balanced spinning rods to quality fly setups, plus he ties his own flies and knows exactly which patterns are working on any given day. The Lower Laguna Madre's geography is perfect for this style of fishing – you've got expansive grass flats, oyster reefs, drop-offs, and shallow bays that each hold different species depending on the tide, weather, and season. Don't worry if you're new to sight fishing or fly casting; Glenn's got the patience to teach you the basics and the experience to put you on fish regardless of your skill level.
The beauty of fishing the Lower Laguna Madre lies in the variety of approaches you can take. On the flats, you'll be sight-casting to fish you can actually see – watching a redfish cruise the shallows with its back out of water never gets old. Glenn uses 7 to 8-weight fly rods for the bigger reds and snook, while the trout and smaller species respond well to 6-weight setups. If you're more comfortable with spinning gear, he's got medium-light rods spooled with 10 to 15-pound braid that can handle anything the bay throws at you. The key here is stealth and precision – you're working water that's often less than three feet deep, so boat positioning and quiet presentations make all the difference. Popular techniques include working topwater plugs early in the morning, switching to soft plastics rigged weedless for the grass beds, and using shrimp patterns or small baitfish flies when the fish are being picky. The tides play a huge role in where the fish will be, and Glenn reads them like a book, knowing exactly when to hit the shallow flats versus the deeper channels and cuts.
"If you want to stay away from all the money grab commercial guides Capt Glenn is your guide. Bay fishing at its finest. Hope he doesn't get too popular where I can't book him next time I'm in town but I will be booking again." - Justin
Redfish are the bread and butter of South Padre Island fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bulldogs can push 30+ inches in the Lower Laguna Madre, and they're aggressive year-round. Reds love the shallow grass flats where they root around for crabs and shrimp, often with their backs and tails visible above the surface. Fall and winter months are prime time for big bulls, while spring brings schools of slot-sized fish that are perfect for keeping dinner. What makes reds so special is their willingness to eat both flies and lures, plus they put up a serious fight – expect multiple runs and don't be surprised if one strips all your line on the first charge.
Sea Trout, or specks as the locals call them, are the most popular target for good reason. These beautiful spotted fish are excellent table fare and provide consistent action throughout the year. Spring and early summer see the biggest concentrations as they move into the shallows to spawn, while fall fishing can produce some real gator trout over 25 inches. Specks are structure-oriented, so you'll find them around oyster reefs, drop-offs, and grass bed edges. They're also one of the best fly fishing targets in the bay – a well-placed Clouser Minnow or shrimp pattern can trigger explosive strikes that you'll remember long after the trip ends.
Southern Flounder are the chameleons of the bay, lying perfectly camouflaged on sandy bottoms waiting to ambush prey. These flatfish can grow surprisingly large in the Lower Laguna Madre, with 5 to 8-pound fish being common during peak season from late summer through fall. Flounder fishing requires a different approach – you're typically bouncing soft plastics or flies along the bottom near structure changes and drop-offs. When a big flounder hits, it feels like you've snagged the bottom until it starts that characteristic head-shaking fight. They're also some of the best eating fish in the bay, making them a favorite target for anglers looking to fill the cooler.
Snook are the exotic wildcard that makes South Padre Island fishing special – you're at the very northern edge of their range, which means each fish caught is something to celebrate. These tropical gamefish prefer the warmer months and are most active around structure like docks, bridges, and mangrove shorelines. Snook are ambush predators with incredible acceleration and a habit of jumping when hooked, making them one of the most exciting fish to catch on light tackle. They can be finicky about presentations, often requiring precise casts to specific pieces of structure, but when you connect with a slot sn
The 24' Shallow Master Bay Boat puts you right in the action on South Padre's productive waters. This 2023 rig runs smooth with a 250HP Suzuki that'll get you to the fish fast, hitting 48 knots when you need to cover water quickly. Perfect for working the flats and deeper pockets of the Lower Laguna Madre where redfish, trout, and snook love to hang out. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're stalking spooky fish in skinny water, while the GPS and fish finder help locate structure and baitfish. With room for up to 5 anglers, there's plenty of space to cast without tangling lines. Whether you're throwing artificials at redfish tailing on the flats or working live bait around structure for big trout, this boat handles the bay's varying conditions with ease. The shallow draft design gets you into those back-country spots where the bigger fish often hide.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the copper-colored kings of our shallow flats, sporting that signature black eyespot near their tail. Most slot fish run 18-27 inches and 3-8 pounds, though the big bull reds offshore can push 40+ inches. They cruise grass flats, oyster reefs, and shallow shorelines in 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. Year-round fishing here, but fall is prime when they school up in big numbers. What makes them special is their powerful fights and willingness to eat topwater lures, creating explosive strikes that'll get your heart pumping. They're also excellent table fare when kept in the slot. The key is staying quiet and making long casts - they spook easily in skinny water. Watch for "nervous water" or tailing fish, and aim your cast well ahead of where they're moving.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are the bread and butter of Texas bays, with their silver sides covered in distinctive black spots. Most run 14-20 inches and 1-3 pounds, though trophy fish can hit 25+ inches. They cruise grass flats, drop-offs, and shell reefs in 2-8 feet of water, feeding on shrimp and small baitfish. Fall through spring are prime, especially on overcast days when they move shallow to feed. What guests love is their willingness to hit both live bait and artificials, plus they're fantastic eating with tender, flaky meat. They're also great for beginners since they're abundant and fight well on light tackle. The secret is working your lure slowly along the bottom - trout have soft mouths, so when you feel that thump, just lift firmly rather than setting the hook hard or you'll pull it right out.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusThese black-and-white striped "convict fish" are famous for their human-like teeth and bait-stealing skills. Most run 2-5 pounds and 14-18 inches, living around docks, bridges, and any barnacle-covered structure where they scrape off their favorite meals. Spring is peak season when they school up for spawning, but you can catch them year-round in our area. What makes them fun is the challenge - they're notorious for nibbling bait right off your hook without getting caught. The reward is some of the sweetest, flakiest white meat you'll find. They fight surprisingly hard for their size too, using that deep body to pull against you. Here's my trick: use small hooks with fresh shrimp, keep your bait tight to the structure, and when you feel that telltale tap-tap, set the hook hard and fast before they steal your lunch.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are the silver rockets of the flats with that distinctive black lateral line running down their sleek sides. These ambush predators typically run 18-24 inches, but the big females can push 30+ inches and really test your drag. You'll find them around mangroves, docks, and any structure in 2-6 feet of water where they can dart out to nail baitfish. Spring through fall are your best bets, especially around the full and new moons when they get active. What guests love is their explosive topwater strikes and bulldogging fights - they'll run straight for cover every time. They're also excellent table fare with firm, white meat. Pro tip: cast tight to structure and be ready - when a snook decides to eat, it happens fast and they'll try to wrap you up in the nearest piling or mangrove root.
Paralichthys LethostigmaThese flat, oval-shaped fish are masters of camouflage, burying themselves in sand and mud bottoms to ambush prey. You'll recognize them by both eyes sitting on their left side and the scattered dark spots across their body. Most run 15-18 inches and around 5 pounds, though we occasionally see them push 20+ pounds. They hang out in shallow bays, around grass flats, and near structure where they can blend into the bottom. Fall and winter are prime time when they're staging for their offshore spawn. What makes them special is that explosive strike when they come off the bottom - plus they're some of the best eating fish in these waters. Here's the key: fish your bait right on the bottom and watch for that subtle tap-tap before they fully commit to the bite.
5.0 out of 5.0If you want to stay away from all the money grab commercial guides Capt Glenn is your guide. Bay fishing at its finest. Hope he do...
South Padre Island, TX