5.0(1 Reviews)5 HR Bay Fishing Trip - South Padre Island
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Half-day inshore fishing targeting redfish and speckled troutLight tackle techniques on Lower Laguna Madre flatsCaptain Glenn guides up to 2 anglers per trip
Captain Glenn knows the Lower Laguna Madre like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious fish. This 5-hour bay fishing adventure targets the flats and grass beds where redfish cruise, speckled trout ambush bait, and snook lurk in the shadows. You'll fish light tackle or fly gear depending on what's working, and Glenn will adjust the game plan based on conditions and what's biting. South Padre's back bay system is pure gold for inshore fishing, with crystal-clear water that lets you sight-cast to fish you can actually see. Whether you're looking to bend some rods or just get away from the crowds, this trip delivers the goods without all the commercial charter nonsense.
The Lower Laguna Madre is shallow, clear, and loaded with structure that holds fish year-round. You'll start early to beat the boat traffic and make the most of prime feeding times when fish are most active. Glenn runs a clean operation with quality gear, and he's not one of those guides who just motors to the same crowded spots every day. He reads the water, watches the birds, and puts in the work to find where the fish are holding. The boat handles up to 2 anglers comfortably, so you won't be elbow-to-elbow with strangers fighting for casting room. Expect to cover different areas throughout the trip - maybe some deeper potholes for trout in the morning, then shallow flats for reds when the sun gets higher. The beauty of this fishery is its variety, and Glenn knows how to work every inch of it.
This isn't heavy-handed fishing - you'll be throwing artificials on spinning gear or working fly patterns if that's your thing. Light tackle makes every fish feel like a monster, and in these clear shallows, finesse fishing is often what separates success from going home empty-handed. Glenn will have you rigged with soft plastics, topwater plugs, or spoons depending on conditions and target species. If you're into fly fishing, the sight-casting opportunities here are world-class. Picture this: crystal-clear water, tailing redfish in 18 inches of water, and a perfect cast that puts your fly right in the feeding zone. The flats fishing here lets you see the fish's reaction to your presentation, which is half the fun. When fish are spooky, Glenn knows how to position the boat for longer casts and better angles.
"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 crown jewel of South Padre's inshore scene, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers cruise the flats in schools, especially during fall and spring when they're feeding heavily before and after spawning. Reds here typically run 20 to 30 inches, with some real bulls pushing the 40-inch mark. They're aggressive feeders that will slam a well-placed spoon or soft plastic, and their initial run will test your drag system. The best part about targeting reds in the Laguna Madre is the sight-fishing opportunities - watching a school of fish turn on your lure in clear water never gets old.
Sea trout, or speckled trout as locals call them, are the bread and butter of bay fishing here. These beautiful fish love the grass beds and drop-offs where small baitfish congregate. Spring and fall produce the best trout fishing, with fish averaging 15 to 20 inches and the occasional "gator trout" stretching past 25 inches. Specks are finicky eaters that require a subtle presentation, making them perfect for light tackle enthusiasts. They hit soft plastics worked slowly along the bottom, and when you find a good school, you can stay busy for hours.
Snook are the wild card that makes every cast exciting. These tropical gamefish are at the northern edge of their range here, making them a prized catch that not everyone gets to experience. They're structure-oriented fish that love mangrove shorelines, docks, and any kind of cover where they can ambush prey. Snook are explosive fighters with an attitude, and their gill-rattling jumps will get your heart pumping. Summer and early fall offer the best snook action, with fish ranging from schoolie-sized up to legitimate 30-inch specimens.
Southern flounder are the masters of camouflage, lying flat on sandy bottoms waiting for an easy meal to swim by. These flatfish are delicious table fare and fun to catch, especially when you're bouncing soft plastics along the bottom and feel that distinctive "thump" of a flounder picking up your bait. Fall is prime time for flounder as they stage near passes before heading offshore to spawn. The bigger "doormat" flounder provide excellent light tackle action and are highly sought after by anglers who appreciate both the fight and the meal.
Sheepshead round out the mix with their human-like teeth and notorious bait-stealing abilities. These black-and-white striped fish are structure lovers that hang around anything with barnacles or oysters attached. They're excellent eating and provide a nice change of pace when you want to target something different. Sheepshead fishing requires patience and good hooksets since they're notorious for picking baits clean without getting hooked.
Captain Glenn's approach to guiding is what sets this trip apart from the typical commercial charter experience. You're getting a top-rated guide who actually cares about putting you on fish, not just going through the motions. The 5-hour format gives you enough time
Hit the waters of South Padre Island aboard our speedy 24' Shallow Master Bay Boat, built for serious fishing action on the Lower Laguna Madre. This 2023 rig packs a 250HP Suzuki that'll get you to the hot spots fast, cruising at 48 knots across the flats where redfish and speckled trout love to hang out. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're stalking fish in skinny water, while our GPS and fish finder help locate schools of black drum, flounder, and snook. Perfect for light tackle or fly fishing, this bay boat handles the shallow waters like a dream. With room for up to 5 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work your lines without bumping elbows. Captain Glenn knows these waters inside and out, from the grass flats to the deeper channels where the big fish cruise.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the copper-colored bulldogs of the flats, easily spotted by their distinctive black spots near the tail and that bronze back. School fish run 18-27 inches, while the big bulls can push 35+ inches and 20+ pounds. They cruise super shallow water - sometimes with their backs out - around grass beds, oyster reefs, and mud flats in 1-4 feet. Year-round fishing is good, but fall is prime when they school up heavily. Guests love redfish because they eat almost anything, fight like freight trains, and those topwater explosions are pure adrenaline. Plus, slot fish make great table fare. Here's my go-to strategy: look for nervous water or tailing fish on the flats, then cast spoons, topwater plugs, or live shrimp ahead of cruising schools. Keep your presentations quiet - these fish spook easily in skinny water.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are the bread and butter of bay fishing here, with their silver sides covered in dark spots and that distinctive canine tooth. Most fish run 14-20 inches and 1-3 pounds, though spring brings some real slobs over 5 pounds. They love grass flats, drop-offs, and shell bars in 3-8 feet of water, especially during low-light periods. Fall through spring is prime time, with early morning and evening being magic hours. Trout are popular because they hit a variety of lures, put up a decent fight, and make excellent table fare with tender, mild meat. The key is not overcooking them since they're softer than other fish. Pro tip: work your lures slowly over grass beds with a popping cork and live shrimp, or throw soft plastics on light jig heads. When it's cold, they'll stack up in deeper channels.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with their distinctive black and gray stripes, but what really sets them apart are those human-like teeth they use to crush barnacles and crabs. Most run 2-5 pounds and 14-18 inches, though trophy fish can hit 15+ pounds. You'll find them around any hard structure - bridge pilings, docks, jetties, and oyster bars where they feed on crustaceans. Winter and spring are peak season when they school up for spawning. Anglers love the challenge because they're notorious bait thieves with a light bite, plus they're some of the best eating fish in the bay with sweet, flaky white meat. My advice: use small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs, keep your bait tight to structure, and when you feel that subtle nibble, set the hook hard and fast. They've got tough mouths!
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are the golden ghosts of the flats, known for their distinctive black lateral line and that sloped head with the protruding lower jaw. Most run 18-24 inches, but the big females can push 30+ inches and really test your drag. They're structure-oriented fish, hugging mangroves, docks, and bridge pilings in shallow water. Spring through fall are your best bets, especially around the new and full moons when they're most active. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and powerful runs - they'll jump, make blistering runs, and fight dirty around cover. Plus, they're excellent eating with sweet, white meat. Here's the key: snook are extremely temperature sensitive, so on those cooler winter days, look for them in deeper channels or around warm-water discharges where they'll be more active.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are masters of disguise, lying flat on sandy or muddy bottoms where they blend in perfectly. These flat fish typically run 15-18 inches and around 5 pounds, though we've seen some pushing 20+ pounds. They're ambush predators with both eyes on their left side, feeding on shrimp, crabs, and small baitfish. You'll find them in shallow bays, around grass flats, and near structure in 2-10 feet of water. Fall and winter are prime time when they school up for their offshore spawning runs. Guests love their unique appearance and excellent table fare - mild, white, flaky meat that's hard to beat. My tip: use a slow drift with live shrimp on a light jig head, and when you feel that subtle tap, give it a second before setting the hook. They're notorious bait stealers!
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