5 HR Duck Hunting - South Padre Island
Private Trip
Bird hunting
Five-hour afternoon duck hunting in South Padre marshesExpert Captain Glenn guides hunters targeting redheads and pintailsAccommodates two guests in premier Texas waterfowl habitat
Captain Glenn knows these South Padre Island marshes like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you right where the ducks want to be. This isn't your typical weekend shoot – it's a full 5-hour commitment that lets you really settle into the rhythm of waterfowl hunting along the Texas coast. Most trips kick off in the afternoon when the birds start moving, and with only 2 hunters max, you're getting the kind of personalized attention that makes all the difference between going home with stories and going home with birds.
South Padre's coastal marshes offer some of the most consistent duck hunting you'll find along the Gulf Coast. Captain Glenn positions you in proven blinds where generations of hunters have called in flights of redheads, teal, and wigeon. The afternoon departures work perfectly with the natural feeding patterns – as the day winds down, ducks start their evening flights between roosting and feeding areas. You'll be set up with decoy spreads that Glenn's been perfecting for years, positioned to take advantage of prevailing winds and natural flyways. The marshes here create perfect funneling opportunities, and when a flight commits to your spread, you'll know why South Padre has earned its reputation as premier waterfowl habitat. Glenn reads the birds' behavior and adjusts throughout the hunt, moving decoys or repositioning if needed to keep the action consistent.
The terrain around South Padre gives you everything waterfowl hunters dream about – shallow bays, protected marshes, and enough open water to let you work different types of spreads depending on what the birds are doing. Glenn brings all the essential gear, but he'll walk you through his setup so you understand why certain decoy patterns work better in different wind conditions. The key here is reading the water and understanding how tides affect where ducks want to feed. When the tide's right and the wind's cooperating, you'll see flights that stretch your neck looking up. Glenn's got portable blinds that blend perfectly with the natural vegetation, and he knows exactly how to position them so you're invisible to incoming birds but still have clear shooting lanes. The afternoon timing means you're hunting during one of the most active periods, when ducks are moving between day roosts and evening feeding areas. You'll learn to identify different species on the wing, pick up on subtle changes in flight patterns that signal whether birds are just passing through or actually working your spread.
Redheads are the crown jewel of South Padre duck hunting, and for good reason. These diving ducks love the deeper sections of the bay system, and when they decide to work your spread, they come in with purpose. Redheads typically run 2-3 pounds and have this distinctive sloped profile that makes them easy to identify once you know what to look for. Peak season runs from late November through January, and they're most active during afternoon hunts when they're moving between deep-water roosts and shallow feeding flats. What makes redheads special is their predictable behavior – they'll circle your spread, check it out, and if everything looks right, they'll commit hard. The drakes are gorgeous birds with that classic rusty-red head and black chest that photographs beautifully.
Green-winged Teal might be the smallest ducks you'll target, but they make up for size with pure excitement. These little rockets come screaming into your spread at speeds that'll test your swing, and they're notorious for their erratic flight patterns that keep even experienced hunters on their toes. Teal season peaks in September and October, but you'll find birds throughout the winter months. They love shallow water and tend to feed on seeds and aquatic vegetation in areas that bigger ducks can't access. When a flock of teal locks onto your spread, they'll buzz it multiple times before committing, giving you several opportunities if you're patient. The green wing patch catches sunlight perfectly, and successful teal hunters learn to lead these speed demons more than they think they should.
American Wigeon bring their own personality to South Padre hunts. These "baldpates" are grazers that love to feed in shallow areas where they can reach aquatic vegetation, making the coastal marshes perfect habitat. Wigeon are incredibly social birds – where you see one, you'll usually find a dozen more nearby. They're most active during December and January around South Padre, and afternoon hunts catch them during prime movement times. What hunters love about wigeon is their vocal nature – they're constantly talking to each other, and a good wigeon whistle can pull birds from impressive distances. The drakes have that distinctive white crown that gives them their nickname, and they're notorious for their three-note whistle that echoes across the marsh. Wigeon also have this habit of stealing food from diving ducks, which makes for entertaining watching between flights.
Captain Glenn's 5-hour duck hunt gives you the real South Padre waterfowl experience – afternoon action when the birds are moving, expert positioning in proven productive water, and the kind of personal attention you only get with a 2-hunter maximum. These marshes have been drawing ducks for centuries, and Glenn's local knowledge puts you right in the middle of established flyways where redheads, teal, and wigeon have been trading for generations. Whether you're looking to add new species to your hunting resume or just want to experience some of the best coastal waterfowl hunting Texas has to offer, this hunt delivers the goods. The afternoon timing means you can make this work with travel schedules, and the 5-hour duration gives you plenty of opportunities to connect with multiple species. Don't wait until the flights move south – book your spot with Double Mermaid Outdoors and get ready for the kind of duck hunting that keeps bringing hunters back to South Padre Island year after year.
Captain Glenn's 24-foot Shallow Master Bay Boat gets you deep into South Padre's prime duck hunting marshes where the action happens. This 2023 rig seats up to 5 hunters and packs a serious 250HP Suzuki that'll push 48 knots when you need to cover water fast to beat other hunting parties to the best spots. The wireless trolling motor keeps things dead quiet when positioning for incoming flocks of Redheads, Pintails, and Teal. GPS navigation cuts through the maze of coastal channels while the fish finder helps locate underwater structure that attracts waterfowl. Built for shallow water hunting, this boat slides right into those hidden pockets where ducks feel safe. Most hunts kick off in the afternoon when birds start moving heavy. Perfect setup for 2 hunters looking to get into Texas' legendary waterfowl action without the crowd.
American wigeon are medium-sized ducks with a unique feeding style that makes them interesting targets. Known as "baldpate" for the white crown on males, they're actually grazers that prefer shallow water where they can tip up to feed on vegetation. Our marsh areas and grass flats are perfect wigeon habitat. They arrive in good numbers from October through February, often mixing with other puddle ducks. What makes wigeon special is their vocal nature - their whistling calls add excitement to any hunt. The meat has excellent flavor since they feed mainly on aquatic plants. Key tip: wigeon are followers, so mix a few wigeon decoys with your mallard spread. They'll often steal food from diving ducks, so position near deeper water edges.
Green-winged teal are the smallest ducks we hunt here, but they make up for size with pure excitement. These little rockets fly in tight flocks and can change direction instantly, making for challenging shots that keep everyone alert. They love shallow marsh areas and pond edges where they dabble for seeds and small invertebrates. September through December brings the best action, especially during cold fronts when fresh birds push through. Guests love teal hunting because the fast-paced action never lets up. The meat is dark and flavorful - perfect for the grill. My advice: use smaller shot and don't lead them as much as you think. They're closer and slower than they appear when banking over decoys.
Redheads are solid, medium-sized diving ducks that love our deeper bay waters around South Padre. These birds dive down 4-8 feet to feed on seagrass and small crabs, making them hearty table fare with a clean, mild taste. Peak season runs November through January when big rafts of them work the Laguna Madre flats. They're smart birds that decoy well but spook easily once they spot movement. Hunters appreciate their size - bigger than teal but not as massive as canvasback. Pro tip: set your spread in 3-6 feet of water near grass beds and keep still. Redheads circle wide before committing, so patience pays off when they finally lock up and drop in.
South Padre Island, TX