Full Day Pro-Level Fishing Trip On South Padre Island
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
10hour private inshore charter for experienced anglers onlyTarget Redfish, Speckled Trout, and Snook on Lower Laguna MadreTechnical fishing with Captain Chris using professionalgrade equipment
Captain Chris knows that serious anglers don't mess around when it comes to targeting the flats and channels of the Lower Laguna Madre. This 10-hour private charter is built from the ground up for experienced fishermen who want to push their skills, work technical water, and chase multiple species with precision tactics. From first light until the afternoon bite winds down, you'll be grinding productive water where redfish cruise the grass beds, specks stack up in deeper holes, and snook lurk around structure. This isn't a casual day on the water - it's a top-rated fishing experience designed for anglers who understand that the best catches come from putting in the work and staying focused on the details that matter.
You'll launch before dawn and immediately head to Captain Chris's proven spots throughout the Lower Laguna Madre system. The beauty of a 10-hour charter is having the flexibility to adjust tactics as conditions change and fish move throughout the day. Early morning might find you sight casting to tailing redfish in skinny water, while midday could shift to working deeper grass beds for solid trout action. Captain Chris brings top-grade equipment if you prefer to travel light, but most serious anglers love bringing their own setups to dial in their preferred presentations. The intimate 2-angler capacity means you'll get personalized coaching on reading water, adjusting retrieve speeds, and positioning for the best shots. This world-class fishery demands technical skills, and you'll spend the day honing everything from bait presentation to hook sets while targeting multiple species across varied terrain.
The Lower Laguna Madre requires a diverse approach, and Captain Chris will walk you through the specific techniques that produce consistent results in these waters. Sight casting with topwater plugs and soft plastics dominates the early morning bite when reds and trout are actively feeding in the shallows. As the sun climbs, you'll transition to working suspended baits around deeper structure where snook and black drum hold during warmer periods. The flats fishing here demands precision - long casts, quiet approaches, and the ability to read subtle signs like nervous baitfish or slight color changes in the water. You'll work with both artificial lures and live bait depending on conditions, learning when to switch between presentations to keep fish interested. Captain Chris carries professional-grade spinning and baitcasting setups spooled with appropriate line weights for the target species, plus a full selection of proven lures that have earned their reputation in these specific waters.
Redfish are the bread and butter of the Lower Laguna Madre, with fish ranging from schoolie-sized slots up to bull reds that'll test your drag system. These copper-colored fighters love the grass beds and can be spotted tailing in shallow water during optimal conditions. Peak action typically runs from spring through fall, though winter can produce some of the largest fish of the year. What makes reds so exciting is their aggressive nature - they'll crush topwater baits with explosive strikes and pull hard toward structure once hooked.
Sea Trout, locally called specks, are the technical challenge that keeps many anglers coming back to these waters. They school up in deeper pockets and along drop-offs, requiring precise presentations and the right retrieve speed to trigger strikes. Prime speck fishing runs from late spring through early winter, with the largest fish often caught during cooler months. A solid trout will make multiple runs and has a soft mouth that demands careful pressure - they're the fish that separate good anglers from great ones.
Snook represent the exotic appeal of South Padre Island's unique location, being near the northern edge of their range. These ambush predators lurk around structure and are notorious for their gill-rattling jumps once hooked. Summer and early fall provide the most consistent snook action, though they can be caught year-round by anglers who understand their preferences for specific water temperatures and structure types. Landing a quality snook requires quick reflexes and strong tackle - they're notorious for cutting lines on barnacle-covered pilings.
Black Drum offer the chance at the trip's heavyweight title, with mature fish capable of reaching impressive sizes in these productive waters. They're often found around deeper structure and can be targeted with both artificial lures and natural baits. Spring and fall typically produce the most consistent drum action, though they're present throughout the year. These powerful fish make sustained runs and will test your endurance during extended fights.
Summer Flounder add variety to the mix, though they require different tactics than the other target species. These flatfish prefer sandy bottoms and are typically caught while working deeper areas with bouncing presentations. They're seasonal visitors that show up during warmer months, and hooking into a quality flounder always adds excitement to the day's catch mix.
This customer favorite charter fills up quickly because experienced anglers recognize the value of a full day with a captain who understands the technical side of inshore fishing. The 10-hour format gives you the time to really dial in your skills while targeting multiple species across different habitats. Whether you're looking to improve your sight fishing game, learn new techniques, or simply spend a day grinding productive water with quality equipment, this trip delivers the focused fishing experience that serious anglers demand. Captain Chris's approach combines local knowledge with proven tactics, creating the kind of day that has anglers planning their return trip before they even hit the dock. Book now to secure your spot for this renowned South Padre Island fishing experience.
Captain Chris's technical inshore rig is built for serious anglers who want to work the flats hard. This motorboat cuts through the Lower Laguna Madre's shallows with precision, getting you within casting range of redfish, specks, and snook. Perfect for two anglers who know their way around a rod and want to focus on sight fishing and tactical approaches. The boat handles the skinny water where big fish feed, letting you work structure and grass beds without spooking your targets. Whether you're throwing topwater at first light or grinding out limits in the afternoon heat, this setup gets you to productive water and keeps you there. Built for anglers who fish with purpose and aren't afraid to put in the work for quality results on South Padre's prime inshore grounds.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the bulldozers of the flats - powerful fish that can test your gear and patience. Most run 5-30 pounds, but we've seen monsters pushing 50+ pounds in deeper water. They love oyster beds, muddy bottoms, and shallow flats where they root around for crabs and shellfish with those crushing jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning, making them easier to target. These fish are famous for that drumming sound they make - you can actually hear schools of them underwater. They're bulldogs on the line, using their broad bodies to fight in the current. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. Pro tip: use fresh crab or cut bait on the bottom, and don't set the hook too hard - their mouths are tough as leather.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the ultimate sight-fishing target on our shallow flats - bronze-backed beauties with those signature black spots near the tail. They range from slot-sized fish around 20-28 inches to big bulls over 30 inches that'll test your drag. You'll find them in 1-4 feet of water, often so shallow their backs are exposed, cruising oyster reefs, grass flats, and muddy shorelines. They're year-round residents, but fall and spring offer the most consistent action when they're feeding heavily. What makes redfish special is that explosive strike - when they hit topwater, it's pure chaos. They're powerful fighters that use their broad tails and stubborn nature to wear you down. The slot fish are excellent eating too. My go-to technique: sight cast to cruising fish with a gold spoon or topwater plug, and be patient - they'll often follow before committing.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are the bread and butter of Texas inshore fishing - spotted beauties that provide consistent action and great eating. Most range 14-24 inches, with anything over 20 inches being a solid fish. They love grass flats, drop-offs, and areas with good current flow in 2-8 feet of water. You can catch them year-round, but spring and fall offer the best bite when they're actively feeding. What makes trout special is their willingness to hit artificials - they'll crush topwaters, soft plastics, and live shrimp with equal enthusiasm. The fight is solid but not overwhelming, and the meat is fantastic - mild, flaky fillets that fry up perfectly. Here's the key: work grass flats early morning or late evening, and don't be afraid to downsize your lures when they're finicky. A slow-sinking soft plastic often seals the deal.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of the most sought-after inshore species here in the Lower Laguna Madre. These sleek, golden fish with that distinctive black lateral line typically run 1-3 feet, though trophy specimens can hit 4+ feet. You'll find them around structure - docks, mangroves, bridges - in both salt and brackish water. They're ambush predators that love to hide in cover and explode on bait with lightning speed. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially around the spawning months when they school up. What makes snook special is their incredible fight - they'll jump, run, and try every trick to throw your hook. The meat is fantastic too, flaky white fillets that taste amazing. Here's a tip: work your lure slowly near structure and be ready - when a snook hits, it's usually violent and immediate.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer flounder are the masters of camouflage on our sandy bottoms - these flatfish can change color to match their surroundings perfectly. Most run 15-20 inches, but keeper-sized fish make excellent eating with sweet, white meat that's hard to beat. You'll find them buried in sand or mud in 2-20 feet of water, waiting to ambush passing baitfish. Fall through early winter is when they're most active and feeding heavily before moving offshore. What makes flounder fishing fun is the subtle bite - they often just grab your bait and sit still, so you need to stay alert. They're not the strongest fighters, but landing a nice doormat-sized flounder is always satisfying. The key here is keeping your bait moving slowly along the bottom - bucktails with gulp or live finger mullet work great.
South Padre Island, TX