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Guides > Captain Joaquin Pena

Drift Water Charters

South Padre Island TX

Drift Water Charters
Drift Water Charters
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(37 reviews)

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Your Captain

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Joaquin Pena

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Guides > Captain Joaquin Pena

Drift Water Charters

locationSouth Padre Island TX

Guidesly Guarantee
5 37 reviews

Your Captain

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Joaquin Pena

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Joaquin Pena, Captain at Drift Water Charters

Drift Water Charters cordially invites you and your loved ones to embark on unforgettable fishing excursions departing from the scenic Port Isabel. Set sail with Captain Joaquin Pena, a lifelong angler, and immerse yourself in the bountiful inshore and nearshore waters of this enchanting part of Texas. Get ready for a thrilling adventure that promises not only a great catch but also loads of fun and cherished memories out on the water!


South Padre Island is a premier fishing destination nestled in the Gulf of Mexico, offering abundant opportunities for anglers. Its pristine waters are home to a diverse range of fish species. With its beautiful coastal scenery and excellent fishing conditions, South Padre Island promises an unforgettable experience for fishing enthusiasts of all skill levels.


Your journey commences on a 24' Shallow Master flats boat, designed to accommodate up to six guests comfortably. Powered by a robust 200 HP SMS engine, equipped with cutting-edge GPS, fishfinder, radio, and radar technology, this vessel ensures seamless navigation. The boat features convenient amenities such as a flybridge, ice-box, and livewell, enhancing your comfort and convenience throughout the trip.


Prepare to encounter an impressive array of fish species during your expedition, including Mangrove Snapper, Speckled Trout, Black Drum, Redfish, Snook, and more. With the versatility of both light and heavy tackle, you'll employ various techniques such as trolling, bottom fishing, spinning, jigging, and popping to entice your desired prey. Captain Joaquin warmly welcomes young anglers on board, making it a delightful opportunity for a memorable family outing on the water. Should you wish to keep your prized catches, you are more than welcome to do so.


Rest assured, Captain Joaquin will handle all the essentials to ensure a hassle-free experience. From providing top-quality fishing gear to supplying refreshing snacks and drinks, he has you covered. Furthermore, the captain will take care of the meticulous task of cleaning your catch, allowing you to focus solely on relishing the joy of the fishing adventure.


Come and join Drift Water Charters for an extraordinary fishing experience that will exceed your expectations. Unleash your inner angler, create lifelong memories, and revel in the beauty of South Padre Island's captivating waters. Book your trip now and embark on a truly remarkable fishing expedition!

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Upcoming Availability

August 2025
September 2025

Expertise & Attributes

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fishing

fishing

Master GuideMaster GuideDeep Sea FishingDeep Sea FishingDrift FishingDrift FishingGood with Large GroupsGood with Large GroupsGood with New AnglersGood with New AnglersGood with FamiliesGood with FamiliesGood with KidsGood with KidsNature / Wildlife ViewsNature / Wildlife ViewsSaltwater FishingSaltwater FishingFreshwater FishingFreshwater FishingBass FishingBass FishingI Tie My Own FliesI Tie My Own FliesLive BaitLive Bait

Fishing Techniques

JiggingTrolling FishingFly FishingHeavy TackleLight TackleDeep Sea / Bottom Fishing

What's Included

Good to Knows

Good to Knows

Your Guide has some important details about your trip with them.

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Nature / Wildlife Views

Nature / Wildlife Views

This guide offers trips with nature and wildlife views.

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Cancellation Policy

Cancellation Policy

When you book your fishing trip, you will need to first put down a deposit to hold the reservation.

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What's Included

Good to Knows

Good to Knows

Your Guide has some important details about your trip with them.

Show More

Nature / Wildlife Views

Nature / Wildlife Views

This guide offers trips with nature and wildlife views.

Show More

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation Policy

When you book your fishing trip, you will need to first put down a deposit to hold the reservation.

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Trips Available with Drift Water Charters

Morning Inshore Fishing Charter South Padre Island – Redfish, Trout, Snapper, Flounder
Best Price Guarantee
Morning Inshore Fishing Charter South Padre Island – Redfish, Trout, Snapper, FlounderTop-Rated
Morning Inshore Fishing Charter South Padre Island – Redfish, Trout, Snapper, FlounderInstant Booking
Morning Inshore Fishing Charter South Padre Island – Redfish, Trout, Snapper, FlounderFishing - Inshore
Morning Inshore Fishing Charter South Padre Island – Redfish, Trout, Snapper, Flounder

Shallow Master Flats boat24'Shallow Master Flats boat Max 5 guests (base trip price includes 5 guests)

Morning Inshore Fishing Charter South Padre Island – Redfish, Trout, Snapper, Flounder

Start your day on the waters of South Padre Island with a 5-hour inshore guided trip targeting Redfish, Trout, Snapper, and Flounder. This morning charter is ideal for anglers of all skill levels, with all rods, reels, bait, lures, snacks, and drinks provided. Your licensed guide will share local fishing techniques and take you to productive spots along the coastline. At the end of the trip, your catch will be cleaned and bagged, ready to take home. Enjoy a productive morning of fishing in one of Texas’ top inshore destinations.

Morning Trip

Morning Inshore Fishing Charter South Padre Island – Redfish, Trout, Snapper, FlounderMaximum 5 persons allowed
(base trip price includes 5 guests)
Morning Inshore Fishing Charter South Padre Island – Redfish, Trout, Snapper, Flounder5 Hours
Morning Inshore Fishing Charter South Padre Island – Redfish, Trout, Snapper, Flounder7:00 AM
$400

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Afternoon Inshore Fishing Charter South Padre Island – Redfish, Trout, Snapper, Flounder
Best Price Guarantee
Afternoon Inshore Fishing Charter South Padre Island – Redfish, Trout, Snapper, FlounderTop-Rated
Afternoon Inshore Fishing Charter South Padre Island – Redfish, Trout, Snapper, FlounderInstant Booking
Afternoon Inshore Fishing Charter South Padre Island – Redfish, Trout, Snapper, FlounderFishing - Inshore
Afternoon Inshore Fishing Charter South Padre Island – Redfish, Trout, Snapper, Flounder

Shallow Master Flats boat24'Shallow Master Flats boat Max 5 guests (base trip price includes 5 guests)

Afternoon Inshore Fishing Charter South Padre Island – Redfish, Trout, Snapper, Flounder

Spend the afternoon fishing the productive inshore waters of South Padre Island on a 5-hour guided trip targeting Redfish, Trout, Snapper, and Flounder. Suitable for beginners and experienced anglers, this charter includes all rods, reels, bait, lures, snacks, and drinks. Your licensed guide will take you to prime fishing spots and share local knowledge to help you maximize your catch. At the end of the trip, your fish will be cleaned and bagged for you to take home. Enjoy quality time on the water while fishing one of Texas’ best coastal destinations.

Afternoon Trip

Afternoon Inshore Fishing Charter South Padre Island – Redfish, Trout, Snapper, FlounderMaximum 5 persons allowed
(base trip price includes 5 guests)
Afternoon Inshore Fishing Charter South Padre Island – Redfish, Trout, Snapper, Flounder5 Hours
Afternoon Inshore Fishing Charter South Padre Island – Redfish, Trout, Snapper, Flounder1:00 PM
$400

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Beginner-Friendly Inshore Fishing Charter South Padre Island
Beginner-Friendly Inshore Fishing Charter South Padre IslandTop-Rated
Beginner-Friendly Inshore Fishing Charter South Padre IslandInstant Booking
Beginner-Friendly Inshore Fishing Charter South Padre IslandFishing - Inshore
Beginner-Friendly Inshore Fishing Charter South Padre Island

Shallow Master Flats boat24'Shallow Master Flats boat Max 5 guests (base trip price includes 5 guests)

Beginner-Friendly Inshore Fishing Charter South Padre Island

Spend a full day exploring South Padre Island’s inshore waters on a 9-hour guided trip designed for anglers of all experience levels. Target species include Black Drum, Grey Snapper, and more, with all rods, reels, bait, and lures provided. Your licensed guide will take you to productive fishing spots and offer instruction for beginners or advanced tips for seasoned anglers. Snacks, drinks, and catch cleaning are included, so you can focus on fishing and making the most of your time on the water. Book today to secure your spot.

Full Day Trip

Beginner-Friendly Inshore Fishing Charter South Padre IslandMaximum 5 persons allowed
(base trip price includes 5 guests)
Beginner-Friendly Inshore Fishing Charter South Padre Island9 Hours
Beginner-Friendly Inshore Fishing Charter South Padre Island7:00 AM
$750

Pick Your Date

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Pro Angler Inshore Fishing Charter South Padre Island
Pro Angler Inshore Fishing Charter South Padre IslandTop-Rated
Pro Angler Inshore Fishing Charter South Padre IslandInstant Booking
Pro Angler Inshore Fishing Charter South Padre IslandFishing - Inshore
Pro Angler Inshore Fishing Charter South Padre Island

Shallow Master Flats boat24'Shallow Master Flats boat Max 5 guests (base trip price includes 5 guests)

Pro Angler Inshore Fishing Charter South Padre Island

Take on South Padre Island’s inshore waters with a 9-hour guided fishing trip designed for experienced anglers ready to target species like Black Drum, Grey Snapper, and more. Your licensed guide will lead you to productive fishing grounds and share advanced techniques to help maximize your catch. All rods, reels, bait, and lures are provided, along with snacks, drinks, and catch cleaning. Whether refining your skills or seeking a challenge, this trip delivers the opportunity to fish prime locations along the Texas coast. Reserve your spot today.

Full Day Trip

Pro Angler Inshore Fishing Charter South Padre IslandMaximum 5 persons allowed
(base trip price includes 5 guests)
Pro Angler Inshore Fishing Charter South Padre Island9 Hours
Pro Angler Inshore Fishing Charter South Padre Island7:00 AM
$750

Pick Your Date

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Family Inshore Fishing Charter South Padre Island
Best Price Guarantee
Family Inshore Fishing Charter South Padre IslandTop-Rated
Family Inshore Fishing Charter South Padre IslandInstant Booking
Family Inshore Fishing Charter South Padre IslandFishing - Inshore
Family Inshore Fishing Charter South Padre Island

Shallow Master Flats boat24'Shallow Master Flats boat Max 5 guests (base trip price includes 5 guests)

Family Inshore Fishing Charter South Padre Island

Enjoy quality time on the water with a 5-hour family-friendly inshore fishing trip in South Padre Island targeting Redfish, Trout, Snapper, and Flounder. Perfect for all ages and skill levels, this charter includes rods, reels, bait, lures, snacks, and drinks. Your licensed guide will take you to productive fishing areas and provide tips to help everyone succeed. At the end of the trip, your catch will be cleaned and bagged for you to take home. Experience a fun, hassle-free outing in one of Texas’ most popular fishing destinations.

Morning Trip

Family Inshore Fishing Charter South Padre IslandMaximum 5 persons allowed
(base trip price includes 5 guests)
Family Inshore Fishing Charter South Padre Island5 Hours
Family Inshore Fishing Charter South Padre Island7:00 AM
$400

Pick Your Date

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Vehicle

Shallow Master Flats boat

Boat Type:

Boat Guest Capacity:

5

Boat Length:

24 ft

Manufacturer Name:

Shallow Master Flats boat

Model Year:

2020

Engine Manufacturer Name:

SMS

# of Engines:

1

Horsepower Per Engine:

200

Maximum Cruising Speed:

33

Features: Bait Tank Flybridge Fish Finder GPS Radar

Drift Water Charters Shallow Master Flats boat Boat

The 24' Shallow Master Flats boat is a versatile watercraft that was built in 2020. Equipped with a powerful 200HP SMS 240 engine, it boasts a speedy performance, capable of reaching a maximum speed of 33 knots. With a spacious design, this boat comfortably accommodates up to five guests.

Boat

Drift Water Charters Shallow Master Flats boat Boat image 0

Shallow Master Flats boat

Boat Type:

Boat Guest Capacity:

5

Boat Length:

24 ft

Vehicle Details

FAQs about Drift Water Charters

Reports and Expert Articles

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Redfish, Trout & Snapper Biting Strong in SPI

The bite is heating up along the South Padre Island coast this May, and anglers are seeing consistent action both inshore and offshore. Inshore: Redfish are cruising the flats and showing up in solid numbers. Look for them near grassy areas and shallow sand pockets during the early morning hours. Live shrimp under popping corks and soft plastics have been the go-to setups. Speckled trout are also making a strong appearance along the Laguna Madre, especially during outgoing tides near spoil islands and drop-offs. A few flounder have been caught around deeper channels and sandy bottoms. Nearshore & Offshore: Kingfish have started showing up just off the jetties and are hitting live bait and trolled spoons. Offshore trips are producing solid catches of snapper, with some nice lane and mangrove snapper coming over the rails. A few cobia and mahi-mahi have been spotted around floating debris and weed lines. Weather has been cooperative, making longer runs more accessible this week. General Conditions: Water temps are in the low 70s with good clarity on most days. Light winds in the mornings have made for smooth conditions on the bay, with winds picking up slightly in the afternoon. Pro Tip: Early starts and lighter tackle are helping anglers land more fish. Drift fishing over grass flats has been especially productive.

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South Padre Island Fishing

Children enjoying their South Padre Island fishing adventure! Despite their tender age, these youngsters successfully reeled in some redfish during their inshore fishing excursion at South Padre Island.

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Fishing

May brings an upswing in activity as fishing prospects flourish. Nearshore waters come alive with the enticing bite of Kingfish, Cobia, and Snapper, while the shallows become a playground for the avid angler pursuing Reds and Specks.

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Redfish Season - South Padre Island Fishing Report

Reds are always fun to catch and you can't beat the taste! We reached our limits for today's trip. These guys enjoyed a lot! I still have dates available for you and your family. Book a South Padre Island fishing trip with me.

Ratings & Reviews Summary

5.00
out of 5
Based on 37 ratings
100%
recommended
recommended
Based on 37 recommendations
5
37
4
3
2
1
Our Captain is loved for...
Best Boat
Great For Novices
Great For Top Anglers
Great Guide
Good with Kids
Best Spots

August 26, 2025

I recently had the pleasure of joining a friend’s fishing trip with Driftwater Charters, and it was an outstanding experience. Captain Joaquin was nothing short of amazing! His expertise, friendliness, and professionalism made the trip truly enjoyable. I can’t wait to visit South Padre again & book a trip of my own!

August 26, 2025

What an exciting time out on the water, The captain was very knowledgeable and put us on fish right from the start. Definitely glad we didn’t just settle on a charter and was able to find and book 1 of the best in South Padre. Will definitely use again when we return!!!!

August 26, 2025

We had a wonderful trip with the Captain. He was full of information. He told us exactly how to catch the BIG ones and we did. Not enough stars to rate our trip.

August 26, 2025

Capt. Joaquin did a fantastic job! He was well prepared with gear and bait. He first covered safety with my family (my wife, our three daughters ages 14, 13 & 11) before we even got on the boat. That meant allot to us. He covered his game plan and we then headed out. Once at our first stop, capt. Joaquin coached us on the technique he wanted us to follow as we were drifting. Even though we didn't execute quite like a pro would, he was very patient with us. We quickly got on some red drum but my oldest daughter lost them before we could get them in the net. A while later, I reeled in a very nice unicorn of a fish in the way of a 30 & 1/4" trout. What a treat that was for me, my family and Captain Joaquin. After a lull of no fish, Captain Joaquin moved us to a different spot where we had no luck other than a few catfish but it kept my daughters engaged. At our 3rd stop, Captain Joaquin put us on some great fish. Within minutes of the first two lines being in the water my 13yo daughter hooked a nice red drum which is exactly what Captain Joaquin said he hoped we caught running. Soon after my wife also reeled in a nice 28" red. Minutes later our youngest reeled in a small red but she was happy! Minutes later my 14yo daughter reeled in her own 26" red and while she was reeling hers in our 13yo had hooked another red, this time an oversized 29". What I truly enjoyed about this tussle was how Captain Joaquin encouraged my 13yo when she kept saying that she couldn't do it! He kept encouraging her and she reeled him in all on her own with no one's help. Minutes later she reeled in her 3rd red. Our 11yo added a 21" trout before it was all said and done. Captain Joaquin was great and professional with our daughters, never getting or showing any frustration in his tone of voice or body language. He is a class act and knows what he is doing. What a great half day of fishing! This was our daughters first time salt water fishing and also fishing from a boat and they are so ready to do it again and we give thanks to Captain Joaquin for that! My wife and I would definitely recommend him and we plan on returning and booking again with Captain Joaquin at Drift Water Charters!

August 26, 2025

We first met when we booked a 1/2 day with Captain Joaquin last year October 2023. We had such a great time that we booked another day that same week! We told him that we would see him in a year, we only made it 6 months as we’re here now and just finished our 3rd day in a row out slamming the trout and red fish!! I caught a 32 inch and a 29 inch red fish. Please enjoy the pictures that I added and Thanks again Captain you do anything and everything to get us on FISH!!!! Until next time and CAN’T wait 😁

August 26, 2025

We did a trip on Dec 6 with Joaquin Peña and had an incredible time fishing with him as our captain and guide. He was the ultimate gentleman, and his experience in fishing the bay was obvious. We caught our limit of redfish and took home a speckled trout as well. Joaquin was also a patient and gentle teacher. He worked hard to put us on fish and make sure we caught them while having a good time. My wife and I would highly recommend Captain Joaquin as your captain!!!

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