Full Day South Padre Island Inshore Fishing
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fullday inshore fishing adventure targeting redfish and sea troutCaptain Elliott Rodriguez guides up to four guests aboard stable vesselAll equipment, bait, refreshments, and fish cleaning services includedCaptain Elliott Rodriguez knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on fish during an action-packed 8-hour adventure in South Padre Island's legendary Laguna Madre. This isn't your average half-day trip – we're talking about a full commitment to finding and catching the best inshore species Texas has to offer. You'll be fishing from his 23-foot Majek Illusion, a boat that's built specifically for these shallow flats and back bays. With room for up to two guests, you get that personalized attention that makes all the difference between a good day and an epic day on the water.
Your day starts at 201 W Polaris Dr, where Captain Elliott will have everything rigged and ready to go. The Majek Illusion is a top-rated shallow water boat that'll get you into those skinny areas where the big reds like to cruise. We're talking about drifting grass flats, working shorelines, and hitting structure where sea trout stack up. The captain provides all your rods, reels, tackle, and bait – whether that's live shrimp, cut mullet, or whatever's working best that day. You'll have snacks and drinks on board, plus fish cleaning service so you can take home a cooler full of fillets. Just remember to grab your Texas Saltwater Fishing License before we head out – it's required for everyone who's going to wet a line.
Captain Elliott runs a variety of techniques depending on conditions and what the fish are doing. Some days we're sight fishing with topwater plugs when the reds are tailing in two feet of water. Other times we're drifting live shrimp under popping corks over grass beds where the trout are feeding. The Laguna Madre is famous for its clear water and healthy grass flats, which means we can often spot fish before we cast to them. The captain uses his Minn Kota trolling motor to position the boat perfectly, keeping noise to a minimum while getting you within casting range. Wade fishing is also on the table if conditions are right – there's nothing quite like stalking redfish in knee-deep water on a calm morning.
Redfish are the crown jewel of South Padre Island inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bulldogs can reach 30+ inches and will test your drag system when they make their first run. They're year-round residents here, but fall months are absolutely prime time when they school up in large numbers. You'll find them cruising the flats, tailing in shallow water, or holding around oyster reefs. What makes reds so special is their willingness to eat and their fighting ability – they don't give up easy.
Sea Trout, or speckled trout as the locals call them, are another customer favorite that keeps anglers coming back. These beautiful fish with their distinctive spots can be found over grass beds and sandy bottoms throughout the bay system. Spring and fall are peak seasons, but you can catch them year-round if you know where to look. A good trout will go 20+ inches and provide excellent table fare. They're also one of the most fun fish to catch on light tackle – their initial run and head-shaking fight will keep you on your toes.
Southern Flounder are the chameleons of the bay, laying flat on sandy bottoms and perfectly camouflaged until they ambush unsuspecting baitfish. These flatfish are masters of disguise and can be challenging to locate, which makes landing one even more rewarding. Fall is prime time for flounder as they move toward the passes to spawn. They can reach impressive sizes – think 20+ inches – and are considered one of the best eating fish in the bay. Captain Elliott knows the sandy potholes and channel edges where these fish like to lie in wait.
Snook represent the exotic side of South Padre Island fishing, as this is about as far north as these tropical gamefish venture. They're ambush predators that love structure – think docks, pilings, and mangrove shorelines. Snook are extremely temperature sensitive, so they're most active during the warmer months. When you hook into one, you'll understand why Florida anglers get so excited about them. They're strong, acrobatic fighters that will jump and make powerful runs toward cover. While they're not as common as reds or trout, landing a snook in Texas waters is definitely a trophy catch.
This full-day adventure gives you the best shot at experiencing everything South Padre Island's inshore fishery has to offer. Eight hours on the water means we can adjust tactics, move around to different spots, and really dial in on what's working. Captain Elliott's local knowledge combined with top-quality equipment sets you up for success, whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time. A $100 deposit secures your date, and keep in mind that holiday and memorial weekend pricing may vary. Don't wait too long to book – the best fishing days fill up fast, especially during peak seasons when the fish are most active.
Captain Elliott Rodriguez's 23' Majek Illusion is your ticket to the productive waters of Laguna Madre. This flats boat was built specifically for South Padre's shallow inshore waters, where redfish cruise the grass beds and sea trout patrol the drop-offs. The reliable Suzuki 200hp pushes you quickly between fishing spots without spooking fish in skinny water. With a stable platform and room to cast freely, you'll have everything needed to work lures around structure or drift live bait over sandy bottoms. The shallow draft gets you into backcountry areas where bigger boats can't reach, putting you on fish that rarely see pressure. Whether you're sight-casting to tailing reds or working soft plastics for speckled trout, this boat delivers the performance and fishability that serious anglers demand in the flats.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are South Padre's signature species - bronze-backed beauties with those distinctive black spots near the tail. School fish run 18-27 inches, but we target bull reds over 30 inches for the real action. They cruise super shallow water, sometimes with backs exposed, around grass beds and oyster bars. Year-round fishing with peak action in fall and spring when they school up heavily. What makes reds special is their power - they'll make drag-screaming runs and fight dirty in shallow water. They're also top-shelf eating when kept in slot. The sight fishing is addictive when you spot their copper backs in skinny water. Pro tip: when you see a red's back, lead them by three feet with your cast - they spook easily but if positioned right, they'll crush topwater plugs.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout are our bread-and-butter fish here in the Laguna Madre - beautiful silver sides covered in black spots that earned them the nickname "speckled trout." Most run 14-18 inches with occasional 20+ inch gator trout that'll test your drag. They love grass flats in 2-8 feet of water, especially around drop-offs and shell bars. Spring through fall offers consistent action, but summer evenings under the lights can be magic. Trout are scrappy fighters with delicate mouths, and their white, flaky meat is hard to beat on the table. They're also great for beginners since they bite readily. The key is using light tackle and not horsing them - those soft mouths tear easily. Work live shrimp under a popping cork for consistent results.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are the glamour fish of South Padre - sleek silver with that signature black lateral line and attitude to match. They average 18-28 inches but can push 35+ inches when conditions align. You'll find them around mangroves, docks, and structure in 2-6 feet of water where they ambush baitfish. Best fishing hits May through September during their spawning season when they turn bright yellow. What hooks anglers is their explosive strike and bulldogging fight - they'll jump, run, and use every trick to throw your hook. Plus they're fantastic eating with firm white meat. My go-to method is working live shrimp or pinfish around structure, but here's the secret: cast past them and work your bait back - spook a snook and it's game over.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are masters of disguise - these flatfish bury themselves in sand and mud bottoms with both eyes on their left side, waiting to ambush prey. Most run 15-18 inches, but we've pulled keepers up to 25 inches from the Laguna Madre's shallow flats and deeper channels. Fall through early spring gives you the best action when they're moving through our bays. What makes them special is the challenge - they're subtle biters and excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. The trick here is fishing slow with live shrimp or bull minnows on a Carolina rig, letting it sit on bottom. When you feel that tap-tap-tap, count to three before setting the hook - they like to grab bait sideways first.
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