Full Day Family Fishing in South Padre Island
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Ninehour family fishing adventure targeting multiple species offshoreCaptain Michael provides all equipment, tackle, and refreshments includedSuitable for all ages and experience levels aboard Old Salt Charters
Looking for the perfect way to spend quality time with your family while chasing some of Texas's best inshore fish? Captain Michael Barrera and the crew at Old Salt Charters have put together something special for families who want to experience the magic of South Padre Island's waters. This isn't your typical crowded party boat situation – we're talking about an intimate 9-hour adventure designed specifically for families, with just 2 guests max so you get personalized attention and plenty of room to spread out.
Picture this: you're heading out at first light with Captain Michael, who's been working these waters for years and knows exactly where the fish are holding. The beauty of South Padre Island fishing is that you don't need to travel far offshore to find action – the bay systems here are absolutely loaded with hungry Redfish, Trout, Black Drum, Flounder, and Lane Snapper. Your family will spend the day moving between different spots, learning to read the water, and understanding why certain areas hold fish while others don't. Captain Michael takes pride in making sure everyone on board – from first-timers to seasoned anglers – feels confident with a rod in their hands. The pace is relaxed but productive, giving kids time to get comfortable while keeping adults engaged with consistent action. Don't worry about bringing anything except your Texas saltwater fishing license, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes that can get a little fishy. Everything else is covered, including drinks and snacks to keep everyone happy throughout the day.
Old Salt Charters comes prepared with quality tackle that's perfectly matched to South Padre's inshore fishery. You'll be using medium-action spinning rods paired with reels that can handle the strong runs these bay fish are known for. The captain stocks everything from live shrimp and finger mullet to artificial lures that mimic the baitfish these species feed on daily. Depending on conditions and what the fish are doing, you might find yourself drift fishing over grass flats, anchored up near structure, or making precise casts to visible fish in shallow water. The techniques are straightforward enough for beginners but effective enough to put fish in the boat consistently. Captain Michael will teach your family how to feel the difference between a bite and structure, when to set the hook, and how to fight fish without losing them at the boat. The bay fishing here involves a lot of sight fishing in clear water, which means kids can actually see the fish they're trying to catch – that visual element makes all the difference for keeping young anglers engaged.
Lane Snapper are one of those fish that perfectly bridge the gap between fun to catch and great to eat. These colorful little fighters typically run 10-14 inches and are abundant around South Padre's structure throughout most of the year. They're aggressive biters that will hit live shrimp or small jigs, making them perfect for kids who want to see immediate action. What makes Lane Snapper special is their willingness to bite even when other species are being finicky – they're your go-to fish when you need to put some action in the boat.
Black Drum around South Padre Island range from small "puppy drum" perfect for beginners to massive 30+ pound bulls that will test your drag system. These bottom-dwellers love to cruise the shallow flats and oyster bars, making distinctive tailing displays when they're feeding. The smaller ones fight hard and are excellent table fare, while the big ones provide that arm-burning battle that creates lasting memories. Peak season runs from late fall through early spring, but you'll find them year-round in the right spots.
Sheepshead are the challenge fish that separate the casual anglers from those who really want to learn. Known for their ability to steal bait without getting hooked, these black-and-white striped fighters require patience and technique. They love structure like piers, jetties, and oyster reefs, using their powerful jaws to crush crabs and barnacles. When you do hook one, they make strong runs and fight all the way to the boat. Captain Michael knows the techniques that actually work for Sheepshead, turning what frustrates many anglers into a rewarding challenge for your family.
Sea Trout, or Speckled Trout as locals call them, are South Padre's bread-and-butter species. These spotted beauties love the grass flats and deeper channels, especially during cooler months when they school up in deeper water. They're excellent on light tackle, making long runs and jumping when hooked properly. The slot-sized fish (15-25 inches) are fantastic eating, while the larger "gator trout" provide serious bragging rights. Spring and fall offer the most consistent action, but summer early morning trips can be phenomenal.
Redfish are what most families dream about when they think of Texas inshore fishing. These copper-colored bruisers are built for fighting, with broad shoulders and powerful tails that make screaming runs across the flats. South Padre's Reds range from slot-sized fish perfect for dinner to oversized bulls that can stretch your tackle to its limits. The sight fishing opportunities here are world-class – watching a big Red cruise the shallows and convincing it to eat your bait creates the kind of memories that last a lifetime. They're available year-round, with fall bringing some of the largest fish into the bays.
This top-rated family fishing experience fills up quickly, especially during peak seasons when the fishing is hot and families are planning their South Padre Island getaways. Captain Michael's reputation for putting families on fish while creating a comfortable, educational environment has made this trip a customer favorite among those who want more than just a boat ride. The 9-hour format gives you real value – enough time to try different techniques, move between productive spots, and ensure everyone gets their fill of action on the water. Whether you're starting a new family tradition or looking for that perfect bonding experience away
Meet the "Shallow Stalker" – your perfect fishing partner for exploring South Padre Island's productive waters! This sharp 20-foot bay boat runs on a reliable 150hp Suzuki engine that'll get you to the fishing grounds fast and smooth. Built in 2021, she's designed specifically for inshore fishing adventures where Redfish, Snapper, and Trout like to hang out. The boat's loaded with everything serious anglers need – GPS navigation keeps you on course to the hottest spots, while the fish finder helps locate schools hiding in the shallows. The built-in bait tank keeps your live bait fresh and lively all day long. With room for up to 5 guests, families can spread out comfortably while working the flats and grass beds where the big ones lurk. This bay boat handles the shallow Texas waters like a champ, getting you into those backcountry spots where trophy fish feed. Whether you're sight-casting to tailing Reds or dropping lines near structure for Snapper, the "Shallow Stalker" puts you right where the action happens. Captain Michael knows these waters inside and out, so you'll spend more time fighting fish than searching for them.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of our bay system, running anywhere from 5-30 pounds with some bruisers hitting 50+ pounds. These gray-black fish have powerful jaws built for crushing oysters and crabs, which is exactly where you'll find them - around oyster reefs, muddy flats, and pier pilings in 2-15 feet of water. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning and become much easier to target. What guests love is the steady, bulldogging fight they put up. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make excellent eating with flaky white meat. Fresh crab is your best bet for bait - it stays on the hook better and the drums can't resist it. Pro tip: use just enough weight to hold bottom and watch for subtle bites. They're not aggressive strikers, more like gentle pressure.
Lutjanus SynagrisLane Snappers are pretty little fish with pink bodies and yellow-striped sides that look like candy cane lanes. Most run 10-14 inches and make great table fare with their mild, sweet meat. You'll find them around coral reefs and sandy bottoms with vegetation, usually in 70-230 feet of water. They're not picky eaters - shrimp, cut bait, and small jigs all work well. What makes them fun is they're aggressive biters but will fight hard once hooked. Spring through early fall is prime time when they're spawning and schooled up. Here's a tip: they often show up as bonus fish when you're bottom fishing for other snappers, so don't be surprised if you hook into a few while targeting bigger species. Their willingness to bite makes them perfect for families with kids.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our inshore fishing, with their copper-red backs and distinctive black spots near the tail. Most run 18-27 inches in the slot, though we see plenty of oversized bulls pushing 35+ inches. They cruise super shallow flats, often with their backs out of water, feeding around oyster bars and grass beds. Year-round fishing is good, but fall and spring are peak when they're most active. What makes them special is their explosive topwater strikes and strong, steady runs. Plus they're beautiful fish and great eating in the slot size. The trick is staying quiet and making long, accurate casts to fish you can actually see. Topwater plugs early and late work magic, but live shrimp under a popping cork is hard to beat for consistent action.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled Trout are our bread-and-butter inshore fish, running 14-20 inches with beautiful spotted silver sides. They love grass flats in 2-6 feet of water, especially around drop-offs and current breaks. Early morning and evening are prime, with cooler months being best when they school up in deeper holes. What guests love is their willingness to hit topwater plugs and soft plastics, plus they're fantastic eating with tender, flaky white meat. They're not the strongest fighters, but they're plentiful and fun for the whole family. Night fishing under lights can be phenomenal when they're feeding on shrimp. Pro tip: work your lures slow and steady along the grass edges. When you find one, there's usually more nearby since they travel in small groups.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" with their black and white stripes and freaky human-like teeth. Most run 1-3 pounds and 14-18 inches, though we see some 5-pounders around the jetties. They live around any structure - docks, bridges, pilings - feeding on barnacles and small crabs. Winter through early spring is best when they're schooled up for spawning. What makes them challenging is they're notorious bait thieves, nibbling to steal your shrimp without getting hooked. But once you hook one, they make excellent table fare with sweet, flaky white meat. Here's the trick: use small hooks with fresh shrimp, get as close to structure as possible, and set the hook hard the moment you feel weight. They have those crushing jaws, so hesitate and they're gone with your bait.
South Padre Island