Full Day Guided Fishing Trip In South Padre Island
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Ninehour guided inshore fishing trip targeting multiple speciesCaptain Michael Barrera provides all equipment and refreshments includedSmall group experience with maximum two guests per charter
If you're looking to make the most of your time on Texas waters, Captain Michael Barrera's 9-hour guided fishing adventure is exactly what you need. Operating out of South Padre Island and Port Isabel, Old Salt Charters has built a solid reputation for putting anglers on fish in some of the Gulf Coast's most productive inshore waters. This isn't your typical half-day rush job – we're talking about a full day where you can really settle in, learn the waters, and give those target species the attention they deserve. Whether you're a weekend warrior or someone just getting their feet wet in saltwater fishing, Captain Barrera tailors each trip to match your skill level while maximizing your chances at landing quality fish.
Your day starts early, which is exactly how serious anglers prefer it. Captain Barrera knows these bays and inshore flats like the back of his hand, and he'll have you positioned on productive water while most folks are still drinking their morning coffee. The beauty of a 9-hour trip is that you're not constantly watching the clock – there's time to work different spots, adjust techniques based on what the fish are telling you, and really dial in on what's working. You'll be targeting a mixed bag that includes Redfish, Black Drum, Speckled Trout, Flounder, and Lane Snapper, which means plenty of variety to keep things interesting throughout the day. The boat comes fully rigged with quality rods, reels, and tackle, plus Captain Barrera provides water, Gatorade, and snacks to keep you fueled up. All you need to bring is your Texas Parks & Wildlife saltwater license, sunglasses, sunscreen, and clothes you don't mind getting a little fishy.
South Padre Island and Port Isabel offer some of the most diverse inshore fishing on the Texas coast, and Captain Barrera knows how to work every type of structure and bottom composition in the area. You'll be fishing everything from shallow grass flats where Redfish cruise in just a few feet of water, to deeper bay channels where Trout and Flounder hold near drop-offs and current breaks. The techniques vary based on conditions and target species – live bait fishing with shrimp and croaker when the fish are finicky, artificial lures when they're aggressive, and bottom fishing around structure for species like Black Drum and Sheepshead. Captain Barrera reads the water conditions, tide movements, and seasonal patterns to put you on the most productive spots throughout the day. The extended time frame means you can really work an area thoroughly, and if one technique isn't producing, there's plenty of time to switch things up and find what the fish want.
Lane Snapper are one of the most underrated fighters in these waters, and they're absolutely delicious on the table. These colorful little scrappers typically run 8-14 inches and can be found around any type of hard bottom or structure. They're most active during warmer months and will hit both live and cut bait with enthusiasm. What makes them special is their willingness to bite when other species might be lockjawed – they're your insurance policy for putting fish in the cooler.
Black Drum are the heavyweights of the inshore scene, and South Padre's waters hold some real bruisers. These powerful fish can range from slot-size keepers around 20 inches up to massive bull drum that'll test your drag system and your back muscles. They're year-round residents but really turn on during spring and fall. Black Drum are bottom feeders that love crabs, shrimp, and cut bait, and when you hook into a big one, you'll know it immediately. They're not flashy jumpers, but they'll pull steady and hard, making long runs that'll have your arms burning.
Sheepshead might be the trickiest fish to catch in these waters, but they're absolutely worth the effort. These convict-striped bait stealers have human-like teeth and a knack for picking baits clean without getting hooked. They love structure like dock pilings, jetties, and oyster reefs, and they're most active during cooler months. A quality Sheepshead is fantastic eating, with firm white meat that rivals any restaurant fish. Captain Barrera knows the local techniques for outsmarting these finicky feeders.
Sea Trout, or Speckled Trout as locals call them, are the bread and butter of Texas inshore fishing. These spotted beauties are aggressive predators that'll hit topwater lures, soft plastics, and live bait with equal enthusiasm. They range from schoolie-size fish up to real wall-hangers over 25 inches. Trout are most active during dawn and dusk, but on overcast days or in deeper water, they'll bite throughout the day. They're excellent table fare and provide consistent action when other species might be slow.
Redfish are the poster children of Texas inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bulls are aggressive, hard-fighting, and absolutely beautiful fish. Port Isabel and South Padre waters hold both slot-size reds perfect for the dinner table and oversized bulls that are pure adrenaline on light tackle. Redfish are year-round residents that can be caught in water from 6 inches to 6 feet deep. They'll eat live bait, cut bait, and a variety of artificial lures. When you hook a big red in shallow water, hold on tight – they'll make blistering runs and fight until the very end.
Captain Michael Barrera's full-day fishing trips with Old Salt Charters represent serious value for anglers who want to maximize their time on the water. Nine hours gives you the opportunity to experience different fishing styles, work multiple spots, and really understand what makes South Padre Island such a special fishery
Meet "Shallow Stalker," your ticket to the productive waters around South Padre Island! This 20-foot bay boat combines sleek design with serious fishing power, featuring a reliable 150-horsepower Suzuki engine that'll get you to the hotspots fast. Built in 2021, she's equipped with everything you need for a successful day chasing redfish, snapper, and trout through the inshore waters. The onboard fish finder helps locate schools while GPS keeps you on course to Captain Michael's favorite fishing grounds. With a live bait tank to keep your offerings fresh and plenty of deck space for up to 2 anglers to work comfortably, this bay boat is perfectly suited for exploring the flats and channels where the big ones hide. Whether you're casting to redfish in shallow water or dropping lines for snapper in deeper structure, "Shallow Stalker" delivers the performance and features that make the difference between a good day and a great day on the water.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweight champions of the bay, commonly running 5-30 pounds but capable of hitting 90+ pounds. These powerful fish love shallow muddy flats and oyster beds where they use their crushing jaws to demolish crabs and shellfish. Spring spawning season from February to April is when they school up and become much easier to target. The drumming sounds they make underwater are wild to experience. Guests love the strong, steady fight they put up, though smaller ones under 15 pounds taste much better than the big bruisers. Fresh blue crab is your best bet for bait - it stays on the hook better and doesn't attract catfish like other baits do. Keep your offering right on the bottom and be patient; these fish take their time inspecting a meal before committing.
Lutjanus SynagrisLane Snappers are aggressive little fighters that usually run 10-14 inches and make great bonus catches when we're working coral reefs and sandy bottoms in 70-230 feet of water. These pink-silver fish with yellow-striped "lanes" down their sides are notorious bait thieves - they'll nibble your shrimp or cut bait clean off the hook if you're not paying attention. March through September is prime time when they school up for spawning. Guests love them because they fight hard for their size and make excellent table fare with sweet, flaky meat. They're not picky eaters, hitting live shrimp, squid, and small jigs readily. Pro tip: when you feel that subtle tapping on your line, don't hesitate - set the hook immediately before they strip your bait and swim away laughing.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the poster fish of Texas shallow water fishing, with their copper-red backs and distinctive black eyespot near the tail. These bruisers run 20-35 inches on average and love super shallow flats where you can actually see their backs out of water. They're year-round residents but fall brings some of the best action as they fatten up before winter. What makes them special is their powerful runs and willingness to eat almost anything - topwater plugs, spoons, live shrimp, you name it. The meat is excellent too, with a mild flavor that's hard to beat. Watch for "tailing" fish in ankle-deep water on calm days. When you spot that tail sticking up, cast well ahead of where they're heading and work your bait slowly past them. Patience pays off with these fish.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled Trout are bread-and-butter fish here in South Padre, running 14-24 inches with beautiful spotted silver sides. These grass flat specialists love shallow water, especially around dawn and dusk when they move up to feed on shrimp and small baitfish. Fall and spring offer the most consistent action, while winter finds them schooled up in deeper channels. Guests appreciate their willingness to hit topwater plugs and soft plastics, plus they're fantastic eating with delicate white meat. The key is working the grass flats quietly in 2-4 feet of water. Live shrimp under a popping cork is deadly, but don't overlook soft plastic tails on light jigheads. Move slowly and cover water methodically - when you find one trout, there are usually more nearby feeding in the same area.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" of our waters with their distinctive black and gray prison stripes. These 1-8 pound structure huggers have human-like teeth perfect for crushing barnacles and crabs off dock pilings and jetties. They're master bait thieves, so you'll feel them pecking at your shrimp before they commit. February through April during spawning season brings the best action when they gather around structures in big numbers. Guests enjoy the challenge - they're finicky but fight surprisingly hard for their size. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in the Gulf with sweet, mild white meat. The secret is getting your bait tight to the structure and setting the hook fast when you feel that telltale nibbling. Don't give them time to steal your bait and disappear.
South Padre Island