South Padre Island Inshore Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target trophy redfish, trout, and flounder in shallow watersAdvanced inshore techniques with Captain Augustin's local expertiseAll gear provided plus professional fish cleaning service
When you're ready to fish the legendary Lower Laguna Madre, Captain Augustin's got your back. This isn't your typical tourist fishing trip – we're talking about targeting trophy redfish, speckled trout, and flounder in some of Texas' most productive shallow waters. You'll be working the inshore flats where experienced anglers come to test their skills against fish that have seen every lure in the book. With gear and tackle included plus professional fish cleaning, you can focus entirely on what matters: putting fish in the boat.
Lower Laguna Madre isn't just another fishing spot – it's where South Padre Island's clear, shallow waters create the perfect hunting ground for inshore species. Captain Augustin knows these flats like the back of his hand, and he'll put you on fish using advanced techniques that separate the weekend warriors from serious anglers. You're looking at a trip designed for two primary anglers, though we can accommodate up to five total guests if you want to bring along some observers or less experienced family members. The beauty of this setup is that everyone gets quality time working the rod without feeling rushed or crowded. These waters stay relatively protected, so you're not dealing with the rough seas that can make offshore trips miserable – just crystal-clear flats where you can actually see the fish you're targeting.
We're talking sight fishing, working artificial lures, and reading water structure like a pro. Captain Augustin will have you throwing topwater plugs at dawn when the trout are feeding aggressively, then switching to soft plastics as the day heats up and fish move to deeper pockets. You'll learn to work the grass lines where redfish cruise, and how to identify the subtle bottom changes that hold flounder. All the gear comes with the trip – we're talking quality rods matched to the techniques you'll be using, not some bargain setup that'll let you down when a big red makes its run. The tackle box is stocked with proven producers: everything from chrome spoons that flash in the clear water to weedless soft plastics that can work through the grass without hanging up every cast. Your fish get the full treatment too – cleaned, filleted, and ready for the freezer or tonight's dinner table.
Speckled trout in Lower Laguna Madre are the stuff of legend among Texas anglers. These fish grow fat and smart in the clear, nutrient-rich waters, with specimens regularly hitting the 20-inch mark and trophy fish pushing well beyond that. Spring and fall are prime time when the water temperatures sit in that sweet spot between 65 and 75 degrees, but Captain Augustin knows the summer patterns too – early morning topwater action and late afternoon grass line ambushes. What makes these trout special is their willingness to hit surface lures, creating those heart-stopping explosions that make inshore fishing addictive. They're also table fare champions, with firm white meat that tastes like the clean water they call home.
Redfish are the backbone of South Padre Island inshore fishing, and Lower Laguna Madre produces some absolute tanks. These copper-colored bulldogs range from schooling fish in the 18 to 24-inch range up to those coveted bull reds that'll test your drag system and your patience. Peak season runs from late summer through early winter, but you'll find fish year-round if you know where to look. What gets anglers fired up about reds is their aggressive nature – they'll crush a topwater plug with authority, then make blistering runs across the flats. Captain Augustin specializes in sight fishing for these bruisers, positioning you for clean shots at fish you can actually see cruising the shallows.
Southern flounder might not win any beauty contests, but they're absolute eating machines that provide steady action when the other species get finicky. These flatfish masters of disguise bury themselves in sandy bottoms near grass edges and channel drops, ambushing anything that swims by. Fall brings the best flounder fishing as they stage for their offshore spawning runs, fattening up and becoming more aggressive. A quality flounder runs 16 to 20 inches, but the Lower Laguna Madre system produces doormat-sized fish that'll surprise you with their fight. They're also phenomenal on the dinner table – sweet, flaky white meat that's perfect for fish tacos or a simple pan-fry.
This top-rated charter fills up fast, especially during peak fishing seasons when the bite is hot. You're getting Captain Augustin's decades of local knowledge, professional-grade equipment, and access to some of the most productive inshore waters on the Texas coast. Don't forget your fishing license – that's the only thing you need to bring besides your appetite for quality angling. With fish cleaning included and a boat setup designed for serious fishing rather than party atmosphere, this trip delivers the kind of experience that keeps skilled anglers coming back season after season. The deposit policy is straightforward but firm, so once you commit, you're locked in for what could be your best day on South Padre Island's legendary inshore flats.
Captain Augustin Perez's 25-foot Dargel Kat is built for serious inshore fishing in South Padre's shallow flats. This stable platform handles the skinny waters of Lower Laguna Madre with ease, powered by a reliable 250 HP Suzuki that'll get you to the fish quickly at speeds up to 55 knots. The boat's equipped with everything you need for productive fishing - GPS to navigate the flats, fish finder to locate schools of redfish and speckled trout, VHF radio for safety, and radar for those foggy morning runs. With space for up to four anglers plus the captain, there's plenty of room to work the water without crowding. The shallow-draft design lets you access those prime fishing spots where trophy reds cruise the grass beds, while the stable hull keeps you comfortable during long fights with big fish.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the kings of our shallow flats, ranging from slot-size 20-inchers up to bull reds pushing 40+ pounds. They cruise in 1-4 feet of water around oyster bars, grass beds, and mud bottoms - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. Year-round fishing here, but fall and spring are prime when they're most active. What guests love about reds is that explosive strike and bulldogging fight - they'll peel drag and make long runs. Plus, slot fish are fantastic table fare with mild, sweet meat. My go-to tip: look for nervous water or tailing fish, then cast past them and work your bait back slowly. Reds spook easy in skinny water, so stay quiet and make long casts.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are one of our most reliable targets in the Laguna Madre, running 14-24 inches with that classic spotted silver body. They love grass flats and shallow areas, especially during cooler months when they school up tight. Fall through spring gives you the best action - they get sluggish in summer heat. What makes specks special is their delicate bite and how they fight with quick head shakes. The meat is white, flaky, and damn good eating if you don't overcook it. Here's a local trick: when you feel that light tap, don't set the hook hard. Their mouths are soft, so a gentle lift works better than yanking. Use lighter drag too - you'll land more fish that way.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are the masters of disguise on our sandy and muddy bottoms, typically running 15-18 inches but capable of hitting 20+ pounds. These flatfish bury themselves in soft bottom areas near channel edges, drop-offs, and around structure where baitfish travel. Fall is peak season when they're feeding heavily before their offshore winter migration. Anglers enjoy the challenge of reading bottom structure and that solid thump when a flounder engulfs your bait. They're also some of the best eating fish we target - firm white meat perfect for the dinner table. Pro tip: use a slow drift with live bait on a light jig head, and when you feel that pickup, wait a few seconds before setting the hook. They need time to turn the bait around.
South Padre Island