Family Inshore Fishing Charter - South Padre Island
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Familyfriendly inshore fishing targeting redfish, trout, and flounderCaptain Augustin guides trips on calm Lower Laguna Madre watersAll gear provided plus professional fish cleaning service included
Captain Augustin knows exactly what families need for a perfect day on the water – calm conditions, reliable action, and plenty of room for everyone to enjoy the experience. This top-rated South Padre Island inshore charter takes you into the protected waters of Lower Laguna Madre, where the fishing is consistent and the environment is ideal for anglers of all skill levels. With space for up to five guests but targeting just two active anglers, there's no crowding or rushing – just quality time on some of Texas' most productive inshore waters. Your gear, bait, and fish cleaning are all handled, so you can focus on what matters: making memories and putting fish in the boat.
Lower Laguna Madre is a renowned shallow-water fishery that stretches along South Padre Island's back side, offering the kind of protected environment that makes family fishing trips successful. The water here rarely gets rough, even when the Gulf is churning, which means kids can move around safely and everyone stays comfortable throughout the day. Captain Augustin positions the boat over grass flats, oyster reefs, and drop-offs where redfish, trout, and flounder congregate year-round. The beauty of inshore fishing is its accessibility – you don't need years of experience to hook into quality fish, and the constant action keeps younger anglers engaged. Expect to see dolphins, pelicans, and other coastal wildlife as you work the flats, and don't be surprised if Captain Augustin shares stories about the area's fishing history and his favorite spots that have produced fish for decades.
This world-class inshore fishery responds best to light tackle and natural presentations, which is exactly what Captain Augustin provides. You'll fish with medium-action spinning rods spooled with braided line, perfect for feeling subtle bites and fighting fish in shallow water. Live shrimp under popping corks is the go-to setup for trout and redfish, while soft plastic baits like paddle tails and shrimp imitations work the deeper pockets where flounder hold. The captain adjusts techniques based on conditions – if the wind is up, you might drift fish the grass beds, but on calm days, sight fishing becomes possible as you watch for redfish tailing in skinny water. Everything is provided, from tackle boxes stocked with proven lures to fresh bait that gets replaced throughout the trip. The captain handles all the rigging and re-baiting, so even first-time anglers can focus on casting and reeling rather than worrying about knots and setups.
Spotted sea trout are the bread and butter of Lower Laguna Madre, with fish ranging from schooling 14-inchers to chunky 20-plus-inch specimens that provide serious fights on light tackle. These fish are most active during cooler parts of the day and respond well to live shrimp fished under popping corks over grass beds. Trout are perfect for families because they bite consistently, fight hard enough to be exciting, and taste fantastic when prepared fresh. Peak seasons run from fall through early summer, but Captain Augustin finds them year-round by adjusting depths and locations based on water temperature.
Redfish are the customer favorite for good reason – they're aggressive, beautiful, and put up bulldogging fights that get everyone's attention. Lower Laguna Madre holds both schooling reds in the 18-27 inch range and occasional bull reds that can stretch past 35 inches. These copper-colored fighters are most active during warmer months but bite year-round, especially around oyster reefs and grass line edges. Redfish are ambush predators that slam baits hard, making them perfect for kids who might miss subtle bites from other species. Their distinctive black spots and bronze coloring make for great photos, and they're excellent table fare when kept within slot limits.
Southern flounder add variety to the day's catch, with these flatfish hiding in sandy areas near structure and drop-offs. While they don't fight like redfish or trout, flounder provide steady action and are considered premium eating by locals. These masters of camouflage can be tricky to detect since their bites are often just a slight weight on the line, but Captain Augustin teaches guests how to recognize flounder strikes and set the hook properly. Fall months bring the best flounder action as fish move toward the Gulf, but Lower Laguna Madre produces keeper flounder throughout most of the year. Kids love seeing these unique fish and learning how their eyes migrate to one side as they develop.
This best trip option fills up quickly, especially during peak family vacation times when South Padre Island draws visitors from across Texas and beyond. Captain Augustin's reputation for putting families on fish while maintaining a safe, educational environment makes this charter a trending choice for multi-generational groups. The combination of calm water, consistent action, and full-service approach means you'll return to the dock with fresh fish, great photos, and stories that last long after the trip ends. Remember to bring your fishing licenses and prepare for a day that shows why South Padre Island's inshore waters are considered some of the best family fishing destinations on the Texas coast. Don't wait – spots with Captain Augustin book well in advance, and deposits are non-refundable, so secure your preferred date early.
Captain Augustin Perez's 25-foot Dargel Kat flats boat is built for smooth family fishing adventures on South Padre's shallow inshore waters. This stable platform handles the bay's varying conditions with ease, powered by a reliable 250 HP Suzuki that gets you to the fishing spots quickly at speeds up to 55 knots. The boat's shallow draft design is perfect for stalking redfish and trout in the grass flats of Lower Laguna Madre. Modern electronics including GPS, fish finder, radar, and VHF radio help locate productive water and keep everyone safe. With room for up to four anglers plus the captain, there's plenty of space for kids to move around while adults work the rods. The layout allows easy casting from multiple positions, making it ideal for teaching young anglers the basics of inshore fishing while targeting speckled trout, redfish, and flounder.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our shallow water fishing here at South Padre. These copper-colored beauties with distinctive black spots near their tails typically range 20-35 inches and love cruising just 1-4 feet of water. You'll spot their backs breaking the surface as they tail in the grass flats. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit topwater plugs, soft plastics, and live shrimp with explosive strikes that get everyone's heart pumping. The fight is strong and steady - they don't give up easy. Fall and spring offer the best action when water temps cool down. Great table fare with firm, mild meat. Here's a local secret: look for nervous baitfish dimpling the surface - there's usually reds feeding underneath.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout are one of our most reliable inshore targets here in the Laguna Madre. These silvery fish with black spots typically run 14-24 inches and about 1-5 pounds, making them perfect for families. You'll find them cruising grass flats and shallow waters, especially at dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding on shrimp and small baitfish. They put up a solid fight with quick runs and head shakes that keep kids engaged. The meat is tender and flaky - just don't overcook it or it gets mushy. Fall through early spring is prime time when they school up in deeper channels. Pro tip: work a soft plastic shrimp slowly along the bottom near grass edges for consistent bites.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are the chameleons of our flats - masters of disguise that bury themselves in sand and mud waiting to ambush prey. These flat, oval-shaped fish typically run 15-18 inches with both eyes on their left side, which always gets kids curious. They hang out on sandy and muddy bottoms throughout the bay system, especially near drop-offs and channel edges. Fall is prime time when they're moving toward deeper water for winter. The fight isn't flashy but they're solid pullers that surprise folks with their strength. They make excellent table fare with sweet, white meat perfect for whole family dinners. My trick: drag a live shrimp or small mullet slowly across the bottom and feel for that subtle tap-tap bite before they fully commit.
South Padre Island