Advanced Inshore Fishing: South Padre Island
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour private charter targeting trophy redfish, trout, and flounderAdvanced techniques focused on Lower Laguna Madre's prime fishing spotsEarly morning departure with expert captain and premium gear included
This isn't your typical family fishing trip. Captain Chu's 6-hour private charter is built for experienced anglers who know their way around a rod and want to put their skills to the test in some of Texas' most productive inshore waters. Starting at 7 AM, you'll spend the day targeting trophy-sized redfish, trout, and flounder in the legendary Lower Laguna Madre. With only 2 spots available, this top-rated charter focuses on advanced techniques and serious fishing—perfect for anglers ready to level up their game.
Captain Chu doesn't mess around when it comes to finding fish. This world-class guide knows every grass flat, drop-off, and structure in the Lower Laguna Madre like the back of his hand. You'll be working the prime spots where big redfish cruise the shallows and gator trout lurk in the deeper cuts. The 6-hour window gives you plenty of time to cover water and adapt to changing conditions throughout the day. Expect to move between multiple productive areas, from shallow grass beds where reds tail-feed to deeper pockets where hefty trout ambush bait. The early 7 AM start puts you on the water during peak feeding times, and Captain Chu provides all the premium gear you'll need to capitalize on every opportunity.
This charter is all about wade fishing and advanced inshore tactics that separate weekend warriors from serious anglers. You'll be stepping out of the boat and working the flats on foot, which gives you a huge advantage in shallow water where big fish spook easily. Captain Chu will have you throwing everything from topwater plugs at first light to soft plastics worked along grass edges and drop-offs. The tackle setup includes medium-heavy spinning gear perfect for handling strong redfish runs and finicky trout. You'll learn how to read water structure, identify feeding birds, and work baits through different zones of the water column. Wade fishing lets you cover more water quietly and get into spots that boats can't reach—that's where the real trophy fish hang out. The captain provides all rods, reels, tackle, and bait, but feel free to bring your own gear if you've got favorites you trust.
Redfish are the crown jewel of South Padre Island inshore fishing, and the Lower Laguna Madre produces some real bulls. These copper-colored fighters typically run 20-40 inches in these waters, with plenty of oversized fish that'll test your drag and your arms. Peak action happens during warmer months when reds move into the shallows to feed on crabs and shrimp. What makes redfish so addictive is their aggressive strikes and bulldogging fights—once hooked, they'll make powerful runs toward structure trying to break you off. Look for them tailing in shallow water or cruising grass flats, especially around dawn and dusk.
Sea trout, particularly the big gator trout that prowl these waters, are every angler's dream catch. These spotted beauties can reach 25+ inches and provide some of the most technical fishing you'll find. They're ambush predators that hang around structure and drop-offs, waiting to hammer unsuspecting baitfish. Spring and fall offer the best trout action when they're actively feeding and putting on weight. What makes trout fishing so rewarding is the finesse required—you need to match the bait size, work it at the right depth, and set the hook at just the right moment. Their soft mouths mean you need to play them carefully, but landing a trophy trout is pure satisfaction.
Summer flounder are the ultimate challenge for inshore anglers, and South Padre's flats hold some quality fish. These flatfish are masters of disguise, burying themselves in sandy bottoms near structure and grass edges. Flounder fishing requires patience and technique—you're essentially sight fishing for fish you can barely see. They typically range 14-20 inches in these waters, with occasional doormat-sized fish that'll surprise you. Summer months are prime time when they're actively feeding in the shallows. What makes flounder so satisfying to catch is the hunt itself—spotting their outline on the bottom and making the perfect presentation takes real skill.
This advanced charter fills up fast because serious anglers know Captain Chu delivers results. With only 2 spots available and a focus on quality over quantity, you're getting personalized attention and access to the hottest fishing spots around South Padre Island. The 6-hour format gives you real time to work the water properly and put advanced techniques to use. Whether you're looking to add trophy fish to your personal best list or just want to fish with someone who knows where the big ones live, this trip delivers. The Lower Laguna Madre is renowned for producing world-class inshore fishing, and this charter puts you right in the heart of the action. Book now and get ready to test your skills against some of Texas' best inshore gamefish.
Your fishing platform for this advanced inshore adventure is STX Bay Adventures' 21-foot Shoalwater Cat, perfectly rigged for serious anglers targeting trophy fish in South Padre's legendary Lower Laguna Madre. This shallow-draft catamaran cuts through skinny water with ease, powered by a dependable 200 Suzuki that gets you to the prime redfish and trout haunts quickly and quietly. Built for performance in the flats, she's equipped with GPS navigation to pinpoint productive structure, VHF radio for safety, and a quality fish finder to locate schools and bottom features where flounder stage. The stable platform accommodates up to four anglers comfortably, giving you plenty of room to work lures and fight hard-pulling reds without crowding. Captain Chu knows exactly where this versatile boat shines—from wade fishing the grass flats to working deeper drop-offs where big trout cruise. Whether you're sight-casting to tailing redfish or drifting live bait over shell beds, this Shoalwater Cat puts you in position to capitalize on every opportunity in these productive coastal waters.
Sciaenops OcellatusReds are the ultimate sight-fishing target in our shallow waters. These copper-colored bruisers average 28-33 inches and pack serious power in 1-4 feet of water. That distinctive black spot near their tail isn't just for show - it confuses predators and makes them instantly recognizable. They cruise oyster reefs, grass flats, and mud bottoms year-round, but fall brings the biggest fish shallow. What hooks anglers is the visual aspect - watching a 20-pound red inhale your bait in clear water gets the heart racing. They're also excellent eating with mild, sweet meat. Spring tides are your friend for finding them tailing in skinny water. My go-to trick: cast past them and work your bait back slowly - they spook easily but can't resist a well-presented shrimp pattern.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are the bread and butter of our inshore game here. These silvery fish with distinctive black spots typically run 14-24 inches, with solid 3-5 pounders being common catches. They love grass flats and shallow waters, especially around structure like oyster reefs and drop-offs. Cool mornings and evenings are prime time, particularly in fall when they school up for winter. What guests love about trout is their willingness to bite artificials - they'll hit topwater plugs, soft plastics, and live shrimp with equal enthusiasm. They're also fantastic table fare with delicate, flaky white meat. The key to consistent trout fishing is working the grass edges methodically. Don't rush your retrieve - let that plastic tail jig bounce along the bottom slowly.
Paralichthys DentatusThese masters of camouflage are the "chameleons of the sea" - they'll change colors to match the bottom they're lying on. Most run 15-20 inches, but we see plenty of doormat-sized fish pushing 4-5 pounds in the Laguna Madre. They're ambush predators that bury themselves in sand and mud, waiting for bait to swim by. Fall months from September through November are prime time when they're most active and feeding heavily. What makes flounder fishing addictive is the challenge - they're picky eaters and require patience. The payoff is some of the best table fare you'll find. Pro tip: when you feel that subtle tap-tap-tap, count to three before setting the hook. They grab bait sideways and need time to turn it around.
South Padre Island