Full-Day Inshore Fishing Charter South Padre Island
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Eighthour private charter targeting redfish, trout, and flounder inshoreArtificial lures and fly tackle fishing with experienced Captain MarkHighquality gear provided for up to two anglers daily
Captain Mark's full-day charter puts you right in the heart of South Padre Island's best inshore fishing action. Eight solid hours on the water means you'll have plenty of time to work the flats, target structure, and dial in your technique without feeling rushed. This isn't your typical half-day rush job – we're talking about a proper fishing day where you can really get into a rhythm and make the most of what these waters have to offer. Whether you're throwing artificials or working fly tackle, Captain Mark knows exactly where to put you on fish.
This top-rated charter runs exclusively on artificial lures and fly tackle – no live bait, no cut bait, just pure skill-based fishing that'll make you a better angler. Captain Mark provides all the high-quality rods and reels you'll need, and if you're into fly fishing, just give him a heads up and he'll have the fly gear ready to go. The boat's equipped with a cooler for your drinks and snacks, plus fresh water for washing hands or rinsing gear. You'll need to bring your own Texas saltwater fishing license, some refreshments for the long day, and a towel or two. With just two anglers max, you're getting personalized attention and prime positioning all day long. This setup works perfect for beginners who want to learn proper technique and experienced anglers looking to refine their approach to these productive inshore waters.
Captain Mark's artificial-only approach means you'll be working topwater plugs, soft plastics, spoons, and jigs depending on conditions and target species. The fly tackle option opens up even more possibilities with streamers, poppers, and weighted flies that can reach fish in skinny water or around structure. South Padre's inshore waters offer incredible variety – from shallow grass flats where redfish cruise in just a few feet of water to deeper channels where trout suspend near drop-offs. You'll learn to read the water, spot nervous baitfish, and present lures with the right action to trigger strikes. The boat's shallow draft lets Captain Mark access areas that bigger vessels can't reach, putting you on fish that haven't been pressured by heavy boat traffic. Throughout the day, you'll work different techniques as conditions change – maybe starting with topwater action at first light, then switching to soft plastics as the sun gets higher and fish move to structure.
Redfish are the crown jewel of South Padre Island inshore fishing, and these copper-colored fighters never disappoint. These fish run anywhere from 18 to 35 inches in these waters, with the bigger bulls putting up legendary fights on light tackle. Reds feed aggressively year-round but really turn on during fall months when they school up for their spawning runs. What makes them so special is their willingness to eat artificials and their habit of feeding in super shallow water where you can sight-fish to individual fish. Watch for their backs and tails breaking the surface as they root around in the grass – it's pure adrenaline when you spot one and make the perfect cast.
Southern Flounder might not win any beauty contests, but they're absolute masters of camouflage and ambush tactics. These flatfish bury themselves in sand and mud, waiting for prey to swim by before striking with lightning speed. They typically run 14 to 22 inches around South Padre, with the occasional doormat stretching over 24 inches. Spring and fall are prime time for flounder fishing, especially around structure like jetties, docks, and channel edges. The trick is working your lure slowly along the bottom – flounder won't chase a fast-moving bait very far. When you feel that distinctive thump-thump bite, give them a second to fully commit before setting the hook.
Snook bring a bit of tropical flair to South Padre's inshore scene, though they're more temperature-sensitive than reds or trout. These silver-sided fighters love structure – bridges, docks, mangrove shorelines, and anywhere they can ambush prey. They're incredibly aggressive when feeding, often exploding on topwater lures in spectacular fashion. Snook have a distinctive black lateral line running down their sides and can reach impressive sizes, with fish over 30 inches not uncommon. They're most active during warmer months and tend to move to deeper, warmer water when temperatures drop. The challenge with snook is their razor-sharp gill plates – they'll cut your line in a heartbeat if you're not careful with your technique.
Black Drum are the heavyweights of the inshore flats, with mature fish capable of reaching 40-plus inches and putting up bulldogging fights that'll test your tackle and technique. These fish are bottom feeders with powerful pharyngeal teeth designed for crushing shellfish and crustaceans. You'll find them around oyster reefs, mud flats, and structure where they can forage for crabs and shrimp. Black drum are year-round residents but fishing peaks during their spring spawning runs when large schools move into shallow water. Younger drum (often called "puppy drum") are excellent table fare, while the big breeding-age fish are typically released to keep the population healthy. They're not the flashiest fighters, but their sheer power and determination make every hookup memorable.
Captain Mark's full-day charter gives you the complete South Padre inshore experience – eight hours to target multiple species, master different techniques, and really understand what makes these waters so productive. The artificial-only approach means you'll become a more skilled angler while experiencing some of the Gulf Coast's most consistent fishing action. With personalized instruction, top-quality gear, and access to prime fishing spots, this world-class charter delivers the kind of day that keeps anglers coming back season after season. Don't wait – the best fishing days book up fast, especially during peak seasons when the bite is hot and weather conditions are perfect.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, and they'll give you a workout you won't forget. Most fish run 10-25 pounds, but we regularly hook into 40+ pound bulls that'll test your tackle and your patience. These dark, barrel-shaped fish love rooting around oyster reefs, muddy flats, and creek mouths where they crush crabs and shellfish with powerful jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you can really get into them. What's cool about drums is hearing them "drum" underwater, plus their raw power once hooked. Smaller ones under 15 pounds are good eating, but the big ones are better released. My secret: use fresh blue crab on a Carolina rig right on the bottom near oyster bars. Let them take it and run before setting the hook - they're notorious for dropping bait if you rush them.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our shallow water fishing here at South Padre. These copper-colored beauties with their distinctive black spots near the tail typically run 20-30 inches, though we see plenty of bigger bulls pushing 40+ inches. They love cruising the 1-4 foot flats, especially around oyster bars and grass beds where they root around for crabs and shrimp. Spring through fall gives us the most consistent action, but they bite year-round in our mild climate. What makes reds special is that explosive strike when they crush a topwater lure - plus they're fantastic table fare. My go-to tip: look for their tails and backs breaking the surface in super shallow water, then make your cast well ahead of where they're heading. They spook easy but fight hard once hooked.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are the ultimate ambush predators around our mangrove shorelines and structure. These silver-sided fighters with that bold black lateral line typically range from 24-32 inches, but the big females can push 40+ inches and really test your drag. They love hanging around dock pilings, jetties, and mangrove roots in 3-15 feet of water where they can dart out to grab passing baitfish. Summer months from May through September are peak season when they're most active and feeding heavily. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and bulldog fight - they'll run straight for cover to cut you off. The meat is sweet and flaky when prepared right. Pro tip: cast your lure past the structure and retrieve it parallel to the cover rather than away from it. Snook want an easy meal, so keep that bait in the strike zone as long as possible.
Paralichthys LethostigmaFlounder fishing is like a game of hide and seek with one of nature's best camouflage artists. These flatfish typically run 15-18 inches around South Padre, though we catch some nice 3-4 pounders fairly often. They bury themselves in sandy and muddy bottoms in 2-10 feet of water, waiting to ambush baitfish swimming overhead. Fall and early winter are prime time when they're moving toward passes and deeper water. What guests love is the surprise factor - you never know when that "piece of bottom" will come alive and bend your rod. They're also some of the best eating fish in these waters. Here's my trick: drag your jig or soft plastic very slowly along the bottom, and when you feel that subtle tap or just weight on your line, set the hook immediately. Flounder have soft mouths but they'll drop bait fast.
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