Inshore Fishing with South Padre Island Charters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sightcast for Redfish, Snook, Tarpon, and trout inshorePremium spinning gear and custom lures provided onboardSmall group charter accommodates maximum two guests
Picture yourself standing on the bow of a shallow-running boat, scanning the crystal-clear flats for tailing redfish while your guide quietly poles through knee-deep water. This isn't your typical deep-sea charter – this is sight-casting at its finest, where you'll target some of the Gulf Coast's most prized gamefish in their natural backwater haunts. Captain Allen's inshore trips are built around the pure excitement of visual fishing, where every cast counts and every fish puts up a legendary fight in shallow water.
Your day starts early when you meet Captain Allen at the dock, ready to explore the maze of grass flats, oyster bars, and mangrove shorelines that make South Padre Island a world-class inshore destination. This isn't a numbers game – it's about quality fishing where you'll learn to read the water, spot fish before they spot you, and make precise casts that can make or break your shot at a trophy. With only two anglers per trip, you'll get the personalized attention that separates good guides from great ones. Captain Allen provides top-tier spinning gear loaded with his custom lures that have been fine-tuned for these waters, but if you're a fly angler, bring your 8-weight and get ready for some of the best sight-fishing opportunities on the Texas coast. The shallow-draft boat lets you access skinny water where bigger boats can't go, putting you right where the fish live and feed.
Inshore fishing here is all about stealth and precision. You'll be working water that's often less than three feet deep, using spinning tackle loaded with everything from topwater plugs to soft plastics that mimic the baitfish these predators can't resist. Captain Allen's custom lures aren't just pretty – they're designed specifically for the conditions you'll face, whether you're working a grass flat at dawn or pitching into mangrove pockets during a moving tide. The technique is part hunting, part fishing, as you'll spend time scanning the water for nervous bait, wakes, and the telltale signs that gamefish are nearby. When you spot your target, it's all about making that perfect cast – close enough to get their attention, but not so close that you spook them into the next county. The spinning gear is set up to handle everything from finesse presentations to the sudden screaming runs that happen when a big snook decides your lure looks like breakfast.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Texas inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bulldogs cruise the flats in schools, tailing in shallow water as they root around for crabs and shrimp. You'll find them year-round, but fall brings some of the best action when cooler water temperatures get them fired up and feeding aggressively. A good red will peel drag and make multiple runs before you get them to the boat, and there's nothing quite like watching one eat a topwater lure in two feet of water. They're not picky eaters, but they're smart, so presentation matters more than the exact lure you're throwing.
Snook are the glamour fish of the inshore world, and South Padre's warm waters keep them active most of the year. These ambush predators love structure – think mangrove roots, dock pilings, and oyster bars where they can hide and wait for baitfish to swim by. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, especially around dawn and dusk when they move into the shallows to feed. Snook have that classic gamefish attitude – they hit hard, jump often, and have a knack for finding the nearest snag when you hook them. Their gill-rattling jumps and sudden direction changes will test your drag settings and your nerves, making every hookup a memorable battle.
Tarpon turn these shallow flats into your own personal arena when they move through in spring and summer. Even the smaller "poon" that frequent the inshore waters can reach 40-50 pounds, and they'll put on an aerial show that'll leave your arms aching and your adrenaline pumping. These silver kings are notorious for their acrobatic fights – they'll jump, tail-walk, and throw the hook with moves that would make a rodeo bronc jealous. The key to tarpon fishing is patience and strong tackle, because even when everything goes right, landing one of these prehistoric beasts is never guaranteed.
Spotted sea trout round out the inshore slam and provide consistent action when the other species are being finicky. These beautiful fish love grass flats and sandy bottoms where they can ambush shrimp and small fish. Winter months can produce some true giants – trout that have fattened up during the warmer months and developed the deep bellies that make them so sought after. They're not the strongest fighters, but they make up for it with their willingness to eat and their excellent table fare. A good trout bite can keep you busy between shots at the more glamorous species, and they respond well to both live bait and artificials.
This top-rated inshore experience delivers everything serious anglers are looking for – trophy-quality fish, expert guiding, and the kind of personalized attention you won't find on crowded party boats. Captain Allen's local knowledge and custom tackle give you every advantage, while the small group size ensures you'll spend your day fishing, not waiting for your turn to cast. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to add some Gulf Coast species to your list or someone who wants to experience the pure rush of sight-casting in shallow water, this trip delivers the goods. The combination of diverse target species and year-round fishing opportunities makes this a customer favorite that keeps people coming back season after season. Don't wait – the best dates fill up fast, especially during peak seasons when the fishing is hottest.
You'll be fishing from a well-equipped motorboat designed for stalking shallow waters where the big fish feed. This boat comes rigged with GPS navigation to help locate prime fishing spots and an ice box to keep your catch fresh on those hot days out on the water. With room for 2 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work the flats and target redfish, snook, tarpon, and trout using the provided spinning gear and Captain Allen's proven custom lures. The shallow draft design lets you get into those skinny water areas where trophy fish cruise, while the reliable motor keeps you mobile as you hunt for schools and work different structures throughout the day.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the perfect inshore species - they're found in super shallow water, sometimes with their backs showing. These copper-colored beauties average 20-30 inches and sport distinctive black spots near their tails. Look for them on oyster bars, grass flats, and around docks in 1-4 feet of water. Fall and spring offer the best fishing when they're actively feeding and easier to sight-cast to. What makes reds special is their strong, steady fight and excellent eating quality - sweet, firm meat that's hard to beat. They're also perfect for sight-fishing since they cruise the shallows hunting for crabs and shrimp. Here's my go-to technique: when you spot a red, cast your lure well ahead of where it's moving and let it sink. Start a slow retrieve only when the fish gets close. Redfish spook easily, so that quiet presentation in their path usually gets them fired up without alarming them.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks" as we call them, are fantastic light-tackle fish that run 14-24 inches on average. They love grass flats, shallow bays, and drop-offs in 2-8 feet of water, especially around oyster bars and structure. Fall and winter months are prime time when they school up in deeper holes and channels. What anglers love about trout is their willingness to bite and their excellent table fare - mild, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They're also great for families since they're plentiful and not too difficult to catch. The key to consistent trout fishing is finding the grass beds and working them methodically. Try a popping cork with live shrimp about 18 inches below it. The popping sound attracts them from a distance, and that natural shrimp presentation seals the deal. Work it slow and steady - trout rarely refuse a properly presented shrimp.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of my favorite inshore targets - they're smart, strong fighters that'll test your skills. Most run 1-3 feet long, though the big females can push 4 feet. You'll find them around mangroves, docks, and structure in shallow water, especially where fresh meets salt. They love ambush spots and can handle both saltwater and brackish areas. Spring through fall gives you the best action, particularly around new and full moons when they're most active. What makes snook special is their explosive strikes and bulldogging fights - they'll make screaming runs toward cover. Plus, they're excellent table fare with firm, white meat. Here's a tip: when casting near structure, let your lure sink a bit before starting your retrieve. Snook often hit on the fall, and that slight pause can be the difference between watching one follow and actually hooking up.
Megalops AtlanticusThe Silver King is what fishing dreams are made of. These prehistoric giants average 4-6 feet and 80-100 pounds, but can reach 8 feet and 200+ pounds. They roam shallow flats, channels, and bridges in 2-20 feet of water, often rolling on the surface. Late spring through summer is prime time, especially around new and full moons when they're most active. What hooks anglers is their raw power and aerial displays - a hooked tarpon will jump repeatedly, sometimes 10 feet out of the water. They're pure adrenaline on the end of your line. Most folks release them since they're not great eating - too bony and strong-tasting. Here's something that'll help: when a tarpon jumps, bow to the fish by pointing your rod tip toward it. This gives slack and prevents the line from breaking when they crash back down. It's called "bowing to the king" for good reason.
South Padre Island,