5.0(2 Reviews)Half Day Beginner-Friendly Fishing Trip
5.0(2 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour beginnerfriendly inshore fishing adventure with Captain SkylarTarget Red Drum, Speckled Trout, and Spanish Mackerel speciesAll bait, tackle, and fishing gear provided onboard
Looking for a solid introduction to South Padre Island fishing without the pressure? Captain Skylar's got you covered with a laid-back 4-hour inshore trip that's perfect for first-timers and families. This private charter accommodates up to 3 guests in your group, with the option to bring up to 6 total if you want to make it a bigger crew (just $100 per extra angler). Starting at 8:00 AM when the fish are active and the water's still calm, you'll spend your morning learning the ropes while actually putting fish in the boat. No experience needed – just show up ready to have some fun on the water.
This trip is all about getting comfortable with fishing while still having a real chance at some great catches. Captain Skylar keeps things relaxed and educational, walking you through basic techniques like light tackle fishing, bottom fishing, and drift fishing as conditions allow. The inshore waters around South Padre are perfect for beginners – protected enough to stay comfortable, but productive enough to keep things exciting. You'll be targeting species like Red Drum, Speckled Trout, Black Drum, and Spanish Mackerel using techniques that are easy to pick up but effective. All your bait and tackle are included, so you don't need to worry about what to bring or how to rig anything up. The captain handles all the technical stuff while you focus on learning and landing fish.
The beauty of inshore fishing around South Padre is the variety of techniques that work in these waters. Light tackle fishing lets you really feel the fight when you hook up, using spinning reels with 15-20 pound test line that's perfect for the size fish you'll encounter. Bottom fishing involves dropping baited rigs down to where drum and other bottom-dwellers hang out, while drift fishing lets you cover water naturally as the boat moves with the current. Captain Skylar will show you how to read your rod tip for subtle bites, when to set the hook, and how to fight fish without losing them at the boat. The gear is all beginner-friendly – no complicated reels or heavy tackle that'll wear you out. Everything's set up so you can focus on the fishing instead of fumbling with equipment.
"Skylar was wonderful! He was super friendly, knew his fishing, super clean nice boat that provided shade, plenty of room and sun if you wanted it. My kids that are teens 16 and 18 had so much fun. We caught are limit of 20 the kids caught 17 of those, lol! He provided drinks and music as well. The location was perfect to meet and easy to find. He even made suggestions on where to take the fish if we wanted to have it cooked for dinner, which we did and they did fantastic. We really enjoyed this family fishing trip. He assisted and did so much to make this enjoyable for all of us. Thank you! We will definitely book again with him." - Maxine
"I had booked a charter with Captain Willie but unfortunately last minute I was unable to go, but my daughter and daughters bf were able to, they told me they had a blast and Captain Wilhite put them on fish immediately and my daughter caught a large Jack, the smile in the picture she sent me I will never forget. Thank you Captain for taking care of my family and making fantastic memories, can't wait to go fishing with you some time." - David
Snook are one of the most sought-after inshore species around South Padre, and for good reason. These aggressive predators love structure and ambush prey with lightning-fast strikes that'll get your heart pumping. They typically run 18-28 inches in these waters and fight way above their weight class, making long runs and jumping when hooked. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially around dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding. What makes snook special is their attitude – they hit hard, fight harder, and look absolutely prehistoric when you get them to the boat.
Black Drum are the workhorses of South Padre's inshore waters, offering consistent action year-round for anglers who know where to find them. These bottom-dwellers can range from small "puppy drum" around 2-3 pounds up to hefty 20+ pound bulls that'll test your tackle and technique. They're most active during cooler months but can be caught any time of year around oyster reefs and grass flats. Black drum are perfect for beginners because they bite aggressively and don't require perfect presentation – just get some fresh bait near the bottom and hang on.
King Mackerel bring the speed and excitement that makes inshore fishing addictive. These silver bullets can reach 30+ pounds in South Padre waters and are famous for their blistering runs that'll strip line off your reel in seconds. Summer months offer peak action, especially when schools of baitfish move through the area. Kings hit live bait and lures with authority, often jumping multiple times during the fight. They're also excellent table fare, making them a favorite target for anglers who want both sport and dinner.
Redfish are the bread and butter of South Padre inshore fishing, offering reliable action and impressive fights in shallow water. These copper-colored battlers typically range 20-35 inches and are famous for their powerful runs along the bottom. They're most active during spring and fall but can be targeted year-round in the right spots. Redfish are perfect for learning proper drag settings and fighting techniques because they're strong but predictable. Plus, they're beautiful fish with distinctive black spots that make for great photos.
Permit represent the holy grail of South Padre flats fishing – challenging to hook but absolutely worth the effort when you connect. These disc-shaped fighters are notoriously picky eaters, often following baits for long distances before deciding whether to bite. When
Your fishing adventure starts aboard the 2023 Starcraft Pontoon, a spacious 24-footer that's perfect for South Padre's inshore waters. With its 150HP Mercury engine pushing you to prime fishing spots at up to 33 knots, you'll spend more time with lines in the water and less time getting there. The roomy deck gives everyone plenty of casting space while the built-in fish finder helps Captain Skylar locate those Red Drum and Speckled Trout hiding along the flats. An onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during the 4-hour trip, while the GPS ensures smooth navigation through South Padre's productive inshore grounds. The pontoon's stable platform makes it ideal for beginners learning bottom fishing and drift techniques. With a toilet onboard, comfort is covered so you can focus on hooking Spanish Mackerel and Black Drum in these rich Texas coastal waters.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are perfect for beginners because they're cooperative and put up a solid fight. Most run 5-15 pounds around here, though we occasionally hook into 30+ pounders that'll really test you. They love shallow muddy flats, oyster beds, and areas with structure in 3-15 feet of water. Spring is your best bet when they school up for spawning and become much easier to target. What guests love about drum fishing is the steady action - these fish are bottom feeders, so once you find them, you'll usually catch several. The smaller ones make great table fare with sweet, firm meat. My go-to tip is to use fresh crab on a circle hook and keep your bait right on the bottom. When you feel that steady pull and headshake, don't set the hook - just start reeling and let the circle hook do its job.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing Mackerel are speed demons that'll give you an adrenaline rush like no other fish out here. These silver bullets typically run 15-40 pounds and are built for pure speed - they can make blistering runs that'll peel line off your reel. We find them in 40-150 feet of water around structure, drop-offs, and wherever baitfish are thick. Summer and fall are peak seasons when they're feeding aggressively. What makes kings so popular is that explosive initial run followed by multiple jumps - it's a show every time. Plus, they're excellent eating when prepared fresh. Here's what works best: troll live bait or spoons at 6-8 knots and use a wire leader because those razor-sharp teeth will cut through mono instantly. When one hits, hold on tight and let the fish run before trying to turn it.
Trachinotus FalcatusPermit are the ultimate challenge fish - they'll humble even experienced anglers. These disc-shaped silver fish typically run 10-30 pounds with tall profiles and forked tails that make them unmistakable. They cruise shallow flats in 2-6 feet of water, often showing their backs as they hunt crabs. Spring through fall is prime time, especially during spawning season. What draws people to permit fishing is the difficulty - they have incredible eyesight and spook easily, making every hookup a real achievement. When you do connect, they make powerful runs and fight like bulldozers. Fresh blue crab is your best bet for bait, and here's the secret: present it naturally and be patient. These fish will inspect your offering forever before deciding. Use light leaders, make long casts, and once you hook one, keep steady pressure but don't horse them.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are our bread-and-butter species and perfect for any angler. These copper-colored beauties typically run 18-28 inches with those distinctive black spots near the tail. They love super shallow water - often just 1-4 feet deep around grass flats, oyster bars, and marsh edges. Fall and spring offer the best action when they're schooled up and feeding hard. What makes reds so special is their willingness to eat almost anything and their bulldogging fight that'll bend your rod in half. Slot-size fish make excellent table fare too. The key to consistent redfish success is staying quiet and watching for tailing fish or nervous water. When you spot them, make a long cast ahead of where they're heading and work your bait slowly. They're not spooky like some species, but a quiet approach always pays off.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are one of our most exciting inshore targets, typically running 18-30 inches with that classic golden color and bold black lateral line. You'll find them around mangroves, docks, and creek mouths in 2-10 feet of water where they ambush baitfish. Spring through fall is prime time when they're most active and feeding heavily. What makes snook special is their explosive strike and powerful runs - they'll test your drag and give you a real fight on light tackle. The meat is fantastic too, white and flaky when cooked right. Here's a local trick: cast your lure past the structure and work it back slowly along the edges. Snook are ambush predators, so they'll usually hit right when your bait passes their hiding spot. Keep your rod tip up and be ready for that sudden strike!
5.0 out of 5.0Skylar was wonderful! He was super friendly, knew his fishing, super clean nice boat that provided shade, plenty of room and sun ...
I had booked a charter with Captain Willie but unfortunately last minute I was unable to go, but my daughter and daughters bf were...
South Padre Island, TX