5.0(9 Reviews)Half Day Fishing Trip In South Padre Island
5.0(9 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Top Rated
Fourhour morning inshore fishing trip targeting multiple speciesLight tackle and drift fishing techniques in flats watersPrivate charter accommodates up to three guests maximum
Looking for a solid half-day fishing adventure that won't break the bank? Captain Skylar and the South Water Charters crew have you covered with their morning trips targeting some of the best inshore species South Padre Island has to offer. This isn't your typical tourist trap – it's a real fishing experience where you'll learn the ropes while pulling in quality fish like King Mackerel, Permit, and the always-popular Redfish. Starting bright and early at 8:00 AM, you'll have four solid hours to work the flats and inshore waters where these fish love to hang out.
This private charter keeps things intimate with just three anglers max, so you're not fighting for rod time or prime spots on the boat. Captain Skylar runs a tight ship but keeps the atmosphere relaxed – perfect whether you're bringing the kids for their first real fishing trip or you're a seasoned angler looking to dial in your technique. The boat's equipped with everything you need, from quality tackle to bait, and there's plenty of shade when the South Texas sun starts cranking up. You'll be working both the shallow flats and deeper inshore waters, following the fish and adjusting tactics as conditions change throughout the morning.
Captain Skylar doesn't stick to just one method – you'll get hands-on experience with multiple fishing techniques that work best in these waters. Bottom fishing is a go-to for targeting species like Black Drum and Sheepshead around structure, while light tackle fishing keeps things sporty when you're after Redfish and Speckled Trout in the shallows. Drift fishing comes into play when working the deeper channels for King Mackerel and Pompano, letting the current do the work while you cover more water. And if conditions are right, you might even get a shot at flounder gigging – a local favorite that's part fishing, part hunting, and all fun. The captain provides all the gear and knows exactly which technique to use based on tides, weather, and what's biting that day.
"Our family had a wonderful experience with South Water Charters and Captain Skylar. He was patient, knowledgeable, and made the trip exciting for everyone, including the kids. We caught some great fish and made lasting memories." - Yao
"We had an incredible experience with Capt. Capt. Skylar Wilhite. From the moment we arrived, the Captain was welcoming, organized, and clearly knew the best fishing spots. The captain was professional yet friendly, making sure everyone felt comfortable, whether it was their first time fishing or they were experienced anglers." - Adela
"Skylar was very attentive. He made sure everyone had what they needed. Even when we weren't actively reeling in fish, we were enjoying the beautiful surroundings. Captain Skylar has a great knowledge of the area's past and plans for building the future. A good time, on a very nice boat, with a great fishing guide!" - Linda
Snook are the crown jewel of South Padre Island fishing, and for good reason. These ambush predators love to hang around mangroves, docks, and any structure where they can surprise their prey. They're notorious for their powerful runs and aerial acrobatics when hooked, often jumping clear out of the water multiple times. Best targeted during warmer months when they're most active, Snook have that distinctive black lateral line and can reach impressive sizes. What makes them special is their fighting spirit – pound for pound, they're some of the strongest fish you'll encounter in these waters.
Black Drum are the bulldogs of the bay, known for their incredible pulling power and stubborn fighting style. These bottom-dwellers love oyster reefs and grass flats where they root around for crabs and shellfish. You'll know you're into a good Black Drum when your rod doubles over and stays bent – they don't give up easy. They're year-round residents here, but spring and fall offer the best action when they school up in larger numbers. Many anglers target them specifically for their fight and excellent table fare.
King Mackerel bring the speed and excitement to your fishing day. These offshore speedsters often venture into the deeper inshore waters around South Padre, especially during their spring and fall migrations. When a King hits your bait, you'll know it – the drag will scream and your rod will load up as they make their trademark long, fast runs. They're built for speed with razor-sharp teeth and a torpedo-shaped body that can reach impressive sizes. Catching one on light tackle is a real achievement and something every angler should experience.
Redfish are probably the most reliable and fun fish you'll target on this trip. These copper-colored beauties are year-round residents that love the shallow flats and grass beds around South Padre Island. They're perfect for sight fishing when conditions are right – watching a big Red cruise the shallows and then seeing it eat your bait is pure fishing magic. They fight hard with powerful runs and head shakes, and their distinctive black spot near the tail makes them instantly recognizable. Redfish are also excellent eating and a favorite among local anglers.
Permit are the holy grail for many inshore anglers – they're notoriously picky eaters and incredibly spooky, making them a real challenge to hook. These disc-shaped fish cruise the flats in small schools, often in very shallow water where you can see their distinctive sickle-shaped fins cutting the surface. When you do manage to hook one, they're absolute rockets, capable of long, powerful runs that will test your drag and your patience. They're most active during warmer months and are considered one of the ultimate trophy fish in these waters due to their difficulty to catch.
Set out on South Padre Island's productive inshore waters aboard our spacious 2023 Starcraft Pontoon. This 24-foot platform gives your group of up to 3 anglers plenty of room to work the flats and channels where Red Drum, Speckled Trout, and King Mackerel cruise. The 150HP Mercury gets you to the fishing grounds quickly, hitting 33 knots when conditions call for covering water fast. Our fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating structure and bait schools, while GPS keeps you on productive spots. Whether you're bottom fishing for Sheepshead, drifting for Spanish Mackerel, or sight-casting to tailing Redfish, the stable pontoon design lets you fish comfortably. The onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during the 4-hour morning session. With a toilet on board, you can focus on the bite instead of heading back to shore.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, typically running 5-30 pounds but capable of reaching 90 pounds. These dark, powerful fish cruise muddy flats and oyster beds in shallow bays, using their strong jaws to crush crabs and shellfish. Spring brings the best fishing when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll hear their distinctive drumming sounds underwater. What guests love about drum fishing is the solid, bulldogging fight and the fact that smaller ones under 15 pounds make great table fare. You'll find them from super shallow water right up to 100 feet deep around structure. Pro tip: use fresh crab for bait and make sure your weight gets it to the bottom. Drum are bottom feeders, so if your bait isn't on the deck, you're not in the game. Keep it simple and let them find you.
Scomberomorus CavallaKing mackerel are pure speed demons that'll test your tackle and skills. These pelagic hunters typically weigh around 30 pounds but can top 90, with razor-sharp teeth and blistering runs that rival wahoo. You'll find kings in 40-150 feet of water, though bigger fish often move inshore around harbors and inlets. They prefer water temps between 68-84°F, making spring through fall prime time here. What makes kings so popular is their raw power - when one hits your trolled bait, you know it instantly. The meat is rich and oily, great smoked or grilled. Here's the key: always use a wire leader because those teeth will cut through mono like butter. When trolling, vary your speeds and depths until you find the bite. Once you hook up, be ready for multiple screaming runs before you get them boatside. These fish don't give up easy.
Trachinotus FalcatusPermit are the holy grail of flats fishing - beautiful, challenging, and incredibly rewarding when you finally connect. These silver, disc-shaped fish average around 36 inches but can reach 48 inches and 60 pounds. What makes them so tough is their incredible eyesight with those golf ball-sized eyes that rotate almost 360 degrees. You'll find juveniles in shallow grass flats and sand areas, while adults hang around deeper structures and reefs. Spring through fall offers the best opportunities, especially April through October during spawning season. The appeal is simple: they're one of the hardest fish to catch consistently. Their powerful runs and stubborn fight make every hookup memorable. Blue crab is your best bet for bait - live or fresh chunks on a circle hook. Here's my advice: approach quietly, present your bait naturally, and be patient. Permit spook easily, so stealth is everything.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored beauties average 28-33 inches and are famous for that distinctive black spot near their tail. You'll find them in 1-4 feet of water on grass flats, around oyster bars, and in shallow bays - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out of the water. They're year-round residents here, but fall brings some of the best action when they school up. What guests love most is the versatility - reds will hit topwater plugs, soft plastics, live shrimp, just about anything. The fight is strong and steady, and smaller slot fish make excellent eating with sweet, flaky meat. My go-to tip: watch for tailing fish on calm days. When you see that tail waving above the surface, they're head-down feeding and often easier to approach. Cast past them and work your bait back slowly.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are some of the most exciting fish you'll encounter around South Padre Island. These sleek predators average 1-2 feet but can reach over 4 feet, with that distinctive black lateral line running down their golden sides. You'll find them cruising shallow estuaries, mangroves, and brackish creeks where they ambush prey like shrimp and small fish. Spring through fall gives you the best action, especially around new and full moons when they're more active. What makes snook so popular is their explosive strikes and strong runs - they'll test your drag for sure. The meat is white, flaky, and delicious too. Here's a local tip: cast your lure past structure like mangrove roots or dock pilings, then work it back slowly. Snook love cover and will dart out to grab bait before retreating back to safety.
5.0 out of 5.0Our family had a wonderful experience with South Water Charters and Captain Skylar. He was patient, knowledgeable, and made the tr...
An excellent fishing trip with South Water Charters and Captain Skylar! His expertise and friendly personality made the day enjoya...
We had an incredible experience with Capt. Capt. Skylar Wilhite. From the moment we arrived, the Captain was welcoming, organized...
Our family had an unforgettable fishing trip with Captain Skylar! From the moment we stepped on board, he made us feel right at ho...
Captain Skylar from South Water Charters made our fishing trip unforgettable! His expertise and enthusiasm ensured we had an amazi...
Our day with South Water Charters and Captain Skylar was phenomenal! His expertise and passion for fishing were evident throughout...
Captain Skylar was an excellent guide. He was professional, friendly, and knew exactly where to find the fish. The trip with South...
What an incredible experience with South Water Charters! Captain Skylar's knowledge and enthusiasm made our trip perfect. We caugh...
Skylar was very attentive. He made sure everyone had what they needed. Even when we weren't actively reeling in fish, we were en...
South Padre Island, TX