Half-Day PM Inshore Charter: Redfish & Trout
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fivehour afternoon charter targeting redfish and trout inshoreSmall group experience with maximum two guests aboardFocuses on shallow flats and bay areas of Laguna Madre
If you're looking to dial into some serious inshore action without burning your whole day, this afternoon charter hits different. We're talking five solid hours on the water when the fish are really starting to turn on. South Padre Island's back bay system comes alive in the afternoon - the water's had time to warm up, bait starts moving with the tide changes, and those reds and trout get hungry as the day winds down. This isn't some cattle boat operation either - just you and one buddy with a guide who knows every grass flat, oyster bar, and drop-off in the Laguna Madre.
This trip is all about reading the water and adapting to what Mother Nature gives us. We'll start by checking the flats where the water's knee-deep and crystal clear - perfect for sight-casting to tailing reds when conditions are right. If the wind's up or the fish have moved off the shallows, we'll slide into the deeper bay areas where trout like to suspend over shell beds and structure. The beauty of an afternoon trip is flexibility - we can chase the bite as it develops, hitting multiple spots based on tide movement and what the fish are telling us. Your guide knows these waters like the back of their hand and will put you on fish whether they're crushing topwater in inches of water or hanging deep along channel edges.
We fish light and smart out here - mostly spinning gear in the 7-foot range spooled with 15-20 pound braid for maximum sensitivity and casting distance. Depending on conditions, you'll be throwing everything from topwater plugs and spoons to soft plastics rigged on jig heads. The shallow water game is all about stealth and precision - long casts, quiet approaches, and letting the fish tell you what they want. When we're working deeper water, we'll switch to Carolina rigs with live or cut bait, slow-trolling along structure where the big trout like to ambush prey. Your guide carries backup rods rigged and ready, so you're never wasting time retying when the bite's hot. All tackle and bait are included - just bring yourself and be ready to learn a thing or two about reading water.
Redfish are the bread and butter of South Padre's inshore scene, and for good reason. These copper-colored bulldogs average 20-28 inches in these waters and fight like they're twice that size. They love the shallow grass flats during incoming tides, often feeding in water so skinny their backs break the surface. Fall through spring offers the most consistent action, but summer fish are here year-round if you know where to look. What makes reds special is their willingness to eat - they'll crush a topwater plug, inhale a live shrimp, or pick up a soft plastic dragged slowly across the bottom. The fight is pure power with multiple runs that'll test your drag and your patience.
Speckled trout are the technical catch that keeps guides and anglers coming back for more. These beautiful fish with their distinctive spots and prominent canine teeth are picky eaters that reward finesse and persistence. In the Laguna Madre, they typically run 14-20 inches with occasional 24-inch gator trout that become the stuff of legend. Cooler months from November through March produce the most consistent action, but summer night bites can be lights-out good. Trout are structure-oriented fish that love shell beds, drop-offs, and grass lines where they can ambush baitfish. They're also moody - one day they want a fast retrieve with a rattling bait, the next they'll only eat a barely-moving soft plastic. Figuring them out is half the fun.
Southern flounder are the opportunistic predators that keep things interesting when you least expect it. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, burying themselves in sand and mud to ambush unsuspecting prey. They average 14-18 inches in these waters but can surprise you with fish pushing 20-plus inches and several pounds. Fall migration from September through November produces the best action as fish move toward the gulf, but resident fish provide year-round opportunities. Flounder aren't flashy fighters, but they're sneaky strong and make excellent table fare. They'll eat just about anything that moves - live bait, soft plastics, even small spoons retrieved along the bottom. Finding them is about reading subtle changes in bottom composition and water flow.
Sheepshead are the technical challenge that separates weekend warriors from serious anglers. These black-and-white striped fish have human-like teeth designed for crushing shellfish, and they're notorious bait thieves. They average 12-16 inches around the pier pilings and rock jetties, with occasional 18-inch slabs that feel like deadweight until they wake up close to the boat. Winter months offer the most reliable action when they school up around structure, but scattered fish are present year-round. Success requires light line, small hooks, and the patience of a saint - they'll pick apart a shrimp or fiddler crab so delicately you'll swear nothing's there. But when you figure out the bite, they're addictive to catch and outstanding on the dinner table.
This afternoon charter delivers exactly what serious inshore anglers want - quality time on productive water with a guide who knows how to find and catch fish. Five hours gives you enough time to explore multiple areas and adapt to changing conditions without feeling rushed. The afternoon timing means you're fishing during prime feeding periods when fish are most active, plus you get to experience the magic of a South Padre sunset from the water. With just two anglers per trip, you'll get personalized instruction and plenty of opportunities to cast at fish. Whether you're looking to learn new techniques, chase a personal best, or just enjoy some quality time on the water, this charter checks all the boxes. Don't wait - the best guides
This fully restored 2023 Shallow Sport bay boat cuts through South Padre's inshore waters with serious purpose. At 24 feet with a Yamaha 250HP pushing her to 30 knots, she's built specifically for these Texas flats where redfish and trout feed. The center console design gives you plenty of casting room while the captain works the trolling motor through skinny water. GPS keeps you on the productive spots, radar handles those afternoon weather changes, and the fish finder marks structure where speckled trout stack up. She rides smooth in choppy bay conditions and draws shallow enough to chase tailing reds right up to the grass lines. The restored hull and electronics package mean you're fishing from reliable gear that handles whatever the Laguna Madre throws at you during those prime afternoon feeding windows.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our inshore fishing - copper-colored bulldogs with distinctive black spots near their tails. Most slot fish run 18-27 inches, but we catch bull reds over 40 inches that'll test your drag system. They love skinny water from 6 inches to 4 feet deep, cruising oyster reefs, grass flats, and muddy shorelines. Year-round fishing is solid, but fall and spring offer the most consistent action when they're feeding heavily. Guests get hooked on their powerful runs and that signature head-shaking fight. They're also excellent eating within the slot limit. What makes them special is sight-fishing opportunities - watching their backs break the surface as they hunt in shallow water. Best tip: when you see a red tailing in skinny water, cast well ahead and let your bait sink before starting a slow retrieve.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are the bread and butter of our Laguna Madre fishery. These silver beauties with black spots typically run 14-20 inches, with the occasional 6-8 pounder that'll make your day. They cruise grass flats and sandy areas in 2-6 feet of water, especially around drop-offs where baitfish gather. Late spring through early fall are prime, but our afternoon trips catch them feeding actively as temperatures cool. What guests love is their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights - they'll jump and make long runs. The meat is delicate and flaky, perfect for the dinner table. They're also great for beginners since they'll hit both live bait and artificials. Local trick: work topwater plugs early in low light, then switch to soft plastics under the grass beds when the sun gets high.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convicts of the bay with their black and white stripes, but don't let their looks fool you - they're some of the smartest fish around. Most range 1-5 pounds, though we catch 8-10 pounders regularly around structure. They hang tight to anything with barnacles: bridge pilings, docks, jetties, and oyster reefs. Spring spawning runs from February through April are peak times when they stack up thick. Guests love the challenge - these fish have human-like teeth and will steal your bait if you're not quick on the hookset. Plus, they're fantastic table fare with sweet, white meat. The key here is getting your bait right against the structure with a tight line. Use fresh shrimp and the second you feel weight, set that hook hard - they'll spit it out faster than you can blink.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are masters of disguise - these flat fish bury themselves in sandy bottoms and change color to match their surroundings. Most run 15-18 inches around here, but we see some pushing 25+ inches in the deeper holes of Laguna Madre. They love muddy and sandy bottoms in 2-8 feet of water, especially around drop-offs and channel edges. Fall and winter are prime time when they're moving toward passes to spawn. What makes them special is watching that perfectly camouflaged fish suddenly explode off the bottom when your bait drifts by. They're also some of the best eating you'll find. Pro tip: use a slow drift with live shrimp on a Carolina rig, and when you feel that subtle tap, count to three before setting the hook - they like to mouth the bait first.
South Padre Island, TX