Half Day Afternoon Fishing In South Padre Island
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target redfish, trout, and flounder on 5hour inshore tripSmall group experience with maximum 2 guests aboardDepart from South Padre Island waters with professional guide
There's something special about hitting the inshore waters around South Padre Island in the afternoon when the fish start getting active. This 5-hour fishing charter with Sunrise Charters puts you right in the heart of some of Texas's best inshore action, targeting three of the coast's most sought-after species: redfish, speckled trout, and black drum. With just 2 anglers max, you're getting a personalized experience that bigger boats can't match. The sparkling waters of the Laguna Madre and surrounding flats provide the perfect backdrop for both seasoned anglers looking to add to their count and newcomers ready to learn what Gulf Coast fishing is all about.
When you step aboard for this top-rated afternoon trip, you're signing up for a laid-back but productive day of inshore fishing. The smaller group size means more personal attention from your captain, better positioning at the prime spots, and frankly, just more fish per person. South Padre's inshore waters are famous for their year-round action, and afternoon trips often produce some of the best results as the water temperature stabilizes and baitfish become more active. Your captain knows these waters like the back of their hand - every grass flat, oyster reef, and drop-off where these fish like to hang out. The relaxed coastal vibe means you can fish at your own pace, whether you want to work the flats aggressively or take your time soaking bait and enjoying the scenery. Just remember to call your guide directly before booking to lock in your spot and get the latest intel on what's biting.
Inshore fishing around South Padre is all about reading the water and adapting your approach. Your guide will have you covered with the right tackle for the day's conditions, but expect to work with medium-action rods that can handle everything from schooling trout to bruiser redfish. Depending on what's happening, you might be throwing soft plastics along grass lines, working topwater plugs over shallow flats, or dropping live bait near structure. The beauty of this fishery is its versatility - one cast you're sight-fishing for tailing reds in 2 feet of water, the next you're working a deeper channel for drum. Live bait and fish cleaning aren't included in the base price, but they're worth every penny when the bite gets hot. Your captain will adjust techniques based on tides, wind, and fish behavior, so come ready to learn and adapt. The shallow draft boat lets you access spots that bigger vessels can't reach, putting you on fish that haven't seen much pressure.
Black drum are the bruisers of the inshore scene around South Padre, and hooking into a big one will test your tackle and your patience. These fish love hanging around oyster reefs and structure, where they use their powerful pharyngeal teeth to crush shellfish and crabs. Spring and fall bring the best drum action, with fish ranging from schoolie-size up to genuine bulls pushing 30+ pounds. What makes drum so exciting isn't just their size - it's the way they fight, using their broad bodies and stubborn nature to stay glued to the bottom. When you feel that distinctive head-shaking thump on the end of your line, you know you've connected with something special.
Speckled trout are the bread and butter of Gulf Coast fishing, and South Padre's grass flats and shorelines hold some beauties. These fish are active year-round but really turn on during the warmer months when they move shallow to feed on shrimp and small baitfish. What anglers love about specks is their willingness to hit both artificial lures and live bait, plus they're absolutely delicious on the dinner table. A good trout will make multiple jumps and provide steady, consistent fight that's perfect for anglers of all skill levels. The key is finding the right depth and structure - specks love grass beds, shell bars, and drop-offs where they can ambush prey.
Redfish are the crown jewel of inshore fishing, and South Padre's shallow flats and back lakes hold some world-class specimens. These copper-colored fighters are famous for their power and endurance, often making long, blistering runs that will have your drag screaming. Reds feed aggressively in shallow water, especially during moving tides, and there's nothing quite like watching one demolish a topwater plug in 18 inches of water. They're catchable year-round but really shine in fall when they school up for their spawning runs. What makes redfish special isn't just their fighting ability - they're also one of the most beautiful fish in the Gulf, with that distinctive copper color and prominent eyespot that makes every catch photo-worthy.
This customer favorite afternoon trip delivers exactly what serious anglers and casual fishermen are looking for - quality fish, personalized service, and access to some of the Texas coast's most productive waters. With only 2 spots available, you're guaranteed plenty of fishing time and individual attention from your captain. The 5-hour window gives you enough time to hit multiple spots and really dial in on what's working without feeling rushed. South Padre's inshore fishing scene is renowned for good reason, and this trip puts you right in the middle of it all. Whether you're looking to check these species off your bucket list or add to your personal best collection, the combination of experienced guidance and prime fishing grounds makes this a smart choice. Don't wait too long to secure your dates - the best trips book up fast, especially during peak seasons when the fishing is at its absolute best.
Your fishing adventure starts aboard a sleek 2020 21-foot Majek center console, perfectly designed for chasing redfish and speckled trout in South Padre's shallow waters. This bay boat's Suzuki 140HP engine delivers smooth performance while you navigate the flats and back bays where the fish like to hang out. The center console layout gives you plenty of casting room and easy movement around the boat when you hook into that drum or trout. An onboard icebox keeps your drinks cold during those hot Texas afternoons, while the GPS helps your captain find the prime fishing spots. Built for up to 4 anglers but configured for 2 guests on this trip, you'll have extra space to handle your gear and land those quality catches. The shallow draft design lets you access those hard-to-reach spots where the big reds feed.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of our local waters, typically running 5-30 pounds but capable of hitting 90+ pounds. You'll find them around oyster beds, shallow muddy flats, and creek mouths where they use their powerful jaws to crush shellfish and crabs. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you hear their distinctive drumming sounds underwater. They're incredible fighters that'll test your drag system. Smaller fish under 15 pounds make excellent table fare with mild, flaky meat. Pro tip: use fresh crab for bait and fish it right on the bottom - they won't chase anything that's not sitting in the mud where they feed.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our shallow water fishing, averaging 20-35 inches and known for that distinctive black spot near their tail. They cruise super shallow flats, sometimes with their backs out of the water, around oyster reefs and grass beds. Year-round fishing is good, but fall brings the biggest schools. What makes them special is their aggressive strikes and bulldogging fights - they'll strip line and make long runs. Plus, they're fantastic eating with sweet, firm meat. The key here is staying quiet and making long casts ahead of cruising fish. Watch for their copper-colored backs and that telltale wake they push when feeding in skinny water.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled Trout are one of our most popular targets, usually running 1-5 pounds with that beautiful spotted silver body. They love grass flats in 2-8 feet of water, especially around structure like docks and drop-offs. Fall and spring are peak seasons, though night fishing in summer can be phenomenal. These fish are scrappy fighters with a delicate bite, making them perfect for lighter tackle. The meat is white, flaky, and delicious - just don't overcook it or it gets mushy. Here's a local secret: on calm mornings, look for "trout slicks" on the surface where they're feeding underneath. Toss a topwater plug or soft plastic right into that disturbance and hang on.
South Padre Island