5.0(3 Reviews)Half Day Morning Fishing Trip In South Padre Island
5.0(3 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Half-day morning inshore fishing charter for two guestsTarget redfish, trout, flounder using light tackle techniquesProfessional guide provides all equipment and local expertise
There's nothing quite like starting your day on the calm waters surrounding South Padre Island, where the morning bite can make or break your fishing adventure. Captain Steven Hillary with Today We Fish Charter and Adventures knows these productive inshore waters like the back of his hand, and he's built a reputation for putting anglers onto fish from the moment you hit the water. This half-day morning charter is perfect for those who want to experience the best of what South Padre's bay system has to offer without committing to a full day on the water.
Your morning starts early at the boat launch, where Captain Steve will have everything ready to go – no wasted time here. The charter accommodates up to 2 anglers, making it an intimate experience where you'll get personalized attention and instruction tailored to your skill level. Whether you're a seasoned angler or picking up a rod for the first time, Steve's patient teaching style ensures everyone has a shot at success. The boat is well-maintained and equipped with modern electronics to locate fish and navigate the expansive bay system efficiently. You'll spend your morning drifting productive flats and working structure where redfish, speckled trout, and other inshore favorites congregate. The relaxed atmosphere combined with Steve's extensive knowledge of local fishing patterns creates an ideal environment for both learning and landing fish.
This charter focuses on proven light tackle methods that are both effective and enjoyable to fish. Drift fishing is a primary technique used here – you'll work with the natural current and wind to present baits and lures to fish holding in specific areas. Captain Steve will position the boat over productive spots and let you work the water column with everything from live shrimp under popping corks to soft plastics bounced along the bottom. Bottom fishing comes into play when targeting species like black drum and sheepshead around structure. You'll learn to feel the subtle differences between a fish pickup and getting hung up on oyster shell or barnacles. The captain provides all tackle and bait, but he's also happy to work with artificial lures if you prefer that approach. His expertise in lure selection based on conditions, tides, and fish behavior gives you a real education in what works and when to use it.
"This is our second trip with Captain Steven Hillary and won't be our last. Steven does not disappoint and put us on fish right away. We hit on some nice Reds and Trout and had a great time. Steven is very patient and accommodating, helping with bait and artificial lure selection. His knowledge of the bay system ensures a great trip. The equipment and boat are very well maintained and modern. Steven also is a great conversationist and we enjoy talking with him about a multitude of outdoor subjects. Thanks again." - Richard "Captain Steve is the real deal! From the moment we hit the water, he had us on the trout. We reached our limit of speckled trout by 9:30 AM, and the action was nonstop. He clearly knows the waters around South Padre like the back of his hand. The boat was clean, comfortable, and well-outfitted. Steve was friendly, professional, and made the entire experience fun and stress-free. He was great with everyone on board, patient, helpful, and always working to keep us on fish. If you're booking a trip through Fishbooker, stop scrolling and book Captain Steve and you won't regret it. We'll definitely be back for another trip!" - Todd "I was looking for a last minute, spur-of-moment fishing trip in South Padre Island. I've used other guides before but Captain Steve gets the gold medal. I saw that he was available, read a few reviews on him (thank you past clients, you were spot on), messaged him from the App, and he replied within a few minutes. Within 15 minutes we had the trip planned, paid for, and instructions ready on where to meet him the next morning. Like clockwork, Captain Steve was there at the boat launch, boat in the water, ready to go. From the beginning Steve was extremely informative and talkative about conditions, what to expect, and what we hoped to accomplish. Within 30 minutes we were out at his first spots drifting and fishing. Had some good trout with a few keepers and one larger 21" trout we couldn't keep. Moved spots and Captain Steve had us on some big Reds. Even pulled in a nice 28.5" Red, then a 26.5 Red, then a 21" Red. I know that doesn't happen all the time, but both of us were excited and had a great time. After we returned to the launch he even cleaned and filleted all the fish for me to take home. Fish Tacos for everyone! As a testament to Captain Steve's services, I have a luxury condo in SPI that I rent and I don't refer anyone to my clients unless I've tried and tested them first. Captain Steve has made it on my list as a highly recommended fishing guide to my clients. I will use him again in the near future. Thank You Captain Steve for a great morning fishing." - Jeremy
Redfish are the crown jewel of South Padre's inshore scene, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers can be found year-round in the bay system, though they're most active during warmer months when they move onto shallow flats to feed. Reds typically range from 20 to 30 inches in these waters, with some real giants pushing the 40-inch mark. What makes them so exciting is their aggressive strike and bulldogging fight – once hooked, they'll make powerful runs and try every trick to throw the hook. They're also one of the most predictable species here, often feeding in the same areas day after day when conditions are right.
Sea Trout, particularly the speckled variety, are another local favorite that keeps anglers coming back. These fish are most active during cooler months from fall through early spring, when
Your morning fishing adventure starts aboard our brand new 2024 Majek Illusion, a 25.6-foot bay boat that's built specifically for South Padre's inshore waters. This center console beauty runs on a powerful Suzuki 300HP engine, giving us the speed to reach those productive fishing spots quickly while staying smooth and stable once we're working the shallows for redfish and trout. The boat's equipped with everything you need for a successful day on the water - a reliable fish finder to locate schools, GPS navigation to hit the best spots, and a wireless trolling motor that lets us move quietly through the grass flats without spooking the fish. There's an icebox onboard to keep your drinks cold and any keeper fish fresh. With space for up to six anglers but capped at just two guests for this trip, you'll have plenty of room to cast and fight fish without getting tangled up. The shallow draft design is perfect for getting into those back bay areas where the big redfish like to cruise, and the stable platform makes it easy to sight fish when the water's clear.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of our bay system, typically running 5-30 pounds with some bulls pushing 50+ pounds. These gray-black bruisers love hanging around oyster beds and structure where they crush shellfish with powerful jaws. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll find the best action. They're famous for that deep, steady pull that'll test your drag and patience. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make great table fare with firm, white meat. Pro tip: use fresh cut crab on a Carolina rig and let it sit on bottom near oyster bars. They're picky eaters, so when you feel that subtle tap-tap, give them a second before setting the hook.
Caranx HipposCrevalle Jack are the bulldogs of the bay - thick-bodied, golden-sided fighters that average 3-8 pounds but can reach 20+ pounds. They roam both shallow flats and deeper channels, often following baitfish schools in aggressive feeding frenzies. Summer through fall is peak season when they're most active in our waters. While they're not great table fare, guests love them for the pure fight - these fish pull like trucks and never give up. They're also exciting to sight-fish when you find them busting bait on the surface. Watch for diving birds to locate feeding schools. Once you find them, cast fast-moving lures like spoons or swimbaits and retrieve quickly - they love the chase. Pro tip: if you see birds working, get there fast because jack schools move constantly.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the signature species of our shallow flats, easily spotted by their copper-bronze color and distinctive black eyespot near the tail. Most slot fish run 18-27 inches, perfect for both sport and the dinner table with that mild, sweet flavor. They cruise super shallow water - sometimes with backs exposed - hunting crabs and shrimp around grass beds and oyster reefs. Fall and spring offer the best action when they're most active, but they bite year-round. What guests love is that visual fishing - watching reds cruise the flats and making precise casts. They fight hard with long runs that test your drag. Key tip: when you spot a cruising red, lead them by a few feet with your cast and work the bait slowly across their path. Don't cast right on top of them or you'll spook the whole school.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled Trout are our bread-and-butter inshore species, ranging from keeper-sized 14-inchers up to nice 20+ inch "gator trout." These spotted beauties love grass flats and drop-offs, especially during low-light periods at dawn and dusk. They're active year-round but really shine in spring and fall when water temps are ideal. Anglers love them because they hit topwaters with explosive strikes and make excellent table fare - just don't overcook that delicate white meat. They school up in winter in deeper channels, making for some fast action. My go-to trick is working a soft plastic over grass beds just fast enough to tick the tops. When you find one trout, slow down and work that area thoroughly - where there's one, there's usually more.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the convict fish of our waters with those distinctive black stripes and human-like teeth that can steal your bait faster than you can blink. Most run 1-5 pounds, but we see some nice 8-pounders around the jetties and bridge pilings. They're year-round residents but really turn on during cooler months when they school up. What makes them special is that challenge - they're notorious bait thieves with light bites that require finesse. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in the bay with sweet, flaky white meat. Here's the key: get your bait right against structure and keep a tight line. The moment you feel weight or anything different, set that hook hard because they'll spit it out in a heartbeat.
5.0 out of 5.0This is our second trip with Captain Steven Hillary and won’t be our last. Steven does not disappoint and put us on fish right awa...
Captain Steve is the real deal! From the moment we hit the water, he had us on the trout. We reached our limit of speckled trout b...
I was looking for a last minute, spur-of-the moment fishing trip in South Padre Island. I've used other guides before but Captain...
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