South Padre Fishing Charters with Wet Linez
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
5hour private charter targeting Trout, Black Drum, and RedfishMorning departures at 7:00am, afternoon trips start 1:30pmCaptain Kenny guides guests to South Padre's top fishing spots
When you're ready to get serious about fishing South Padre's legendary inshore waters, Captain Kenny and Wet Linez deliver the kind of authentic charter experience that keeps anglers talking long after they've hung up their rods. This isn't some cookie-cutter tourist trip – it's a genuine 5-hour fishing adventure where you'll work the flats, channels, and structure that make South Padre Island one of Texas's top-rated fishing destinations. With just two spots available per trip, you'll get personalized attention and prime positioning at every fishing hole we hit.
Your fishing day kicks off bright and early at 7:00 AM for morning trips, or you can opt for the afternoon session starting at 1:30 PM. Each trip style has its own personality – mornings tend to be calmer with better topwater action, while afternoons bring different opportunities as fish patterns shift with the changing light and tides. Captain Kenny knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll put you on fish whether they're holding in the grass beds, cruising the drop-offs, or stacked up around structure. You'll be targeting the bread-and-butter species that make South Padre famous: Redfish, Trout, Black Drum, Summer Flounder, and Sheepshead. The boat's equipped with everything you need for a successful day, though you'll want to budget extra for cut bait or live bait – trust me, it's worth every penny when the fish are finicky.
Morning trips focus on a mix of techniques depending on what the fish are telling us. We might start with topwater plugs if conditions are right, then switch to soft plastics or live bait as the sun gets higher. Afternoon charters have their own game plan – you'll spend time working artificial lures under popping corks while drifting productive areas. This drift-fishing approach lets you cover water efficiently and keeps your bait in the strike zone longer. Captain Kenny provides all the rods, reels, and tackle you'll need, but he's always happy to let you bring your own gear if you've got favorites. The boat's set up for both casting and bottom fishing, so we can adapt to whatever the conditions and fish activity demand. South Padre's inshore waters offer everything from shallow grass flats where you're sight-casting to tailing reds, to deeper channels where big trout and drum lurk near structure.
Redfish are the crown jewel of South Padre fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers average 18-27 inches in our waters and fight like they're twice their size. Fall and winter months are prime time for slot-sized reds, though you'll find them year-round if you know where to look. They love shallow water, especially around grass beds and oyster reefs, and watching one blow up on a topwater plug is pure fishing magic. What makes reds so special here is their willingness to eat – they're aggressive feeders that'll hit everything from live shrimp to soft plastic paddletails.
Sea Trout might be the most consistent fish we target, with good numbers available throughout most of the year. These spotted beauties typically run 14-20 inches, with the occasional gator trout pushing 25 inches or better. Spring and early summer are peak season when they're shallow and hungry. Trout are structure-oriented fish – they love grass lines, drop-offs, and shell beds. They're also one of the best eating fish in our waters, which is why many anglers consider them the perfect combination of sport and table fare.
Black Drum don't get the respect they deserve, but landing a big drum will change your perspective fast. These powerful fish can push 20-30 pounds in our waters, and smaller "puppy drum" in the 3-8 pound range are fantastic on light tackle. They're bottom feeders with a preference for crab and shrimp, making them perfect targets when you're fishing with cut bait. Black drum are available year-round, but spring brings the big spawning fish into shallow water where they're more accessible to anglers.
Summer Flounder add variety to your catch and put up a sneaky good fight despite their flat profile. These bottom-dwellers typically run 14-18 inches and are masters of camouflage. They're ambush predators that like to bury in sand near structure, making them perfect targets when you're working jigs or live bait along the bottom. Summer months are obviously prime time, though you'll find them into early fall when conditions stay warm.
Sheepshead round out the roster as one of the most challenging and rewarding fish to catch consistently. These black-and-white striped bait thieves are notorious for their light bites and hard mouths, but master the technique and you'll be rewarded with some of the best eating fish in the Gulf. They're structure-oriented fish that love pilings, reefs, and rocky areas. Winter and early spring are peak seasons when they move shallow to spawn, making them more accessible to inshore anglers.
South Padre's fishing scene is competitive, and the best captains like Kenny stay booked solid during peak seasons. With only two anglers per trip, spots fill up fast – especially during spring and fall when the fishing is world-class. The deposit is non-refundable, so make sure your dates work before committing, but don't wait too long to pull the trigger. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to explore new water or someone ready to experience what makes South Padre a renowned fishing destination, this charter delivers the goods. Captain Kenny's local knowledge, combined with South Padre's incredible fish populations, creates the kind of fishing memories that'll have you planning your next trip before this one's even over. Book now and get ready to see why anglers from across the country
Captain Kenny's 21' Shallow Sport bay boat is your ticket to South Padre's best inshore fishing action. This nimble craft cuts through shallow waters where the big Redfish and Trout like to hide, getting you into spots larger boats can't reach. With room for up to 4 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work the water without bumping elbows. The boat comes fully rigged with GPS to mark productive spots, radar for those foggy mornings, and a fish finder to locate schools holding in deeper pockets. All rods, reels, and lures are provided, so you can focus on reading the water and working your technique. Whether you're drifting with popping corks in the afternoon or hitting prime feeding areas at first light, this shallow-draft setup puts you right where the fish are biting in South Padre's productive bay system.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of South Padre's shallow waters, typically running 5-30 pounds but capable of hitting 90+ pounds. These grey-black bruisers with powerful crushing jaws love hanging around oyster beds, pier pilings, and muddy flats in 2-15 feet of water. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning, making them much easier to target. What makes them special? That deep, thumping fight and the drumming sound they make underwater. They're excellent table fare under 15 pounds - anything bigger gets tough and stringy. Pro tip: use fresh crab on a Carolina rig and keep your bait right on the bottom. They're notorious bait stealers, so when you feel that subtle tap-tap-tap, set the hook hard and fast.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are South Padre's signature game fish, easily spotted by their copper-bronze color and distinctive black spot near the tail. These 20-40 inch powerhouses love super shallow water - often so shallow their backs are out of the water - around grass flats, oyster reefs, and muddy shorelines. Year-round fishing is good, but fall and winter months are prime when they school up. What guests love most is the sight fishing and explosive strikes on topwater lures, plus their bulldogging fight that'll test your drag. They're also great eating in the slot size range. Pro tip: look for nervous water or tailing fish in the shallows, and approach quietly. A gold spoon or topwater plug worked slowly over the flats will drive them crazy. Once hooked, let them make their initial run.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are South Padre's bread and butter fish, running 14-24 inches with beautiful spotted sides and a delicate mouth. They love grass flats, shallow bays, and areas with good water movement in 2-8 feet of water. Best action happens during cooler months and around dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding on shrimp and small baitfish. What makes them special is their willingness to hit both live bait and artificials, plus they're fantastic eating - tender white meat that's perfect for the dinner table. The key is using light tackle since their mouths tear easily. My go-to tip: work a popping cork with live shrimp or a soft plastic tail over grass beds. Keep your drag light and let them run when hooked - too much pressure and they'll throw the hook.
Archosargus ProbatocephalusSheepshead are the "convict fish" of South Padre with their distinctive black and white stripes and human-like teeth. These 1-8 pound fighters love hanging tight around any structure - pier pilings, docks, jetties, and barnacle-covered surfaces where they crunch on crabs and shellfish. Spring months from February through April are peak season when they're spawning around structures. Guests love the challenge because sheepshead are notorious bait thieves and their excellent table fare - sweet, flaky white meat that rivals snapper. They require finesse and quick reflexes. Here's the key: use small hooks with fresh shrimp or fiddler crab, get your bait right against the structure, and when you feel that subtle nibble, set the hook immediately. They'll clean your bait off before you know it.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer Flounder might not be as common here in South Padre waters, but when they show up, they're worth targeting. These flatfish typically run 15-20 inches and are masters of camouflage, lying on sandy bottoms with both eyes on one side of their head. They're ambush predators that grab baitfish and crabs as they pass by. Fall months from September through November give you the best shot at finding them in deeper waters around structure. What guests love is their unique appearance and excellent eating quality - sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They fight surprisingly well for a flatfish too. My tip: use a slow retrieve with live minnows or sea worms on a circle hook, and be patient - they'll mouth the bait before committing to it.
Brownsville