Private Red Snapper Charter - South Padre Island
Captain JW's private fishing charter puts you right where the action is in the Gulf waters off South Padre Island. This 6-hour trip is perfect for families and first-time offshore anglers who want to experience the real deal without the crowds. You'll target some of the Gulf's most prized species including Red Snapper, Cobia, and Kingfish, with all your bait, tackle, and gear provided. The boat holds up to 6 anglers, so you get personalized attention and plenty of room to fish without bumping elbows with strangers.
What to Expect on the Water
Captain JW knows these Gulf waters like the back of his hand, and he's not shy about moving the boat when the fish aren't cooperating. You'll head out to proven reef structures where Red Snapper stack up, and depending on conditions, you might try some trolling for Kingfish and Cobia. The crew keeps your hooks baited and helps land your fish, so you can focus on the fun part. Don't worry if you're new to offshore fishing - Captain JW and his first mate take time to show you the ropes and make sure everyone gets their shots at fish. Weather can change plans, but the captain stays in touch leading up to your trip and will reschedule if conditions aren't fishable.
Bottom Fishing & Trolling
Most of your day will be spent bottom fishing over reef structures using conventional tackle with circle hooks - the standard setup for Red Snapper. You'll drop down with cut bait or whole sardines, and when the bite is on, it's game time. The crew handles all the rigging and re-baiting, plus they'll help sort through undersize fish that need to go back. When the bottom bite slows, Captain JW might fire up the engines and troll for pelagic species like Kingfish and Cobia. Trolling lets you cover water and target different species that cruise the Gulf looking for baitfish. All rods, reels, and tackle are included, so you don't need to bring anything except your fishing license and enthusiasm.
What Anglers Are Saying
"Captain J.W. and AJ were absolutely on top of things when it came to making sure me and my group had a great time out on the waves. Ended up going home with a ton of fish and great stories, and if we find ourselves down in south padre again to do some fishing, we know who we're going to try to book first. Thanks for the great experience!" - Shea. "JW our captain made our trip an excellent experience. He knew where fish were. We caught red snapper limit in about 1.5 hours. 5 persons About 100 lbs. He and his crew hand cleaned , fillet and bagged our fish and even gave us some ice. We had lots of fun. The captain keeps you updated with any changes if needed." - Robert. "Our half day trip with Captain JW and his mate AJ was outstanding. They were especially good with our 7 year old, helping her to hook and catch many fish throughout the day. Both JW and AJ were extremely helpful for all of us, and we would highly recommend booking with them. We will definitely be back next summer." - Steven.
Top Catches This Season
Red Snapper are the bread and butter of South Padre Island offshore fishing, and these reef dwellers put up a solid fight when hooked. They typically run 3-8 pounds in these waters, with bigger fish showing up during peak season from June through August. Red Snapper have excellent table fare and a distinctive appearance with their bright red coloration and sharp teeth. They school up over hard bottom and artificial reefs, making them relatively predictable to target when you know the spots. The season and size limits change, so Captain JW stays current on regulations to make sure you're fishing legally.
Cobia are the wildcards of Gulf fishing - these brown sharks look-alikes can show up anytime and provide some of the most exciting fights you'll experience. They grow much larger than Red Snapper, with fish over 30 pounds common in these waters. Cobia are curious fish that often follow the boat, giving you a chance to sight-cast to them. Spring and fall are prime times, but they can show up year-round. When you hook a Cobia, get ready for long runs and powerful head shakes that test your drag system.
Kingfish, also called King Mackerel, are speed demons that hit trolled baits like freight trains. They're built for speed with razor-sharp teeth and can make blistering runs when hooked. Most Kings in these waters run 10-25 pounds, though larger fish prowl the deeper waters. They're excellent eating when prepared fresh, and their aggressive strikes make them a favorite target for trolling. Summer months tend to be most productive, but Kings can be caught almost any time of year in the Gulf.
Mahi Mahi and Wahoo round out the pelagic species you might encounter while trolling. Mahi Mahi are stunning fish with their golden colors and acrobatic fights, while Wahoo are among the fastest fish in the ocean. Both species are relatively uncommon close to shore but can show up when conditions are right. Yellowfin Tuna occasionally make appearances in the deeper waters, providing world-class sport fishing when they're around.
Time to Book Your Spot
This private charter gives you the personal attention and flexibility you won't find on crowded party boats. Captain JW's reputation speaks for itself - anglers keep coming back because he puts them on fish and makes sure everyone has a great time on the water. The boat is well-equipped, the crew knows their stuff, and you'll head home with fresh fish and solid fishing memories. Check about any fuel surcharges for longer runs, and don't forget to grab your Texas fishing license before you head out. Book early, especially during peak Re
5.0(12 Reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Top Rated
South Padre Island, TX
Six
