Guide Certification - Captain Michael Barrera

About Captain Michael's Certification

Michael Barrera holds a Guide Certification issued by the United States of America, dated August 8, 2020. This certification establishes him as a qualified guide for fishing trips in the region. Old Salt Charters operates from South Padre Island and Port Isabel, offering inshore and flats fishing adventures for families, beginners, and experienced anglers.

The certification is tied to the work Michael does leading guided fishing trips on the water. Whether you're planning a half-day outing or a full-day family adventure, this credential sits behind the guidance and expertise you get on board.

What to Bring and Know Before You Go

Before you book, know that Texas requires all anglers to carry a valid saltwater fishing license. Michael provides all the rods, reels, tackle, and lures you'll need for the trip, so you don't have to bring your own equipment. Bring your fishing license, some food or snacks to keep your energy up, and comfortable clothes for a day on the water. Michael supplies water to stay hydrated and handles cleaning and filleting any fish you want to keep, so you go home with your catch ready to cook.

The boat itself is a 20-foot Shallow Stalker bay boat powered by a 150 HP Suzuki engine, equipped with a livewell for live bait and an ice box for storing your catches and cold drinks. The boat holds up to 4 guests comfortably, making it ideal for families or small groups.

The Fishing Trips Old Salt Charters Offers

Michael runs multiple trip lengths to fit different schedules and goals. A 3-hour inshore fishing trip works for anglers who want a quick morning or afternoon session in the bay. Half-day trips typically target redfish, black drum, trout, and flounder across the bays and flats. For a more immersive experience, a 10-hour trip lets you fish both morning and afternoon bites, chasing mangrove snapper, trout, redfish, flounder, and black drum. Full-day family trips run about 9 hours and are designed with kids and beginners in mind, combining relaxation with fishing instruction and fun.

Michael also specializes in beginner-friendly full-day trips that teach casting, reeling, and fish handling step by step. Whether you're brand new to angling or coming back to it after years away, he keeps things simple and focuses on making the day enjoyable. All trips depart from South Padre Island and Port Isabel and fish the surrounding inshore waters and bays.

Targeted Species and Fishing Methods

On Old Salt Charters trips, you have the chance to reel in redfish, black drum, speckled trout, flounder, mangrove and lane snapper, king mackerel, and snook. Michael uses a mix of techniques including bottom fishing, drift fishing, popping, and flounder gigging to match the conditions and season. This variety keeps the day interesting and gives you a real fishing education beyond just dropping a line.

You can release any fish you catch to fight another day, or keep them for dinner. Michael's complimentary cleaning and filleting service means your catch comes home table-ready.

Why Families and Newcomers Trust Old Salt Charters

Michael has built Old Salt Charters around the idea that fishing is for everyone. Kids are welcomed on every trip, and family-oriented days are structured to keep younger anglers engaged and excited. If you've never fished before, Michael breaks down the basics without making you feel rushed or out of place. The boat's 4-guest capacity keeps groups small enough for personalized attention, and the shallow-draft design lets Michael access the back bays and flats where smaller fish congregate and beginners often have their best success.

For more information about booking a trip, visit Www.oldsaltcharters-spi.com or reach out directly to arrange your day on the water.