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Ultimate South Padre Inshore Fishing Adventure
- Published Date: September 20, 2025
- Fishing
- South Padre Island
- $350 - $900 price range
Summary
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Rods, Reels, and Catches
Big fish, bigger smiles!"
Red Drum Catch of the day!
Red Drum Haul!
Red Drum: A prized catch with vibrant coloring.
South Padre Island never disappoints on Redfish
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Fishing fun with friends!
One angler, big catch ahead!
One epic boat adventure!
Big fish, bigger smiles!"
Red Drum Catch of the day!
Red Drum Haul!
Red Drum: A prized catch with vibrant coloring.
South Padre Island never disappoints on Redfish
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Fishing fun with friends!
One angler, big catch ahead!
One epic boat adventure!
Big fish, bigger smiles!"
Red Drum Catch of the day!
Red Drum Haul!
Red Drum: A prized catch with vibrant coloring.
Full Day Fishing Bonanza in South Padre
Ready for a real Texas-sized adventure? Hop aboard with Old Salt Charters for a full day of non-stop fishing action in the rich waters of South Padre Island and Port Isabel. Captain Michael Barrera knows these bays and inshore spots like the back of his hand, and he's itching to put you on the hottest bite. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this 9-hour trip is your ticket to hauling in everything from hard-fighting redfish to tasty snapper. We've got all the gear and grub you need - just bring your license, sun protection, and a whole lot of enthusiasm!
What to Expect on the Water
From the moment we shove off, you're in for a treat. We'll cruise through the picturesque Laguna Madre, scouting for telltale signs of fish activity. Cap'n Michael's got a sixth sense for finding the sweet spots where fish are biting. You might start off drifting grass flats for speckled trout, then move on to sight-casting for tailing redfish in shallow bays. As the day heats up, we'll hit some deeper holes for black drum and sheepshead. And don't be surprised if we make a run to some nearshore reefs for a shot at those delicious snapper. With a full day at our disposal, we've got time to mix it up and chase whatever's running hot.
Techniques That Land the Big Ones
This ain't your grandpa's bobber fishing. We'll be using a mix of tried-and-true and cutting-edge techniques to put fish in the boat. Expect to do some popping cork action for trout, maybe some bottom fishing for drum, and if conditions are right, we might even break out the fly rods for some heart-pumping sight fishing. Cap'n Michael's always got a few tricks up his sleeve, like using live croaker for big trout or chumming up the snapper. He'll show you the ropes and have you casting like a pro in no time. And don't worry about gear - we've got top-notch rods, reels, and tackle all ready to go. Just be prepared to reel in some monsters!
Species You'll Want to Hook
Lane Snapper: These feisty little cousins of the famed red snapper are a blast to catch and even better to eat. They love hanging around structure in 30-100 feet of water. We typically target them with light tackle and small hooks baited with cut squid or shrimp. Lane snapper put up a scrappy fight for their size and make for some fantastic fish tacos. Peak season is usually late summer through fall, but we can find them year-round in our waters.
Black Drum: These bruisers are like the bulldogs of the bay. They can grow to over 50 pounds, and when they decide to eat, hold on tight! Black drum love crusty bottoms where they can root around for crabs and shrimp. We often find them in deeper holes or around bridge pilings. The bigger ones can be a bit tough to eat, but the smaller "puppy drum" are delicious. Spring is prime time for big spawning drum, but we catch them all year long.
Sheepshead: Don't let those human-like teeth fool you - these striped battlers are no joke on light tackle. Sheepshead are structure junkies, hanging around jetties, pilings, and oyster reefs. They're notorious bait stealers, so feeling the bite takes some practice. But once you hook up, they pull like crazy for their size. Winter and early spring are peak seasons when the big ones move in to spawn. Fresh shrimp or fiddler crabs are top baits.
Sea Trout: Also known as speckled trout, these sleek predators are a favorite target for light tackle and fly anglers alike. They roam the grass flats and channels, ambushing bait fish and shrimp. We catch them on everything from topwater lures at dawn to soft plastics worked along drop-offs. The "gator" trout over 5 pounds are the holy grail for many anglers. Spring and fall are typically the best seasons, but we find them year-round in South Padre.
Redfish: The crown jewel of Texas inshore fishing, redfish (or red drum) are what bring many anglers to our waters. These copper-colored beauties can be found tailing in shallow grass flats or cruising deeper channels. Sight-casting to a big red in skinny water is an adrenaline rush like no other. They'll eat just about anything from live bait to artificial lures, and they pull like freight trains when hooked. Fall is the peak season when big schools of bull reds move in, but we target them successfully all year.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Folks, I've been running charters in these waters for years, and let me tell you - there's something special about South Padre fishing. Maybe it's the variety - where else can you catch a limit of trout in the morning, battle bull reds at midday, and finish up with some tasty snapper? Or maybe it's the scenery - from the pristine beaches to the bird-filled wetlands, it's a nature lover's paradise. But I think what really hooks people is the sense of adventure. Every trip is different, and you never know when that fish of a lifetime is going to strike. Plus, there's nothing like seeing the smile on a first-timer's face when they reel in their biggest catch ever. It's not just fishing - it's making memories that'll last a lifetime.
Time to Book Your Spot
Listen up, folks - if you're itching for some world-class inshore action, South Padre Island is calling your name. With Old Salt Charters, you're not just getting a fishing trip - you're getting a full-on adventure with a seasoned pro who lives and breathes these waters. We've got the knowledge, the gear, and the passion to make your day on the water unforgettable. Whether you're dreaming of battling bull reds, filling the cooler with tasty snapper, or just soaking up the Texas coastal vibes, we've got you covered. But here's the thing - prime dates fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. So don't wait around and miss out on the bite of a lifetime. Grab your fishing buddies, clear your calendar, and let's get you hooked up with the South Padre fishing experience you've been dreaming about. The fish are waiting - are you ready to meet 'em?
Learn more about the species
Black Drum
Black Drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, ranging from 5 to 30 pounds, with some monsters hitting 90. You'll find them in brackish waters, especially around oyster beds and mudflats. They're bottom feeders, so look for them in depths up to 30 feet. Spring is prime time when they school up to spawn. Anglers love the challenge - they put up a good fight and make that signature drumming sound. For the best eating, aim for the smaller ones under 15 pounds. The big ones can be tough and not as tasty. Live bait is your best bet - crabs, shrimp, or clams. Here's a local tip: use a heavy enough weight to keep your bait on the bottom, and be patient. When you feel that telltale thump, set the hook hard. These guys have strong jaws built for crushing shellfish.
Lane Snapper
Lane Snapper are a colorful catch, typically 10-14 inches long with pink and yellow stripes. You'll find them around coral reefs and vegetated sandy areas in depths of 70-230 feet. They're most active at night, feeding on crabs, shrimp, and small fish. Spring through fall is prime time, as they spawn from March to September. Anglers love their aggressive bite and tasty white meat. These guys aren't too picky - live shrimp, squid, or cut bait all work well. For best results, fish near the bottom and be ready for a quick hookset. They're often a bonus catch when targeting other snappers. One local trick: scrape some barnacles off nearby structures to chum them up. Just remember, they can crossbreed with other snappers, so you might catch some interesting hybrids out there.
Redfish
Redfish, or Red Drum, are a prized catch in our shallow bays and flats. They typically run 28-33 inches when mature, but can grow up to 45 inches and 50 pounds. Look for them in water as shallow as 1-4 feet, often tailing in grass flats or around oyster beds. They're year-round targets, but fall is especially good when they school up. Anglers love their powerful runs and the sight-fishing opportunities. They're also excellent eating, with a mild, sweet flavor. Use topwater lures for explosive strikes, or try live shrimp on a jig head. Here's a local tip: watch for their copper-colored backs sometimes breaking the surface in ultra-shallow water. They have that distinctive black spot near the tail, which helps fool predators. Remember, bigger isn't always better for eating - the slot-sized fish tend to taste best.
Sea Trout
Sea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are a favorite inshore catch. They typically run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds, but some lunkers can hit 40 pounds. You'll find them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They like cooler water, so fall and winter are prime seasons. Anglers love their aggressive strikes and the challenge of finding them. They're also great eating - mild, flaky, and tender. Artificial lures like jerk baits and topwater plugs work well, but live shrimp is hard to beat. Here's a local trick: try trolling slowly along grass lines if you're having trouble locating them. In winter, look for deeper holes where they school up. Just be careful not to overcook them - their meat can get mushy fast. Remember, they're anadromous, so you might find them in both fresh and saltwater depending on the season.
Sheepshead
Sheepshead, aka convict fish, are a unique catch with their human-like teeth and striped bodies. They usually run 1-8 pounds and 14-20 inches long. You'll find them around structures like docks, bridges, and reefs - anywhere with barnacles. They're crafty bait stealers, so you need to be quick on the hookset. Spring is prime time when they school up to spawn. Anglers love the challenge of catching these sneaky fish, plus they're excellent table fare. Use light tackle and natural bait like fiddler crabs or shrimp. Here's a pro tip: get as close to the structure as you can without spooking them, then slowly work your bait up from the bottom. They might be nibbling without you feeling it, so stay alert. It's a bit of work to clean them, but the sweet, white meat is worth it.
About the Shallow Stalker
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 5
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 40
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 150
