Get ready to hit the sweet spot of South Padre Island's inshore fishing scene with this 5-hour midday charter. As the sun climbs high and the waters warm up, we'll be out chasing some of the most sought-after fish in Texas coastal waters. This trip is perfect for anglers looking to make the most of their afternoon, whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet. We'll cruise through the island's best fishing grounds, targeting everything from the hard-fighting Black Drum to the elusive Snook. With Reel Off Charters, you're in for a day of non-stop action and the chance to reel in some real beauties.
As we push off from the dock, you'll feel the excitement building. The afternoon sun creates perfect conditions for our target species to get active, and we know just where to find them. We'll hit up several prime spots around South Padre Island, from grass flats to deeper channels. You might be casting near structure one minute and drifting over sandy bottoms the next. Our captain knows these waters like the back of their hand, so you're always in the right place at the right time. Expect to use a variety of techniques, from live bait fishing to artificial lures, depending on what's biting. And don't worry if you're new to this – we're here to show you the ropes and help you land that trophy catch.
On this trip, we're all about light tackle and big fun. We'll set you up with quality rods and reels suited for inshore fishing. You might be working a popping cork for Sea Trout one minute and bottom fishing for Black Drum the next. We'll show you how to read the water, spot the signs of feeding fish, and make that perfect cast. Expect to use a mix of live bait – think shrimp or mullet – and artificial lures like soft plastics or topwater plugs. The key to success here is versatility, and we've got all the gear and know-how to adapt to whatever the fish are in the mood for. Just bring your game face and maybe a lucky hat – we've got everything else covered.
"Another great trip thanks Ruben! We caught some whiting, speckled trout, and a couple nice black drum keepers. Saw some dolphins, My kids had a blast and we hope to see you again next year!" - Jeremy
Black Drum are the bulldogs of the bay, and they're a blast to catch. These bruisers can grow to over 30 pounds inshore, and when they decide to eat, hang on tight! They love crustaceans, so we often use crab or shrimp to entice them. The best part? They're great eating when they're in the slot size.
Redfish, or Red Drum, are the rock stars of inshore fishing. Known for their copper color and black spot near the tail, these fish put up a great fight. They love to cruise the shallows, often revealing their location with their tails sticking out of the water – a sight that gets every angler's heart racing. Fall is prime time for Reds, but we catch them year-round here.
Sea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are the bread and butter of inshore fishing. These spotted beauties are known for their soft mouths and tendency to shake the hook, making them a fun challenge. They're most active in the cooler months, but we can find them all year. Nothing beats the sound of a trout smashing a topwater lure at dawn or dusk.
Snook are the prize fighters of South Padre Island. These sleek, powerful fish are known for their acrobatic jumps and long runs. They're not easy to fool, which is why landing one is such an accomplishment. Spring and fall are your best bet for Snook, as they move in and out of the bays. If you're lucky enough to hook one, you're in for a real test of your angling skills.
Southern Flounder might not look like much, but don't let their flat appearance fool you. These ambush predators are masters of camouflage and put up a surprisingly good fight. Fall is the prime time for Flounder as they migrate to spawn, but we can catch them year-round. They're also some of the best-eating fish in the bay, so be sure to ask about keeping a few for dinner.
This 5-hour midday trip is your ticket to some of the best inshore fishing South Padre Island has to offer. Whether you're looking to bend a rod, fill the cooler, or just enjoy a perfect afternoon on the water, we've got you covered. Our experienced guides know where the fish are biting and how to put you on them. With a mix of species to target and various fishing techniques to try, every trip is a new adventure. Don't miss out on the chance to create some lasting memories and maybe even catch your personal best. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait. Give Reel Off Charters a call today and let's get you out on the water. The fish are waiting, and the time is right – let's make it happen!
March 17, 2025
Another great trip thanks Ruben! We caught some whiting, speckled trout, and a couple nice black drum keepers. Saw some dolphins, My kids had a blast and we hope to see you again next year!
March 17, 2025
Black Drum are the big cousins of redfish, known for their powerful jaws and ability to crush shellfish. They range from 5 to 30 pounds, with some monsters hitting 90 pounds. You'll find them in brackish waters, often around oyster beds or in channels. Spring's the best time, when they school up to spawn. Anglers love the fight of a big drum, especially on light tackle. Smaller ones (under 15 pounds) are great eating, with a sweet, flaky meat. To catch 'em, use fresh crab or shrimp on the bottom. A local trick is to listen for their distinctive drumming sound – it can lead you right to them. Be patient when they bite; they often mouth the bait before committing. Heavy tackle's a must for the big ones – they'll test your gear and your arms!
Redfish, or Red Drum, are iconic inshore gamefish. They're easy to spot with their coppery color and black tail spot. Most run 20-30 inches, but they can grow much larger. You'll find them in shallow flats, around oyster bars, and in marshy areas. They often feed with their backs out of the water, creating "tailing" opportunities for sight fishing. Fall is prime time when they school up. Anglers love their hard fights and their "shoulder shake" when hooked. They're also excellent table fare. To catch one, try gold spoons, soft plastics, or live bait like mullet or crabs. A local tip: look for diving birds – they often indicate feeding redfish below. When you find a school, be quiet and make accurate casts. These fish can be spooky but will readily chase down a well-presented lure.
Sea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are popular inshore targets. They're usually 14-24 inches long, with a silvery body covered in spots. You'll find them in grass flats, around structure, and in deeper channels during winter. They're most active in cooler months, especially at dawn and dusk. Anglers love their aggressive strikes and delicate flavor. To catch 'em, try live shrimp under a popping cork or soft plastics worked slowly. A local tip: look for slicks on the water's surface – they often indicate feeding trout. These fish have soft mouths, so use a light touch when setting the hook. In winter, try fishing deeper holes where they school up. Remember, bigger trout are usually females, so consider releasing them to help maintain the population.
Snook are sleek, powerful fish with a distinctive black lateral line. They average 1-2 feet long but can reach over 4 feet. You'll find them around mangroves, oyster bars, and deeper channels. They love structure and use their speed to ambush prey. Spring and fall are great times to target snook, especially during spawning runs. Anglers love 'em for their explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps. They're also tasty, but check regulations – they're carefully managed. To hook one, try live bait like pinfish or mullet near structure. A local tip: work your lure or bait with the current, mimicking a natural prey's movement. Snook are smart, so stealth and accurate casts are key. Remember, they're temperature-sensitive, so early mornings or evenings often produce best.
Southern Flounder are masters of camouflage, with both eyes on one side of their flat, oval body. They're usually 15-18 inches long but can grow up to 33 inches. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, hiding in sandy or muddy bottoms. They're ambush predators, so look for them near structure or in areas with baitfish. Spring and fall are prime seasons when they're most active. Flounder put up a good fight and taste great, making them popular targets. To catch one, try slow-trolling or drifting with live bait like mullet or shrimp. A local trick is to use a Carolina rig with a circle hook – it helps set the hook when these sneaky fish grab your bait. Remember, they often hold the bait before swallowing, so give them a moment before setting the hook.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 25
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 300
Another great trip thanks Ruben! We caught some whiting, speckled trout, and a couple nice black drum keepers. Saw some dolphins, My kids had a blast and we hope to see you again next year!