%2Ffit-in%2F250x250%2Fguide_websites%2F6535%2Fimages%2Fredfishpng.png&w=1200&q=100)
Caught a Spotted Weakfish Inshore in South Padre
Spotted Weakfish Inshore in South Padre Island
%2F%2Fusers%2F2b7e9ac0-72b9-41e8-9af9-d73837cbbf66%2Fimages%2Fspotted-weakfish-south-padre-island-13073.png&w=1200&q=75)
The Spotted Weakfish (Cynoscion nebulosus) belongs to the order Perciformes and family Sciaenidae, making it a cousin to other popular drum species. These inshore predators typically measure between 12 and 39 inches in length and can weigh anywhere from 3 to 17 pounds. - They prefer shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries with grassy flats and sandy bottoms. - Their name comes from the distinctive dark spots scattered across their silver-gray bodies. - In South Padre Island waters, they respond well to both artificial lures and live bait.
Fishing Charter by Captain Andrew Villareal in August
Meet your Captain Andrew Villareal
- Discover Top Inshore Fishing in South Padre Island
Summary
Our 5-Hour Bay Fishing South Padre Island charter with Captain Andrew delivered exciting action on Sunday June. The conditions were perfect—partly cloudy skies and calm waters provided an ideal setting for targeting Spotted Weakfish. We spent the day trolling the shallows of South Padre Island bay, finding consistent action throughout the trip. The Spotted Weakfish were aggressive, putting up spirited fights that made for memorable catches. This inshore fishing adventure showcases why South Padre Island remains a top destination for Texas anglers. Whether you're an experienced angler or trying bay fishing for the first time, Captain Andrew Fishing Charters provides the local knowledge and equipment needed for a productive day on the water. All you need are waders—we'll handle the rest for a hassle-free fishing experience.
Fishing Charter with Andrew Villareal – Rates & Booking
Captain Andrew of Captain Andrew Fishing Charters on Sunday June offers a top-rated 5-Hour Gigging Adventure targeting Spotted Weakfish and other inshore species in the productive waters of South Padre Island. This charter accommodates up to 2 guests and includes everything you need for a successful day on the water. The trip focuses on trolling the bay shallows where Spotted Weakfish feed aggressively. With a complimentary drink and snack included, plus fish cleaning service at the end of your trip, you can focus entirely on the fishing experience. Captain Andrew brings years of local knowledge to ensure you're in the right spots at the right times.
Highlights of Bay Fishing Charter South Padre Island for Sheepshead, Flounder, and Black Drum
This 5-hour guided bay fishing experience is perfectly suited for anglers of all skill levels, from families to seasoned fishermen looking for inshore action. The trip provides hands-on fishing opportunities in the productive waters surrounding South Padre Island. While targeting Spotted Weakfish during our June outing, these waters also hold Sheepshead, Flounder, and Black Drum throughout the year.
Captain Andrew's boat is fully equipped for both comfort and fishing performance, ensuring you have everything needed for a successful day on the water. The only gear you need to bring are your own waders—Captain Andrew provides all the necessary fishing equipment, bait, and tackle. With fish cleaning included and plenty of ice to keep your catch fresh, this charter offers a complete, well-organized fishing experience.
Local Species Insights: Spotted Weakfish
Spotted Weakfish thrive in the shallow bay waters around South Padre Island, particularly favoring areas with sandy bottoms and grass flats. During our June trip, we found these fish responding well to trolling techniques, but they can also be targeted effectively with artificial lures like soft plastics and topwater plugs. These fish are known for their aggressive strikes and spirited fights despite their modest size.
South Padre Island offers excellent Spotted Weakfish fishing year-round, with spring and summer typically producing the most consistent action. These fish prefer water temperatures between 70-85°F, making the bay waters perfect during June. Local anglers know that early morning and evening provide prime feeding windows when these fish move into the shallows to hunt. For visitors to South Padre Island, targeting Spotted Weakfish offers a fantastic introduction to Texas inshore fishing.
Plan Your Fishing Charter Day
For your bay fishing charter with Captain Andrew, plan to arrive ready for a 5-hour adventure on the water. The charter boat is well-maintained and equipped with all necessary safety gear. Morning trips typically start early to take advantage of the best fishing conditions, so prepare for an early wake-up call. Wear comfortable clothing appropriate for the weather, and don't forget sun protection—hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essentials on the Texas coast. Since this is a wading trip, you'll need to bring your own waders. Captain Andrew provides all fishing gear, a complimentary drink and snack, plus plenty of ice to keep your catch fresh throughout the day. With fish cleaning included, you'll head home with ready-to-cook fillets of your Spotted Weakfish catch.
Fishing in South Padre Island: Spotted Weakfish
The Spotted Weakfish (Cynoscion nebulosus), also commonly known as speckled trout, is a member of the Sciaenidae family within the order Perciformes. These popular inshore gamefish are characterized by their silver-gray coloration adorned with distinctive dark spots across the back and sides. In South Padre Island waters this June, they've been particularly active in the shallow bay flats during early morning hours.
Spotted Weakfish Overview
Spotted Weakfish are prized gamefish throughout their range, valued for both their sporting qualities and table fare. They feature a streamlined body with a slightly elongated snout, prominent canine teeth, and two dorsal fins. The distinctive spotted pattern and yellow fins make them easily identifiable among Texas inshore species.
Spotted Weakfish Habitat and Distribution
These fish inhabit coastal waters along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts from Massachusetts to Mexico, with particularly strong populations in Texas bays. Around South Padre Island, they prefer grassy flats, oyster bars, channel edges, and areas with moderate current flow. They're most commonly found in waters ranging from 2-15 feet deep, often relating to structure and depth changes.
Spotted Weakfish Size and Weight
Typical Spotted Weakfish range from 12 to 39 inches in length and weigh between 3 and 17 pounds. Most catches in South Padre Island bay average 13-20 inches and 1-3 pounds, with trophy specimens occasionally exceeding 25 inches and 5 pounds. The Texas state record stands at over 15 pounds, though fish of this size are extremely rare.
Spotted Weakfish Diet and Behavior
These opportunistic predators primarily feed on small baitfish like mullet, menhaden, and pinfish, along with shrimp and crabs. They're most active during dawn and dusk, using their excellent vision to ambush prey. Spotted Weakfish typically move in small to medium-sized schools, often congregating around structure and bait concentrations.
Spotted Weakfish Spawning Season
In South Texas waters, Spotted Weakfish typically spawn from April through September when water temperatures range between 68-86°F. During this period, they gather in deeper channels and passes connecting bays to the Gulf. Female weakfish can release up to 1 million eggs per spawn, with multiple spawning events occurring throughout the season.
Spotted Weakfish Fishing Techniques
For consistent success targeting Spotted Weakfish in South Padre Island, three proven approaches stand out. First, try trolling small diving plugs or soft plastic jigs along channel edges early in the morning. Second, wade fishing with topwater plugs during the first hours of daylight can produce explosive strikes. Third, drifting live shrimp under a popping cork over grass flats works exceptionally well when fish are holding deeper. In June, anglers around South Padre Island find them concentrated near deeper channels as water temperatures rise, making trolling particularly effective.
Spotted Weakfish Is It Good to Eat?
Spotted Weakfish are highly regarded as table fare, offering mild, white fillets with a sweet flavor and medium-firm texture. They're excellent when prepared simply—grilled, broiled, or pan-seared with light seasoning to preserve their delicate taste. Nutritionally, they provide an excellent source of lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and various vitamins while containing relatively low mercury levels compared to larger predatory fish.
Spotted Weakfish Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best bait for Spotted Weakfish?
A: Live shrimp under a popping cork is the gold standard, but soft plastic jigs in white, chartreuse, or pink also work exceptionally well. For artificial lures, topwater plugs at dawn and dusk or slow-sinking mullet imitations during midday produce consistent results in South Padre Island waters.
Q: Where can I find Spotted Weakfish near South Padre Island?
A: Focus on grass flats adjacent to deeper channels, especially areas with moving water. The Laguna Madre side of South Padre Island offers excellent opportunities, particularly around grass beds, oyster bars, and channel edges during moving tides.
Q: Is Spotted Weakfish good to eat?
A: Yes, they're considered excellent table fare with mild, white meat that works well with various cooking methods. For best results, keep smaller specimens (under 20 inches) for eating, as larger fish tend to be breeding females and may have slightly coarser meat.
Q: When is the best time to catch Spotted Weakfish?
A: Dawn and dusk provide peak feeding periods year-round. In South Padre Island, spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) typically offer the most consistent action, though summer months like June can be productive when targeting deeper water during midday hours.
Q: What size rod and reel should I use for Spotted Weakfish?
A: A medium-light to medium action 7-foot spinning rod paired with a 2500-3000 size reel spooled with 10-15 lb braided line offers the perfect balance of casting distance and fighting power for South Padre Island weakfish.
Q: Are there size and bag limits for Spotted Weakfish in Texas?
A: Yes, Texas regulations require Spotted Weakfish to be between 15-25 inches (with one fish over 25 inches allowed) with a daily bag limit of 5 fish per angler. Always check current regulations before your trip as limits may change.
More species you can explore on this trip
Captain Andrew Fishing Charters Available Trips
Captain Andrew's Bay Fishing Boat
