Expert-Guided SPI Fishing: 5-Hour Inshore Adventure

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

South Padre Island
$350 - $600 price range

Summary

Get ready for a great day of fishing off South Padre Island! We'll head out for 5 hours to some prime spots along the Texas coast. You'll have a shot at landing redfish, speckled trout, sheepshead, flounder, and black drum. If conditions are right, we might even get a chance to go after some king fish or tarpon. Don't worry about bringing gear - we've got you covered with all the equipment you'll need. We'll also take care of cleaning your catch, so you can focus on reeling them in. To keep you fueled up, we'll have drinks and snacks on board. It's just you and one other guest, so you'll get plenty of attention from Captain Andrew as he puts his local knowledge to work finding the fish. Whether you're an experienced angler or trying this for the first time, we'll make sure you have a fun, relaxed day on the water. So grab your hat and sunscreen, and let's go catch some fish!

Expert-Guided SPI Fishing: 5-Hour Inshore Adventure

Rods, Reels, and Catches

Reeling in a tasty Spotted Weakfish amidst the Partly cloudy weather!

Redfish in South Padre Island Fishing

4 people enjoying fishing at South Padre Island

Inshore Fishing in South Padre Island, TX

South Padre Island Inshore Fishing

Reel in the Action: SPI's 5-Hour Fishing Bonanza

Get ready to wet a line and fill the cooler on South Padre Island's most sought-after fishing charter! Captain Andrew knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's itching to put you on the hottest bite. Whether you're chasing tailing reds in the flats or battling bruiser black drum, this 5-hour trip packs in all the action without eating up your whole day. Grab your hat and sunscreen – we're about to show you why SPI is a fisherman's paradise.

What to Expect on the Water

As soon as we push off from the dock, you'll feel that salty breeze and know you're in for a treat. We'll cruise through the Laguna Madre, scoping out productive spots where the fish are stacked up. Capt. Andrew's got a sixth sense for finding the honey holes, whether it's a grass flat teeming with redfish or a deep hole holding monster trout. You'll get hands-on instruction on everything from casting to fighting fish, so even first-timers will be hauling in keepers in no time. And when the bite is on, hold onto your rod – these coastal bruisers don't go down without a fight!

Rigging Up for Inshore Success

We keep things simple but effective out here. Light to medium spinning tackle is the name of the game, paired with live bait or artificial lures depending on what's working. You might find yourself tossing a popping cork for specks one minute, then switching to a bottom rig for sheepshead the next. Capt. Andrew's always got a few tricks up his sleeve, like sight-casting to tailing reds with gulp shrimp or working a topwater for explosive trout strikes. Don't worry about bringing gear – we've got you covered with quality rods, reels, and all the terminal tackle you'll need. Just bring your game face and be ready to reel!

Species You'll Want to Hook

South Padre's inshore waters are like a buffet of gamefish, and we're here to sample it all. Let's break down some of the stars of the show:

Redfish: These copper-colored battlers are the crown jewels of Texas inshore fishing. They love to cruise the shallows, often revealing their location with their signature tail waving above the surface. When hooked, redfish pull like freight trains, testing both your gear and your biceps. Fall is prime time for bull reds, but we catch them year-round.

Speckled Trout: The local favorite for both sport and the dinner table. Specks are known for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights. They school up around structure and drop-offs, and there's nothing quite like the thrill of a topwater trout blowup at dawn. Winter brings in the gator trout – true trophies that'll have you grinning ear to ear.

Flounder: These flatfish might not look like much, but they're prized for their delicate, flaky meat. Flounder fishing requires finesse and patience, as they often bury themselves in the sandy bottom. The fall run is legendary, with big doormats moving through the passes.

Black Drum: The bulldogs of the bay, black drum can grow to enormous sizes. They're not the prettiest fish in the sea, but man, can they pull! We target them around oyster reefs and channel edges, often using crab or cut bait. The bigger ones make for great photos, while the slot-sized fish are excellent eating.

Sheepshead: With their distinctive black and white stripes and human-like teeth, sheepshead are a unique catch. They're structure-oriented fish, hanging around pilings and jetties. Sheepshead are notorious bait stealers, so hooking one takes skill – but the reward is some of the best-tasting fish in the gulf.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

It's not just about the fish – though that's a big part of it. Our trips are all about creating memories and having a blast on the water. Capt. Andrew's easy-going nature and wealth of local knowledge make every trip feel like fishing with an old buddy. You'll learn new techniques, hear some salty tales, and probably crack a few jokes along the way. And let's not forget the views – from pelicans diving for bait to dolphins playing in the wake, there's always something to see out here. By the time we head back to the dock, you'll be planning your next trip.

Top Catches This Season

The bite's been on fire lately, with some real wall-hangers coming over the gunwales. We've been smashing the reds on the grass flats, with several bulls pushing the 40-inch mark. The trout fishing has been lights out too – one group limited out before lunch and spent the rest of the trip catch-and-release fishing for fun. And if you're looking for a real shoulder-burner, we've been hooking into some hefty black drum in the deeper channels. Just last week, an 11-year-old girl landed a 30-pounder all by herself – talk about a junior angler in the making!

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're itching to bend a rod and feel that tug on the line, don't wait – spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. Our 5-hour trip is the perfect balance of fishing time and flexibility, letting you get your fix without sacrificing your whole day. We'll have you back in time for a late lunch, with plenty of fish stories (and hopefully some filets) to share. Remember, all gear is provided, and Capt. Andrew even cleans your catch for you. Just bring your sense of adventure, a camera for those "grip and grin" shots, and maybe a lucky hat. South Padre's fishery is calling – are you ready to answer? Book now and let's make some waves!

Learn more about the species

Black Drum

Black drum are the bulldogs of the bay – stocky and strong with a serious appetite. You'll find them from 1-30 pounds cruising the flats, channels, and around structure. Look for them rooting along the bottom with their whisker-like barbels, hunting for crabs and shrimp. They're year-round residents, but spring is fantastic when big schools move into shallow water to spawn. Anglers love drum for their powerful fights and excellent table fare, especially the smaller "puppy drum" under 10 pounds. Use fresh peeled shrimp or crab on a fish-finder rig. Black drum aren't picky eaters, but they can be stubborn. Be patient and let them mouth the bait before setting the hook. A local tip: chum with crushed blue crab to really fire them up. When you hook one, hang on tight – these bruisers will test your tackle and your back!

Redfish

Redfish are the rockstars of inshore fishing – beautiful bronze-colored bruisers with a distinctive black spot on their tail. You'll find them prowling the flats, marshes, and around oyster bars. Most are 3-10 pounds, but monster "bull reds" over 30 pounds cruise the passes. They're year-round targets, but fall is prime time as big schools flood the flats. Anglers love reds for their hard fights, willingness to take lures, and excellent eating quality. Live shrimp under a popping cork is deadly, but artificials like gold spoons or soft plastics work great too. A local tip: look for their tails waving above the water as they root for crabs in shallow grass flats. When you hook one, be ready for powerful runs and dogged determination. There's nothing quite like sight-casting to a tailing redfish – it's addictive!

Sheepshead

Sheepshead are the convicts of the coast with their distinctive black-and-white stripes. You'll find these toothy critters around barnacle-covered structures like pilings, rocks, and reefs. Most weigh 2-5 pounds, but trophy fish over 10 pounds aren't uncommon. They're year-round residents, but winter and early spring are peak seasons as they school up to spawn. Anglers target sheepshead for their tasty fillets and the challenge – they're notorious bait stealers. Fresh fiddler crabs or shrimp are top baits. Use a small, sharp hook and keep your line tight to feel the subtle bites. A local trick: scrape barnacles off pilings to chum them up. When you feel that telltale tap-tap-tap, set the hook fast and hard. Their tough mouths and crafty nature make them a satisfying catch for skilled anglers.

Southern Flounder

Southern flounder are masters of camouflage, blending in with sandy or muddy bottoms. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. Most weigh 1-5 pounds, but trophy fish over 10 pounds aren't unheard of. They're ambush predators, lying in wait for small fish and crustaceans to swim by. Fall is prime time as flounder migrate to deeper waters. Anglers love targeting them for their delicious, flaky white meat. They can be tricky to hook – when you feel a bite, wait a few seconds before setting the hook. Let them take the bait fully. A local trick: use a Carolina rig with live mullet or mud minnows. Drag it slowly along the bottom near structures like jetties or pier pilings. Flounder often hold tight to cover, so accuracy is key. When you hook one, be ready for some stubborn resistance as they use their flat bodies to stick to the bottom. Patient anglers who can finesse these flatfish are rewarded with some of the tastiest fillets around.

Tarpon

Tarpon are the silver kings of coastal fishing – majestic, prehistoric-looking fish that'll test any angler's skills. These monsters can top 200 pounds and put on aerial shows like no other. Look for them rolling and gulping air in channels, passes, and along beaches. Late spring through early fall is prime time as they migrate along the coast. Anglers chase tarpon for the thrill of the fight and spectacular leaps. It's pure catch-and-release – they're not good eating, but the memories last a lifetime. Live mullet, pinfish, or crabs are top baits. Use stout tackle – 50-pound class gear isn't overkill. A local secret: fish the tide changes for best action. When you hook up, bow to the king when it jumps to prevent the hook from tearing out. Be prepared for long, punishing fights. Landing a tarpon is an accomplishment you'll never forget.

About the Marshall Topwater

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Evinrude

Maximum Cruising Speed: 35

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 200

Ready for an awesome day of fishing on South Padre Island? Hop aboard our comfy boat for a 5-hour charter that'll have you reeling in some great catches. We'll cruise to the best spots along the coast where you can try your luck at landing redfish, speckled trout, sheepshead, flounder, and black drum. If conditions are right, we might even get a shot at some king fish or tarpon! Don't worry about bringing anything - we've got all the gear and bait you need. Plus, we'll keep you fueled up with drinks and snacks throughout the trip. When we get back to shore, we'll clean your fish so you can take home your prized catch. With room for two guests, this is a perfect outing for you and a buddy or your favorite fishing partner. Whether you're an experienced angler or just getting started, our friendly crew will make sure you have a great time out on the water. Get ready for a laid-back day of fishing, South Padre style!

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