Top-Rated Bay Fishing in South Padre Island

Half Day Bay Fishing: Sheepshead, Flounder & Drum

Looking for a solid half-day on the water around South Padre Island? Captain Andrew's 5-hour inshore trip puts you right where the fish are biting. We're talking prime bay fishing that targets three of the area's most reliable species - Sheepshead, Southern Flounder, and Black Drum. This isn't some crowded party boat deal either. With just 2 guests max, you get personal attention and plenty of elbow room to work your lines. Whether you're bringing the kids for their first real fishing adventure or you're a seasoned angler wanting to dial in your inshore game, this trip delivers the goods. Fish cleaning is handled for you, plus we throw in drinks, snacks, and all the ice you need to keep your catch fresh.

What to Expect on the Water

This 5-hour trip starts early when the fish are most active in South Padre's protected bay waters. You'll be fishing structure, grass flats, and deeper channels where these target species like to hang out. The boat is set up specifically for inshore work - stable, comfortable, and loaded with the right gear for bay fishing. Captain Andrew knows these waters like the back of his hand, so you're not wasting time wandering around hoping to get lucky. We move between spots based on conditions, tides, and what's biting that day. The pace is relaxed but productive - perfect for families with kids who want to catch fish without dealing with rough offshore conditions. Just bring your own waders if you plan on doing any wade fishing, and we'll take care of everything else. No need to worry about licenses, tackle, or bait - it's all covered.

Techniques & Bay Fishing Basics

Inshore fishing around South Padre is all about reading the water and using the right approach for each species. For Sheepshead, we're talking about working around pilings, jetties, and other structure with live or cut bait. These fish have serious teeth and know how to steal your bait, so it takes some finesse and quick hook sets. Flounder fishing means bouncing baits along the bottom near drop-offs, channel edges, and sandy areas where they like to bury up and ambush prey. Black Drum are often found in slightly deeper water, and they'll hit everything from cut bait to artificials when they're feeding. Captain Andrew switches up techniques based on what's working - sometimes that means slow-trolling with live bait, other times it's anchoring up and working specific structure. The key is staying mobile and adapting to conditions. You'll learn how to feel the difference between a bite and bottom structure, proper hook setting techniques, and how to fight these fish in shallow water without losing them.

Top Catches This Season

Southern Flounder are the bread and butter of South Padre bay fishing, and for good reason. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, burying themselves in sand and mud with just their eyes showing, waiting to ambush passing baitfish. They typically run anywhere from 14 to 20+ inches, with the bigger "doormat" flounder being real trophy fish. Fall and winter months are prime time when they're fattening up and moving through the area. What makes them exciting to catch is that initial hit - flounder don't mess around when they decide to eat. They'll slam your bait and take off, and in shallow water that makes for some great fights. Plus, they're hands-down one of the best eating fish in these waters.

Black Drum are the workhorses of the bay system, and South Padre has some serious populations of these fish. You'll find them ranging from puppy drum around 16-20 inches all the way up to bull drum that can push 30+ pounds. They're year-round residents but really turn on during spring and fall when water temperatures are right. Black Drum are bottom feeders that cruise shell beds, mud flats, and deeper channels looking for crabs, shrimp, and small fish. When a good-sized drum hits your bait, you know it immediately - they're powerful fish that will test your drag and give you a real workout. The bigger ones especially will make long runs and use their size to their advantage in the current.

Sheepshead might be the trickiest of the bunch, but that's what makes them so rewarding to catch. These black and white striped fish are notorious bait thieves with human-like teeth that can crush barnacles and small crabs with ease. They hang around structure like dock pilings, jetties, and bridge supports where they feed on whatever's growing there. Sheepshead are year-round residents but really stack up during spawning season in spring. The challenge with these fish is detecting their bite - they're notorious for picking up your bait, swimming toward you, and spitting it out before you even know what happened. When you do hook up with a good sheepshead, they fight surprisingly hard for their size and make great table fare.

Time to Book Your Spot

Captain Andrew's half-day inshore trip gives you everything you need for a top-rated bay fishing experience without any of the hassle. With fish cleaning included, refreshments provided, and gear handled, you can focus on what matters - catching fish and having a good time on the water. The small group size means you're not competing for space or attention, and you'll actually learn techniques that'll make you a better angler. Whether you're after a family-friendly adventure or want to target some of South Padre's best eating fish, this 5-hour trip delivers real value. These slots fill up quick, especially during peak seasons when the fishing really turns on, so don't wait around if you're thinking about booking.