Top-Rated Full Day Inshore Fishing in South Padre

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

South Padre Island
$400 - $800 price range

Summary

Ready for a day of awesome fishing on South Padre Island? Join Get'm Hook'd Fishing Charters for a full day of inshore action. We'll cruise the rich waters around SPI, targeting redfish and trout, but don't be surprised if you hook into some mangrove snapper, black drum, or sheepshead too. Our experienced guides know all the local hotspots and will put you on the fish. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to the sport, we'll make sure you have a great time out on the water. With room for two guests, it's perfect for a fishing buddy trip or a fun day out with family. Bring your camera - you'll want to show off those catches! The coastal scenery around South Padre is stunning, so even when the fish aren't biting, you're in for a treat. Book your trip and get ready to make some real fishing memories on the Texas coast.

Top-Rated Full Day Inshore Fishing in South Padre

Rods Bent, Lines Tight

Father and Son bonding on the water

Seven black drum fish caught while fishing in TX

So much fish it don't fit on the stand anymore

5 spotted weakfish caught on a fishing trip at South Padre Island

Kid's choice of South Padre Island charter

South Padre Island never disappoints

Full Day SPI Fishing: Reds, Trout & More

Ready to wet a line in some of the best inshore waters Texas has to offer? Our full-day South Padre Island fishing trip is your ticket to hooking into monster reds, speckled trout, and a whole bunch of other hard-fighting fish. We'll cruise the flats, hit the channels, and maybe even sneak up on some mangroves - all while putting you on the fish that'll have you grinning from ear to ear.

What to Expect on the Water

Hop aboard our fully-rigged bay boat, and we'll zip out to the hottest spots around South Padre Island. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod, our local guides know how to put you on the fish. We'll start the day targeting the early bite, maybe tossing some topwaters for explosive strikes or working soft plastics along grass lines. As the sun climbs, we'll adjust our tactics, maybe drifting flats or working structure for those bigger fish looking for an easy meal. With a full day on the water, we've got time to mix it up and chase whatever's biting best.

Tactics for Inshore Success

On this trip, we'll use a mix of techniques to land our target species. Expect to do some sight-casting in the shallows, where you might spot the telltale signs of redfish tailing in skinny water. We'll also employ some drift fishing over deeper flats, using popping corks to entice trout and reds. If the bite's tough, we might slow things down with some bottom fishing, using live or cut bait to tempt black drum or sheepshead around pilings and jetties. Our guides are pros at reading the water and conditions, so we'll adapt on the fly to make sure you're in the action all day long.

Top Catches This Season

South Padre's inshore waters have been on fire lately. Anglers have been crushing the redfish, with several over the slot coming to hand. The trout bite has been steady, with some real gators mixed in among the schoolies. We've even been seeing some nice snook action for those lucky enough to hook into one of these hard-fighting fish. Remember, it's not just about size - the variety of species you can tangle with in a single day here is what keeps folks coming back year after year.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish: The bulldogs of the flats, redfish are a favorite target for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers can grow to over 40 inches and put up a fight that'll have your arms burning. Look for them tailing in shallow water or cruising along grass lines. They'll hit everything from topwater lures to soft plastics, and once hooked, be ready for some screaming runs.

Speckled Trout: Also known as spotted seatrout, these wily predators are a blast to catch on light tackle. They're known for their speckled pattern and delicate mouths, which make for an exciting fight. We often find them around grass flats or near drop-offs. Early mornings can produce some fantastic topwater action, while soft plastics or live bait work well throughout the day.

Black Drum: Often overlooked, black drum can provide some serious pull, especially the bigger ones. These cousins of the redfish have distinctive chin barbels and can grow to over 50 pounds. We typically target them around structure using natural baits like shrimp or crab. They're not the prettiest fish in the sea, but they sure are fun to catch.

Snook: A bit of a bonus species in our area, snook are prized for their acrobatic fights and challenging nature. These sleek, silver fish with a distinctive black lateral line love to hang around mangroves and structure. They're ambush predators, so working lures or live bait along edges can provoke some explosive strikes.

Southern Flounder: Masters of camouflage, flounder are fun to target and even better to eat (when in season). We often find them along channel edges or near structure. Slow-rolling a soft plastic or bouncing a jig along the bottom is a great way to entice a bite. When you feel that distinctive 'thump,' get ready to set the hook hard!

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

South Padre Island isn't just another fishing spot - it's a year-round angler's paradise. The mix of shallow flats, deep channels, and diverse structure means there's always something biting. Our full-day trips give you the time to really explore and hit multiple spots, maximizing your chances for a great catch. Plus, the scenery ain't bad either - from pelicans diving for bait to the occasional dolphin sighting, there's always something to see out here.

Time to Book Your Spot

Listen, if you're itching to bend a rod and feel that drag sing, our full-day South Padre Island inshore trip is calling your name. With experienced guides, top-notch equipment, and some of the best inshore fishing Texas has to offer, you're in for a day you won't forget. Whether you're looking to put some fish in the cooler or just enjoy a day on the water, we've got you covered. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait. Give us a shout, and let's get you out on the water for a day of serious fishing action. Trust me, once you hook into your first big red or watch a trout explode on a topwater, you'll be planning your next trip before we even hit the dock.

Learn more about the species

Black Drum

Black Drum are the gentle giants of our bays. These cousins of the redfish can grow huge - 30-40 pounders aren't uncommon, though the sweet-eating ones are in the 5-15 pound range. You'll find them in shallow, muddy areas and around oyster beds. They use their strong chin barbels to root out crabs and shrimp. Spring is spawning time, when big schools gather and make a distinctive drumming sound. Black drum aren't known for fast runs, but larger ones pull like tractors. They're popular for their reliable bite and excellent table fare. Live or cut bait on the bottom is your best bet - try blue crab, shrimp, or cut mullet. Pro tip: when you feel the telltale tap-tap of a drum, give it a moment before setting the hook. They often mouth the bait before fully committing.

Redfish

Redfish, or red drum, are the rockstars of our flats. These copper-colored bruisers with the trademark tail spot typically run 20-30 inches inshore, but can grow much larger. Look for them tailing in shallow water, often so shallow their backs are out of the water. They love to cruise along mangrove shorelines and oyster bars. Fall is prime time when big schools gather to spawn. Reds are known for powerful runs and dogged fights. They'll eat just about anything, from live bait to artificial lures. Sight-fishing for tailing reds is a rush - nothing beats watching a big red track down your lure. Local tip: when the water's clear, try weedless gold spoons. The flash imitates baitfish, and reds can't resist. Work it slow and steady, and hang on when that line goes tight!

Sea Trout

Speckled Trout, or "specs" as we call 'em, are a staple of our inshore fishing. These silvery, spotted beauties usually run 15-20 inches but can reach 30. You'll find them over grass flats, around oyster bars, and in deeper holes during winter. Dawn and dusk are prime feeding times. Trout are known for their soft mouths, so a gentle hookset is key. They're not huge fighters, but their acrobatic jumps and delicate flavor make them a favorite. Live shrimp under a popping cork is deadly, but soft plastics and topwater lures can trigger explosive strikes. Here's a local secret: on calm mornings, look for subtle swirls on the surface - that's often trout feeding on bait. Cast beyond the disturbance and work your lure through the area for some fast action.

Snook

Snook are the prize fighters of our inshore waters. These sleek, powerful fish typically run 24-34 inches but can top 40. Look for them around mangroves, dock pilings, and river mouths - they love structure. Spring and fall are hot seasons when water temps are just right. Snook put up an incredible fight, often leaping clear out of the water. They're also one of the best-tasting fish you'll ever eat. Live bait like pinfish or finger mullet works great, but artificials like swim baits and topwaters can be deadly too. Here's a local tip: on incoming tides, focus on points and cuts where bait gets flushed in. Cast parallel to the shoreline and work your lure with the current. When a snook hits, hang on tight - they'll make a beeline for the nearest snag if you let 'em!

Southern Flounder

Southern Flounder are masters of camouflage, blending into sandy or muddy bottoms with both eyes on their left side. Typically 15-18 inches long, these flat fish hang out in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. Fall is prime time as they migrate to spawn offshore. Flounder fishing is a game of patience - they ambush prey from the bottom, so slow and steady wins the race. Use a light setup with live bait like mullet or shrimp, or try drifting with soft plastics. Folks love catching flounder for their unique look and tasty white meat. My go-to trick is to work jigs slowly along drop-offs and channels, giving subtle twitches to mimic wounded baitfish. When you feel that telltale thump, resist the urge to set the hook right away. Give 'em a few seconds to get the bait in their mouth for a solid hookup.

About the Get'm Hook'd Fishing Charters

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Suzuki

Maximum Cruising Speed: 30

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 300

Ready for some laid-back fishing action in South Padre Island? Hop aboard our cozy inshore boat for a full day of reeling in the good stuff. We're talking prime spots for redfish and trout, plus a shot at nabbing some mangrove snapper, black drum, and sheepshead too. Our experienced local guides know all the sweet spots around the island's rich coastal waters. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this trip's perfect for two people looking to soak up some sun and land some fish. Bring your camera – you'll want to show off your catch! So grab your hat and sunscreen, and let's hit the water for a day of Texas-style fishing fun you won't soon forget.

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