Ready to wet a line in some of the best inshore waters Texas has to offer? Our 5-hour South Padre Island fishing charter is your ticket to hauling in redfish, trout, snapper, and more. We'll get you on the water early to maximize your chances at a cooler full of fish. With all your gear, bait, and even snacks provided, all you need to bring is your game face and a willingness to have a blast on the water.
Picture this: You're cruising through the crystal-clear waters of South Padre as the sun peeks over the horizon. Our seasoned captain knows exactly where the fish are biting, and before you know it, you're feeling that telltale tug on your line. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod, we've got you covered. We'll show you the ropes, help you perfect your technique, and make sure you're in prime position to land the big one. And when the day is done? We'll even clean your catch so you can start dreaming about that fish fry.
On our South Padre charters, we use a mix of tried-and-true techniques to put you on fish. We might start the day drifting over grass flats, using live bait to entice speckled trout. As the sun climbs, we'll switch gears and target redfish in the shallows, sight-casting to tailing reds – it's a rush when you see that bronze back in gin-clear water. For snapper and sheepshead, we'll hit structure spots and use light tackle for a fun fight. Our captains are always reading the water, adjusting tactics based on tides, weather, and what the fish are telling us. It's this local know-how that keeps our clients coming back year after year.
"We first met when we booked a 1/2 day with Captain Joaquin last year October 2023. We had such a great time that we booked another day that same week! We told him that we would see him in a year, we only made it 6 months as we're here now and just finished our 3rd day in a row out slamming the trout and red fish!! I caught a 32 inch and a 29 inch red fish. Please enjoy the pictures that I added and Thanks again Captain you do anything and everything to get us on FISH!!!! Until next time and CAN'T wait 😁" - Brandy
"We did a trip on Dec 6 with Joaquin Peña and had an incredible time fishing with him as our captain and guide. He was the ultimate gentleman, and his experience in fishing the bay was obvious. We caught our limit of redfish and took home a speckled trout as well. Joaquin was also a patient and gentle teacher. He worked hard to put us on fish and make sure we caught them while having a good time. My wife and I would highly recommend Captain Joaquin as your captain!!!" - Ricky
"Best fishing trip I've ever been on! Captain Joaquin is highly experienced, 43 years of being on the water. Every piece of advice he gave us worked. So if you don't listen and don't catch fish it's your own fault lol. He keeps things interesting with his humor, and makes feel like you have been life long friends. I was also impressed with the communication between the other Captains, they constantly work together all day long helping keep everyone on fish. The fish we caught were all shapes and sizes. From keeper trout to some really big redfish, and the black drum were hogs. Mother in law and wife had the fight of their life with those. Thank you Captain for helping make this vacation one of the best! See you on about a year!" - Marc
Snook: These hard-fighting fish are a prized catch in South Padre waters. Known for their acrobatic leaps and powerful runs, snook will test your skills and your tackle. They love to hang around structure, so we'll target them near jetties and mangroves. Spring and fall are prime times for snook, but with our year-round warm waters, you've got a shot at them any time.
Grey Snapper: Don't let their size fool you – these tasty fish punch above their weight class when it comes to the fight. Also known as mangrove snapper, they're abundant around structure and reefs. We typically catch them in the 1-3 pound range, but bigger ones aren't uncommon. They're sharp biters, so a quick hookset is key. The best part? They're delicious, making them a favorite for the dinner table.
Black Drum: These bruisers can grow to over 50 pounds, though we usually target the "puppy drum" in the 5-30 pound range. They're bottom feeders with a soft mouth, so finesse is the name of the game. Black drum love crustaceans, so we'll often use crab or shrimp to entice them. They're most active in cooler months, making them a great winter target when other species slow down.
Sheepshead: With their distinctive black and white stripes and human-like teeth, sheepshead are a unique catch. They're notorious bait stealers, so hooking them takes some skill – it's all about feeling that subtle bite. We find them around pilings, jetties, and other structure. They're at their peak in winter and early spring, just before they move offshore to spawn.
Redfish: The crown jewel of Texas inshore fishing, redfish (or red drum) are a blast to catch. They can grow over 40 inches, but slot-sized reds between 20-28 inches are our bread and butter. These copper-colored beauties are known for their strong runs and their distinctive black spot near the tail. We catch them year-round, but fall is particularly special when big schools of bull reds come into the bays to spawn.
Look, I could go on all day about the fish you might catch, but nothing beats experiencing it firsthand. Our 5-hour trip is the perfect taste of what South Padre Island fishing is all about. With all the gear provided and fish cleaning included, it's a hassle-free way to get on the water and into some serious action. Whether you're looking to bend a rod, fill the cooler, or just soak in the beauty of our coastal waters, we've got you covered. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait. Give us a call or book online, and let's get you out on the water. Trust me, once you fish with us, you'll be planning your next trip before the boat hits the dock.
December 16, 2023
We first met when we booked a 1/2 day with Captain Joaquin last year October 2023. We had such a great time that we booked another day that same week! We told him that we would see him in a year, we only made it 6 months as we’re here now and just finished our 3rd day in a row out slamming the trout and red fish!! I caught a 32 inch and a 29 inch red fish. Please enjoy the pictures that I added and Thanks again Captain you do anything and everything to get us on FISH!!!! Until next time and CAN’T wait 😁
June 7, 2024
We did a trip on Dec 6 with Joaquin Peña and had an incredible time fishing with him as our captain and guide. He was the ultimate gentleman, and his experience in fishing the bay was obvious. We caught our limit of redfish and took home a speckled trout as well. Joaquin was also a patient and gentle teacher. He worked hard to put us on fish and make sure we caught them while having a good time. My wife and I would highly recommend Captain Joaquin as your captain!!!
July 18, 2024
Best fishing trip I've ever been on! Captain Joaquin is highly experienced, 43 years of being on the water. Every piece of advice he gave us worked. So if you don't listen and don't catch fish it's your own fault lol. He keeps things interesting with his humor, and makes feel like you have been life long friends. I was also impressed with the communication between the other Captains, they constantly work together all day long helping keep everyone on fish. The fish we caught were all shapes and sizes. From keeper trout to some really big redfish, and the black drum were hogs. Mother in law and wife had the fight of their life with those. Thank you Captain for helping make this vacation one of the best! See you on about a year!
July 10, 2024
I recently had the pleasure of joining a friend’s fishing trip with Driftwater Charters, and it was an outstanding experience. Captain Joaquin was nothing short of amazing! His expertise, friendliness, and professionalism made the trip truly enjoyable. I can’t wait to visit South Padre again & book a trip of my own!
September 4, 2024
Black drum are the heavyweight cousins of redfish. Most we catch run 5-30 pounds, but they can get up to 90 pounds! You'll find them in brackish water around oyster beds, mudflats, and pier pilings. Spring is prime time as they school up to spawn. Drum make a croaking sound, so listen for them. They're not the prettiest fish, but put up a great fight and taste good if under 15 pounds. Use fresh crab, shrimp, or clams on the bottom. My top tip is to fish slowly - drum are methodical feeders. When you feel that telltale tap-tap, get ready to set the hook hard!
Grey snapper, also called mangrove snapper, are a fun inshore catch. Most run 10-14 inches and 1-2 pounds, though bigger ones up to 20 pounds are possible offshore. Look for them around structure like docks, reefs, and mangroves in 10-100 feet of water. They're opportunistic feeders, so live shrimp or small baitfish work great. Grey snapper are most active at night, so dawn and dusk are prime times. Anglers love their fight and excellent white meat. For best results, use light tackle and fish the bottom near structure. Let your bait sink, then reel up slowly - the bite is often subtle, so stay alert!
Redfish are one of our most popular targets here. They usually run 20-30 inches and put up an awesome fight. You'll find them in super shallow water - sometimes with their backs out of the water! Look for them around oyster beds, grass flats, and mangroves. Fall is prime time as they school up. Redfish have a distinctive black spot near the tail, which helps identify them. They'll hit a variety of lures, but live bait like mullet or shrimp is hard to beat. My top tip is to look for their tails sticking up as they feed in shallow water - sight fishing for tailing reds is as exciting as it gets!
Sheepshead are a blast to catch and great eating. Most run 1-8 pounds, but can reach 20 pounds. Look for them around structures covered in barnacles - that's their favorite food. Bridges, docks, and rock piles are prime spots. Winter and early spring are best as they gather to spawn. Sheepshead are notorious bait stealers, so a sensitive rod is key. Use live or fresh cut shrimp, fiddler crabs, or barnacles. My top tip is to use a small, sharp hook and set it quick when you feel the bite. Their human-like teeth can easily steal your bait if you're not fast!
Snook are one of the most exciting inshore species we target. They usually run 1-3 feet long but can get up to 4.5 feet. You'll find them around mangroves, docks, and other structures in shallow water. Snook are ambush predators, so they like to hang out in spots where they can surprise their prey. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they move in and out of the bays. Anglers love snook for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic jumps when hooked. The meat is also excellent eating. My top tip is to use live bait like mullet or pinfish and cast right up against structure - that's where the big ones hide. Just be ready for an explosive hit!
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 5
Manufacturer Name: SMS
Maximum Cruising Speed: 33
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 200
I recently had the pleasure of joining a friend’s fishing trip with Driftwater Charters, and it was an outstanding experience. Captain Joaquin was nothing short of amazing! His expertise, friendliness, and professionalism made the trip truly enjoyable. I can’t wait to visit South Padre again & book a trip of my own!