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World-Class Inshore Fishing | South Padre Island

  • Published Date: July 16, 2025
  • Fishing
  • South Padre Island
  • $400 - $750 price range

Summary

Join us for a productive morning of inshore fishing off South Padre Island, Texas. We'll be targeting popular catches like redfish, trout, snapper, and flounder in the coastal waters. This 5-hour trip with Drift Water Charters includes all the gear you need, plus bait, lures, snacks, and drinks. Our experienced crew knows these waters well and will help you reel in some great fish. With a 2-person capacity, you'll get plenty of personalized attention and fishing time. Once you've landed your catch, we'll even clean the fish for you. The beautiful scenery of South Padre Island provides a perfect backdrop for a day on the water. Whether you're an experienced angler or new to fishing, our team will make sure you have a fun and successful outing. It's a great way to get out on the water, enjoy some fishing action, and take in the natural beauty of the Texas coast.
World-Class Inshore Fishing | South Padre Island

Rods, Reels and Catches

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A couple fishing at South Padre Island

South Padre Inshore Action

Two people enjoying a great day at the beach in South Padre Island

Trophy Redfish at South Padre

Two people fishing at South Padre Island

South Padre Fishing Day

2 anglers fishing in TX

Morning Bites in SPI

4 fishing catches in Texas

South Padre Redfish on the Line

Redfish catch by 2 fishermen in TX

Big Catch, South Padre Style

Three anglers with a great catch of 3 large fish in TX

Reeling in Reds at SPI

Redfish caught at South Padre Island

South Padre Fishing Fun

Spotted weakfish caught fishing at South Padre Island

Hooked Up on South Padre

Redfish caught on a fishing trip in TX

Gulf Waters, Great Catch

A couple fishing at South Padre Island

South Padre Inshore Action

Two people enjoying a great day at the beach in South Padre Island

Trophy Redfish at South Padre

Two people fishing at South Padre Island

South Padre Fishing Day

2 anglers fishing in TX

Morning Bites in SPI

4 fishing catches in Texas

South Padre Redfish on the Line

Redfish catch by 2 fishermen in TX

Big Catch, South Padre Style

Three anglers with a great catch of 3 large fish in TX

Reeling in Reds at SPI

Redfish caught at South Padre Island

South Padre Fishing Fun

Spotted weakfish caught fishing at South Padre Island

Hooked Up on South Padre

Redfish caught on a fishing trip in TX

Gulf Waters, Great Catch

A couple fishing at South Padre Island

South Padre Inshore Action

Two people enjoying a great day at the beach in South Padre Island

Trophy Redfish at South Padre

Two people fishing at South Padre Island

South Padre Fishing Day

2 anglers fishing in TX

Morning Bites in SPI

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Reel in the Best of South Padre Island Fishing

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.

What to Expect 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.

Fishing Tactics That Land Results

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.

What Anglers Are Saying

"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

Species You'll Want to Hook

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.

Time to Book Your Spot

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.

Customer Reviews

Hooked by Driftwater

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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!

Read More
MS
Marissa S

December 16, 2023

Redfishing Bonanza

quotes

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 😁

Read More
BV
Brandy Vrban

June 7, 2024

Captain Joaquin Magic

quotes

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!!!

Read More
RK
Ricky King

July 18, 2024

Fishing Paradise Found

quotes

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!

Read More
MV
Marc Vrban

July 10, 2024

Driftwater Delight

quotes

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!

Read More
MS
Marissa Sandoval

September 4, 2024

Learn more about the species

Black Drum

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!

Black Drum

Grey Snapper

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!

Grey Snapper

Redfish

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!

Redfish

Sheepshead

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!

Sheepshead

Snook

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!

Snook

About the Shallow Master Flats boat

Company vehicle

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 5

Manufacturer Name: SMS

Maximum Cruising Speed: 33

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 200

Ready for an awesome day of fishing off South Padre Island? This 5-hour inshore trip has you covered! We'll hit the water early to target popular catches like redfish, trout, snapper, and flounder. No need to worry about gear or supplies - we provide everything you need, including rods, bait, lures, snacks, and drinks. Our experienced crew knows all the best spots and will share tips to help you land some great fish. As you cast your line, take in the beautiful coastal scenery around South Padre Island. When the trip wraps up, we'll even clean your catch for you. It's the perfect way to spend a morning on the water and hopefully bring home some delicious fish for dinner. Space is limited to just 2 guests, so book your spot now for a fun and productive day of Texas inshore fishing!
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Catch Your Dream in South Padre!

Ready to catch some fish in the beautiful waters of South Padre Island? Don't wait any longer! Book your trip with Drift Water Charters, Captain Joaquin Pena today and experience the thrill of reeling in big catches while enjoying the stunning scenery. Hurry and reserve your spot now before it's too late!

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