Top-Rated Fishing Charters in South Padre Island

Reel in the Action: SPI's Half-Day Fishing Bonanza

Ready to get your line wet in some of the best inshore waters Texas has to offer? Lone Star Charters TX has you covered with our half-day morning fishing trips out of South Padre Island. We're talking prime spots for redfish, speckled trout, and more in the rich waters of the Lower Laguna Madre. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod, our expert guides will put you on the fish and make sure you have a blast doing it.

What to Expect on the Water

Our trips kick off bright and early, so we can hit the sweet spots when the fish are most active. You'll cruise out on a well-equipped boat designed for both comfort and serious fishing. The Lower Laguna Madre is known for its clear, shallow waters - perfect for sight casting to tailing reds or drifting for specks. Our captains know these waters like the back of their hand, so you're in for a productive day. We provide all the gear you need, from rods and reels to bait, so all you need to bring is your excitement and maybe a snack or two.

Fishing Techniques & Hot Spots

On these trips, we typically use a mix of live bait and artificial lures, depending on what's working best that day. You might find yourself tossing soft plastics along grass lines for trout, or maybe sight-casting to redfish cruising the flats. If the drum are biting, we might set up to bottom fish with cut bait. Our guides are always happy to teach you new techniques or help you refine your skills. We hit a variety of spots throughout the morning - from shallow grass flats to deeper channels - to maximize your chances of a great catch.

What Anglers Are Saying

"Captain Ron was amazing! It was quite windy the day we went but still a great time. I was recommended to Captain Ron by a friend and I highly recommend him to you. We will be back again, Ron! ~ Marquess Family" - Kristina

"We caught our limit in about 3 hours out of the 5 hour trip! Ron then took us around the island and gave us a personal dolphin tour. You will not find a better Captain! Thank you for a outstanding time!" - Jeff

"Captain Ron delivered an outstanding trip! After trying other guides with less success, I finally booked with him—and he didn't disappoint. We nearly hit our limit on a 4-man trip. He was patient with my younger boys and kept the older ones focused. I appreciated both his skill and sense of humor. Captain Ron is now our go-to guide!" - Dustin

Top Catches This Season

Redfish are the star of the show in South Padre's inshore waters. These copper-colored beauties are known for their hard-fighting spirit and that distinctive black spot on their tail. In the Lower Laguna Madre, you can find them year-round, but they're especially active in the fall when they school up for their annual spawn. Reds in this area typically range from 20-30 inches, with the potential for some real bruisers over 40 inches. There's nothing quite like the thrill of seeing a tailing redfish in skinny water and making that perfect cast.

Black drum are another favorite target species on our trips. These cousins of the redfish might not be as flashy, but they put up a great fight and make excellent table fare. In the spring, we often target big spawning drum that can top 30 pounds or more. The rest of the year, we catch plenty of "puppy drum" in the 2-5 pound range. Black drum love crustaceans, so we often use live or cut shrimp to entice them. When you hook into a big one, hang on tight - they're known for powerful, bulldogging runs that'll test your gear and your arms!

While not listed as our primary targets, speckled trout (or sea trout) are a common and welcome catch on our trips. These silvery fish with distinctive spots are prized for both their sporty fight and their delicious fillets. Specks in the Lower Laguna Madre can range from 12 inches up to trophy sizes over 25 inches. They're often found around grass beds, drop-offs, and channel edges. One of the most exciting ways to catch them is with topwater lures at dawn - there's nothing like seeing a big trout explode on your lure!

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

South Padre Island isn't just a spring break hotspot - it's a year-round fishing paradise. The Lower Laguna Madre is one of the most unique ecosystems in the world, with its hypersaline waters and vast seagrass meadows providing the perfect habitat for a variety of gamefish. Our half-day trips give you a taste of this incredible fishery without taking up your whole day. It's the perfect balance of serious fishing and vacation relaxation.

Our experienced captains don't just know where the fish are - they're passionate about sharing their knowledge. Whether you're looking to learn new techniques or just want to reel in dinner, they'll tailor the trip to your goals. And with our well-maintained boats and top-notch gear, you can focus on the fishing without worrying about equipment issues.

One of the best things about fishing the Lower Laguna Madre is the variety. While we focus on redfish and black drum, you never know what might end up on the end of your line. Flounder, sheepshead, mangrove snapper, and even the occasional snook or tarpon can make an appearance. It's this element of surprise that keeps things exciting, even for seasoned anglers who've fished these waters many times before.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're looking for a fishing trip that combines world-class inshore action with the laid-back vibe of South Padre Island, our half-day morning trips are just the ticket. Whether you're a solo angler looking to scratch that fishing itch or a family wanting to make some lasting memories, we've got you covered. Remember, while we provide all the gear, the fish stories you'll take home are up to you!

Don't let another season slip by without experiencing the incredible fishing South Padre has to offer. Our trips fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to book. Give us a call or book online today, and get ready to feel that tug on your line. The fish are biting in the Lower Laguna Madre - are you ready to join them?