Get ready to hit the flats and bays of South Padre Island on a fishing adventure you won't forget. Our 5-hour private charter takes you right to where the fish are biting, with a local captain who knows these waters like the back of their hand. Whether you're after hard-fighting redfish or the tasty black drum, we've got the know-how and the spots to make it happen. Grab your hat and sunscreen – it's time to get on the water and see what South Padre's inshore fishing is all about!
From the moment you step aboard, you're in for a treat. Our boats are set up for comfort and fishing success, with plenty of room to cast and relax. We'll cruise the Lower Laguna Madre, hitting up productive spots where the fish love to hang out. Your captain will be right there with you, offering tips on technique and helping you read the water. Don't worry if you're new to this – we welcome anglers of all skill levels and love introducing folks to the joys of inshore fishing. And if you're an old pro? Well, get ready to swap some fish tales and maybe learn a new trick or two.
When it comes to inshore fishing in South Padre, it's all about matching your gear to the quarry. We'll be using light to medium tackle, perfect for the species we're after. Expect to throw some soft plastics, maybe bounce a jig off the bottom, or even sight-cast to tailing reds in the shallows if conditions are right. We provide all the gear you need, from rods and reels to bait and lures. Our captains are pros at reading the water and adjusting techniques based on tides, weather, and fish behavior. You might find yourself drifting grass flats one minute and working a rocky point the next – that's the beauty of inshore fishing!
"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
Redfish: These copper-colored beauties are the stars of South Padre's inshore scene. Known for their distinctive spot near the tail, redfish (or red drum) put up a heck of a fight and are a blast to catch on light tackle. They love to cruise the shallows, often revealing their location with their tails sticking out of the water as they root for crabs and shrimp. Fall is prime time for big bulls, but you can catch good-sized reds year-round. There's nothing quite like the thrill of a redfish taking your bait and making a run for it – get ready for some drag-screaming action!
Black Drum: Often overlooked by anglers chasing their flashier cousins, black drum are a South Padre staple and a fun fish to target. These bruisers can grow to massive sizes, with the bigger ones earning the nickname "Big Uglies." But don't let that fool you – they're beautiful in their own right and put up a great fight. Black drum are bottom feeders, so we'll often use natural baits like crab or shrimp to entice them. They're most active in the cooler months, making them a perfect winter target when other species might be less cooperative. Plus, the smaller ones make for some mighty fine eating!
There's something special about fishing the inshore waters of South Padre Island. Maybe it's the way the sun rises over the Laguna Madre, painting the sky in pinks and oranges. Or perhaps it's the moment when your line goes tight, and you know you're in for a fight with a quality fish. Our trips are more than just fishing – they're a chance to disconnect from the hustle and bustle, to breathe in that salty air, and to create memories that'll last a lifetime. Whether you're bringing your kids for their first fishing trip or looking to add another species to your catch list, we've got you covered. And let's not forget the potential for a fresh fish dinner – nothing tastes better than the catch you reeled in yourself!
If you're itching to get out on the water and experience some of the best inshore fishing South Padre has to offer, now's the time to lock in your trip. Our 5-hour private charters fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. Remember, we're limited to 2 guests per trip, which means you'll get plenty of one-on-one attention from your captain. Whether you're aiming to bend a rod on some redfish, battle a big black drum, or just enjoy a day on the water, we're here to make it happen. Don't let another fishing season pass you by – grab your spot on the boat and get ready for some serious South Texas angling action. The fish are waiting, and so are we!
December 2, 2020
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!
September 10, 2019
One of the BEST fishing guides on South Padre Island. Will definitely fish with him again. Thanks Captain Ronnie. The Garris family.
June 10, 2023
Capt Ronny is a great guide. Would recommend him for a bay fishing trip.
October 13, 2024
Ron is an expert outdoorsman. He will put you on the fish!!! Been fishing with him for years.
August 7, 2020
Always a great trip with Captain Ron! The day started off slow, but he put us on the trout, and we ended up limiting out. Lone Star Charters never disappoints!
August 27, 2024
Despite tough winds and challenging conditions, Captain Ron stayed determined. He kept at it and made sure we brought home dinner—another solid day on the water!
May 22, 2024
Captain Ton knows his business. He put us on the fish and made the trip very enjoyable. I will use him again.
September 6, 2024
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!
June 10, 2022
Captain Ron was fantastic—highly recommended for anyone looking for a top-notch fishing trip!
October 19, 2023
Redfish, or Red Drum, are a favorite here in South Padre. They're usually 28-33 inches long, but can grow much bigger. You'll spot them by the black eyespot near their tail - it's not just for looks, it helps fool predators. These fish love shallow water, often in just 1-4 feet. Look for them around oyster reefs, seagrass, and old structures like piers. They're year-round targets, but fall's especially good when they're feeding heavily. Redfish put up a great fight and taste fantastic - light, flaky meat that's perfect for grilling. They'll hit a variety of lures, from topwater plugs to jigs. For a real thrill, try sight-casting to them in the shallows. You can sometimes see their backs out of the water as they feed. Here's a local trick: on calm days, look for their wakes or 'nervous water' - it's a telltale sign they're moving through an area.
Black Drum are hefty fish, usually 5-30 pounds but can get up to 90. You'll find them in brackish waters and estuaries, hanging around oyster beds and muddy flats. Spring's the prime time to target them when they school up to spawn. These guys are bottom-feeders, so live bait like crabs or clams works best. They've got strong jaws that can crush shellfish, so make sure your gear can handle it. What's cool about Black Drum is the drumming sound they make - you can sometimes hear them underwater. For the best eating, keep the smaller ones under 15 pounds. The big ones can be tough and not as tasty. If you're fly fishing, go for a 9-weight rod and use weighted black flies that sink fast. Local tip: when you're fishing the flats, look for their tails sticking up as they root around for food. It's a dead giveaway and makes for some exciting sight casting.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 46
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 250
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