Expert-Guided South Padre Inshore Fishing Adventure

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

South Padre Island
$475 price range

Summary

Hop aboard for a 5-hour inshore fishing trip in South Padre Island's prime waters. You'll be targeting popular catches like redfish, speckled trout, and flounder. Capt. Makiolke knows these waters like the back of his hand and will put you on the fish. Whether you're new to fishing or have years of experience, there's plenty of action to be had. The boat has room for two, so bring a buddy and get ready to reel 'em in. You'll cruise to some local hotspots and learn the ins and outs of inshore fishing techniques. Don't forget your camera – you might just land that trophy catch to brag about later. It's a great way to spend an afternoon on the water and experience the best of South Padre Island fishing. Just remember to pack some snacks, sunscreen, and a good attitude. The fish are waiting!

Expert-Guided South Padre Inshore Fishing Adventure

Reels and Rods

8 spotted weakfish and redfish caught on a fishing trip at South Padre Island

Limited out on South Padre Island, TX.

Casting into the Gulf’s deep blue.

Redfish caught while fishing at South Padre Island

Catch, clean, and eat – South Padre style!

Snook, a 24-inch fish, caught while fishing in TX

Fishing fun

Reel in the Fun: 5-Hour Inshore Fishing Adventure

Hey there, fellow angler! Ready to wet a line in some of the best inshore fishing spots South Padre Island has to offer? Capt. Makiolke's 5-hour PM trip is your ticket to hooking into some serious action. We're talking redfish tailing in the shallows, speckled trout smashing topwaters, and maybe even a doormat flounder if luck's on our side. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, this trip's got something for everyone. So grab your hat and sunscreen, and let's hit the water!

What to Expect on the Water

Picture this: You're cruising through the crystal-clear Laguna Madre, the late afternoon sun warming your face as we hunt for signs of fish. Capt. Makiolke's got years of experience under his belt, so he knows all the honey holes where the big ones like to hang out. We'll be targeting prime spots like grass flats, oyster reefs, and channel edges – wherever the bite is hottest that day. With room for two anglers, this trip is perfect for you and a buddy to share some quality time on the water. Just remember, we don't provide meals on this one, so pack some snacks to keep your energy up while you're reeling in the big ones!

Top Catches This Season

Alright, let's talk fishing techniques. Depending on what's biting, we might be sight-casting to tailing redfish in skinny water – man, there's nothing like watching that bronze back light up when it spots your lure! Or maybe we'll be working soft plastics along drop-offs for some hefty speckled trout. If the flounder are in, we'll break out the jigs and work them nice and slow along the bottom. Capt. Makiolke's got all the gear you'll need, from light tackle spinning setups to baitcasters if that's your style. He'll show you the ropes if you're new to this kind of fishing, or swap tips and tricks if you've been around the block a few times. Either way, you're in for some world-class inshore action!

Species You'll Want to Hook

Let's dive into the stars of the show – the fish we'll be chasing on this trip. First up, we've got the redfish. These copper-colored bulldogs are a favorite among South Padre anglers, and for good reason. They'll test your drag and your biceps, especially when they're cruising the shallows. Redfish love to hang around structure, so we'll be targeting them near grass beds and oyster reefs. The best part? They're active year-round, but fall is when they really turn on, with big schools roaming the flats.

Next, we've got the southern flounder. These flatfish might not look like much, but don't let their appearance fool you – they're some of the tastiest fish in the sea. Flounder are ambush predators, so we'll be working the bottom near drop-offs and channels. They're most active in the cooler months, with the fall run being prime time to catch a real doormat. When you hook into a big flounder, it's like reeling in a dinner plate – and trust me, they fight harder than you'd think!

While they're not our primary targets, we might also run into some speckled trout. These spotted beauties are known for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights. They love to hit topwater lures, especially early in the morning or late in the evening. Specks tend to school up, so when we find them, it can be non-stop action. They're around all year, but spring and fall are usually the best times to target the big ones.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

You know, there's something special about fishing the waters around South Padre Island. Maybe it's the way the sun sets over the Laguna Madre, painting the sky in a million shades of orange and pink. Or maybe it's the thrill of watching a redfish tail in inches of water, its back barely breaking the surface. Whatever it is, this place has a way of getting under your skin. Capt. Makiolke's been fishing these waters for years, and he still gets excited every time he steps on the boat. That's the kind of passion you want in a guide – someone who treats every trip like it's their first.

And let's not forget the variety. One minute you're sight-casting to redfish, the next you're working a soft plastic for trout, and then you might be drifting for flounder. It's like three trips in one! Plus, with the shallow waters and protected bays, the fishing here is great even when the offshore boats are stuck at the dock. It's no wonder anglers from all over keep coming back to wet a line in these waters.

Time to Book Your Spot

Alright, folks, let's wrap this up. If you're looking for a fishing trip that combines world-class inshore action with the laid-back vibe of South Padre Island, Capt. Makiolke's 5-hour PM adventure is your ticket. Whether you're dreaming of battling a bull red, finessing a flatfish, or just soaking up some Texas sun on the water, this trip's got you covered. Remember, we've only got room for two anglers, so don't wait too long to book. The fish are biting, the weather's perfect, and Capt. Makiolke's ready to put you on some serious action. So what are you waiting for? Grab your fishing buddy, give us a call, and let's make some memories on the water. Trust me, your only regret will be not doing it sooner. See you on the boat!

Learn more about the animals

Redfish

Southern Flounder are masters of camouflage, blending into sandy or muddy bottoms in our shallow bays and estuaries. These flatfish typically run 15 to 18 inches long, though the big ones can stretch to 33 inches and weigh up to 20 pounds. You'll find them year-round, but the best action is in fall when they migrate offshore to spawn. Flounder fishing is all about patience and precision. We'll drift or anchor over likely spots, using light tackle and live bait like bull minnows or mullet. Their unique sideways strike can be tricky to detect, so stay alert. When you hook one, it's a different kind of fight – they don't make long runs, but they'll use that flat body to resist all the way to the boat. Flounder are prized for their delicate, white flesh, making them a favorite for the dinner table. Here's a local tip: when you feel that telltale thump, count to three before setting the hook. It gives the flounder time to get the bait in its mouth, increasing your chances of a solid hookup.

Southern Flounder

Redfish, or red drum, are the bulldogs of our inshore waters. They're easy to spot with that distinctive black dot near the tail – sometimes they'll have multiple spots. Most reds we catch run 20 to 30 inches, but they can grow much bigger offshore. You'll find them in super shallow water, often tailing in less than a foot of water around oyster reefs and grass flats. Fall and spring are prime times, but we catch them year-round here. Reds put up a stubborn fight, often making powerful runs and even some jumps when hooked. They're not picky eaters, hitting everything from live bait to artificial lures. Topwater fishing for reds is a blast – nothing beats seeing that big copper back come up and smash your lure. For a sure bet, try a gold spoon or a soft plastic under a popping cork. These fish are great eating too, with a mild, sweet flavor that's hard to beat. Local tip: look for nervous bait or disturbed water in the shallows – that's often a dead giveaway for feeding reds.

About the Makiolke Fishing Excursions

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Suzuki

Maximum Cruising Speed: 30

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 175

Ready for an awesome afternoon of fishing in South Padre Island? This 5-hour trip takes you to some killer inshore spots where you can try your luck at catching redfish, speckled trout, flounder, and more. Whether you're a pro angler or just starting out, these waters are packed with fish waiting to bite. The captain knows all the best local honey holes to maximize your chances. With room for two, it's perfect for a fun outing with a buddy or significant other. Grab your hat and sunscreen, and get ready to spend a relaxing evening on the water reeling in some great catches. Who knows - you might even land that trophy fish you've been dreaming about. The memories and fish stories from this trip will have you coming back for more. Book your spot now before they fill up!

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