Top-Rated South Padre Inshore Fishing Trip

Published Date: July 17, 2025
Fishing

South Padre Island
$475 price range
Updated Date: September 11, 2025

Summary

Ready for some serious Texas fishing? This 5-hour morning trip on South Padre Island is your ticket to landing some prized inshore species. We'll be after redfish, speckled trout, and flounder – the stars of these coastal waters. The boat heads out at 7 AM, perfect timing to catch the fish when they're most active. Don't worry about gear; we've got you covered with quality rods and tackle. Whether you're new to fishing or have been doing it for years, our experienced captain will put you on the fish and share local knowledge to improve your technique. With room for two anglers, it's an ideal outing for a couple or fishing buddies. The pristine waters and abundant marine life around South Padre make for a great day on the water, even if the fish aren't biting. But let's be honest – we're here to catch fish, and that's exactly what we aim to do!

Top-Rated South Padre Inshore Fishing Trip

Inshore Action Shots

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 Reds and Flounders on South Padre

Hey there, anglers! Ready for a morning of hauling in some of the best fish South Padre Island has to offer? Capt. Makiolke's got you covered with this half-day trip that'll have you chasing redfish and flounder before most folks have finished their coffee. We're talking prime fishing grounds, top-notch gear, and the kind of local knowledge that turns a good day on the water into a great one. So grab your hat and let's hit the flats!

What's the Deal?

Alright, here's the scoop: We're looking at a 5-hour fishing frenzy starting bright and early at 7 AM. This trip is perfect for both greenhorns and old salts who want to tangle with some of Texas' most sought-after inshore species. You and a buddy will hop aboard Capt. Makiolke's skiff, fully rigged with everything you need to put fish in the cooler. We're talking rods, reels, bait, and all the local intel you can handle. The captain's been prowling these waters for years, so you're in for some serious fish-finding action.

Flats and Backwaters

We'll be working the skinny water and backwaters of South Padre Island, where the redfish and flounder love to hang out. Depending on the tide and conditions, we might be sight-casting to tailing reds in crystal clear shallows, or working soft plastics along dropoffs for those doormat flounder. The captain's got a few tricks up his sleeve, like using popping corks for specks or maybe even tossing out some live bait if that's what's getting the bite. It's all about adapting to what the fish want, and trust me, Capt. Makiolke knows how to read these waters like a book.

Target Species

Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are the stars of the show in South Padre. Known for their distinctive spot near the tail, redfish can grow to over 40 inches, though slot-sized fish between 20-28 inches are what we're after most days. They love to cruise the flats, tailing in shallow water as they root for crabs and baitfish. When a red takes your bait, hold on tight – these guys can peel off some serious drag!

Southern Flounder: Don't let their flat profile fool you; these ambush predators are some of the tastiest fish in the sea. Flounder like to nestle into the sandy bottom, waiting to pounce on unsuspecting prey. We'll target them along channel edges and around structure, using a slow retrieve to tempt them into biting. The 'doormat' nickname comes from the impressive size some of these flatties can reach – landing a big one is always a highlight of any trip.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Look, I've been guiding these waters for years, and there's a reason folks keep booking trips with us. It's not just about the fish – though we catch plenty. It's about that moment when the sun's coming up over the bay, pelicans are diving for their breakfast, and you're hooked up with a fish that's making your drag sing. That's the kind of experience that sticks with you, whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned pro. Plus, with our half-day morning trips, you still have time to enjoy the rest of what South Padre has to offer – beaches, restaurants, or heck, even an afternoon nap if that redfish wore you out!

What to Expect on the Water

Here's the deal: we keep things relaxed but focused. The captain will get you on the fish, but it's up to you to seal the deal. Don't worry if you're new to this – we'll show you the ropes, from how to work a lure to the best way to land that big red without losing it at the boat. And if you're an old hand? Well, get ready to trade some fish stories and maybe learn a new trick or two. We're all about having a good time while putting some serious bend in the rods.

Time to Book Your Spot

Alright, let's cut to the chase – if you're looking for a top-notch fishing experience in South Padre Island, this is it. For $475, you and a buddy get 5 hours of prime fishing time with all the gear and know-how you need to make it happen. Whether you're after your first redfish or you're gunning for that personal best flounder, Capt. Makiolke's got you covered. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't sit on your hands. Give us a call, lock in your date, and get ready for a morning of rod-bending, drag-screaming action on the flats of South Padre. Trust me, the only thing you'll regret is not booking sooner. Let's go fishing!

Learn more about the species

Redfish

Redfish are a prized catch in the shallows around South Padre. These copper-colored beauties typically run 20-30 inches, with some monsters pushing 40+. Look for them tailing in 1-4 feet of water over mud flats, grass beds, and oyster reefs. They're aggressive feeders, often creating visible wakes as they chase bait. Fall and spring are peak seasons when water temps are ideal. Anglers love 'em for their hard-pulling fights and excellent table fare. To up your odds, try sight-casting with gold spoons or scented soft plastics. My local tip: On calm mornings, cruise the flats slowly and watch for their distinctive copper backs breaking the surface – it's a surefire way to spot actively feeding reds.

Southern Flounder

Southern flounder are masters of camouflage, blending into sandy or muddy bottoms in our bays and estuaries. Most run 15-18 inches, but trophy fish can top 30. They're ambush predators, lying flat to snatch passing bait fish. Fall's the prime time as they migrate to spawn, but you can catch 'em year-round. Anglers prize flounder for their delicate, white meat and the challenge of hooking these bottom-dwellers. They're not known for long runs, but they'll give a good account on light tackle. To target 'em, try drifting or anchoring near drop-offs and creek mouths. Here's a local secret: use a slow retrieve with a bull minnow on a Carolina rig, bouncing it right along the bottom. When you feel that distinctive 'thump', give 'em a second before setting the hook.

About the Makiolke Fishing Excursions

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6

Manufacturer Name: Suzuki

Maximum Cruising Speed: 30

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 175

Hop aboard for a laid-back morning of fishing in the crystal-clear waters around South Padre Island. We'll cruise out at 7 AM for a 5-hour trip targeting some of Texas' most sought-after inshore species. You'll have a shot at hooking redfish, flounder, speckled trout, and whatever else might be biting that day. Our experienced captain knows all the local hotspots and will help you reel in some beauties. Don't sweat the gear - we've got you covered with quality rods, reels, and bait. Whether you're new to fishing or have been doing it for years, you'll enjoy casting lines in this stunning coastal setting. It's a great way to spend a morning on the water and maybe land dinner while you're at it. The boat comfortably fits two guests, so bring a friend and make some memories out on the bay. At $475 for two people, it's an awesome deal for a private fishing trip in paradise.

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