Hey there, fellow anglers! Ready to hit the rich waters of South Padre Island for some top-notch inshore fishing? I'm Capt. Makiolke, and I've got just the trip for you. Our 5-hour morning adventure is perfect for both newbies and seasoned pros looking to land some of Texas' most sought-after fish. We're talking Redfish, Speckled Trout, Flounder, and more. Trust me, there's nothing like feeling that first tug on your line as the sun rises over the bay.
Alright, here's the scoop. We kick off at 7 AM sharp – that's when the fish are biting and the water's calm. For $475, you and a buddy get 5 solid hours of fishing time with all the gear you need. No need to lug your own stuff; I've got top-quality rods, reels, and tackle on board. Plus, you're getting my years of local know-how to put you right where the fish are. We'll cruise the flats, hit some honey holes, and I'll show you the tricks to landing the big ones.
On this trip, we're not just casting and hoping. I'll teach you the ins and outs of inshore fishing, South Padre style. We might start with some drift fishing over grass flats, using live shrimp or artificial lures to tempt those Speckled Trout. Then we could move on to sight-casting for Redfish in the shallows – there's nothing quite like spotting that copper-colored tail in the water and making the perfect cast. If the tide's right, we might even try some wade fishing. It's all about reading the water, feeling the bite, and knowing when to set that hook.
Folks love this trip because it's the real deal. You're not just a passenger; you're part of the action. Whether you're learning to tie a new knot or reeling in your personal best, every trip is different. The waters around South Padre are teeming with life, and there's always a chance for that surprise catch – maybe a hard-fighting Jack Crevalle or an elusive Snook. Plus, the views out here? Can't beat 'em. Pelicans diving, dolphins playing – it's the kind of morning that reminds you why you love fishing.
Let's talk about our star players. First up, the Redfish. These copper-colored beauties are the pride of Texas inshore fishing. They put up a hell of a fight, often tailing in shallow water where you can spot them from a distance. Redfish love to hang around structure, so we'll target them near oyster reefs and grass flats. They're most active in the fall, but we catch 'em year-round here.
Then there's the Southern Flounder. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, blending in perfectly with the sandy bottom. They're ambush predators, so we'll use a slow retrieve with soft plastics or live bait to tempt them. Fall is prime time for Flounder as they migrate to the Gulf, but spring and summer can be productive too. Landing a big Flounder is like unwrapping a tasty, flat present – they're delicious if you're planning to keep your catch.
Don't forget about Speckled Trout. These guys are the bread and butter of inshore fishing. They school up, so when you find one, you've often found many. We'll target them with topwater lures in the early morning – there's nothing like seeing a Trout explode on your lure. They're around all year, but the bigger ones, what we call "gator trout," are more common in winter and early spring.
Look, I could go on all day about the fishing here, but nothing beats experiencing it yourself. This 5-hour trip is the perfect taste of what South Padre Island has to offer. Whether you're looking to learn new skills, catch your dinner, or just enjoy a morning on the water, we've got you covered. The fish are biting, the weather's fine, and I've got a spot on the boat with your name on it. So what do you say? Ready to make some fishing memories? Give me a call, and let's get you out on the water. Trust me, once you fish these waters, you'll be hooked for life.
Redfish are a blast to catch around South Padre. These copper-colored beauties typically run 20-30 inches and love hanging out in shallow flats and bays. Look for their tails sticking up as they root for crabs in water barely deep enough to cover their backs. Fall and spring are prime seasons when the reds school up. They put up an awesome fight, especially on light tackle. The meat's delicious too - firm and mild. For the best shot at landing one, try sight-casting with a gold spoon or topwater plug early in the morning. Just remember to work your lure slowly - redfish aren't known for their speed. And keep an eye out for that trademark black spot near the tail. It's a dead giveaway you've hooked into one of these hard-pulling inshore favorites.
Southern flounder are masters of camouflage, blending right into sandy or muddy bottoms. Most run 15-18 inches, but the big ones can top 30. You'll find 'em in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. They love to ambush prey, so look for dropoffs and structure. Fall's the best time as they migrate offshore to spawn. Flounder fishing's all about patience - they're not exactly speedsters. But man, are they tasty. That sweet, flaky white meat is hard to beat. To boost your odds, try drifting or anchoring near channels with a live mullet or shrimp. Work it slow along the bottom. When you feel that telltale thump, don't set the hook right away. Give 'em a few seconds to get the bait in their mouth good. Trust me, landing a big flounder's worth the wait.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 30
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 175