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Get ready for a laid-back yet action-packed afternoon on the water with Down South Fishing Charters. Captain Chris knows these inshore waters like the back of his hand, and he's itching to put you on some of South Padre Island's most sought-after fish. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod, this 5-hour trip is tailored to give you the best shot at reeling in some real beauties. We're talking Redfish, Speckled Trout, Flounder, and if luck's on our side, maybe even a Snook. So grab your hat and sunscreen, and let's hit the Lower Laguna Madre for some serious fishing action.
As soon as you step aboard our Shallow Sport boat, you'll know you're in for a treat. This vessel is perfect for navigating the skinny waters of the Laguna Madre, getting us into those sweet spots where the big ones like to hide. We've got room for up to six anglers, so bring your buddies or make it a family affair. Don't sweat the gear - we've got top-notch rods and reels all ready to go. And if you want to up your game, we can grab some live bait for a little extra coin. It's all about maximizing your chances and having a blast while we're at it. Just remember, the fish might be biting, but the relaxed vibe of South Padre is always in the air.
Inshore fishing is an art, and Captain Chris is a master at reading these waters. We'll likely start by drifting over some grass flats, casting soft plastics or live bait if you opted for it. When we spot those telltale signs of feeding fish - maybe some nervous water or bait getting busted - we'll switch to sight casting. It's a rush when you can actually see the fish before you cast. We might also hit some deeper channels where the big trout like to hang out, or work the edges of oyster beds where redfish love to cruise. And don't forget about those dock lights as the afternoon wears on - that's prime time for snook and trout to get active. Whatever the fish are doing, we'll adapt our strategy to put you on 'em.
Snook: These hard-fighting fish are the prize of South Padre's inshore waters. They love to hang around structure, so we'll be targeting mangroves, dock pilings, and bridge supports. Snook are known for their explosive strikes and acrobatic jumps - landing one of these bad boys will definitely be the highlight of your trip. They're most active in the warmer months, making our afternoon trip perfect for targeting them.
Black Drum: These bruisers might not be the prettiest fish in the sea, but boy, can they pull! We often find them rooting around on the bottom for crabs and shrimp. The bigger ones, which we call "Big Uglies," can top 30 pounds and give you a serious workout. They're here year-round, but spring is prime time when they school up to spawn.
Summer Flounder: Also known as fluke, these flatfish are masters of camouflage. We'll often find them buried in the sandy bottom, waiting to ambush prey. Catching flounder requires a bit of finesse - you'll need to work your bait slowly along the bottom. But when you hook one, that distinctive headshake tells you you've got something special. They're most abundant in the warmer months, making our afternoon trip an ideal time to target them.
Sea Trout: Speckled trout are a staple of inshore fishing here. These silver beauties with their distinctive spots are known for their soft mouths, making them a bit tricky to land. But man, are they fun to catch! They often feed in schools, so when we find them, the action can be fast and furious. They're around all year, but the bigger ones, which we call "gator trout," are more common in the cooler months.
Redfish: No inshore trip would be complete without targeting these copper-colored fighters. Redfish, or red drum, are known for their powerful runs and their distinctive black spot near the tail. We often find them tailing in shallow water, their backs sometimes breaking the surface as they feed. When a big red takes your bait, hold on tight - these guys can strip line like nobody's business. They're here year-round, but fall is when they really shine, schooling up in big numbers.
There's something special about fishing the Lower Laguna Madre. Maybe it's the way the light hits the water as the afternoon sun starts to dip. Or perhaps it's the thrill of seeing a big red cruising in skinny water, its tail breaking the surface. Whatever it is, folks who fish with us tend to get hooked themselves. The diversity of species, the beautiful surroundings, and the laid-back South Padre vibe all combine to create an experience that's hard to beat. And with Captain Chris at the helm, you're not just going fishing - you're getting an insider's tour of one of the best inshore fisheries in Texas.
Listen, the fish are out there waiting, and Captain Chris is ready to put you on 'em. This 5-hour afternoon trip is the perfect way to experience the best of South Padre Island's inshore fishing. Whether you're looking to bend a rod with some friends, create lasting memories with the family, or just escape for a few hours of peace on the water, we've got you covered. Remember, we provide all the gear you need, and our Shallow Sport boat is comfortable and perfect for these waters. Just bring your sense of adventure (and maybe a cooler for your catch). Spaces fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait. Book your trip now and get ready for an afternoon of fishing you won't soon forget. And hey, even if the fish aren't cooperating (which is rare around here), the stories and scenery are always worth the trip. See you on the water!
Black drum are the bulldogs of our bays - stocky and strong. Adults average 5-30 pounds but can top 90. Look for them in shallow, muddy flats and around oyster reefs. They love crustaceans, so fresh crab or shrimp are top baits. Black drum really fire up in spring when they school up to spawn. That's when you can find big schools tailing in inches of water - it's a sight to see. They're not the fastest fish, but man can they pull. The fight is more about power than speed. Smaller ones under 15 pounds are great eating too, with a sweet, flaky meat. Here's a local secret: on calm days, listen for their distinctive croaking sound to pinpoint a school. Black drum aren't the prettiest fish, but they're a blast to catch and a South Padre staple.

Redfish are the rock stars of South Padre flats fishing. These copper-colored brutes are easy to spot with that signature black tail spot. Most run 20-30 inches in the bays, but bulls over 40 inches cruise the beachfront. You'll find them tailing in shallow grass flats or prowling oyster reefs and channel edges. Fall is prime time when big schools flood the flats. Redfish are brute force fighters - they'll peel drag and test your tackle. Their firm, white meat is top-notch eating too. To hook up, try sight-casting with gold spoons or soft plastics. When you can't see them, fan-cast jigs or live bait around likely structure. Local tip: on windy days, focus on windward shorelines. Reds often push up shallow there to hunt bait that's getting blown in.

Sea trout, also called speckled trout, are a staple in the Laguna Madre. These silvery, spotted beauties usually run 14-20 inches but can reach over 30. You'll find them around grass flats, channels, and oyster reefs in 2-6 feet of water. They're most active at dawn and dusk, especially on moving tides. Trout are known for their soft mouths, so a gentle hookset is key. They put up a decent fight with head shakes and short runs. The meat is mild and flaky - perfect for a fish fry. To catch them, try working a soft plastic under a popping cork or slow-rolling a jig along bottom. Here's an insider tip: on calm mornings, look for subtle v-wakes on the surface. That's often a trout chasing bait, and a well-placed cast can mean an instant hookup.

Snook are a prized catch around South Padre Island. These sleek predators typically range from 20-30 inches, with a distinctive black lateral line and protruding lower jaw. You'll find them lurking around mangroves, oyster bars, and dock pilings in the shallows. Spring and fall are prime seasons as water temperatures change. Snook put up an exciting fight with fast runs and acrobatic leaps. Their firm white meat is also delicious. To hook one, try working a soft plastic jerk bait or live bait like pinfish along structure edges. A local tip: fish the falling tide when snook ambush prey getting pulled out of the backcountry. Just remember, they can be tricky to land - snook have sandpaper-like jaws that can wear through your line if you're not careful.

Summer flounder, or fluke, are the chameleons of our bays. These flat oddballs can change color to match the bottom and have both eyes on one side of their head. Most run 15-20 inches but can reach over 20 pounds. You'll find them on sandy or muddy bottoms in the shallows and out to about 100 feet deep. They're ambush predators, so look for them around structure and dropoffs. Fall is prime time as they fatten up before winter. Flounder give a unique fight - they'll stay deep and use that flat body against you. Anglers love their firm, white fillets too. To target them, try drifting with live bait or working a bucktail jig slowly along the bottom. Pro tip: when you feel that telltale thump, wait a few seconds before setting the hook to let them get the bait fully.

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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 40
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 150