Fishing charters in South Padre Island, TX

South Padre Island is an excellent fishing destination for those who want to try inshore, flats, and offshore fishing.

South Padre Island fishing charters target variety of fish including species like Redfish, Southern Flounder, Black Drum, Spotted Seatrout, and many more.

Inshore fishing charters in South Padre Island

South Padre Island is famous for its inshore fishing grounds. From the exciting Tarpon fishing to the night Snook fishing trips, there’s something for anglers of all tastes and all ages.

South Padre Island fishing charters will put you on Redfish, Southern Flounder, Black Drum, Spotted Seatrout, and many more.

Inshore fishing trips are very popular with families, couples, and small groups of friends.

Inshore fishing trip prices

On average, the price for a 4-hour inshore fishing trip is $465 for 2 people. Add $50 for an each additional person. Fishing charters can accommodate up to 6 persons depending on the capacity of the boat.

The cheapest rates start at $200 for a 2-hour inshore fishing trip near South Padre Island.

There are more than 41 fishing companies in South Padre Island and nearby cities. So you'll have a variety of options for your next fishing adventure.

Best time for inshore fishing

The best months for inshore fishing near South Padre Island are August, July and June.

Popular inshore fish species

• Redfish
• Southern Flounder
• Black Drum
• Spotted Seatrout
• Snook

Popular inshore fishing charters

• Down South Fishing Charters from $425.00
• Big Mother Bay Fishing from $500.00

Offshore fishing charters in South Padre Island

If you're looking for an offshore fishing adventure, South Padre Island is the perfect place to go. With various fish waiting to be caught, you're sure to have a great time.

South Padre Island fishing charters will help you to land King Mackerel, Red Snapper, Jack Crevalle, Cobia, and many more.

Offshore fishing trips are good for experienced anglers, groups for friends, and those who want to reel in a bigger catch. Be ready to travel into the federal waters miles off the coast.

Offshore fishing trip prices

$770 is the average price for a 4-hour offshore fishing trip and 2 people. Add $50 for an each additional person. Captains can take 4-6 anglers depending on the length of the boat.

$595 is the lowest price for a 4-hour offshore fishing trip in South Padre Island.

You can find more than 29 fishing charters in South Padre Island and nearby cities. It’s easy to find your next fishing outing in South Padre Island.

Tip: It’s better to take a 6-hour or 8-hour offshore fishing trip for the best fishing experience. Offshore fishing spots are away from the coast, so you will need some time to get there.

Standard tips are 15-20% of the price you paid for your charter if the crew did a good job.

Best time for offshore fishing

The best months for offshore fishing near South Padre Island are August, July and June.

Popular offshore fish species

• King Mackerel
• Red Snapper
• Jack Crevalle
• Cobia
• Amberjack

Popular offshore fishing charters

Family-friendly fishing charters in South Padre Island

South Padre Island family-friendly fishing charters offer a great opportunity to bring your family together and have a fun fishing trip. The Captain will show you and your family various fishing techniques and teach you about different fish species.

Inland waters include creeks, flats, harbors, and small bays. Inshore waters are ideal for family fishing because of the shallow depths and calm waves.

Family-friendly fishing trip prices

A family-friendly 4-hour fishing trip could be a perfect choice for a group with kids. The kids will learn more about fish species and won’t get bored.

On average, the price for a 4-hour family-friendly fishing trip is $436 for 2 guests. Add $50 for an extra angler. Fishing charters can accommodate 4-6 anglers depending on the size of the vessel.

Popular family-friendly fishing charters

Shark fishing charters in South Padre Island

Sharks are one of the most famous game fish in the waters of South Padre Island. South Padre Island shark fishing charters are committed to providing you with an exciting fishing experience.

There are a lot of options for your next shark fishing trip near South Padre Island. These waters are filled with Blacktip Shark, Bonnethead Shark, Bull Shark, and many more.

Note: you can keep certain Texas shark species, but most sharks are off-limits for harvesting. These sharks have to be released. But don't worry about shark identification. Your Captain will assist you.

Sharks can be found in offshore and inshore waters. Depending on the size, sharks could be found from the shallow grounds to the offshore waters.

Sharks will eat almost any live bait. Live or dead bait may include Mullet, Ladyfish, Bonita, and Blue Runner. Your Captain will provide the proper bait for your shark fishing trip.

Shark fishing trip prices

On average, the base price for a private 4-hour shark fishing charter is $522 for 2 anglers. An extra angler fee is $50. Captains can take 4-6 persons depending on the length of the craft.

You can find 13 fishing charters in South Padre Island and nearby cities. So you'll have a variety of options for your next fishing adventure.

Best time for shark fishing in South Padre Island

Sharks are active all year round in South Padre Island, though they are more plentiful from March through October.

Popular shark species

• Blacktip Shark
• Bonnethead Shark
• Bull Shark

Popular shark fishing charters

Tarpon fishing charters in South Padre Island

Tarpon fishing is the most exciting fishing trip you can have in South Padre Island. South Padre Island guides specialize in Tarpon fishing. They are ready to share the best fishing practices with all the customers on their charter.

Tarpon prefer to reside in shallows, bays, flats, and rivers. The go-to bait for Tarpon fishing would be shrimps, pinfish, mullet, and crabs.

Note: Catch-and-release-only when fishing for Tarpon. Tarpon over 40 inches must remain in the water. So be very careful with your trophy, take a quick photo, and release your catch.

Tarpon fishing rates

On average, the price for a 6-hour Tarpon fishing trip is $580 for 2 guests. An extra person fee is $50.

15 fishing guides can arrange Tarpon fishing near South Padre Island.

Best time for Tarpon fishing in South Padre Island

Late spring and summer are the best seasons to go after Tarpon in South Padre Island waters. The peak months for Tarpon fishing are November, October, and September.

Popular Tarpon fishing charters

FAQ

What is included in the price?

Most trips are all-inclusive. Captains provide all the necessary fishing equipment, bait, and cooler with ice. Usually, Captains clean anything that you catch.

The trip price does not include a fishing license. You have to buy one to fish in Texas. We recommend visiting TPWD website. TPWD offices, tackle shops or grocery stores across the state sell licenses as well.

A Fishing charter has to have a federal permit if you are planning to fish in the federal waters.

What to bring on a fishing charter trip?

Depending on the weather, Captains recommend bringing sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, long sleeve shirt, hat, windbreaker, waterproof jacket, waterproof pans, appropriate non-skid footwear, gloves, your medicines, bug bite cream, sanitizer, drinks, and snacks.

Bring your freshwater license if you are planning to fish in the freshwater.

Some Captains don’t recommend bringing spray sunscreen, liquor, weapons, fireworks, and inappropriate footwear.

How to book a fishing charter trip?

You can reserve a trip with a 10-30% deposit.

The remaining balance has to be paid directly to the Captain on the day of your trip or upon arrival.

The deposit could be refunded if you cancel the trip before the cancellation deadline. On average, a free cancellation deadline is 2-14 days before the trip date. Keep in mind that some of the bookings could be non-refundable.

What are the closest boat ramps and marinas to South Padre Island?

Here is the list of popular meeting points near South Padre Island:

• Pelican Point Marina, 40 Tarpon Ave — 15 mins from South Padre Island
• 211 W Swordfish St — 3 mins from South Padre Island