South Padre Island is Texas’ hottest fishing spot. Drop your line from a boat, a pier, or cast out into the surf. Tackle an 800-pound Marlin or maybe a state-record Wahoo in the Gulf of Mexico. The Laguna Madre Bay swells with trophy speckled trout, redfish, and flounder. Whether shallow boat fly-fishing in the hyper-saline waters of the Laguna Madre, pole fishing from the white sandy beaches, or dropping a line in the deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico, fishing does not get much better than what you find at South Padre Island.
South Padre Island fishing offers experiences for every skill level. It does not matter if you are not sure how to even hold a fishing pole, you too can experience the thrill of reeling in “the Big One!” And if that does not happen we are confident you will have little trouble telling the story about “the one that got away.”
There are a number of places where individuals, groups, or families can go to experience the fun of fishing. You do not need fishing poles, tackle or bait, only the confident determination that when a fish hits your hook you can reel it in. Midway up South Padre Island on Laguna Blvd are several charter boats that do 3 to 4-hour tours. There are similar charters in Port Isabel just across the Queen Isabella Memorial Causeway.
If being on a boat is not for you the pier in Port Isabel is a good place to go, particularly at night. Equipment and bait are available. If you plan on spending the night on the pier it is a good idea to take and a couple of chairs and an ice chest. The ice chest is for the fish you will catch, of course, though you might include a few drinks.
At the southern end of the island, before the entrance of Isla Blanca Park and across from the entrance to the Beach Park at Isla Blanca waterpark entrance, is a marina and dock area with a myriad of opportunities to rent a boat on your own or find guides for both shallow water and deep-sea fishing. However, we would not count on locals giving up their favorite fishing holes. For that reason, we suggest any of the great local fishing guides listed below.
August through September is tournament season in South Padre Island. Fishing enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels take part in several annual Fishing Tournaments all along the coast. Visit our City of South Padre Island Convention & Visitors Bureau website for our annual lineup of fishing tournaments in the area.
Our South Padre Island fishing guides and charter boats can help you hook up!
Captain Jack Barton
www.captainjackbarton.com
956-433-1092
Go Fish Boat Rentals
White Sands Marina
Boat Rentals and Fishing Charter
956-533-7543
Angler’s Choice Guide Service
Capt. Gary Farmer
956-459-0594
Visa/Mastercard
captaingaryf@yahoo.com
Blast to Cast Guide Service – Mike Knox
-½ Day Fishing Charters
-1/2 Day Duck Hunting
-Combo fishing and Hunting
Redfish, Trout, Flounder
Amateur to Avid Angler Welcome
U.S. Coast Guard Licensed
www.blasttocast.com
blast2castspi@yahoo.com
(956) 243-0039
Aloha Charters
208 W Corral
956-761-4426
www.alohacharters.com
alohaspi@aol.com
Gladiator II Offshore Fishing Adventures
Capt. Terry Hansen
1009 Tarpon Ave.
Port Isabel, TX 78578
(956)572-4204
(956)572-6667
patricia@gladiatorIIadventures.com
Happy Tide
Captain Larry Langford
Blue Horizon – Capt. Steve’s Offshore Charters
956-571-3138
956-943-2031
www.elcapitansteve.com
ElCapitanSteve@yahoo.com
Padre Fishing & Hunting
956.739.2142
dotsnspots@hotmail.com
Captain Murphy’s Fishing
956-761-2764
The Murphy Captains’ collective experience takes you and your mates fishing! We’ve fished the waters of the Gulf of Mexico waters since 1961. Consistently providing the sport fisherman and the family vacationers looking for the fishing experience of a lifetime for over 45 years. Captain Murphy’s Fishing Charters presently runs 2 offshore vessels- The Thunderbird and The Murphy’s Law, and the bay fishing vessel, The Hard Bottom.
Your choice of full-day offshore and half-day bay excursions will provide an overwhelmingly satisfying experience for the seasoned angler and novice alike.
Don’t miss this fun during your stay in beautiful South Padre Island. Call now!
Captain Randy’s Charters
956-761-1663
Sea Ranch Marina
1 Padre Blvd. Ste C
www.captrandy.com
randy@captrandy.com
Captain Toddieie’s The Pelican Services
We offer INSHORE fishing trips in the Lower Laguna Madre and specialize in Sight casting for Redfish and Trout. We show you the beautiful, crystal clear waters of the back bays and the pristine conditions that make our bay system the unique paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and fishermen of all levels. We offer OFFSHORE fishing trips aboard custom Sportfishing boats. We specialize in trolling for Mahi Mahi, Kingfish, Wahoo, Tuna, and of course…Sailfish and Marlin. Call us for a “DAY of FUN”…a Fisherman’s Paradise!
(956) 434-1613 or (832) 689-5955
www.ThePelicanServices.com
What to Do With Your Catch…
If the whole family did not make the fishing trip, a good way to make it up to them is to bring your catch to any number of local restaurants who will prepare your fish the way you like it! Of course, with their own special touch. Be sure to call ahead.