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Expert 8-Hour Fishing Trip on South Padre Island

  • Published Date: July 17, 2025
  • Fishing
  • South Padre Island
  • $200 - $800 price range
  • Updated Date: September 15, 2025

Summary

Ready for a full day of fishing in South Padre Island? Captain Marc's got you covered with this 8-hour trip that'll give you plenty of time to reel in some great catches. You'll be targeting popular fish like Redfish, Speckled Trout, and Black Drum in the rich waters around the island. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting out, this trip's perfect for all skill levels. Captain Marc knows these waters like the back of his hand, so he'll take you right to where the fish are biting. You can choose to fish inshore or head out a bit further, depending on what you're after. With room for two guests, it's a great chance to bring a buddy along for a day of fishing action. So grab your hat and sunscreen, and get ready to spend a full day on the water pulling in some impressive catches with Captain Marc!
Expert 8-Hour Fishing Trip on South Padre Island

Rods Bent, Reels Screaming

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Redfish caught in TX

Casting out with confidence on Laguna Madre Bay

Fishing in TX

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Clear skies and deep sea jigging: the perfect recipe for fishing bliss!

Clear skies and deep sea jigging: the perfect recipe for fishing bliss!

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Casting lines under the Texas sun’s warm glow

Angler with big fish on South Padre Island

The joy of fishing captured in every photo today

3 great fishing at south padre island

Anglers enjoying the variety of South Padre trips

Fishing in Texas

Sharing fishing skills and smiles on every charter

One person fishing in TX

Catching redfish with help from a pro guide

Redfish caught in TX

Casting out with confidence on Laguna Madre Bay

Fishing in TX

Early morning calm, late day big fish action

Redfish caught while fishing in TX

The best fishing spots found by local experts

Two people fishing at South Padre Island

Young anglers proud of their first catch

Clear skies and deep sea jigging: the perfect recipe for fishing bliss!

Clear skies and deep sea jigging: the perfect recipe for fishing bliss!

A fisherman with a catch of one fish at South Padre Island

Casting lines under the Texas sun’s warm glow

Angler with big fish on South Padre Island

The joy of fishing captured in every photo today

3 great fishing at south padre island

Anglers enjoying the variety of South Padre trips

Fishing in Texas

Sharing fishing skills and smiles on every charter

One person fishing in TX

Catching redfish with help from a pro guide

Redfish caught in TX

Casting out with confidence on Laguna Madre Bay

Fishing in TX

Early morning calm, late day big fish action

Redfish caught while fishing in TX

The best fishing spots found by local experts

Two people fishing at South Padre Island

Young anglers proud of their first catch

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Full Day Fishing: South Padre's Inshore Hotspots

Get ready to hit the water for a full 8 hours of non-stop fishing action around South Padre Island. Captain Marc knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's itching to put you on some of the best inshore fishing spots Texas has to offer. Whether you're after the hard-fighting redfish, the elusive speckled trout, or the tasty black drum, this trip's got you covered. Bring your A-game and let's see what we can reel in!

What to Expect on the Water

We'll kick things off bright and early, meeting up at the dock just as the sun's starting to peek over the horizon. After a quick safety rundown, we'll head out to where the fish are biting. Captain Marc's got a knack for finding the honey holes, so be prepared to cast into some prime fishing grounds. We'll mix it up between drifting, anchoring, and maybe even some wade fishing if the conditions are right. With a full day ahead of us, we've got plenty of time to try different spots and techniques to maximize our chances of landing that trophy fish.

Techniques & Gear Rundown

On this trip, we'll be using a mix of live bait and artificial lures, depending on what's working best that day. You might find yourself tossing soft plastics for trout one minute, then switching to cut bait for black drum the next. We'll cover everything from popping corks to bottom fishing, and maybe even some sight casting if we spot some tailing reds in the shallows. All the gear you need is provided, but if you've got a lucky rod you want to bring along, feel free. Just make sure you're ready to learn some local tricks – Captain Marc's always got a few up his sleeve that even the most seasoned anglers can appreciate.

Top Catches This Season

South Padre's inshore waters are teeming with fish, and we've been having a blast out there lately. Redfish have been on fire, with plenty of slot-sized fish and even some oversized bulls making appearances. The speckled trout bite has been consistent, especially around the grass flats and channel edges. And let's not forget about the black drum – these bruisers have been putting up quite a fight, especially near structure and in the deeper holes. Every trip's different, but that's what makes it exciting. You never know when you might hook into that personal best or that fish of a lifetime.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Black Drum: These cousins of the redfish are a South Padre staple. They might not be the prettiest fish in the sea, but what they lack in looks, they make up for in fight and flavor. Smaller "puppy drum" are perfect for the dinner table, while the big ones can top 30 pounds or more. Look for them around oyster beds and deeper channels, where they use their whisker-like barbels to root out crabs and shrimp. Black drum are here year-round, but the spring sees some epic spawning runs that can lead to non-stop action.

Summer Flounder: Also known as fluke, these flatfish are masters of camouflage and ambush predators. They're not as common as some of our other targets, but when you find them, it's a real treat. Summer flounder prefer sandy or muddy bottoms where they can bury themselves and wait for prey. They've got a mouthful of sharp teeth, so watch your fingers when unhooking! The best time to target these tasty flatfish is in the warmer months, from late spring through early fall.

Sea Trout: Speckled trout, specks, spotted seatrout – whatever you call them, these fish are a light tackle angler's dream. They're known for their delicate bite and explosive runs, often throwing in some acrobatics for good measure. We find them around grass flats, channel edges, and sometimes schooling up in deeper water. Dawn and dusk are prime times for trout, and they love to hit topwater lures – there's nothing quite like seeing a big trout blow up on a surface plug at first light. While we catch them year-round, fall and spring tend to see the biggest concentrations.

Redfish: The crown jewel of Texas inshore fishing, redfish (or red drum) are what bring a lot of anglers to South Padre. These copper-colored beauties are known for their hard fights and distinctive spot on their tail. We target them in a variety of habitats, from shallow grass flats where they leave telltale "wakes" as they cruise, to deeper holes where the big bulls like to hang out. Redfish are here all year, but the fall "bull red run" is something special, with massive fish moving into the shallows to spawn. Whether you're sight-casting to tailing reds or battling a 40-incher in deeper water, hooking into one of these fish is always a thrill.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

South Padre Island isn't just another fishing spot – it's a world-class inshore fishery that keeps anglers coming back year after year. The diversity of species and fishing environments means every trip is a new adventure. One day you might be sight-casting to tailing redfish in gin-clear shallows, the next you could be battling bull reds in the surf. The ecosystem here is incredibly rich, supported by the vast seagrass beds and the influx of nutrients from the Rio Grande. This creates a perfect environment for baitfish, which in turn attracts all our favorite game fish. Add in the year-round mild climate, and you've got the recipe for some of the best inshore fishing Texas has to offer.

Time to Book Your Spot

Look, I could go on all day about the fishing here, but nothing beats experiencing it firsthand. Whether you're a seasoned pro or it's your first time wetting a line, Captain Marc's got the skills and local knowledge to put you on the fish. This full-day trip gives you the time to really explore what South Padre has to offer, and with a max of two guests, you're guaranteed plenty of personalized attention. So why wait? The fish are biting, and there's a spot on the boat with your name on it. Give Captain Marc a call, book your trip, and get ready for a day of fishing you won't forget. Trust me, once you've fished these waters, you'll be planning your next trip before you even get back to the dock!

Learn more about the species

Black Drum

Black Drum are hefty bottom-feeders that'll give you a good workout. These bruisers typically run 5-30 pounds, but the big ones can top 90. You'll find 'em in brackish waters around oyster beds and mudflats. Spring's the prime time when they school up to spawn. Black Drum love crustaceans, so fresh crab is your best bet for bait. They've got powerful jaws built for crushing shells, so use sturdy tackle. Listen close and you might hear their distinctive drumming sound underwater. For eating, stick to smaller ones under 15 pounds - the big boys get tough and lose flavor. Here's a local trick: on calm days, look for their tails sticking up as they root around in shallow water. Cast a crab bait their way and hold on tight!

Black Drum

Redfish

Redfish, or Red Drum, are the bulldogs of the flats. These copper-colored fighters typically run 28-33 inches but can grow much bigger. Look for them in super shallow water, sometimes with their backs out of the water. They love hanging around oyster reefs, grass flats, and mangroves. Fall's a great time to target them as they school up. Redfish are famous for their strong runs and hard-pulling fight. They've got a distinctive black spot near the tail - nature's fake-out to confuse predators. For bait, live shrimp or cut mullet work well, but they'll also crush topwater lures. Here's a tip: on calm days, scan the shallows for their tails sticking up as they feed. Approach quietly and make a gentle cast - it's sight fishing at its finest. And when you get one home, the meat is mild and perfect for blackening.

Redfish

Sea Trout

Sea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are a favorite around here. These silver beauties usually run 14-24 inches and put up a scrappy fight. You'll find them in grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They love to hang around structure, so look for them near oyster reefs and channels. Spring and fall are prime seasons when water temps are just right. Trout are known for their light, flaky meat - perfect for the dinner table. They're aggressive feeders and will hit a variety of lures, from topwater plugs to soft plastics. Here's a local secret: try fishing under dock lights after dark. The trout stack up to feed on baitfish attracted by the glow. Use a quiet approach and a light jig - you might just land your personal best.

Sea Trout

Summer Flounder

Summer Flounder, or fluke, are masters of camouflage with both eyes on one side. These flatfish average 15-20 inches but can hit 26 pounds. Look for them on sandy or muddy bottoms in estuaries and offshore waters. They're ambush predators, so they'll often bury themselves and wait for prey. Fall's the best time to target them as they move to deeper waters. Anglers love flounder for their delicate, mild flavor and the challenge of hooking them. They have a sideways bite, so you've got to be quick on the set. Try drifting with live bait like minnows or mullet. Here's a tip: when you feel that telltale tap, resist the urge to jerk. Give it a three-count, then set the hook hard. These "doormats" put up a good fight and make for some fine eating.

Summer Flounder

About the Shallow Master

Company vehicle

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4

Manufacturer Name: Yamaha

Maximum Cruising Speed: 33

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 200

Ready for a full day of fishing fun on South Padre Island? Captain Marc's 8-hour trip gives you plenty of time to chase after prized catches like redfish, speckled trout, and black drum. With his expert guidance, you'll hit the best inshore spots where the fish are biting. This laid-back outing is great for anglers of all levels - whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting started. The calm bay waters make for comfortable fishing, and there's a good chance you'll reel in multiple species throughout the day. Bring your sunscreen, snacks, and enthusiasm as you spend a relaxing day on the water. With room for two guests, it's perfect for a fishing buddy trip or quality time with family. Don't miss this chance to experience some of the best angling South Padre has to offer!
Fish in the box with Capt. Marc

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Don’t miss your chance to experience the excitement of fishing in the beautiful waters of South Padre Island with Fish in the Box and Captain Marc! Book your adventure today and create unforgettable memories while reeling in your dream catch.

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