Hey there, anglers! Ready for some laid-back fishing action in the heart of South Texas? Captain Marc's got you covered with this sweet afternoon trip on the Laguna Madre Bay. We're talking 5 hours of pure fishing bliss, targeting some of the area's most sought-after inshore species. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, this trip's designed to get you on the fish and show you what South Padre Island fishing is all about.
Picture this: You're cruising the calm waters of Laguna Madre Bay, rod in hand, with the afternoon sun warming your face. Captain Marc knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's all about putting you on the hot spots where Redfish, Speckled Trout, and Black Drum love to hang out. We keep things simple and fun - no fancy gear required, just good old-fashioned fishing know-how and some of the best equipment in the biz. It's the perfect way to unwind after a busy morning or kick off your evening with some serious fish tales to tell.
On this trip, we're all about versatility. Depending on what's biting and where, we might be tossing soft plastics around grass flats for trout, or maybe sight-casting to tailing redfish in the shallows. Captain Marc's always got a few tricks up his sleeve, whether it's working a popping cork for some surface action or bottom fishing with live bait for those big Black Drum. We'll hit up some of the bay's best structure - oyster reefs, channel edges, and maybe even some secret spots that only the locals know about. And don't worry if you're new to this - Captain Marc's patient teaching style will have you casting like a pro in no time.
Let me tell you, the fishing's been on fire lately! We've been seeing some chunky Redfish in the 24-28 inch range, perfect for a good fight and a great photo. The Speckled Trout have been schooling up nicely, with plenty of keeper-sized fish and even a few gators (that's local speak for the big ones) mixed in. And if you're looking for some pull, the Black Drum have been showing up in force, with some real bruisers giving anglers a run for their money. It's the kind of action that keeps folks coming back trip after trip.
Black Drum: These bruisers are the bulldogs of the bay. They love to hang around structure and can grow to over 30 pounds in these waters. Black Drum are known for their strong, steady fights and their distinctive "croaking" sound. They're most active in the cooler months, but we can find them year-round. Anglers love targeting them because they're not too picky about bait and provide a great challenge on lighter tackle.
Speckled Trout (Sea Trout): Also known as Spotted Seatrout, these are the bay's bread and butter. They're aggressive feeders and love to hit topwater lures, making for some exciting visual strikes. Trout tend to school up, so when you find one, you've often found a bunch. They're most active in the early morning and late afternoon, making them perfect for our PM trip. Anglers prize them for their delicate flavor and the fun, twitchy fight they put up.
Redfish: Ah, the mighty Red Drum. These copper-colored beauties are the rock stars of inshore fishing. They've got a distinctive spot on their tail and can range from little "rats" to big "bulls" over 40 inches. Redfish love to cruise the shallows, often with their backs out of the water (we call that "tailing"), making for some heart-pounding sight-casting opportunities. They fight hard and don't give up easily, which is why they're a favorite among sport fishermen.
Summer Flounder: While not as common as our other targets, we do see these flatfish from time to time. They're masters of camouflage, blending in perfectly with the sandy bottom. Flounder have a unique sideways mouth and both eyes on one side of their head. They're ambush predators, lying in wait for baitfish to swim by. When we do hook into one, it's always a pleasant surprise - they're excellent eating and put up a surprisingly good fight for their shape.
Folks, I've been guiding these waters for years, and let me tell you, there's something special about fishing the Laguna Madre. Maybe it's the way the light hits the water as the afternoon rolls on, or the thrill of watching a redfish tail in skinny water. Could be the satisfaction of teaching a newcomer how to work a lure just right, or the shared excitement when someone in the group hooks into a real monster. Whatever it is, this 5-hour PM trip has a way of turning first-timers into regulars and casual anglers into die-hard fishing fanatics.
Alright, let's cut to the chase - if you're itching for some quality time on the water, chasing after some of the best inshore fishing South Padre Island has to offer, this is your ticket. Captain Marc's got the know-how, the spots, and the gear to make it happen. Whether you're looking to bend a rod, learn some new techniques, or just enjoy a peaceful afternoon on the bay, we've got you covered. Spaces fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait around. Grab a buddy (remember, this trip's good for two), and let's get you out on the water. The fish are waiting, and trust me, you don't want to miss out on this action. Book now, and let's make some fishing memories!
Black Drum are hefty fighters, typically ranging from 5 to 30 pounds, but can reach a whopping 90 pounds. You'll find 'em in the Laguna Madre's shallow, muddy flats and around oyster beds. These bottom-feeders love crushed crab and clams. Spring's your best bet, when they school up for spawning. Anglers dig 'em for their strong pull and distinctive drumming sound. To land one, use a slow-moving jig or live bait on the bottom. Make sure your weight matches the conditions so your bait stays put. Black Drum under 15 pounds are great eating, with a light, flaky texture. The bigger ones can be tough, so we usually release those. Pro tip: when you feel that telltale thump, give 'em a second before setting the hook.
Redfish, or Red Drum, are the bread and butter of Laguna Madre fishing. These copper-colored beauties, with their distinctive black tail spot, typically run 20 to 30 inches in our waters. You'll find them tailing in shallow flats, often in just a foot or two of water. They love to hang around oyster reefs and seagrass beds. Fall's the prime time when they school up, but you can catch 'em year-round. Anglers love Reds for their hard-fighting spirit and excellent table fare. To land one, try a gold spoon or a soft plastic shrimp imitation. Live bait like mullet or crab works great too. Here's a tip: when you spot a tailing Red, cast well beyond it and slowly retrieve your lure into its field of vision. The explosion when they hit is something you won't forget!
Sea Trout, or Speckled Trout, are a favorite around here. These silvery fish, usually 14 to 24 inches long, love our shallow grass flats and deeper channels. They're most active at dawn and dusk, especially around moving tides. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but you can catch 'em year-round. Anglers prize 'em for their fight and their delicate, flaky meat. To hook one, try topwater plugs early morning or late evening - the surface strikes are a blast. During the day, soft plastics or live shrimp work well. Here's a local trick: when it's hot, look for them in deeper, cooler water near channel edges. And remember, they've got soft mouths, so set the hook gently and keep steady pressure while reeling.
Summer Flounder, or Fluke, are masters of camouflage. These flatfish, averaging 15-20 inches, lie on the seafloor with both eyes on their left side. You'll find them in Laguna Madre's sandy or muddy bottoms, often near structure. They're ambush predators, so they'll wait for prey to come close. Best fishing is September through November when they're more active. Anglers love 'em for their tasty white meat and the challenge of detection. To catch one, use live bait like mullet or croaker, or try sea worms. Hook smaller baitfish through the eye, larger ones through the lips. My go-to trick? Use a circle hook - it's easier for flounders to bite and helps with catch-and-release. Remember, they bite sideways, so give 'em a moment before setting the hook.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 33
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 200