Premier 5-Hour Inshore Fishing on South Padre Island

Half Day Afternoon Inshore Trip - South Padre Island

Looking for the perfect way to spend your afternoon on South Padre Island? Captain Marc's 5-hour inshore fishing adventure in Laguna Madre Bay is exactly what you need. This isn't some rushed tourist trap – it's a genuine fishing experience where you'll actually catch fish and learn something along the way. Whether you're bringing the family, celebrating with friends, or just want to get away from the crowds on the beach, this trip delivers the goods. The afternoon timing is perfect too – you'll avoid the early morning rush and still have plenty of daylight to work the best spots around the island.

What to Expect on the Water

This 5-hour afternoon trip takes you into the protected waters of Laguna Madre Bay, where the fishing is consistently good and the ride is comfortable for everyone on board. Captain Marc knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll put you on fish – that's a promise. The boat handles up to 4 people max, but the base rate covers 2 guests, making it perfect for couples or small groups who want personalized attention. You'll be targeting the holy trinity of Texas inshore fishing: redfish, speckled trout, and black drum. These aren't just fun to catch – they're excellent eating fish that'll make your trip home even better. The captain provides all the gear you need, from rods and reels to bait and tackle, so you can focus on what matters most – catching fish.

Techniques & Prime Spots

Captain Marc runs a top-notch inshore operation with quality gear that gets the job done. You'll be fishing with medium-action rods perfectly matched to the species you're targeting, using everything from live shrimp to soft plastics depending on what the fish want that day. The beauty of Laguna Madre Bay is the variety of structure and habitat – shallow grass flats where redfish cruise, deeper channels where trout hang out, and oyster reefs that hold black drum. Marc's approach is all about efficiency and keeping lines in the water. He'll have you rigged up and ready to go in no time, whether you're switching baits, landing fish, or moving to the next spot. The afternoon timing works great because you'll hit different areas as the light changes, giving you multiple shots at different species throughout the trip.

What Anglers Are Saying

"Being our first-time, I didn't know what to expect. I was hopeful my sons and I would catch 2-3 fish and we caught 12 fish total. We kept 8 good-size black drum fish and have enough filets to have a fish fry party when we return home. We enjoyed the boat ride and from start to finish, Captain Marc was very patience, knowledgeable and skilled in giving us an excellent fishing experience. Captain Marc was always willing to answering my sons' questions and assisting them in the art of saltwater fishing. My oldest son said fishing outing was his favorite activity during our vacation on the island. On our return trip to the dock, we were thrilled to have time to seeing several groups of dolphins enjoying the day. Finally, I appreciate Captain Marc's wife for taking photos and videos so we share our experience with family and friends at home. We definitely plan on returning for another fishing outing in the future." - Ann M.

"Booked last minute day before and had a great time! Captain Marc was super chill, fun, and helpful! He got us out there on some reds and trout in a couple different spots and let us get at it. Most impressive thing was how quick he'd get us set up to have lines in the water as much as possible, whether it was putting new bait on, getting a fish off the hook, or fixing a rod up if it was tangled, we always had a line in. Very cool boat with plenty of space to get after it!" - Jordan

Target Species Breakdown

Redfish are the crown jewel of Texas inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters are aggressive, fun to catch, and absolutely delicious. In Laguna Madre Bay, you'll find them cruising the shallow flats and around structure year-round, but they're especially active in the afternoon when the water warms up. Reds typically run 18-28 inches in these waters, with plenty of slot-size fish that are perfect for the dinner table. What makes them special is their fight – they'll make powerful runs and use their broad tail to bulldoze you around. Captain Marc knows exactly where to find them, whether they're tailing in skinny water or schooled up around oyster reefs.

Speckled trout are the bread and butter of South Texas fishing, and they're incredibly fun to catch on light tackle. These beautiful fish with their distinctive spots are found throughout Laguna Madre Bay, especially around grass beds and drop-offs. The best part about trout fishing here is the consistency – you can catch them year-round, though the afternoon bite can be fantastic when conditions are right. They average 14-18 inches, with bigger fish always possible. Trout have a delicate mouth, so the fight is more about finesse than power, making them perfect for anglers of all skill levels. Plus, they're outstanding eating fish with sweet, flaky white meat.

Black drum are the heavyweights of the inshore world, and Laguna Madre Bay has some excellent fishing for these bruisers. These fish can range from smaller "puppy drum" around 2-5 pounds up to massive bulls that can exceed 30 pounds. What's cool about black drum is they're often overlooked by other anglers, but they're incredible fighters and surprisingly good eating when they're the right size. They love structure like oyster reefs, bridge pilings, and channel edges where they feed on crabs and shrimp. The afternoon hours can be prime time for drum fishing, especially around structure where they feel comfortable feeding. When you hook into a good one, you'll know it – they use their size an