Capt. Gus's Saltwater Adventures 

4.9
(21 reviews)
 Pike Street, Port Isabel, TX 78597, United States–

Capt. Gus's Saltwater Adventures 

Port Isabel, TX, United States
–
24 ft
6
4.9
(21 reviews)

Based in South Padre Island, Texas, Capt. Gus's Saltwater Adventures provides fully guided, fully private, bay and nearshore fishing charters. On 'Sweet Caroline,' their 24' Carolina Skiff, family-friendly fishing experience and creating unforgettable memories are fully guaranteed.

The high gunnels and the spacious deck onboard provide the safest environment possible for teaching youngsters the joy of fishing. Experienced anglers will also find the desired adventure on this charter with world class sight fishing guided by an experienced captain. The boat is reliable and spacious, with enough room for 6 anglers to be casting at the same time.

Sweet Caroline comes powered by a 150 HP Yamaha VMAX and outfitted with state-of-the-art navigational electronics and safety equipment. You'll find an ice box and a live bait tank on board that will make sure your bait stays spry and your catch fresh. Snorkeling and spearfishing equipment is also available for more adventurous guests, no matter the age.

Join Captain Gus McGarraugh for the fishing experience of a lifetime. You'll be targeting trophy Trout and Redfish, as well as Snook, Flounder, Snapper, and many other species found in the incredible Laguna Madre Bay. Depending on the trip, the captain will show you the most efficient techniques, from spinning, trolling, popping and drifting to fly fishing.

You'll be provided with all the tackle, lures, and bait. Live bait is usually prepared in advance (Shrimps and Croakers) or you can catch it on your own during the trip.

After an eventful day of fishing, you can enjoy the sunset over South Padre Island, home to some of the best live music and nightlife events in the area. Is there a better way to end the day filled with fun and excitement.

Based in South Padre Island, Texas, Capt. Gus's Saltwater Adventures provides fully guided, fully private, bay and nearshore fishing charters. On 'Sweet Caroline,' their 24' Carolina Skiff, family-friendly fishing experience and creating unforgettable memories are fully guaranteed.

The high gunnels and the spacious deck onboard provide the safest environment possible for teaching youngsters the joy of fishing. Experienced anglers will also find the desired adventure on this charter with world class sight fishing guided by an experienced captain. The boat is reliable and spacious, with enough room for 6 anglers to be casting at the same time.

Sweet Caroline comes powered by a 150 HP Yamaha VMAX and outfitted with state-of-the-art navigational electronics and safety equipment. You'll find an ice box and a live bait tank on board that will make sure your bait stays spry and your catch fresh. Snorkeling and spearfishing equipment is also available for more adventurous guests, no matter the age.

Join Captain Gus McGarraugh for the fishing experience of a lifetime. You'll be targeting trophy Trout and Redfish, as well as Snook, Flounder, Snapper, and many other species found in the incredible Laguna Madre Bay. Depending on the trip, the captain will show you the most efficient techniques, from spinning, trolling, popping and drifting to fly fishing.

You'll be provided with all the tackle, lures, and bait. Live bait is usually prepared in advance (Shrimps and Croakers) or you can catch it on your own during the trip.

After an eventful day of fishing, you can enjoy the sunset over South Padre Island, home to some of the best live music and nightlife events in the area. Is there a better way to end the day filled with fun and excitement.

Gus McGarraugh
Captain
Gus McGarraugh
10 years of experience
responds within an hour

Select date to see availability

Trip availability and prices

Trip date:
Group Size:
September 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
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Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
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Night Fishing South Padre Island
Non-refundable
3 hour trip starts at 8:00 PM
Snook
Redfish
Speckled Trout
US $350
Entire boat: 2 people
Shark night charter
Non-refundable
5 hour trip starts at 8:00 PM
Shark (Hammerhead)
Shark (Blacktip)
Shark (Bull)
US $450
Entire boat: 2 people
5 Hour Trip (AM)
Non-refundable
5 hour trip starts at 7:00 AM
Seasonal trip
Nov 1 - Aug 31
Snook
Tarpon
Black Drum
Speckled Trout
+1
US $500
Entire boat: 2 people
5 Hour Trip (PM)
Non-refundable
5 hour trip starts at 4:00 PM
Seasonal trip
Nov 1 - Aug 31
Tarpon
Black Drum
Shark (Blacktip)
Flounder
+1
US $600
Entire boat: 2 people
There is 1 person looking at this charter.

Customer reviews

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Rating

4.9
21 reviews
4.8
Boat & equipment
4.9
Captain & crew
4.9
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (27)

Reviews (21)

  • Zachary Milliron
    Zachary Milliron
    us
    Wyoming, US
    •
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Best Trip Ever⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    5 Hour Trip (PM) on June 7, 2026 • 2 adults

    I can honestly say this was one of the best fishing experiences I’ve ever had. From the moment we got on the boat, it was clear that our captain genuinely cared about making sure we had a great trip and caught fish. His knowledge of the water, the fish, and the conditions was incredible, and it showed all day long. One thing that really stood out was that he actually reached out before our trip and suggested pushing our start time back because he had noticed the fish were biting later in the evening the day before. He absolutely did not have to do that, but he wanted to give us the best chance possible to be successful. That level of honesty and dedication says a lot about the kind of guide he is. He wasn’t interested in just taking us out for a few hours. He wanted us to have the best experience possible. The fishing itself was phenomenal. We caught fish all throughout the trip, including a beautiful 30 inch redfish, a stingray, and more sea trout than I could count. Every time the bite slowed down, he was already thinking ahead and moving us to another productive spot. We never spent time sitting around wondering if fish were there because he was constantly working to keep us on them. What made the trip even better was how personable he was. It felt less like hiring a guide and more like spending the day fishing with a friend who happened to know everything about the area. He was funny, easy to talk to, and made the entire trip enjoyable from start to finish. He was also a fantastic teacher. Whether it was explaining why we were fishing a certain area, helping with techniques, or sharing local knowledge, he took the time to make sure we learned something and became better anglers. I’ve been on fishing trips where the captain simply drives the boat and hopes for the best. This was the complete opposite. He worked hard the entire trip, paid attention to every detail, adapted to changing conditions, and genuinely cared about our success. You could tell he takes pride in what he does and wants every customer to leave with great memories. If you’re considering booking a charter, stop looking and book this one. Whether you’re an experienced angler or someone who has never held a fishing rod before, you’ll have an incredible time. We caught a ton of fish, learned a lot, laughed even more, and made memories that we’ll be talking about for years. This was a true five star experience in every way, and I wouldn’t hesitate to book again the next time I’m in the area. Highly recommended.

  • Katie Boul
    Katie Boul
    Repeat angler
    us
    Texas, US
    •
    Member since 2025
    •
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    life long memories!

    Shark night charter on May 28, 2026 • 3 adults

    We had a great time on our fishing trip and made some wonderful memories. The crew was friendly, helpful, and worked hard to make sure everyone had a good experience. The part that stuck with me most happened after the trip. As soon as my son got in the car, he said, “Momma, when I do fishing trips when I get older, I’m going to keep the prices low because I want people to be able to afford it and take their kids fishing and experience this.” To me, that says everything. The trip made such an impression on him that he was already thinking about how he could help other families make memories like we did. Thank you for giving us an experience we’ll be talking about for a long time.

  • Jaymee Burns
    Jaymee Burns
    Repeat angler
    us
    Texas, US
    •
    Member since 2025
    •
    5 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Big Shark Baby!

    Shark night charter on June 28, 2026 • 3 adults

    Definitely best fishing trip we’ve been on. Gus and Jimbo were very knowledgeable and hilarious. Started off catching our bait for sharks which went great, caught a few good sized fish! my brother landed a stingray and in the moment Gus guaranteed us a shark and boy was he not lying! We landed a 6’3” black tip that was roughly 150lbs! If you wanna catch big fish and some good vibes this is definitely the guy to book with. We will be booking again next summer without a doubt!!!

  • Jose Rios
    Jose Rios
    us
    Texas, US
    •
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified
    New

    worth every penny!

    Shark night charter on September 5, 2026 • 2 adults

    from beginning to end gus made the experience worth it! we caught about 14 fish between two people and ended the night strong with a 6’5 250 pound shark! honestly one of the best experiences out there I highly recommend booking i know i will when i come back.

  • Dave Hanssen
    Dave Hanssen
    Repeat angler
    us
    Texas, US
    •
    Member since 2024
    •
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    shark hunt!

    Shark night charter on August 11, 2026 • 2 adults • 1 child

    Great time out on the bay with Captain Gus and Juan. Had a great time even though we didn’t land amy shark, we did land a bunch of Trout and a ribbonfish and some skipjack. my 12 y/o son had a blast. Big thanks to Capt. Gue and Juan for a great night out on the water.

  • Charles Beery
    Charles Beery
    Repeat angler
    us
    Oklahoma, US
    •
    Member since 2018
    •
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    great night of shark fishing

    Shark night charter on July 18, 2026 • 2 adults

    cuaght a limit of trout, a big red, large stingray, and good sized black tip shark. weather was oerfect snf a great night of fishing. highly recommend Captain Gus and Juan. music was on point as well

  • Jennifer Ramirez
    Jennifer Ramirez
    Repeat angler
    us
    Texas, US
    •
    Member since 2021
    •
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Capt Gus is the truth!

    Night Fishing South Padre Island on June 12, 2026 • 3 adults

    This guy knows his fishery and knows it well. Got everyone hooked up and made sure the everyone was taken care of. You can tell Capt Gus does this purely for the love of the game. great guide and awesome dude!

  • Ryan Price
    Ryan Price
    Repeat angler
    us
    Texas, US
    •
    Member since 2020
    •
    6 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Night trip

    Night Fishing South Padre Island on June 14, 2026 • 3 adults

    The 3 hour 8pm-11pm trip was fantastic. The captain was friendly and knowledgeable. Got us on the fish quickly and had a plan to keep us on them. Recommend to anyone of any skill level fishing.

  • Hayes Kirkland
    Hayes Kirkland
    us
    Texas, US
    •
    Member since 2018
    4.7
    Verified

    Great memorable Friends and Family time

    5 Hour Trip (PM) on August 2, 2018 • 6 adults

    Shared a great time with family and friends. We had 6 people fishing. Right off the bat, we caught King Fish and then turned to Speckled Trouts in the bay. No luck with the Trouts but, that was no fault of Captain Gus'. Captain Gus never gave up taking us from one spot to another before calling it quits. The half-day trip was one for our memory box. Captain Gus is just great with the kids and putting up with the Dad's. He even cleaned and package our fish for our trip home. Thanks Again, Captain Gus !!! We will be back next year.

  • Samuel Cardenas
    Samuel Cardenas
    Repeat angler
    us
    Texas, US
    •
    Member since 2018
    •
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Fishing with Gus

    5 Hour Trip (AM) on June 8, 2018 • 2 adults

    Had a great time on capt Gus boat. He took us to great spots caught our limit on Trout within an hour and a half. Great conversation, the vibe and atmosphere were really good. I would highly recommend him to other people looking for a great day catching fish. I know we will be going again!

Rating

4.9
21 reviews
4.8
Boat & equipment
4.9
Captain & crew
4.9
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (27)

All reviews (21)

Showing 1 – 5 of 22 reviews
Krystle Pietsch
Krystle Pietsch
us
Texas, US
•
Member since 2026
The captain canceled
September 26, 2026

The charter operator canceled on trip date. This is an automated posting.

Adam Murillo
Adam Murillo
Repeat angler
us
Texas, US
•
Member since 2025
•
2 trips
5.0
Verified
Great Family Fishing Trip with Captain Gus!
Night Fishing South Padre Island on July 23, 2026 • 2 adults • 3 children

We had a great time fishing with Captain Gus in South Padre Island! My son and I were the ones fishing, while my wife and daughter came along for the ride. Gus did a great job making sure everyone felt included and acknowledged, even though they weren’t fishing. He was friendly, patient, and made the whole experience enjoyable for our family. We also tried to find some dolphins while we were out, but unfortunately they weren’t cooperating that day 😂. We really appreciated Gus making the effort to look for them anyway. Overall, it was a great family experience and a fun day on the water. We would definitely book with Gus again next time we’re in South Padre! Highly recommend!

Zachary Milliron
Zachary Milliron
us
Wyoming, US
•
Member since 2026
5.0
Verified
Best Trip Ever⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
5 Hour Trip (PM) on June 7, 2026 • 2 adults

I can honestly say this was one of the best fishing experiences I’ve ever had. From the moment we got on the boat, it was clear that our captain genuinely cared about making sure we had a great trip and caught fish. His knowledge of the water, the fish, and the conditions was incredible, and it showed all day long. One thing that really stood out was that he actually reached out before our trip and suggested pushing our start time back because he had noticed the fish were biting later in the evening the day before. He absolutely did not have to do that, but he wanted to give us the best chance possible to be successful. That level of honesty and dedication says a lot about the kind of guide he is. He wasn’t interested in just taking us out for a few hours. He wanted us to have the best experience possible. The fishing itself was phenomenal. We caught fish all throughout the trip, including a beautiful 30 inch redfish, a stingray, and more sea trout than I could count. Every time the bite slowed down, he was already thinking ahead and moving us to another productive spot. We never spent time sitting around wondering if fish were there because he was constantly working to keep us on them. What made the trip even better was how personable he was. It felt less like hiring a guide and more like spending the day fishing with a friend who happened to know everything about the area. He was funny, easy to talk to, and made the entire trip enjoyable from start to finish. He was also a fantastic teacher. Whether it was explaining why we were fishing a certain area, helping with techniques, or sharing local knowledge, he took the time to make sure we learned something and became better anglers. I’ve been on fishing trips where the captain simply drives the boat and hopes for the best. This was the complete opposite. He worked hard the entire trip, paid attention to every detail, adapted to changing conditions, and genuinely cared about our success. You could tell he takes pride in what he does and wants every customer to leave with great memories. If you’re considering booking a charter, stop looking and book this one. Whether you’re an experienced angler or someone who has never held a fishing rod before, you’ll have an incredible time. We caught a ton of fish, learned a lot, laughed even more, and made memories that we’ll be talking about for years. This was a true five star experience in every way, and I wouldn’t hesitate to book again the next time I’m in the area. Highly recommended.

Reported catch:
Speckled Trout
Gus McGarraugh
Response from Captain

dang zack gonna make me all teary! thanks my friend it was wondeful getting to know yall. see you for duck season!

Katie Boul
Katie Boul
Repeat angler
us
Texas, US
•
Member since 2025
•
2 trips
5.0
Verified
life long memories!
Shark night charter on May 28, 2026 • 3 adults

We had a great time on our fishing trip and made some wonderful memories. The crew was friendly, helpful, and worked hard to make sure everyone had a good experience. The part that stuck with me most happened after the trip. As soon as my son got in the car, he said, “Momma, when I do fishing trips when I get older, I’m going to keep the prices low because I want people to be able to afford it and take their kids fishing and experience this.” To me, that says everything. The trip made such an impression on him that he was already thinking about how he could help other families make memories like we did. Thank you for giving us an experience we’ll be talking about for a long time.

Jaymee Burns
Jaymee Burns
Repeat angler
us
Texas, US
•
Member since 2025
•
5 trips
5.0
Verified
Big Shark Baby!
Shark night charter on June 28, 2026 • 3 adults

Definitely best fishing trip we’ve been on. Gus and Jimbo were very knowledgeable and hilarious. Started off catching our bait for sharks which went great, caught a few good sized fish! my brother landed a stingray and in the moment Gus guaranteed us a shark and boy was he not lying! We landed a 6’3” black tip that was roughly 150lbs! If you wanna catch big fish and some good vibes this is definitely the guy to book with. We will be booking again next summer without a doubt!!!

FAQs about Capt. Gus's Saltwater Adventures

Capt. Gus's Saltwater Adventures offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $350 per group, additional US $75 per person after 2 guests - Night Fishing South Padre Island (3 hours)
  • US $450 per group, additional US $75 per person after 2 guests - Shark night charter (5 hours)
  • US $500 per group, additional US $100 per person after 2 guests - 5 Hour Trip (AM) (5 hours)
  • US $500 per group, additional US $100 per person after 1 guest - 5 Hour Trip (PM) (5 hours)
When you book a trip with Capt. Gus's Saltwater Adventures, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Snorkeling equipment Always available for all guests
  • Live bait well
  • Ice box
Trips booked with Capt. Gus's Saltwater Adventures include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live bait
  • Lures
Capt. Gus's Saltwater Adventures offers the following types of fishing:
  • Inshore fishing
  • Nearshore fishing
  • Wreck fishing
  • Flats fishing
  • Backcountry fishing
Capt. Gus's Saltwater Adventures offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light tackle
  • Heavy tackle
  • Bottom fishing
  • Trolling
  • Spinning
  • Popping
  • Fly fishing (Bring your own equipment)
  • Drift fishing
  • Spearfishing
Top targeted fish species with Capt. Gus's Saltwater Adventures include:
  • Black Drum
  • Flounder
  • Redfish
  • Shark (Blacktip)
  • Shark (Blue)
  • Snook
  • Speckled Trout
  • Tarpon

Your captain

Gus McGarraugh
Gus McGarraugh

Port Isabel, Texas, United States

22 Customer reviews
Typical response within an hour
Member since May 2018

Hello i am Capt. Gus. i have been a full time guide and outfitter in the lower laguna madre near South Padre Island for the last 10 years. i specialize in speckled trout, redfish and shark fishing here in our bay system. I have the perfect boat for the family looking to fish on their vacation or the most experienced angler looking for their next saltwater adventure of a lifetime. Come experience what South Padre Island is hiding in its pristine bay system we call the Laguna Madre.

Gus McGarraugh
Gus McGarraugh
22
reviews
2018
member since
~1h
response
Hello i am Capt. Gus. i have been a full time guide and outfitter in the lower laguna madre near South Padre Island for the last 10 years. i specialize in speckled trout, redfish and shark fishing here in our bay system. I have the perfect boat for the family looking to fish on their vacation or the most experienced angler looking for their next saltwater adventure of a lifetime. Come experience what South Padre Island is hiding in its pristine bay system we call the Laguna Madre.

The fish you can target

Black Drum
Black Drum
Flounder
Flounder
Redfish
Redfish
Blacktip Shark
Blacktip Shark
Blue Shark
Blue Shark
Snook
Snook
Speckled Trout
Speckled Trout
Tarpon
Tarpon
Black Drum
Black Drum
Flounder
Flounder
Redfish
Redfish
Blacktip Shark
Blacktip Shark
Blue Shark
Blue Shark

Real catches by this captain

  • worth every penny!
    Jose R.
    Jose R.
  • shark hunt!
    Dave H.
    Dave H.
  • great night of shark fishing
    Charles B.
    Charles B.
  • Night trip
    Ryan P.
    Ryan P.
  • Best Trip Ever⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
    Zachary M.
    Zachary M.
  • life long memories!
    Katie B.
    Katie B.
  • Great memorable Friends and Family time
    Hayes K.
    Hayes K.
  • July fishing trip
    Rick D.
    Rick D.
  • Fishing with Gus
    Samuel C.
    Samuel C.

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Skiffs and flats boats
Capacity
6 persons
Boat length
24 ft
Year built
2009
Restored in
2026
Boat manufacturer
Carolina Skiff
Boat type
Flats boat
Engine model
Suzuki
Powered by
1 x 200HP
Max cruising speed
45 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

Inshore Fishing
Nearshore Fishing
Wreck Fishing
Flats Fishing
Backcountry Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle
Bottom Fishing
Trolling
Spinning
Popping
Fly Fishing
Drift Fishing
Spearfishing

Which amenities are available onboard

GPS
Fishfinder
Snorkeling equipment
Always available for all guests
Live bait well
Ice box
What's included in the trip price
Rods, reels & tackle
Live bait
Lures

How cancellations work

Deposit non-refundable

If it is unsafe to travel, you may still cancel free of charge or change the date(s) of your booking.

More details

What the listing policies are

Pickup included in price
Transfer from hotels or jetties in Port Isabel to departure site is available and included in trip rates.
Child friendly
No minimum age, life jackets supplied
You keep catch
Catch and release allowed
Disabled accessible

How you can pay

Book with 15% deposit, pay rest to captain

When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 15% deposit to guarantee your reservation.

The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:

 Cash

 Checks

 Bank transfer

What’s biting in Port Isabel right now

Black DrumBlack Drum
FlounderFlounder
RedfishRedfish
Shark (Blacktip)Shark (Blacktip)
SnookSnook
Speckled TroutSpeckled Trout
TarponTarpon

Compare similar fishing charters

Current
Capt. Gus's Saltwater Adventures
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4.9
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24 ft
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Fish 1
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+6
3 hour trip • 6 persons
US $350