Kevin Martin
Captain

Kevin Martin

Freeport, United States
Angler's choice
50+ reviews
Captain Kevin Martin and his wife Sharon bought their beautiful 32ft Glacier Bay Catamaran, ' Size Matters' straight out of the factory in 2006 and started Surfside Beach Charters. The boat, 'Size Matters' has been the cornerstone of our business since then due to its incredibly smooth ride! The boat has been impeccably maintained! Over the years she's had several sets of new engines, new upholstery, and upgraded radar and electronics but the design remains the same and is unparalleled. The ride is amazing! If it is the least bit rough out there you will be glad you are on this boat. A couple of years later we added our 31 ft Century, 'Live Action' to our fleet so we can now accommodate groups of up to 12 using both boats. Captain Kevin put his first fish on the wall at five years old and his passion for fishing has been non stop since. Captain Kevin guided for another company before we started Surfside Beach Charters almost 20 years ago so he has 25 plus years experience fishing in this area and feels so fortunate to have been able to turn his passion for the ocean and fishing into his livelihood.
Zech T.
Zech T.
Captain
Rob G.
Rob G.
Captain

Charters

Rating

4.9
57 reviews
4.8
Boat & Equipment
4.9
Captain & Crew
4.8
Fishing Experience

What anglers say

95%
Recommend this charter
98%
Caught fish

All reviews (57)

Showing 1 – 5 of 57 reviews
  • Ronny Apimwar
    Ronny Apimwar
    Repeat angler
    us
    Texas, US
    Member since 2024
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Best for pay fishing

    Full Day Trip – Size Matters • 6 adults

    We were out there for the whole time fishing the weather was so nice and we did not get sea sick. We saw some funny looking fish luke catfish, sharks and other small fish. I wish I had my kids with me it would a good trip for them. I recommend families with kuds to charter these fishing trips. The captain was so knowledgeable and friendly. I personally thanks to the captain and his partner for being nice to me and my family members that went with them on the fishing trip. Thanks to firhing booer, snd thank you captain Kevin.

    Response from Captain

    Thank you Ronny! I know you guys were disappointed because you were under the impression that you had booked a Federal Water trip and expected to go out farther. We strictly do State Water trips which dont go past ten miles…. and on top of that it was just one of those days that the fishing was tough. We reviewed all correspondence from you and never saw any indication that you were looking for a Federal Water trip until you got on the boat with all of your gear. Had we known , we would have steered you in another direction prior to booking. I know booking on line is convenient but sometimes its nice to talk in person to avoid some of these misunderstandings but it was great meeting you guys and thank you for your kind words.

  • Ozzy Mcdaniel
    Ozzy Mcdaniel
    us
    Texas, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Highly Recommend! Best fishing ever!

    Full Day Trip – Size Matters • 4 adults

    This was the best fishing trip I’ve ever been on! Kevin and Rob were excellent! They knew where to go, what bait to use, what set up to use, and were incredibly patient, kind, and knowledgeable! I brought my 73-year-old father-in-law, and two of my kids (ages 16 and 13). They were so good and helpful with all of us. I would highly recommend using Surfside Beach Charters if you want an amazing fishing experience in the Gulf.

  • Jason Amezquita
    Jason Amezquita
    us
    Texas, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified
    NEW

    Wonderful trip!

    Half Day Trip – Size Matters (AM) • 3 adults • 1 child

    My wife and I booked these guys for my sons birthday fishing trip and we were so happy we did! They were both very good with him and got us all some great fishing in!

    Reported catch:
    Red Snapper
    King Mackerel (Kingfish)
    Mangrove Snapper
    Redfish
    +1
    Response from Captain

    Thank you! You guys were great! Your son was an absolute delight! His enthusiasm was so much fun to watch and it made our day! Happy Birthday Henry!

  • Mark Groves
    Mark Groves
    us
    Texas, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified
    NEW

    Within 40 minutes we were catching fish and nice size keepers too.

    Half Day Trip – Size Matters (AM) • 3 adults

    Captain Kevin was very professional. Our reels were never empty of bait and we were catching fish (keepers), regularly. He knows what he is doing and a pleasure to be around.

  • Aaron Suchanek
    Aaron Suchanek
    us
    Texas, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Great trip

    Half Day Trip – Size Matters (AM) • 2 adults • 1 child

    Kevin was great. Really knew his stuff. His boat made it out to the reefs with no issues. Great staff and boat. Son was sea sick so I cut it short but the time we were out there we were on the fish right away. Will definitely be doing this again but with a prescription for some motion sickness meds for my son. All in all a great trip.

    Reported catch:
    King Mackerel (Kingfish)
    Red Snapper

Real catches shared by our community

  • Young angler proudly holds a mackerel at a waterfront dock, with multiple red snapper and other fish displayed nearby beside the charter boat.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Spanish Mackerel
    Jason A.
    Jason A.
    My wife and I booked these guys for my sons birthday fishing trip and we were so happy we did! They were both very good with him and got us all some great fishing in!
  • Adult angler holding a large redfish on a center-console boat in coastal waters.
    Fish 1
    Redfish
    Ross S.
    Ross S.
    What an incredible fishing trip! The weather was absolutely perfect, with calm waters, clear skies, and just the right conditions for a great day on the water. The fishing exceeded all expectations, and we were fortunate enough to land several big fish throughout the trip.
  • Angler displaying a shark catch aboard a center-console fishing boat with another crew member nearby offshore.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +3
    Blacktip Shark
    James H.
    James H.
  • Angler proudly displaying two large Red Snapper at the dock after a successful fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Red Snapper
    Daniel G.
    Daniel G.
    we caught red snapper, catfish and a shark! Capt and first mate were badass. Put us right on the fish.
  • A variety of fish including several sharks and smaller species laid out on a dock, showcasing a successful fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    Bonnethead Shark
    David M.
    David M.
    highly recommend surside beach charters.Captain and crew were great,bite was a little slow but they got us on some good fish.
  • A group of anglers proudly displaying their catch of various shark species and a snapper on the dock after a successful fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Red Snapper
    Paul S.
    Paul S.
    sharks and catfish. The dolphins kept away the others. overall good day on the water
  • A young angler is fishing from a boat in open water, showcasing the excitement of a day on the ocean.
    Aaron S.
    Aaron S.
    Kevin was great. Really knew his stuff. His boat made it out to the reefs with no issues. Great staff and boat. Son was sea sick so I cut it short but the time we were out there we were on the fish right away. Will definitely be doing this again but with a prescription for some motion sickness meds for my son. All in all a great trip.
  • An angler proudly displaying a large Snapper while fishing on a boat in clear blue waters.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +1
    Mangrove Snapper
    William R.
    William R.
    Great crew, on fish quickly caught 7 species including a couple big cobia. We will come again.
  • A happy angler proudly displaying a large Snapper while fishing on a charter boat, with friends enjoying the day at sea.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    +1
    Mutton Snapper
    Amy Q.
    Amy Q.
    we had a great day with the crew!
  • A group of friends proudly displaying their catch of Mahi Mahi and Snapper on the dock after a successful fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Fish 2
    King Mackerel (Kingfish)
    Ryan M.
    Ryan M.

Our Fishing Locations

What's biting with Surfside Beach Charters in Freeport

The weather gets more wintery as fall draws to a close. Unpredictable weather can limit offshore trips. Inshore, Flounder is biting as well as ever, while Speckled Trout and Redfish are consistent in the back lakes and marshes.

Top catches for November

Fishing reports

Two anglers proudly displaying a large Snapper while enjoying a sunny day on the water.

Grandma was the star!

Jul 12, 2026 • Freeport
We almost cancelled this trip this morning due to thunderstorms popping off offshore. We love catching fish but safety is our first priority! All of a sudden conditions got a whole lot better and we said “Come on lets go!” Turned out to be an awesome trip and they even sent us a picture of their Kingfish on the grill! Enjoy your dinner.
Show more
Young angler proudly displaying a large Cobia while fishing offshore, showcasing a successful day on the water.

Great day on the water with the Conrad g

Jul 8, 2026 • Freeport
Kings, Mangrove Snappers and a Ling as a bonus! Fine job guys!
Show more
A family proudly displays their catch of King Mackerel on the dock, showcasing a successful day of fishing.

Kingfish showed up!

Jul 2, 2026 • Freeport
Great afternoon half day fishing charter. Not only did we get our Kingfish, but got a Cobia (Ling) too as a bonus!
Show more
Angler proudly displaying a large shark caught at the dock, showcasing a successful fishing trip.

Fish On!

Oct 17, 2025 • Freeport
It was pretty sporty out there for this mornings half day trip! Almost decided to cancel the trip due to rough seas but this group had come all the way from the Dallas area just to fish and they wanted to give it a shot! They were troopers! Had to put up with some six foot waves and even a thunderstorm and a water spout but put plenty of fish were caught and an awesome time was had and memories were made! Tagged out on our Redfish and some Black Tip Sharks! Thanks guys for a fine morning of fishing!
Show more
Two anglers proudly displaying a large Red Snapper while fishing on a boat in clear waters.

Fine day on the water!

Oct 11, 2025 • Freeport
Had a nice variety of fish today. Started the day out on the State Water reefs and got Mangrove Snappers and a 17.9 pound Red Snapper! Then headed back towards the beach and quickly tagged out on Bull Redfish.
Show more