Search
Crystal Flats Guide Service
Charter operator

Crystal Flats Guide Service

Port Isabel, United States
25+ reviews
# Experience Premier South Padre Island Fishing with Captain Cliff Fleming Hello! I'm **Captain Cliff Fleming**, and for me, the water isn't just a destination—it's a way of life. My journey began in the rich coastal waters of the Rio Grande Valley where, by the 8th grade, I was already guiding anglers to their first big saltwater catches. Decades later, that same drive pushes me to be on the water every single day. My mission is simple: **To share the thrill of the catch with you.** Whether you are a seasoned pro looking for a challenge, a family on vacation, or a total beginner picking up a rod for the first time, I am here to guide you, teach you, and immerse you in the local lore of South Texas. ## Why Book Your Adventure with Captain Cliff? When you step onto my boat, you aren't just booking a charter; you're gaining access to a lifetime of local expertise and a professional standard of service. ### ⚓ Unmatched Professionalism I am a **USCG Licensed Master (100 Ton/GRT)** Charter Captain. That means you are in the hands of a highly qualified professional with decades of hands-on experience navigating the unique currents and honey-holes of South Texas. ### ? Top-Tier Equipment Success on the water requires the right tools. I provide **state-of-the-art gear** and a meticulously maintained, high-quality vessel designed to keep your bay fishing trip comfortable, safe, and—most importantly—productive. ### ? More Than Just a Guide I pride myself on being easy-going, friendly

Charter

Rating

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

What anglers say

97%
Recommend this charter
94%
Caught fish

All reviews (35)

Showing 1 – 5 of 35 reviews
  • Timothy Gertson
    Timothy Gertson
    us
    Texas, US
    •
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Great guide!

    5 hr special price AM or PM • 3 adults • 2 children

    Captain Cliff was awesome. Super chill and he put us on the fish.

    Response from Charter operator

    Thanks Timothy you and your son were a pleasure to fish with. Here's another angle of that 25 inch smoking trout.

  • Jose E Delgado
    Jose E Delgado
    Repeat angler
    us
    Texas, US
    •
    Member since 2025
    •
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Will Fish any Time with Captain Clif

    4 hr trip Am • 3 adults • 1 child

    We Had a Great get away Time, My wife, Daughter and i had a great time Fishing! Captain Clif was Very Patient Teaching our 10 Yr old Daughter how to properly cast the Fishing Rod , She Got it ! Thanks

    Response from Charter operator

    ​JD, thank you so much for the excellent review and the five-star rating! I am truly delighted that your family had such a memorable experience and that you all enjoyed the fish meal. It was a pleasure to see the whole family, especially your daughter, enjoying the fishing experience. I wholeheartedly encourage more families to take time away to enjoy the outdoors together. I look forward to hosting you again on your next trip to South Padre Island!

  • Dan Leanna
    Dan Leanna
    us
    Wisconsin, US
    •
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Port Isabel bay fishing

    5 hr special price AM or PM • 2 adults

    Captain Cliff did an outstanding job today! Nice boat and tackle. Moved around to find the fish. Speckled trout and Red Drum. Enjoy your trip my friends. Dan and Julie from Wisconsin. GPG!

    Reported catch:
    Redfish
    Speckled Trout
    Response from Charter operator

    Thanks Dan see you in a week or two for round 2. Looking forward to it.

  • Christopher Lung
    Christopher Lung
    us
    Indiana, US
    •
    Member since 2025
    5.0
    Verified

    Capt Cliff

    5 hr special price AM or PM • 2 adults • 1 child

    Captain Cliff was a great guide for us. He did wonderfully with my 11 year old. We hooked in several fish and brought quite a few back. I highly recommend Cliff.

    Reported catch:
    Redfish
    Flounder
    Speckled Trout
    Response from Charter operator

    Christopher Lung thank you so much for the very positive review. I'm so happy Liam met his goal of catching a redfish he's such a quality child. If and when you can get a chance to come back from Indiana let's do it again. Tell Liam I said hello and we'll catch a bigger red fish next time.

  • Andrea Glessner
    Andrea Glessner
    us
    Illinois, US
    •
    Member since 2024
    5.0
    Verified

    July fishing trip

    5 hr special price AM or PM • 4 adults • 2 children
    Response from Charter operator

    Thank you very much. I hope you return soon. Just give me a call Google Captain Cliff Fleming, South Padre Island Fishing

Real catches shared by our community

  • Crystal Flats Guide Service CAPT CLIFF
    Crystal Flats Guide Service CAPT CLIFFPort Isabel, TX
    July fishing trip
    Andrea G.
    Andrea G.
  • Crystal Flats Guide Service CAPT CLIFF
    Crystal Flats Guide Service CAPT CLIFFPort Isabel, TX
    Great guide!
    Timothy G.
    Timothy G.
  • Crystal Flats Guide Service CAPT CLIFF
    Crystal Flats Guide Service CAPT CLIFFPort Isabel, TX
    5 star guide.
    Byron T.
    Byron T.
  • Crystal Flats Guide Service CAPT CLIFF
    Crystal Flats Guide Service CAPT CLIFFPort Isabel, TX
    Port Isabel bay fishing
    Dan L.
    Dan L.
  • Crystal Flats Guide Service CAPT CLIFF
    Crystal Flats Guide Service CAPT CLIFFPort Isabel, TX
    Great Captain
    Anna K.
    Anna K.
  • Crystal Flats Guide Service CAPT CLIFF
    Crystal Flats Guide Service CAPT CLIFFPort Isabel, TX
    On fish all day, great trip
    Todd S.
    Todd S.
  • Crystal Flats Guide Service CAPT CLIFF
    Crystal Flats Guide Service CAPT CLIFFPort Isabel, TX
    Will Fish any Time with Captain Clif
    Jose E.
    Jose E.
  • Crystal Flats Guide Service CAPT CLIFF
    Crystal Flats Guide Service CAPT CLIFFPort Isabel, TX
    Capt Cliff
    Christopher L.
    Christopher L.
  • Crystal Flats Guide Service CAPT CLIFF
    Crystal Flats Guide Service CAPT CLIFFPort Isabel, TX
    Awesome
    Sidney S.
    Sidney S.
  • Crystal Flats Guide Service CAPT CLIFF
    Crystal Flats Guide Service CAPT CLIFFPort Isabel, TX
    Got us our limit
    Willis L.
    Willis L.

What's biting with Crystal Flats Guide Service CAPT CLIFF in Port Isabel

September is all about Flounder fishing on the flats. But that doesn't mean that Reds, Specks, Snook, and Tarpon are slowing down. Snapper fishing is still hot, hot, hot.

Top catches for September

Fishing reports

A variety of fish including trout and snapper neatly laid out on a dock after a successful fishing trip.

Jetty fishing is hot right Sheepshead ar

Feb 14, 2026 • Port Isabel
Fishing Report - February 14th, Valentine's Day 2026. Lower Laguna Madre bay water temperatures 67°. Large sheepsheads are being caught in considerable numbers at both the North and South jetty, with live shrimp proving to be the most effective bait, although dead shrimp can also yield positive results. For optimal results, employ a bottom rig with a weight on the bottom; a 2 oz weight is recommended to maintain proximity to the bottom in strong currents. The Intercoastal Waterway, both North and South of Dunkins Bay, is home to an abundance of speckled trout in the clean, green waters. Purple worms with white squiggle tails are attracting considerable attention from the trout population. Additionally, thousands of puppy drum have been observed congregating just east of Duncan's house in approximately two feet of clean water. Large schools of substantial black drum have been located south of the gas well flat, roughly a mile off the Intercoastal Waterway, identifiable by the significant rumbles on the water's surface during calm conditions. Weather conditions have intensified, with winds reaching approximately 25 miles per hour on Valentine's Day. A weak front is forecasted to approach, but pleasant conditions are expected to return by Monday morning. Anglers are encouraged to capitalize on the current fishing conditions. During our recent excursion, we successfully caught numerous fish; however, our clients opted to retain only the trout. It is essential to practice responsible catch-and-release fishing to conserve our marine resources for future generations. This report is provided by Captain Cliff Fleming of Crystal Flats Guide Service.
Show more
A captain stands on the bow of the 'Shallow Stalker' boat, ready for a fishing adventure in a scenic waterfront setting.

Sheep had spawning season right on

Feb 13, 2026 • Port Isabel
72 degrees temp Fishing good for you wind is calm. Sheepsheads, this is the season February 12 2026 it's time for the sheep to spawn and all the fishing guides know where to go. If you fish near the Rocks at the Jetties you tend to get the smaller sheepsheads but about 15 ft of water you may pick up the Fat Boys. The sheep head may not come fast and serious but stand your ground they will eventually come . Quality live shrimp are available at Gilbert Bait and Tackle Giant schools of black drum the puppies have been found recently almost due east of the Dunkin house within one or two feet of water. When the wind is near Dead Calm they're easy to spot you will see a huge Rumble in the distance. As a young Captain I lived at the Dunkins house for about 3 months I can tell you some stories but I digress. They may not come one after another but eventually they will come. North Jetty or South Jetties are active. The water temperature is 72. Speckled trout are still in the Intercoastal Waterway on plastic redfish are still tough and further north when it's dead calm you can see their wakes That's it for now Crystal Flats Guide Service Captain Cliff Fleming
Show more
Angler proudly displaying a large Redfish while standing in shallow water, showcasing a sunny day on the water.

Winter fishing is hot redfish black drum

Feb 5, 2026 • Port Isabel
Feb 4, 2026 GOOD. 60 degrees. The bite is outstanding fishing between cold fronts. Schools of redfish, with slot and oversized fish, are being found on the spoils near Port Isabel. Sight fishing with garlic scented soft plastics with a squiggle tails has been the ticket. Most colors work well. Speckled trout have been hungry with best bite during incoming tide when the water is clear and around 54 degrees. Massive black drum schools can be found near Mexiquita Flats. Check the lunar tide charts for the best times to fish. The morning super low tides and very calm winds have made it easy to fish. Gas well flats have huge redfish, and numbers of black drum. Gayman Channel bridge is producing tons of fish. Snook are being caught in Port Brownsville. The bay from Port Isabel to Port Mansfield has redfish everywhere in shallow water. Come on down to South Padre Island for good fishing. The fish are fat with piggy perch, eels, crabs and shrimp. Report by Captain Cliff Fleming, Crystal Flats Guide Service. **hidden content**
Show more
Angler proudly displaying two large Snook caught during a fishing trip, standing on the deck of a boat.

Snook Crashing Port of Brownsville Tx

Feb 5, 2026 • Port Isabel
Great snook bite in the Brownsville Ship Channel top water and live bait. Over 25 snook caught. Mangrove Snapper are loving live shrimp.
Show more
An angler at the helm of a fishing boat, focused on navigating the calm waters, with fishing rods ready for action.

Great SPI Action Cap Cliff Fleming

Jan 19, 2026 • Port Isabel
South Padre Island is experiencing ideal weather conditions, with temperatures reaching 70 degrees and clear skies, making it perfect for fishing. Recently, anglers have had outstanding success targeting redfish and trophy trout over soft bottom grass beds with mixed potholes, Additionally, cut bait and live bait fishermen have reported steady action on redfish and drum east of Three Islands. The surf fishin is great. Shorelines with soft mud bottoms good, large schools of black drum have been the highlight of the week, with dead shrimp coated in garlic or fish bites proving effective. However, finding them becomes challenging when winds exceed 15 mph, making calm mornings before the cold front the most productive time. Speckled trout near the Intercoastal Waterway have been biting soft plastics, yielding keeper-sized fish. The Intercoastal Waterway is also filled with undersized speckled trout that can provide action with soft plastics or live shrimp on popping corks. Redfish and trout can be found up north along the ICW and into the flats from marker 13 to the mouth of the Arroyo Colorado. Bottom fishing on the gas well flat with cut bait has also yielded redfish when black drum are not present, requiring patience for extended periods. Live shrimp, although scarce, have been occasionally available; it is advisable to procure them a day in advance due to high demand on weekends. The South Bay Channels have also produced catches of black drum, as reported by Captain Cliff Fleming of Crystal Flats Guide Service.
Show more
A group of anglers on a boat engaged in fishing, with one person actively reeling in a catch while others observe, showcasing a lively fishing experience.

Spi Tx hot fishing

Apr 25, 2025 • Port Isabel
John Sanchez Site casting redfish on banklines has been very productive with soft plastics. Speckled trout and red fish I've been plentiful and birds working rattlesnake area and the gaswell flats. Many captains and boats are catching great redfish on Cut mullet and ballyhoo in the three islands area.
Show more