Captain
Joaquin Pena

Member since February 2021 South Padre Island, United States
Background
Fishing has peaked Captain Joaquin's interest from an early age. He grew up fishing with family (uncles and cousins) and then he started sharing his knowledge with friends. Fishing became a passion for him and he realized that he even found it stress relieving and entertaining even when he was out in the waters by himself. Not only has fishing become a passion and hobby for him, but it has also taught him to be patient, persistent, and have an analytical mindset. The skills Captain Joaquin has acquired overtime have led him to become a seasoned fisherman and great captain. His hobby and favorite sport is almost an everyday activity for him and he wishes to share his knowledge with both inexperienced and experienced fishers. From personal fishing to group fishing and even family fishing trips, he will take you to the hottest spots in search of Red, Trout, Black Drum, or anything else you might be looking for that can be found near South Padre Island.
Techniques
Captain Joaquin likes drift fishing with both lures and baits but he tends to lean on using live baits with customers because it is easier to catch more fish with live bait. He also enjoys wade fishing, although it doesn't happen as often because he considers himself blessed to have his own boat :) The captain believes any type of fishing is good fishing. Stress relieving, camaraderie, being outdoors, and enjoying nature clearing your mind and focusing on casting and luring a great catch! Any day out in the waters with Captain Joaquin Pena is a great day. The philosophy he has acquired over the years is something he hopes he's able to pass down to his children and others who are interested in learning.

Hey, I'm Captain Joaquin Pena

South Padre Island, United States
Background
Fishing has peaked Captain Joaquin's interest from an early age. He grew up fishing with family (uncles and cousins) and then he started sharing his knowledge with friends. Fishing became a passion for him and he realized that he even found it stress relieving and entertaining even when he was out in the waters by himself. Not only has fishing become a passion and hobby for him, but it has also taught him to be patient, persistent, and have an analytical mindset. The skills Captain Joaquin has acquired overtime have led him to become a seasoned fisherman and great captain. His hobby and favorite sport is almost an everyday activity for him and he wishes to share his knowledge with both inexperienced and experienced fishers. From personal fishing to group fishing and even family fishing trips, he will take you to the hottest spots in search of Red, Trout, Black Drum, or anything else you might be looking for that can be found near South Padre Island.
Techniques
Captain Joaquin likes drift fishing with both lures and baits but he tends to lean on using live baits with customers because it is easier to catch more fish with live bait. He also enjoys wade fishing, although it doesn't happen as often because he considers himself blessed to have his own boat :) The captain believes any type of fishing is good fishing. Stress relieving, camaraderie, being outdoors, and enjoying nature clearing your mind and focusing on casting and luring a great catch! Any day out in the waters with Captain Joaquin Pena is a great day. The philosophy he has acquired over the years is something he hopes he's able to pass down to his children and others who are interested in learning.
Anglers Choice
Verified

My Charter Listing

Excellent
5.0 / 5
(479 reviews)
Angler's choice
South Padre Island
 Last booking: 1 day ago
 Instant Confirmation
Trips from US $400

Customer reviews

Rating summary
Excellent
5.0 / 5
out of 5 stars from 479 reviews
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Photos & videos by reviewers (464)
Our First Charter Wont be our last!
Our First Charter Wont be our last!
Great Captain
+461
Angler rating
475
3
0
0
1
Anglers claimed
Good experience
99%
Friendly captain
100%
Recommend this charter
100%
Appropriate for children
98%
Satisfied with the boat
99%
Caught fish
96%
Sort by:
Featured  
Showing:
5 of 479 reviews
Phillip B.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Awesome Experience

VERIFIED   5 Hour Trip (AM) on October 9, 2025
Had a great time with Cpt Pena out on the water. He was super friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful. As soon as we hit the water...
Phillip B. recommends Drift Water Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
Phillip B. recommends Drift Water Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful

Carlos C.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great trip!

VERIFIED   5 Hour Trip (AM) on August 12, 2025
Very honest captain. Didnโ€™t know what the day would looked like but his work ethic was amazing. Found us fish in unfavorable...
Carlos C. recommends Drift Water Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
Carlos C. recommends Drift Water Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful

Edward W.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Awesome time! Will be back!

VERIFIED   NEW  5 Hour Trip (AM) on October 18, 2025
Joaquin is the real deal. Super nice guy and great guide. Put my son on his first redfish and it was a beauty!
Edward W. recommends Drift Water Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
Edward W. recommends Drift Water Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful

Billie S.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Book the trip now!

VERIFIED   5 Hour Trip (AM) on March 26, 2025
Joaquin is the best guide out there. Donโ€™t hesitate, book your trip now! Heโ€™s the first one on the fish. We set up early...
Billie S. recommends Drift Water Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
Billie S. recommends Drift Water Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful

Alexander W.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Experience:
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Boat
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Crew
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Overall

Great Captain

VERIFIED   NEW  8 Hour Trip on October 20, 2025
This was a fantastic experience. The captain knew where to fish and how to catch them.
Alexander W. recommends Drift Water Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful
Alexander W. recommends Drift Water Charters
Mark review as helpful
You found this review helpful