What would you recommend to anglers fishing in South Padre Island, Texas for the first time?

Temper your expectations and expect to fish not catch. Casting is difficult if you’re not accustomed to bay-fishing, and lots of species are super crafty about surgically removing live shrimp from your hook.

If it’s your 1st time or your kids 1st time deel sea fishing is recommend the 5 hr morning trip. The waves weren’t terrible but it did take the boys a minute to get use to it. Also the sun started to wear them down around 11:30

Go with a good guide. I recommend J W Watson and crew. Take a half day trip for your first time. Try to go in calmer waters your first trip. June was very moderate waves that were good for beginners. Do your homework and know what to expect and what you will catch.

Make sure the Captain has shrimp and if its windy, the fishing is tough, but thats why its called fishing and not called catching. Still had plenty of bit3s and action, even though the wind made things tough.

Talk to your boat captain about your expectations and what you will need to bring for the trip. Put your phone down except for trophy pictures. And remember that you don't have to kill every fish to have fun.

Captain Dave Edwards! Great guide. It was my daughter’s first ever fishing trip. He busted his rear to make sure she had a good time. She caught the majority of the keepers. I recommend Always a catch fishing.

Know what fish you want to catch and find out if the tour will target those fish. Also understand that weekdays are less busy in the bay versus Saturdays or Sundays, so if they want more choices, go on a weekday.

If you have a choice, pick a day with at least a slight breeze to ripple the water. Also, if you want to catch Reds plan a trip in the winter not the summer I've been told by locals. We went out 12/30/17

Have fun fishing but take time to enjoy the surroundings. What a beautiful place and friendly people.

Get'm Hook'd Fishing Charters https://fishingbooker.com/charters/view/16218 Patient, safe and cool for novice anglers

Undertow is strong on the surf so be smart while fishing. Night time Fishing on the pier in port isabel is fairly good with artificial shrimp. Good luck!

Fish with a good guide who has good equipment and lots of experience fishing the Lower Laguna Madre.

Be flexible with what you want to catch. Wind and tides may rewrite your plan for the day.

If you are new make sure you get a guide who knows where to go such as Captain Elliott.

Call Capt Dave and go in the morning. When that first 7lbs Red-hit my line it was incredible.

Don't book ahead of time, wait till you arrive to check the weathrer and fishing conditions.

Just trust the guide and have a good time. Let the captain know what you are looking for and trust them to get you there.

He a great guy and good guide. A lot of guides are great on land and surly on the boat , not Ryan great guy the history and his help was great.

Check out the marina! If you don’t catch what you want the foster outting. Definitely plan for more than a day of fishing

Go with Captain Watson and Clay “What’s On” Fishing service! They are friendly and honest and know what they’re doing!

Make sure you ask if the live bait is provide it with the trip at no extra cost. Make sure you ask the captain to move from spot if you are not catching any fish at that spot.

Spend a little extra for a smaller guided trip...well worth the personalized treatment when ur on vacation!!!!

Stay in contact with captain prior to trip. They can keep you advised of weather and expected fishing.

Book in the morning if possible or late evening . Too hot in the afternoon. Think fish bite better then.

Highly Recommend JW and crew, just over an hour and already had a Durado on board. 2 Thumbs up quick trip.

Its a huge bay talk to the pros and others with experience here . Or you could go home empy handed. Its money well spent for there knowledge of the waters and techniques for the different species.

For first time anglers coming to S Padre, I would definitely recommend booking a charter to take you out & show you the ropes.

Didn't have a great day for catching fish, only caught two specs and 5 flounder which were all under size. Didn't see anyone else catching fish either, so it was just us.

Maybe better to experience it later in season but also was unseasonably cold spring and fishing was slower than formal

Stay in Port Isabel at the Alta Vista Inn at 702W Polk St.. Ouiet, cozy and very comfortable away from the crowds, traffic and commercialization on the island.