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

Answers by verified FishingBooker anglers who went fishing in South Padre Island

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Lonnie Whitmire
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with South Padre Tx Lifetime charters on December 23, 2024
The captain worked hard to put us on fish. We caught a lot of fish but most were under size but they were fun to catch. I would recommend him to everyone he will work hard to put you on fish and show you a good time.

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Jarrad Parker
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Texas Lower Coast Charters LLC on October 23, 2024
Book with a good captain and don't forget it's fishing you don't always get in to the fish and some days are hard fishing so be patient if you are not catching any there's a good chance the bite will pick up

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Alyssa White
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Todds Sportfishing on July 27, 2024
there is many options when choosing the right captain. Find a boat with good motors, shade or AC availability, somewhere to sit, and not overly crowded. Take Dramamine the night before and morning of and pack your ice chest with water and snacks. Other than that, they have everything you should need. Read the reviews and double check Google

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Kirk Perry
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Todds Sportfishing on July 18, 2024
You can definitely book with Captain Todd, real madness, sports Fishing. I would just stay in constant communication with Captain to be sure that the trip you booked is the trip you will be able to Fernando deckhand is exceptional young man. He was very polite. He was right there on the spot at all times he knew exactly what to do every time

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Cesar Chora
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with South Water Charters on July 5, 2024
Just like fishing on the lake you're gonna have good days and bad days. That's just life, if you don't catch anything don't blame your captain. We happened to luck out and catch a good amount of fish and a few things we couldn't keep. It was amazing to catch different types of saltwater spices.

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Ashley Parker
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Todds Sportfishing on June 30, 2024
Water with a big storm coming in made for a rough ride out. We were first timers and evidently this was pretty choppy! All in all, we were successful and enjoyed our captain, first mate, and the whole fishing experience!

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Donald Eric Nordlund
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Drift Water Charters on May 26, 2024
Very different than a traditional charter fishing trip, gulf is very shallow so you cast the entire time. You have to get a good captain that can teach novice fishermen how to cast and reel. Don’t cheap out or you’ll have a tough 5 hours

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Huan Bui
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Drift Water Charters on April 19, 2024
Fishing in April is better for Spotted Sea trout, but we were looking to catch Redfish. Fishing for Redfish in April is slower but our captain was able to get us on red and black drum. Fishing for Redfish gets better as it warms in May and June.

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Jacob Sabin
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Drift Water Charters on February 22, 2024
If you are going in February, don't expect to limit out due to the nature of the fish! They are less active this time of year. The captains will put you on fish though, and it is always an amazing experience to fish the Texas bays!

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Benjamin Ensor
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Laguna Madre Madness on December 24, 2023
Capt. Jerry Bradford is top notch Capt. He is a must book for a fun time of fishing and will put you on the fish. Had a great time and found a chater for life when we vist. If you want a no presure great time fishing then pick Capt. Jerry you are not just a client you are famly.

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Cindy Redman
United States
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Emilio’s Fishing Adventures on July 27, 2023
We have enjoyed deep sea fishing, shore fishing and bay fishing in South Padre. Regardless of which type of trip you choose, you're very likely to catch something. Plan to keep your catch -- many restaurants offer at least a few different ways to cook it for you.

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Clayton Hawkins
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with SPI Freedom Fishing on August 3, 2023
Don’t worry about bringing lunch if you just do the 5 hours trip. You are so busy taking it all in and fishing that a snack is not necessary. Bring a small cooler for beverages and they provide everything else. Bring sunscreen and a positive mind and your will enjoy every second.

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David Sager
Oak Glen, CA
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Prime Time Fishing—Family-Friendly on July 12, 2023
Captain Noel and Prime time fishing is the best one to take you out and if you are at South padre Island in a RV stay at the KOA on the island and Captain Noel will be willing to pick you up and drop you off at the camp ground boat ramp.

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Zack Waggoner
Austin, Texas
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Texas Slam Fishing Charters on July 11, 2023
First time to SPI and could only go by online reviews. I booked last minute with Capitan Manny. Right out the gate you know. Great customer service, flexible, friendly, knowledgeable, good fishing gear.

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Conrad Maier
Houston, TX
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Emilio’s Fishing Adventures on June 25, 2023
Sea grass and crossed wind and currents in addition to it being 90F+ degrees out made for a ridiculously tough day fishing. We caught a bad day out as the grass had just shown up in the tide lines a week prior to us fishing - check the conditions before you go - otherwise, you'd have a better success rate fishing from shore. We'll absolutely be going out to try again in the fall.

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Israel Oros
Fort Belvoir, VA
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with What's On Fishing on July 5, 2020
Highly recommend fishing in SPI if you like deep sea fishing. This place is right for snappers and king fish among many others. The weather in the summer can get very hot so be ready and bring plenty of drinks and sun screen.

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Russell Karing
League City, TX
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with What's On Fishing on June 3, 2020
Go offshore if possible, if bay fishing is more your style make sure the guide takes you up north. fishing pressure down south has reduced the number of quality fish, plenty of small ones but not a lot of CPR hogs

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Travis Weitzel
Port Isabel, Texas
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with South Padre Island Fishing Charters on July 31, 2019
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.

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John Hattrup
Wichita, KS
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with What's On Fishing on July 9, 2019
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

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Bill Tate
Burlington, KS
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with What's On Fishing on June 10, 2019
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.

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Pamela Cuddy
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Capt Mark Guillots Fishing Guide on February 25, 2025
Captain Mark is an excellent choice for a memorable trip while at South Padre Island. Very patient and easy going.

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Melissa Lamantia
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Get'm Hook'd Fishing Charters on March 12, 2025
Would take a light jacket as it can be cold when you are going out to the location

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Brittany LeGarde
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Drift Water Charters on January 25, 2025
January fishing in south Padre can be variable but the scenery is gorgeous regardless.

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David Bowers
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Capt.Hector Lopez Fishing Charters on December 30, 2024
Remain flexible and communicate with your captain to adjust times based on weather. Trust your guide.

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Joseph Drum
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Drift Water Charters on September 1, 2024
Get a trip with Juaquin and trust his instincts and follow his directions and advice and you’ll have an amazing trip.

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Charles Herrera
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Drift Water Charters on August 19, 2024
It's gonna be warm, but be patient, the fish will come. You do need the right captain to get you there.

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Ed Weber
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Drift Water Charters on August 16, 2024
We watched the sunrise as we went out to our fishing spot and by 9am we had caught our limit of Black Drum! Beautiful views and friendly fishermen all around!

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Garrett Kale
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Drift Water Charters on July 2, 2024
Tropical storms in the area at the time make the fishing very hit or miss. They will make you really have to work for the fish

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Brent Ford
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Get'm Hook'd Fishing Charters on June 23, 2024
Bring snacks, lotion type sunscreen, hats and long sleeve shirt for protection. Definitely be ready for some fun.

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Michael Fritz
VERIFIED  
Went fishing with Drift Water Charters on June 18, 2024
Make sure that you select the best fishing boat captain for you. I couldn't have been happier with my selection.