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

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.

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

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.

The first hour we moved to a few locations before we found a good spot. We only caught whiting fish. They were small but we were able to catch enough for a great dinner.

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.