Padre Island Fishing Charters & Guides

Padre Island Fishing Charters

Along the Texas Gulf Coast is a barrier island with the most beautiful beaches, arguably in the world. It’s a land untouched by civilizations, with some of the most spectacular sunrises around. Welcome to Padre Island. This barrier island is the longest in the world, reaching 113 miles long. On average it’s about 2 miles wide, and runs from Corpus Christi at the northern end to Brazos Island to the south. South Padre Island is technically considered part of the island, but the resort town is generally referred to as its own vacation destination. The rest of Padre Island has very little population, as most of the island is protected by Padre Island National Seashore and Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge. When it comes to fishing Padre Island, the barrier island is between several bountiful bays to the west, and the very bountiful Gulf of Mexico to the east. There’s no wrong turns when it comes to fishing in Padre Island.

Padre Island Inshore Fishing

Fishing is, without a doubt, one of the biggest attractions of Padre Island. Visitors may fish the National Seashore and catch a variety of inshore species such as redfish, trout, flounder, black drum, and more. Both the Gulf of Mexico and Laguna Madre offer fantastic fishing for these inshore trophies. Redfish are also known as red drum, and are an angler favorite because of the sport involved in landing these inshore trophies. Typically bronze or tan color, you can distinguish the redfish thanks to the black dot or dots just near the tail fin. Sizes can vary depending on the age and gender of the species, females can grow larger than males and weigh as much as 30 pounds. These larger reds are known as bull reds, and you’ll need a special permit to take one home. Slot reds, red drum within the 20” to 28” regulations, are able to be harvested, and each angler is able to keep 3 slot reds when fishing Padre Island. Another favorite is the speckled trout, or spotted seatrout. Slot size for trout are between 15” and 25”, and each angler can harvest between 5 and 10 per day, depending on where you are fishing. It’s best to know Texas regulations before fishing as they are subject to change. Best season for trout is from spring to fall, generally March to October. They are identified by the many black spots along their backs. Typically anglers will go night gigging for flounder. These flat fish are difficult to catch during the day, but not impossible. Usually when an angler catches a flounder during the day they have the experience and know-how to make the catch, or it was complete luck. Flounder like to hide near caves and ledges as they ambush their prey. If you’re fishing for flounder during the day, present your bait just over the ledge, and get ready to reel in the line as flounder like to strike quickly. Night gigging for flounder is an entirely different experience. Look for the red eyes of flounder and the outline of their bodies along the bottom of the ocean floor, then strike fast with a gig. It’s quite the adrenaline rush that few get to experience, but definitely worth the adventure.

Padre Island Offshore Fishing

Heading offshore to the Gulf your group will see even more fantastic fishing. The unique topography of the Gulf allows anglers access to pelagic fish such as mahi mahi, tuna, wahoo, and marlin, as well as reef and bottom dwellers such as grouper and snapper. Mahi Mahi are also known as dolphin or dorado, and one of the best species to fish in the area. Their bright colors of yellow, blue, and green easily distinguish them from the other pelagic fish such as tuna or marlin. They also run in groups, or schools, and will eat just about anything they can find near the top surface waters. Your captain will troll several lines in the water with shiny bait such as ballyhoo or anchovies. Once you have a boat full of mahi mahi, you know you’re going to have some delicious meals to enjoy. Another delicious dinner to catch in the Gulf is snapper. Red snapper in particular are great to catch on your Padre Island offshore charter. Find nearby reefs, drop your bait near the ocean floor, and hold on tight. Red Snapper are quick to strike and put up a ferocious fight. No matter where you go in the Gulf, the fishing is memorable and you’ll want to take pictures of the adventure. And don’t forget to pack your Texas saltwater fishing license, sunscreen, and drinks to stay hydrated.

Book A Padre Island Fishing Charter

Padre Island translates to “Father Island”, but you’ll hit the motherload when fishing these waters. Whether you opt for the gulf or the bay, you’re sure to have bending rods on your Padre Island fishing charter. Let us make the search for your local guide easy, FishAnywhere has partnered with the top Captains in the area who are eager to show you the ample fishing opportunities. Select a professional guide today and get the adventure started!