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Ready to get your line wet and tangle with some of South Padre Island's most sought-after fish? Our half-day trip with South Water Charters is your ticket to four hours of non-stop inshore action. From the moment you step on board at 8 AM, you'll be in for a treat. We're talking about battling red drum in the flats, outsmarting speckled trout, and maybe even landing a prized permit. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this trip's got something for everyone. So grab your hat and sunscreen – it's time to fish!
This ain't your average boat ride, folks. We're hitting the sweet spots where the fish are biting, and we've got the tactics to match. You'll get to try your hand at bottom fishing, light tackle finesse, and even some drift fishing if the conditions are right. And for those night owls, we might even break out the flounder gigs when the sun goes down. Our captain knows these waters like the back of their hand, so you're in for a real insider's tour of South Padre's fishy haunts. With a max of three guests, you'll get plenty of one-on-one time to hone your skills and reel in the big ones.
Listen up, anglers – we're not just tossing bait and hoping for the best. On this trip, you'll get schooled in the art of inshore fishing. We'll show you how to work a soft plastic for those wary speckled trout, or how to present a live bait just right to tempt a big red. Bottom fishing? You bet. We'll teach you how to feel for that subtle tap when a black drum decides to sample your offering. And if the Spanish mackerel are running, hold onto your rod – we might do some high-speed trolling that'll have your arms burning (in the best way possible). Don't worry if you're new to this – our gear is top-notch, and we'll have you casting like a pro in no time.
"Our family had a wonderful experience with South Water Charters and Captain Skylar. He was patient, knowledgeable, and made the trip exciting for everyone, including the kids. We caught some great fish and made lasting memories." - Yao
"An excellent fishing trip with South Water Charters and Captain Skylar! His expertise and friendly personality made the day enjoyable and productive. We caught plenty of fish and had a fantastic time. Will definitely be returning for more adventures!" - Holland
"Captain Skylar from South Water Charters made our fishing trip unforgettable! His expertise and enthusiasm ensured we had an amazing day on the water. We caught plenty of fish and had a blast. Highly recommend!" - Jao
Snook: These bad boys are the ninjas of the inshore world. Sneaky, powerful, and with a knack for busting off in the mangroves, snook are a top prize for many anglers. They love to hang around structure, so we'll be pitching baits close to docks and oyster bars. The "snook slam" – that's when they hit your lure and immediately go airborne – is something you've got to experience. Best time to target them? Early morning or late evening when they're actively feeding.
Black Drum: Don't let their ugly mugs fool you – these bruisers put up a fight that'll have you grinning from ear to ear. Black drum are bottom feeders, so we'll be using natural baits like shrimp or crab to entice them. They've got a set of crushers in their throat that can pulverize oysters, so make sure you set the hook hard! These guys can grow to over 40 pounds in the bays, and when they decide to take off, you'd better hang on tight.
King Mackerel: Hold onto your hats, folks – when a king mackerel hits, it's like hooking a freight train. These speedsters can scream off 100 yards of line in seconds. We usually target them by slow-trolling live baits, and when they sky on the bait, it's a sight to behold. Kings are seasonal visitors, typically showing up in the warmer months. If you're lucky enough to hook one, be ready for some serious runs and maybe even a few jumps.
Redfish: Ah, the good ol' red drum – the bread and butter of inshore fishing in Texas. These copper-colored beauties are a blast on light tackle, and they're not too picky eaters. We'll be sight-casting to them in the shallows, looking for their tails sticking up as they root for crabs. When a big bull red decides to eat, you'll feel the power all the way up to your shoulders. And let's not forget about that distinctive black spot on their tail – it's like they're wearing a target!
Permit: Now here's a fish that'll test your skills and your patience. Permit are like the ghosts of the flats – hard to find and even harder to fool. But when you do hook up, it's game on. These guys have got shoulders like a linebacker and will use every ounce of their strength to head for the horizon. We'll be using small crabs or shrimp to tempt them, and you'll need to make a perfect presentation. Landing a permit is a true badge of honor in the angling world.
Alright, let's cut to the chase – this trip is hotter than a Texas summer, and spots are filling up fast. We're talking about a chance to tangle with some of the Gulf's finest gamefish, learn from a captain who eats, sleeps, and breathes fishing, and create some stories you'll be telling for years to come. Whether you're looking to bend a rod with your buddies, teach the kids the joy of fishing, or just escape the grind for a morning, this is your ticket. Don't let this one slip through your fingers like a greased redfish – book your half-day trip with South Water Charters now. The fish are waiting, and the tide's just right. See you on the water!
August 17, 2023
An excellent fishing trip with South Water Charters and Captain Skylar! His expertise and friendly personality made the day enjoyable and productive. We caught plenty of fish and had a fantastic time. Will definitely be returning for more adventures!
October 19, 2023
Captain Skylar from South Water Charters made our fishing trip unforgettable! His expertise and enthusiasm ensured we had an amazing day on the water. We caught plenty of fish and had a blast. Highly recommend!
October 18, 2023
Our day with South Water Charters and Captain Skylar was phenomenal! His expertise and passion for fishing were evident throughout the trip. We caught a variety of fish and enjoyed every moment on the water. Can't wait to go again!
September 13, 2023
Captain Skylar was an excellent guide. He was professional, friendly, and knew exactly where to find the fish. The trip with South Water Charters was well-organized, and we had a successful and enjoyable day on the water.
June 15, 2023
What an incredible experience with South Water Charters! Captain Skylar's knowledge and enthusiasm made our trip perfect. We caught some impressive fish and had an amazing time. Highly recommend this charter service!
September 14, 2023
Black drum are the big bruisers of the drum family, with adults commonly 20-30 pounds but sometimes topping 90. You'll find them in shallow bays and estuaries, often hanging around oyster beds. They use those powerful jaws and teeth to crush shellfish. Spring is prime time as they school up to spawn. Anglers enjoy targeting them for their strong fights and good table fare, though I recommend keeping the smaller ones under 15 pounds for eating. They make a distinctive croaking sound, so listen for that. For bait, fresh crab is hard to beat - I like to crack the shell to release more scent. Fish it on the bottom with just enough weight to hold in the current. When you feel that telltale thump, get ready for a battle.

King mackerel are speed demons, capable of blistering runs that'll smoke your reel. Adults typically run 20-40 pounds but can top 90. Look for them in open water 40-150 feet deep, often near structure like reefs or wrecks. They're migratory, so spring and fall are prime seasons as they move through. Anglers love kings for their powerful fights and the challenge of landing one. To target them, try slow-trolling live bait like blue runners or mullet. Use wire leaders - their razor-sharp teeth will slice through mono. Here's a local trick: when you see birds diving, there's a good chance kings are pushing bait to the surface. Get a bait in that frenzy and hold on tight. Just remember, due to mercury levels, limit consumption of the big ones.

Permit are the holy grail for many anglers - they're smart, spooky, and tough to fool. Adults typically run 15-30 pounds, with a deep, flat body. You'll find them on shallow flats, often tailing as they hunt for crabs. Spring and summer are prime seasons. Anglers love permit for the challenge - hooking one is an accomplishment, landing one is cause for celebration. They've got incredible eyesight, so stealth is key. Live crabs are the go-to bait, but fly anglers can have success with crab patterns. Here's a local tip: look for "muds" - cloudy water where permit are rooting for food. Approach quietly, make a long cast, and let your bait sink naturally. Be ready for a subtle take, then hold on tight - permit will test your gear and your skills.

Redfish, or red drum, are a staple target around here. Adults typically run 20-30 inches and 6-15 pounds. You'll find them in super shallow water - sometimes with their backs out of the water! Look for them tailing on flats, around oyster bars, or lurking near mangroves. Fall is prime time as they school up, but you can catch them year-round. Anglers love reds for their strong fights and excellent eating quality. They've got a distinctive spot near the tail - sometimes more than one. To target them, try sight-fishing with a gold spoon or live shrimp under a popping cork. Here's a tip: on calm days, look for their wakes or tails breaking the surface. Cast ahead of them and get ready for an explosive strike.

Snook are a prized catch around here, with adults typically running 1-3 feet long. You'll find them hanging around mangroves, docks, and other structures in shallow coastal waters. They're ambush predators, so look for them lurking in the shadows. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they move between inshore and offshore haunts. Anglers love snook for their powerful runs and acrobatic leaps when hooked. Their meat is also top-notch eating. To up your odds, try freelining live bait like pilchards or pinfish near structure during incoming tides. Just watch out for their razor-sharp gill plates when handling them. Snook can be tricky to land, but that's part of what makes them such an exciting target.

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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 10
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 33
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 150
Our family had a wonderful experience with South Water Charters and Captain Skylar. He was patient, knowledgeable, and made the trip exciting for everyone, including the kids. We caught some great fish and made lasting memories.