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Premier South Padre Island 8-Hour Fishing Charters
- Published Date: July 17, 2025
- Fishing
- South Padre Island
- $450 - $675 price range
Summary
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Reels and Catches
Bold catch! Hard-fighting red drum in hand.
Heavy stringer! Red drum stacked up.
Diverse catch! Red drum, trout, and sheepshead.
Strong pair! Red drum and speckled trout.
Big day with redfish and speckled trout lined up.
Big speckled trout under bluebird skies.
Coastal catch on a clear day.
Big redfish haul and laid-back vibes.
Big day with redfish and speckled trout lined up.
Perfect day to chase redfish and trout.
Bold catch! Hard-fighting red drum in hand.
Heavy stringer! Red drum stacked up.
Diverse catch! Red drum, trout, and sheepshead.
Strong pair! Red drum and speckled trout.
Big day with redfish and speckled trout lined up.
Big speckled trout under bluebird skies.
Coastal catch on a clear day.
Big redfish haul and laid-back vibes.
Big day with redfish and speckled trout lined up.
Perfect day to chase redfish and trout.
Bold catch! Hard-fighting red drum in hand.
Heavy stringer! Red drum stacked up.
Diverse catch! Red drum, trout, and sheepshead.
Strong pair! Red drum and speckled trout.
8-Hour Fishing Adventure in South Padre
Ready for a full day of fishing action in South Padre Island? Captain Ruben Riojas of Slick Fin Charters has got you covered. With 8 hours on the water, you'll have plenty of time to target some of South Texas's most prized inshore species. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this trip offers the perfect mix of steady fishing and laid-back vibes.
What to Expect on the Water
Hop aboard Captain Ruben's boat for a day of non-stop fishing fun. You'll be hitting the best spots around South Padre Island, where redfish, black drum, flounder, and spotted sea trout are waiting to test your skills. Captain Ruben knows these waters like the back of his hand, so you're in for some prime fishing. The beauty of this 8-hour trip is that you've got time to really dial in your technique and hopefully land that trophy catch. Don't sweat the gear – everything you need is provided. Just remember to snag your Texas fishing license before you show up.
Top Catches This Season
South Padre's inshore waters are teeming with fish, and Captain Ruben's got the inside scoop on where they're biting. You might start off sight-casting to tailing redfish in the shallows, then switch gears to drift fishing for monster black drum. As the day heats up, you could find yourself working soft plastics along grass lines for speckled trout or jigging near structure for flounder. The techniques vary with the season and the target, but one thing's for sure – you'll be hands-on and learning the whole time. Captain Ruben's all about sharing his tricks of the trade, so you'll pick up some new skills to use on your next fishing trip.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Folks who fish with Slick Fin Charters rave about the experience. It's not just about the fish – though there are plenty of those. It's Captain Ruben's easy-going nature and his knack for putting clients on fish that keeps anglers coming back. Whether you're bringing your buddy for a day on the water or treating the family to a fishing adventure, this trip's got something for everyone. And with free cancellations up to a week before your trip, you've got the flexibility to plan ahead without worry.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are a South Padre staple. Known for their powerful runs and distinctive spot near the tail, redfish can be found year-round but really heat up in the fall. They love to cruise the shallows, often revealing their location with their tails sticking out of the water. Sight-casting to these tailing reds is an adrenaline rush like no other.
Black Drum: Don't let their ugly mugs fool you – black drum are a blast to catch and great on the dinner table. These cousins of the redfish can grow to massive sizes, with some topping 50 pounds. They're most active in the cooler months and love to hang around oyster beds and channel edges. When a big drum takes your bait, hold on tight!
Flounder: These flatfish are masters of camouflage and ambush predators. Spring and fall are prime times for flounder, with the fall run being particularly exciting as they move to deeper waters. Jigging near bottom structure or working a live bait slowly along the bottom can entice these tasty fish to bite. Landing a big 'doormat' is always a highlight of any trip.
Spotted Sea Trout: Also known as speckled trout, these fish are prized for their delicate flavor and the challenge they present to anglers. They're available year-round but really shine in the warmer months. Trout love to hit topwater lures at dawn and dusk, creating explosive strikes that'll get your heart racing. Their soft mouths require finesse to land, making them a true test of an angler's skill.
Time to Book Your Spot
An 8-hour trip with Slick Fin Charters is more than just a fishing trip – it's a full-day adventure on the waters of South Padre Island. With Captain Ruben's expertise, you're in for a day of steady action, new skills, and hopefully some fresh fish for dinner. Whether you're looking to bend a rod, learn new techniques, or just enjoy a day on the water, this trip's got you covered. The boat's limited to just two anglers, so you'll get plenty of one-on-one attention. Don't miss out on this chance to experience some of the best inshore fishing South Texas has to offer. Book your trip now and get ready to make some lasting memories on the water. Tight lines!
Learn more about the species
Black Drum
Redfish are a real favorite around here. You'll often spot 'em in shallow water, sometimes with their backs sticking out. They love hanging around oyster reefs, grass flats, and muddy bottoms. Most run 20-30 inches, but the big bulls can top 40 pounds. Look for that distinctive black spot near the tail - it's actually a clever trick to fool predators. These guys put up a great fight and taste delicious too. Fall's prime time when they school up to spawn. For the best shot, we'll hit the flats on a rising tide. Topwater lures can trigger explosive strikes, but live shrimp is hard to beat. Here's a local tip: If you see 'em tailing in really shallow water, try a weedless gold spoon. Cast beyond them and slowly retrieve - they can't resist it.
Redfish
Sea Trout
Spotted sea trout, or specks, are a blast to catch. They're quick, hard-hitting, and love to jump. You'll find 'em in grass flats and around oyster bars, usually in 3-6 feet of water. Most run 14-20 inches, but gator trout over 5 pounds aren't uncommon. Spring and fall are your best bets, especially around dawn and dusk. They're suckers for live shrimp under a popping cork, but artificial lures like soft plastics work great too. On calm mornings, nothing beats the excitement of a trout blowing up on a topwater plug. Here's a tip: If you find a good spot, stick with it. Trout often hang out in schools, so where there's one, there's likely more. They're also excellent table fare, with a mild, sweet flavor. Just be careful not to overcook 'em - they can get mushy fast.
Summer Flounder
Summer flounder, or fluke, are masters of camouflage. These flatfish lie on the bottom with both eyes on their left side, blending in perfectly. They're ambush predators, so we'll find 'em around structure and drop-offs. Most run 15-20 inches, but the big females can hit 26 pounds. September to November's prime time, when they're moving to deeper water. They love live bait - minnows, mullet, or sea worms work great. Use a circle hook to make it easier for them to grab. When you feel that telltale thump, give it a second before setting the hook. Flounder fishing's all about patience and a light touch. They're not known for long runs, but they'll give you a good tussle. And talk about good eating - their white, flaky meat is hard to beat. Just remember to check the regs, as size limits can change.
About the Slick Fin Charters
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 5
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha
Maximum Cruising Speed: 17
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 150
