South Padre Island Fishing

Experience the pristine waters of the Laguna Madre

A selection of some of our catches

SOUTH PADRE ISLAND FISHING

The Laguna Madre is home to a number of quality species: Redfish, snook, trout and flounder are the most popular catches.

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Monster speckled trout catch South Padre Island Red drum and black drum catch Laguna Madre First trout catch South Padre Island fishing Dr Fernando and Lorena redfish catch Father daughter fishing South Padre Island family trip Kids fishing redfish Texas Laguna Madre Mary with closeup redfish catch Mary and Ruby redfish catch South Padre Big speckled trout South Texas fishing Snook catch Laguna Madre Texas Ruby and Mary tripletail catch South Padre Santiago family trout fishing South Padre Island

Target Species

Captain Gilbert Vela with trophy redfish Laguna Madre

Redfish

Known for their powerful fights and distinctive copper color, redfish are one of the most sought-after species in the Laguna Madre. These aggressive feeders provide exciting action year-round.

Captain Gilbert Vela with big speckled trout South Padre Island

Speckled Trout

Prized for their delicate flavor and sporting qualities, speckled trout are a staple of South Texas fishing. They're found in abundance throughout the bay system.

Captain Gilbert Vela with snook catch Texas coast

Snook

The ultimate inshore gamefish, snook are known for their acrobatic jumps and hard runs. These challenging fish test the skills of even experienced anglers.

About the Laguna Madre

The Lower Laguna Madre is one of only six hypersaline lagoons in the world and represents one of the finest fishing locations in Texas. This unique bay system stretches from the Land Cut near Corpus Christi to the Rio Grande, creating an expansive shallow-water paradise.

The bay's grass flats, shell beds, and spoil islands provide ideal habitat for redfish, trout, and other prized species. The clear, shallow waters allow for exciting sight-casting opportunities, while deeper channels and cuts hold larger fish.

With minimal boat traffic and pristine conditions, the Laguna Madre offers anglers an authentic backcountry fishing experience just minutes from South Padre Island.

"When I say 'Cast!' you better have your stuff together or I'm likely to throw you in the bay!"
- Captain Gilbert

What to Expect

Year-Round Fishing

The mild South Texas climate provides excellent fishing opportunities throughout the year, with each season offering unique conditions and fish behavior patterns.

Sight Casting

The clear, shallow waters of the Laguna Madre allow for exciting sight-fishing opportunities where you can target individual fish with precision casts.

Wade Fishing

Experience the thrill of wading the flats, getting up close and personal with the fish in their natural habitat for an intimate fishing experience.

Artificial Lures

Captain Gilbert specializes in artificial lure fishing, teaching proven techniques and sharing his extensive knowledge of what works in local waters.

Trophy Opportunities

The Laguna Madre consistently produces trophy-sized redfish, trout, and snook, with the potential for catches that will be remembered for a lifetime.

Family Friendly

Whether you're an experienced angler or a first-timer, Captain Gilbert tailors each trip to your skill level and ensures everyone has a great time on the water. Just remember: when he says "Cast!" he means NOW.

South Padre Island Fishing

Experience the incredible fishing the Laguna Madre has to offer with a legendary guide

Currently booking returning clients only