Bay Fishing South Padre Island: Reel in Sand Trout & Drum

Four hours, five species, and the chance at a shark

Bay fishing trip on South Padre Island's Laguna Madre aboard the 49-foot Hard Bottom Too, where you cast for sand trout, whiting, drum, sheepshead and shark with a seasoned crew. All tackle, bait and live guidance in English or Spanish are included. You pick the 8am, 1pm or 6pm departure. A valid Texas Saltwater Fishing License is required for anyone 17 or older.

The experience

You board the Hard Bottom Too at your chosen time and head out onto the lower Laguna Madre and South Padre Island Bay with a crew that has years of fishing experience. The boat carries everything you need to fish: rods, reels, tackle and bait are all provided, so you arrive with nothing but your license and your willingness to cast. The catches shift with the seasons, so what bites changes every trip: sand trout and whiting are the primary targets, but red drum, black drum, sheepshead and shark are all in play depending on when you go.

You spend the four hours actively fishing, casting your line and working the water with the crew's guidance. They'll walk you through technique and read the conditions, calling out where to cast and what to expect. If you've brought your own gear, you're welcome to use it alongside the boat's tackle, though the crew won't be responsible for it. Children as young as five can join if accompanied by an adult, and the boat is wheelchair accessible.

What’s included

• Local guide in English or Spanish.
• all rods, reels, tackle and bait.
• live commentary and instruction on board.
• four hours of fishing time on the water.

Options for this experience

3 options

8:00AMGuide in English or Spanish · 08:00Please arrive thirty minutes before the morning trip begins.

1:00pmGuide in English or Spanish · 13:00Please arrive thirty minutes before the afternoon trip begins.

6:00PMGuide in English or Spanish · Available from 26 Feb 2027Please arrive thirty minutes before the 3-hour evening trip begins. Bring your own cooler with drinks and snacks.

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00 and 13:00

Book up to3h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Child (5 to 17 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Isla Tours

Is this one for you?The fixed four-hour window and three departure times let you slot the trip into a morning, afternoon or evening without reshaping your day. Bring anyone from age five up, and you'll all fish with the same gear and guidance: no separate setup, no experience required.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 17 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

What fish am I likely to catch on a bay fishing trip from South Padre Island?

Sand trout and whiting are the primary targets on every trip, but you'll also have chances at red drum, black drum, sheepshead and shark depending on the season and conditions.

Do I need to bring my own fishing rod and tackle?

No. The Hard Bottom Too provides all rods, reels, tackle and bait you'll need to fish for the full four hours.

What time options are available for the bay fishing trip?

You can choose the 8am, 1pm or 6pm departure, so you can fit the trip around the rest of your day.

Do I need a Texas fishing license to go bay fishing?

Yes, anyone 17 or older must have a valid Texas Saltwater Fishing License. You can purchase one online through the Texas Parks and Wildlife website in minutes, and the crew will confirm your booking before you buy it.