Private Bay Fishing South Padre Island: Laguna Madre Charter

Cast into the Laguna Madre and land sand trout, redfish and drum with a captain who knows the water.

Private bay fishing charter on the Laguna Madre near South Padre Island for 1 to 6 passengers, departing at 7 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. The 4- to 5-hour trip includes all fishing gear, bait, tackle, a professional local captain, bottled water and an ice chest for your catch. You choose the departure time and bring your own cooler with food and drinks (no glass). Fish cleaning is available for an additional fee. A fishing license is required for some options. Confirm at checkout.

The experience

You arrive at the dock with no gear to assemble and no bait to hunt down. The captain handles the tackle setup, baits your line and helps you land each fish, then cleans and stores the catch in the ice chest as the morning or afternoon unfolds. The Laguna Madre holds sand trout, whiting, drum, sheepshead and redfish depending on the season. Shark fishing is available if you request it at least two days ahead so the captain can source special bait.

The boat is a 22-foot Majek or 24-foot Carolina: fully equipped for families and beginners, though experienced anglers book these charters too. You bring your own cooler with food and drinks (alcohol is fine, just no glass), or grab something to go from the restaurant at the departure location. Bottled water is provided. The captain's knowledge of fishing spots and local wildlife means you spend the time fishing instead of searching, and the private setup means the pace and the stops are yours.

Fish cleaning runs $1 per small fish like trout and $5 per large fish like redfish if you want them cleaned before you leave. A fishing license is required for some departure options. The operator will confirm which one applies when you book.

What’s included

• All fishing gear, reels, bait and tackle.
• professional local captain in English.
• bottled water.
• ice chest for your catch.
• all taxes and fees.

Options for this experience

2 options

Private 7:00 am tour for 1-6 passengersGuide in English · 07:00Morning fishing trip. Important: under "Special Requirements," please state how many passengers will be going; otherwise, bait is purchased for only 4 passengers

Fishing tour at 1:30 pm for 1-6 passengersGuide in English · 13:30Important: under "Special Requirements," please state how many passengers will be going; otherwise, bait is purchased for only 4 passengers

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

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except WednesdayDepartures at 07:00 and 13:30

Book up to12h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

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

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancy

Operated by SPI Excursions

Is this one for you?Choose the 7 a.m. departure if you want the cooler morning hours and the rest of the day free. The 1:30 p.m. slot works if you're arriving mid-day or prefer an afternoon on the water. Either way, the private boat means no strangers in the rotation and no waiting for other anglers to finish their casts.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What fish can I expect to catch in the Laguna Madre?

Sand trout, whiting, drum, sheepshead and redfish are the main catches depending on the season. Shark fishing is also available if you request it at least two days before your trip so the captain can prepare special bait.

Is the 4- to 5-hour fishing charter suitable for kids and beginners?

Yes, the private bay fishing charter is designed for beginners, kids and experienced anglers alike. The captain helps with tackle setup, baiting and landing fish, so no prior experience is needed.

What's included in the private fishing charter?

All fishing gear, reels, bait and tackle are included, along with a professional local captain, bottled water, an ice chest for your catch and all taxes and fees. You can bring your own cooler with food and drinks (alcohol is fine, but no glass containers).

Can I choose between morning and afternoon departures?

Yes, the charter departs at 7 a.m. or 1:30 p.m., so you can pick the time that fits your day.

How much does fish cleaning cost?

Fish cleaning is available for $1 per small fish like trout and $5 per large fish like redfish. You can clean them yourself or have the captain do it before you leave.

What should I bring on the fishing charter?

Bring your own cooler with food and drinks if you want them: alcohol is welcome, but no glass containers. The restaurant at the departure location also sells food and drinks to go. Sunscreen, a hat and comfortable clothes for being on the water are good ideas too.