Snapper fishing charters in South Padre Island, TX

South Padre Island sits at the southern tip of Texas, between the Gulf of Mexico and the Laguna Madre — a long, shallow, clear lagoon that is one of the best places in the country to sight-fish for redfish and trout.

The Laguna Madre

Guides pole and drift the lagoon’s grass flats for redfish, speckled trout, black drum and flounder. South Texas is also one of the few places in the state with snook, especially around the jetties and in the channels.

Jetties and nearshore

The Brazos Santiago Pass jetties hold redfish, trout, snook and tarpon, and nearshore trips find kingfish, Spanish mackerel and sharks.

Offshore

Deep water is closer to shore here than anywhere else in Texas, so offshore boats reach red snapper, kingfish, ling (cobia) and amberjack quickly — and longer trips find tuna, wahoo, mahi-mahi, sailfish and marlin.

Good to know

Every angler in Texas needs a fishing license with a saltwater endorsement. Red snapper rules differ between Texas state waters and federal waters; check Texas Parks and Wildlife and NOAA Fisheries for current seasons.