Fishing South Padre offers a fine mix of offshore trolling for a varity of fish be it Blue Marlin or Bonito Head out into the Gulf of Mexico and expect to catch Kingfish, Redsnapper, Grouper,Jackfish and Tarpon..
However, it's the inshore and light tackle fishing in the bay behind South Padre Islands that make the fishing special. Fishing piers and jetties offer easy access to deeper water., If you own surf gear, cast large live bait or lures in the low waves and often will catch whiting, sheepshead redfish and if lucky maybe even a Tarpon..
But-- the action in the very shallow bays gets our vote. If you pick your spot and shuffle your feet so you don't step on the epidemic small sting rays, simply wade out from shore. A boat does improve your range and chances as it lets you move away from the most popular areas. Then you can simply anchor in a couple of feet of water and try the wade fishing.
Light gear which freshwater anglers would use for black bass or trout will work. Small gold and silver spoons, a host of plastic jigs and even flies produce reds and speckled sea trout.
However, bait's the best solution and most productive year round. Local experts favor a popping cork which attracts fish when "popped" lightly, and baited with a live shrimp, croaker or small mullet. If all else fails you can always eat the shrimp!
The most reliable way to fish the bay is with one of the experianced guides thet fish the area--this way you can have an educational and fullfilling experiance trip on the “prestine“ waters of the Lower Laguna Madre.