Damn Good Black Drum Fishing Charters In Port Isabel

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Recently Booked Black Drum Fishing Charters In Port Isabel, Tx

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Flats Fishing Charter in Port Isabel

Full Or Half Day Inshore

100% (8)
25 ft 1 - 6 People From $425
Veteran Operated
This trip is managed by a veteran of the US armed forces.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore, Jetty, Flats Fishing Charter in Port Isabel

South Padre Island Fishing 4 Hrs

100% (1)
26 ft 1 - 8 People From $450
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Jetty, Flats Fishing Charter in Port Isabel

South Padre Island Bay Fishing

100% (5)
25 ft 1 - 6 People From $475
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore Fishing Charter in Port Isabel

Drifting Laguna Madre For Pigs

100% (6)
24 ft 1 - 5 People From $450
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Jetty, Flats Fishing Charter in Port Isabel

Full Day Or Half Day Fishing Trip

100% (6)
25 ft 1 - 5 People From $500
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Flats Fishing Charter in Port Isabel

10-Hour Hardcore Fishing

100% (2)
24 ft 1 - 6 People From $800

Top Types of Black Drum Trips in Port Isabel

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Target Species in Port Isabel

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  • Get it while it's HOT!
  • This species is in play.
  • You might get lucky (as long as things are in-season).
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More Black Drum Fishing Charters In Port Isabel, Tx

Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Flats Fishing Charter in Port Isabel

Redfish, Trout, And Flounder—Oh My!

100% (2)
24 ft 1 - 6 People From $475
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Flats Fishing Charter in Port Isabel

Laguna Madre Shallows Trip

89% (9)
26 ft 1 - 6 People From $475
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Jetty, Flats Fishing Charter in Port Isabel

Catch-and-Release On Artificials

100% (2)
24 ft 1 - 6 People From $450
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore Fishing Charter in Port Isabel

Half-day - 21’ Shallow Stalker

100% (1)
21 ft 1 - 6 People From $575
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Duck Fishing, Hunting Charter in Port Isabel

Premier STX Cast And Blast

100% (2)
24 ft 1 - 3 People From $1,000
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Jetty, Flats Fishing Charter in Port Isabel

Lower Laguna Madre

NEW
25 ft 1 - 10 People From $650
See All Black Drum Trips in Port Isabel

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Everything to Know About Booking a Port Isabel black drum fishing charter

What are the best black drum fishing charters in Port Isabel?

Why should I book a black drum fishing charter in Port Isabel with Captain Experiences?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 34 black drum trips in Port Isabel, and the most popular trips in the area are Full or Half Day Inshore guided by Arturo, South Padre Island fishing 4 hrs guided by Zach, and South Padre Island Bay Fishing guided by Arnold.

Our guides in Port Isabel are rated a 4.86 out of 5 based on 3806 verified reviews on Captain Experiences.

All guides on Captain Experiences are vetted by our team. You can access their reviews, click through trip photos, read bios to get to know them, and preview trip details like species, techniques, group sizes, boat specs and more.

Looking for kid friendly black drum guides / fishing lessons in Port Isabel? Check out our beginner and family friendly black drum guides in Port Isabel.

What types of black drum fishing charters are common in Port Isabel?

Inshore fishing is the most popular type of fishing for black drum in Port Isabel as well as flats fishing, jetty fishing, and nearshore fishing.

The most common fishing techniques in Port Isabel are drift fishing, light tackle fishing, and artificial lure fishing but live bait fishing and cut bait fishing are popular as well.

How much do Port Isabel black drum fishing charters cost?

Prices for black drum in Port Isabel can range anywhere from about $500 to $1,400, but the average price for a half day trip for black drum in Port Isabel is $834. The average price for a full day trip for black drum in Port Isabel is $931.

Is booking a fishing guide worth the money?

Hiring a guide provides a number of benefits and many choose to book a fishing guide for a combination of experience, local knowledge, convenience, and cost-effectiveness.

Working with experienced fishing guides who know the best local spots and techniques can dramatically increase your odds of a great day. Having someone who is on the water every day and knows the area like the back of their hand is going to give you the best chances of success.

Booking a guide is also more cost effective, especially if you only get out a handful of times per year. When you consider all of the costs you would incur on your own such as the price of a boat, maintenance, insurance, gas, high-quality gear and tackle, repairs, and more, you’ll find that DIY is sometimes not worth the expense.

Even if you’ve got a great setup already in your home waters, booking a guide also provides a great opportunity to experience new techniques, new locations, or even a chance at a new target species to knock off the bucket list.

What month is best for black drum fishing in Port Isabel?

The most popular season for black drum fishing in Port Isabel is summer, and most anglers book their trips 12 days in advance.

Do I need a Port Isabel fishing license for black drum and what are the bag limits for black drum in Port Isabel?

See here for more information on fishing licenses in Port Isabel, bag limits for target species, and fishing season regulations in Port Isabel. When in doubt, your fishing guide will always know the right rules and regulations in Port Isabel.

What is black drum fishing in Port Isabel all about?

Black drum are a common and sought-after species among anglers in Port Isabel, Texas. These fish, known for their distinctive black or dark gray coloration and drumming sounds, can be found in the shallow bays, estuaries, and nearshore waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Black drum are prized for their size and delicious flesh, making them a popular target for both recreational and culinary purposes. Anglers in Port Isabel often seek out black drum for their challenging fights and rewarding catches.

Fishing for black drum in Port Isabel can be productive year-round, though they are more commonly targeted during the cooler months. As water temperatures drop in late fall and winter, black drum become more active and move into shallower waters to feed. Anglers targeting black drum often use a variety of techniques, including bottom fishing with live or cut bait such as shrimp, crab, or mullet. Fishing around structure such as docks, jetties, or bridges can also increase the chances of encountering black drum.

Black drum are known for their strength and resilience, requiring anglers to use heavy tackle and sturdy equipment to handle them effectively. When hooked, black drum are notorious for their powerful runs and stubborn fights, often testing the angler's skill and patience. With their impressive size and challenging fights, black drum provide anglers in Port Isabel with an exciting and rewarding fishing experience in the diverse waters of the Texas coast.

What are the most popular months to fish for black drum fishing in Port Isabel?

Black drum seasons in Port Isabel, Texas, follow a seasonal pattern influenced by various environmental factors such as water temperature, baitfish migrations, and spawning behavior. These hefty and hard-fighting fish are typically found in nearshore and offshore waters, inhabiting areas such as channels, flats, and around structure such as jetties and piers. Port Isabel offers anglers ample opportunities to target black drum throughout much of the year, with peak seasons often occurring during the cooler months when these fish are more active and abundant.

During the spring and summer months, black drum become more active and migrate into shallower waters, including flats, marshes, and tidal creeks, in search of food. As water temperatures rise, black drum can be found actively feeding along the shoreline, particularly around structure such as jetties and docks, where they prey on crustaceans, mollusks, and small baitfish. Anglers targeting black drum during this season can expect to encounter schools of fish actively feeding and aggressively striking at baits and lures, making for exciting fishing experiences.

In the fall months, as temperatures begin to cool down and baitfish migrations occur, black drum continue to remain active along the coast of Port Isabel. Anglers targeting black drum in Port Isabel during the fall season may find success using a variety of techniques, including bottom fishing with live or cut bait, casting and retrieving with artificial lures, or sight fishing in shallow flats. With their impressive size and strength, black drum provide anglers with thrilling battles once hooked, adding to the allure of targeting these prized game fish in the waters surrounding Port Isabel.

What techniques are popular for catching black drum in Port Isabel?

Fishing for black drum in Port Isabel, Texas, requires a combination of patience, finesse, and the right techniques to successfully target these elusive and hard-fighting fish. One effective method is bottom fishing using heavy tackle and live or cut bait such as shrimp, crab, or mullet. Anglers often anchor their boats near structure such as docks, jetties, or bridges, where black drum are known to congregate. By dropping baits to the bottom and allowing them to drift naturally with the current, anglers can entice strikes from these powerful and resilient fish.

Another productive technique for targeting black drum in Port Isabel is sight casting. Anglers can actively search for black drum cruising along the shallow flats, marshes, and channels, particularly during the warmer months when they are more active. When a black drum is spotted, anglers can cast artificial lures such as soft plastics, spoons, or jigs directly in front of the fish, enticing it to strike. Sight casting requires keen observation and precise casting to present the lure effectively and trigger a reaction from the black drum.

In addition to bottom fishing and sight casting, anglers can also target black drum using live bait rigs or Carolina rigs, allowing baits to drift naturally along the bottom while remaining in contact with the rod. This method can be particularly effective when fishing in deeper channels or around submerged structure where black drum are known to feed. By employing a variety of techniques and adapting to changing conditions, anglers in Port Isabel can increase their chances of success and enjoy a rewarding fishing experience targeting black drum in the diverse waters of the Texas coast.

What other species are popular in Port Isabel?

Besides black drum, Port Isabel offers anglers a wide variety of fish species to target, ensuring there's always something exciting to catch. One popular species is the redfish, also known as red drum, which can be found in abundance in the shallow flats, marshes, and channels surrounding Port Isabel. Redfish are known for their powerful runs and hard-fighting nature, making them a favorite target among anglers. Using live or cut bait, as well as artificial lures such as spoons and soft plastics, anglers can successfully target redfish year-round, with peak seasons often occurring during the cooler months.

Another sought-after species in Port Isabel is the speckled trout, known for its delicious flavor and willingness to take a variety of baits and lures. Speckled trout inhabit a range of habitats, including flats, grassy shorelines, and channels, where they prey on small baitfish and crustaceans. Anglers targeting speckled trout in Port Isabel may find success using techniques such as live bait fishing, artificial lure casting, and fly fishing. With their willingness to take a variety of baits and lures and their tendency to congregate in shallow waters, speckled trout provide anglers with exciting fishing opportunities year-round.

In addition to redfish and speckled trout, Port Isabel offers opportunities to catch a variety of other inshore and nearshore species, including flounder, sheepshead, and mangrove snapper. Anglers can target these species using a range of techniques and fishing locations, from fishing along the shallow flats and grassy shorelines to targeting structure such as jetties, docks, and bridge pilings. Whether fishing from a boat, kayak, or the shoreline, anglers visiting Port Isabel can anticipate exciting encounters with a diverse array of fish species, adding to the allure of this popular fishing destination in the Gulf of Mexico.

Recent Reviews

  • ★★★★★
    Me and my family went out with captain Zach and had an awesome day. Weather wasn’t in our favour but made the best of it and landed some fish! Captain Zach was very helpful, runs good fishing gear and has a beautiful boat. Will be booking our next trip with him when we’re back in south Padre for a family vacation!

    Dallas C. | November 13, 2024

    Trip: South Padre Island fishing 4 hrs

  • ★★★★★
    Ruben was amazing! He knew the areas to go to catch fish, but we got so much more. We saw dolphins swimming, learned more about the area, and caught so many fish! His recommendations for where to take our fish for dinner was also great! We will book another trip with him!

    Stan A. | October 27, 2024

    Trip: Laguna Madre Shallows Trip

  • ★★★★★
    The Captain was wonderful. He helped these two old ladies catch lots of fish. He did the majority of our casting too. Will call on him again. Thank you, Cappy!

    Sandra E. | October 22, 2024

    Trip: Laguna Madre Magic

  • ★★★★★
    Captain James was amazing! Several fish and memories caught today! Hope to return next year!

    Diana K. | October 15, 2024

    Trip: South Padre Island Bay Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    We had an amazing time fishing with Captain Cliff in South Padre Island! He was incredibly patient and helpful throughout the trip, ensuring we were comfortable and had a great experience. The boat was spacious and well-maintained, giving us plenty of room to enjoy our time on the water. Captain Cliff was friendly, timely, and took us to some fantastic fishing spots. We highly recommend him for anyone looking for a fun and successful fishing adventure!

    Lance K. | October 7, 2024

    Trip: 5 hour pro flats

  • ★★★★★
    Arturo is a great guide - knows his spots but also reads the area to move to the fish.

    Brody T. | October 5, 2024

    Trip: Full or Half Day Inshore

  • ★★★★★
    Damn good fishing. really did appreciate the upgrade on the size of boat for as many guys as we had. Every single one of us got at least one keeper.

    Auston O. | August 26, 2024

    Trip: South Padre Island Bay Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Great time! captain experience made booking very easy. Cliff our captain was great!

    John C. | August 3, 2024

    Trip: Family Friendly Fishing Adventures

  • ★★★★★
    Arturo was great. He was patient in explaining all kinds of things and teaching us about casting, reeling, and filleting - if you want to learn some things, you can’t go wrong with Arturo!

    David M. | July 29, 2024

    Trip: Full or Half Day Inshore

  • ★★★★★
    Mike knew the bay very well and did his best to put us on fish. I only had two issues with the trip. It might just be his personality, but I found him to be condescending when I asked questions. I also think he fishes too much. It was like we paid to take him fishing.

    Rick M. | July 22, 2024

    Trip: Triple Delight - 3 Person Bay Trip

  • ★★★★★
    Ruben was an awesome guide with lots of knowledge and got us on tons of fish during a tournament weekend! Would definitely book Ruben in the future!

    Brian M. | July 14, 2024

    Trip: South Padre Flats Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Great trip! Aaron did an amazing job.

    Andrew M. | June 24, 2024

    Trip: SPI Classic

  • ★★★★★
    Was a great experience with captain Arnold he was very knowledgeable and was a great captain to be with …definitely would do it again made my son and I experience very pleasurable and a day to remember

    Antonio L. | June 14, 2024

    Trip: South Padre Island Bay Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Great trip super personable and knowledgeable definitely will book him again.

    Eddie P. | June 4, 2024

    Trip: South Padre Island Bay Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Had a good time, caught some good fish,would definitely recommend,and do it again.Captain Mike, thanks 👍👍

    Jesus P. | June 1, 2024

    Trip: Fun Family Fishing at SPI

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Arnold and his son were fantastic! Their knowledge of fishing was second to none. Me and my son will always remember and treasure our experience with Captain Arnold. Thank you both for the wonderful experience!

    Kenneth T. | May 25, 2024

    Trip: South Padre Island Bay Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Had a great time with Cliff. We requested to catch Trout and he put us on them right away. Very knowledgeable and willing to share information on how to catch the target species.

    John C. | May 4, 2024

    Trip: 5 hour pro flats

  • ★★★★★
    Very enjoyable Capt Ron looked after us in every way and was on top of where to go to catch what we were looking for. A great time and we will look for him again.

    Chuck M. | April 17, 2024

    Trip: Laguna Madre Drift

  • ★★★★★
    I have fished all over the world and been a guide myself for many years and I would highly recommend the fishing experience Captain Russell provides. If you are wanting to take your family out for a great afternoon of fishing Captain Russell is who you need to book with hands down. He had us on fish early and often despite the windy conditions. My youngest, who is 7, caught his personal best on this trip. We will definitely be back to fish with Captain Russell again!

    Christopher T. | March 31, 2024

    Trip: Redfish, Trout, and Flounder—Oh My!

  • ★★★★★
    What an outstanding time that we had with Captain Mike. This was our very first time boat fishing and we had done so at the request of my son for his 17th birthday. Captain Mike was incredibly accommodating, very easy to communicate with and more importantly knowledgeable when it comes to fishing. He was incredibly patient, taught each person in our group of four how to properly cast and really made sure that we had a good time (and also made sure we caught our limit, I have no doubt he would have stayed out there all day to make it happen.) I'm new at this but I am sure this is the type of experience you hope for with this sort of activity. Book this gut y'all. I PROMISE you that you will not be disappointed. Thanks again Captain Mike for a memorable experience!!!!!

    Joshua C. | March 21, 2024

    Trip: Fun Family Fishing at SPI

What's biting in Port Isabel?

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