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Recently Booked Bonito Fishing Charters Near South Padre Island, Tx
Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in South Padre Island
South Padre Offshore Fishing
“Our Damn Good Guides go above and beyond to provide you an incredible trip, and we’ve handpicked every single one. We’re passionate about the outdoors and about empowering people to find the perfect-match guide for the trip of a lifetime, every time.”
Jonathan and Attison | Co-founders | Austin, Texas
Other Trips in South Padre Island
Embark on an unforgettable outdoor adventure with Captain Burt where you’ll be targeting the Texas "Big Three": Flounder, Redfish, and Speckled Trout. Captain Burt has fished the waters of Port Mansfield for over three decades and loves showing people of all skill levels how to fish the local waters. No matter if you’re a beginner or a seasoned professional, you’ll be in good hands! You’ll be fishing aboard his 24' Dargel Skout center console, which can accommodate 5 anglers. Make sure you bring a valid Texas saltwater fishing license, food and drinks, a hat, sunscreen, and some good company! Captain Burt will provide all rods, reels, tackle, lures, water, and ice for your upcoming trip. Captain Burt will also clean and fillet your catch back at the marina, so make sure you bring a large cooler to get your fish home. Captain Burt likes to launch out of Port Mansfield, but will also launch out of Arroyo City and South Padre Island. Read More
Enjoy a day with Captain Ron as you adventure through Lower Laguna Madre! Your day out with Captain Ron will see you drifting the shallow waters that can be up to 3’ deep. You will be fishing with both artificial and live bait, as well as trying anchored up fishing. Captain Ron will help you target Redfish, Flounder, Seatrout, Black Drum, and Sheepshead throughout your 5-hour (half-day) or 8-hour (full day) adventure. For these trips, Captain Ron uses a 24’ Shallow Sport bay which can accommodate 4 anglers. Captain Ron will provide all rods, reels, and tackle. All you need to bring is a valid Texas Fishing License and some good company! Come on down and make some memories with Captain Ron! Read More
Captain Jamie will help you target Redfish, Speckled Trout, and Flounder throughout your 5-hour (half-day) or 8-hour (full day) trip in lower Laguna Madre. He's happy to host anglers of all skill levels, and loves teaching beginners and children. Captain Jaime fishes with live and cut bait for Redfish and Speckled Trout on light spinning tackle. Captain Jamie fishes from his 2016 25’ Dargel Boatworks flats boat powered by a 250 HP Suzuki engine. The vessel can host up to 5 anglers for a comfortable day of fishing for all. All fishing equipment will be ready for your trip, as well as a range of artificial lures. After the trip, Captain Jaime will clean and fillet your catch so you can take it home to the kitchen! The Laguna Madre is an incredible body of water, offering a pristine ecosystem for Redfish, Speckled Trout, Flounder, Black Drum, Sheepshead, Triple Tail, Snook, Tarpon, and more to call home. Be sure to purchase a Texas saltwater fishing license online for each angler, bring some snacks and drinks, and don’t forget some sun block! Other than that, meet Captain Jaime in Port Isabel ready to fish and to spend a fantastic day on the Laguna Madre! Read More
Flats, Inshore, Jetty Fishing Charter in Port Isabel
Full Day Or Half Day Fishing Trip
Join Captain Walter for a great day exploring the local waters! On this action-packed adventure, you can expect to reel in some Black Drum and some Bull Redfish. These two species will put up a good fight, so be prepared. Make sure you give those hamstrings a little stretch before you hit the water. You might also run into Mangrove Snappers, Sheepshead, Snook, Fluke, and Spotted Seatrout. For these trips, Captain Walter uses a 25’ Majek Illusion boat - a spacious vessel that can accommodate up to 6 anglers. Captain Walter will provide rods and tackle as well as drinks. You can purchase live bait for an additional fee. Other than that, make sure you bring a valid Texas Fishing License and any food and drink of your choice. Let your mind escape from daily responsibilities and just have fun fishing with Captain Walter! Read More
Flats, Inshore, Jetty Fishing Charter in Port Isabel
Port Isabel 5-Hour - 25’ Majek
Join Captain Andre on a fishing trip into the Laguna Madre and experience the thrill of catching a variety of inshore fish species. With his years of experience in the area, Captain Andre is well-versed in all the techniques needed to catch different species, and he's more than willing to work with you to tailor the outing to your specific goals. Whether you're after limits for dinner or looking to catch a trophy Redfish or Snook, Captain Andre will make sure you make the most of your time out on the water. He offers a wide range of fishing techniques, from throwing artificial lures and live bait on light tackle to drift fishing the bays and bottom fishing. He'll provide expert recommendations based on the weather and tides to help you make the right choice. Captain Andre provides all the necessary fishing gear, including rods, reels, and tackle, as well as water and his extensive knowledge of the area. You only need to bring your favorite snacks and beverages and a valid Texas fishing license, and he'll take care of the rest for your South Texas fishing adventure. Read More
Get excited about the trip of lifetime with Captain Emilio here who invites you on a deep-sea fishing adventure in the productive waters of the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of South Padre Island, Texas. For these 6, 8, 10 and 12-hour adventures, Captain Emilio uses his badass 35’ Bertram offshore sportfishing boat that can handle up to 6 anglers. The vessel has a powerful twin Caterpillar 450 HP engine for a combined 900 HP's of propulsion power and modern navigation technology which guarantees you a safe and quick trip to your destination. Its impossible to say for sure what monsters lurk at each depth at any given time, but on shorter trips you can expect to catch Tripletail, Snapper, Skipjack Tuna, while longer trips give opportunities for bigger pelagics like Mahi Mahi, Blue Marlin, Sailfish, and bigger tuna species! Emilio will provide live bait, rods, reels, and tackle. *the fuel price is included in the price of the trip so there are no surprises at the end of your trip!* There will also be a first mate at your disposal all the time. All you need to bring is a valid Texas Fishing License, food and drinks of your choice, and an ice chest for your day’s catch. Come and explore this fishing paradise and make some everlasting memories with Captain Emilio! Read More
Come have some serious fun and explore some of the most prolific waters in the area with Captain Henry! Captain Henry hotspots in SPI have been hitting, so make sure to listen closely to his tips and tricks. On these 6 or 8-hour state water offshore trips, you can expect to target Kings, Blackfin, Bonito and Red Snapper (when in season), and many more species! When Red Snapper is in season, Captain Henry has some special spots way up the coast that hold some big boy Red Snapper within the State Water line! You will be fishing aboard Captain Henry’s 30-foot center console powered by twin 300 HP Mercury Verado engines. It can accommodate up to 6 anglers, has a private toilet, spearfishing and snorkeling equipment, and a livewell. A first mate will also be on board to help you when you need it. Don’t forget to bring a valid Texas Fishing License (which you can purchase online), a hat, sunscreen, some food and drinks for the day, and an ice box to take home your day’s catch. Henry will provide all rods, reels, tackle, and lures. For an additional fee, he will clean and fillet your day’s catch. Get ready for an action-packed day on the water with Captain Henry! Read More
Deep Sea, Nearshore Fishing Charter in South Padre Island
South Padre Offshore Fishing
Climb aboard with Captain Aaron and experience the thrill of some seriously top-notch shallow water fishing! Aside from the ship channels, the water is no more than 6’ deep, making it a great fishery for families and novice anglers who would like to avoid choppy waters. Captain Aaron will guide you to some inshore honey holes and flats that will allow you to try your hand at either bait fishing or sightfishing! The species you can expect to target using this technique are Redfish, Black Drum, Sheepshead, and Flounder. For these trips, Captain Aaron uses his 20' Shallow Sport, which has a crasy shallow draft and sneak into the skinniest of water! Make sure to bring a valid Texas Fishing License as well as food and drinks of your choice. Other than that, Captain Aaron will provide the rest. He will provide all lures, rods, reels, and tackle. Bring your kids or your angling buddies and head out to a fishing adventure to remember with Captain Aaron! Read More
Head out on the productive waters of South Texas with Captain Kevin to hook into all kinds of inshore sportfish. South Padre Island is known for its wide variety of fun saltwater species and Captain Kevin knows how to catch them all! So, whether you're looking to catch limits and dinner, or chase down your next trophy Redfish or Snook, Capt. Kevin will help you make the most out of your time out on the water. Captain Kevin also caters to a wide variety of fishing techniques. From throwing artificial lures and live bait on light tackle, to drift fishing the bays and bottom fishing, he is willing to work with your goals for the day, and he will offer his expert recommendations based on the weather and tides to help you make the right choice. Your vessel for the day will be a 22' Shoalwater center console that can take up to 4 people, equipped with a 150 HP Yamaha to get you on the fish quickly and safely. Captain Kevin will supply you with all the rods, reels, tackle, water, and knowledge necessary to ensure a successful day out on the water. So all you need to bring are your favorite snacks and beverages and your Texas fishing license and let Captain Kevin take care of the rest for you! Read More
Head out onto the world-renowned waters of the South Texas Riviera with Captain Gary! He specializes in hooking into all kinds of inshore sportfish, including Speckled Trout, Red Fish, Flounder, Snook, Black Drum and Mangrove Snapper. Captain Gary is happy to cater your trip to your goals and is willing to fish with many different methods. He can also provide some expert tips and tricks so that you can improve your fishing abilities as well. So, whether it's landing your first bruiser Trout, chasing the "Big Three", or watching your little ones light up with smiles, no one takes your time on the water more seriously than Captain Gary. For your trip, Captain Gary will provide rods, reels, tackle, bait, and ice for your catch. All the necessities for a successful day out on the water are provided; all you have to bring is your favorite snacks and drink, a camera, and your Texas fishing license! Read More
Hop on board with Captain Ruben and hit the waters surrounding Port Isabel, Texas! Captain Ruben has a contagious passion for fishing and wants to share it with his adventurers! On these 5-hour (half-day) and 7-hour (full day) adventures, you can expect to target Black Drum, Trout, Redfish, Flounder, Snook, Mangrove Snapper, Whiting, Shark, and many other species. . For these trips, Captain Ruben uses a 26-foot bay boat equipped with a 300HP TRP engine. This vessel has a live bait well and fish finder. 6 anglers max. Make sure you purchase a valid Texas fishing license before the trip and don’t forget food, drinks (no glass), a hat, and sunscreen. Captain Ruben will provide all rods, reels, tackle, and lures. He will also prepare live bait upon availability before the trip at no extra cost. Get ready for an action-packed day on the water with Captain Ruben! Read More
If you’ve never been fishing around South Padre Island, then you’re missing out! And if you want to explore it in style, hop aboard Captain Henry's 30' Triton for a relaxing yet action-packed day out on the water! Capt. Henry is a super-knowledgeable fisherman, who not only knows how to have a good time but also knows all the best honey holes to whack the big three: Redfish, Trout, and Flounder! You'll be fishing aboard his badass 30ft Triton Center Console so you'll have no trouble cutting through light chop, and fishing days when the wind is blowing. She also provides a comfortable head (restroom) on board so you don't have to worry about hauling back to the dock in case of emergency! Captain Henry will provide you with all the quality rods, reels, and tackle you could possibly need for a successful day out on the water. His also has tons of shade, tons of seating, and tons of room, so you can relax with your favorite beverage while you wait for your reel to start whirring! Make sure you bring a valid Texas Fishing License with a saltwater stamp as well as some snacks of your choice, and Captain Henry will take care of the rest. Read More
Everything to Know About Booking a South Padre Island bonito fishing charter
What are the best bonito fishing charters in South Padre Island?
Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 1 bonito trip in South Padre Island: South Padre Offshore Fishing guided by Henry.
Our guides in South Padre Island are rated a 4 out of 5 based on 2545 verified reviews on Captain Experiences.
All guides on Captain Experiences are licensed, insured, and 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 bonito guides / fishing lessons in South Padre Island? Check out our beginner and family friendly bonito guides in South Padre Island.
What types of bonito fishing charters are common in South Padre Island?
Deep Sea fishing is the most popular for bonito in South Padre Island as well as nearshore fishing.
The most common fishing techniques in South Padre Island are artificial lure fishing, bottom fishing, and deep dropping but heavy tackle fishing and jigging are popular as well.
How much do South Padre Island bonito fishing charters cost?
for bonito in South Padre Island prices can range anywhere from about $1,190 to $1,680, but the average price for a half day trip for bonito in South Padre Island is $1,217. The average price for a full day trip for bonito in South Padre Island is $1,483.
What month is best for bonito fishing in South Padre Island?
The most popular season for bonito fishing in South Padre Island is summer, and most anglers book their trips 17 days in advance.
Do I need a South Padre Island fishing license for bonito and what are the bag limits for bonito in South Padre Island?
See here for more information on fishing licenses in South Padre Island, bag limits for target species, and fishing season regulations in South Padre Island. When in doubt, your fishing guide will always know the right rules and regulations in South Padre Island.
What is bonito fishing in South Padre Island all about?
Bonito, also known as false albacore, are an exciting and fast-swimming species found in the waters around South Padre Island, Texas. These sleek and powerful fish are known for their remarkable speed and agility, making them a challenging target for anglers. While not as large as some of the other game fish in the area, bonito provide anglers with thrilling battles and memorable fishing experiences. South Padre Island offers opportunities to target bonito throughout much of the year, with peak seasons typically occurring during the warmer months when water temperatures are ideal.
One effective technique for targeting bonito in South Padre Island is trolling with small, brightly colored lures or spoons. Anglers can cover a large area of water by trolling at varying speeds and depths, searching for schools of bonito feeding near the surface. Bonito are known to be voracious feeders and will often strike aggressively at fast-moving lures, providing anglers with exhilarating moments as they hook into these speedy fish. Trolling near offshore structures such as wrecks, reefs, and oil rigs can increase the chances of encountering bonito, as these fish are attracted to areas with abundant baitfish and other prey.
Another productive method for targeting bonito in South Padre Island is casting and retrieving with small metal jigs or lures. Anglers can sight cast to bonito feeding near the surface or cast towards areas where birds are actively diving, indicating the presence of baitfish and predatory fish below. Bonito are known to follow schools of baitfish and will often attack lures with ferocity, providing anglers with exciting surface strikes and acrobatic leaps. With their high-speed runs and relentless fighting spirit, bonito offer anglers a thrilling fishing experience in the waters of South Padre Island, adding excitement to their offshore adventures in the Gulf of Mexico.
What are the most popular months to fish for bonito fishing in South Padre Island?
In South Padre Island, Texas, bonito seasons exhibit a cyclical pattern influenced by various environmental factors such as water temperature, currents, and baitfish migrations. Bonito, also known as false albacore, can be found in the waters around South Padre Island throughout much of the year, but peak seasons typically align with warmer months, particularly from late spring through early fall. During these periods, water temperatures are optimal, and baitfish populations are abundant, attracting bonito to the area in search of food.
The peak bonito season in South Padre Island often coincides with periods of stable weather conditions and calmer seas, which make offshore fishing more accessible and enjoyable for anglers. As the water temperature rises, bonito become more active and move into shallower waters, where they can be found patrolling nearshore structures such as jetties, buoys, and reefs. Anglers targeting bonito during these peak seasons may find success using a variety of techniques, including trolling with small, brightly colored lures or casting and retrieving with metal jigs or lures.
While bonito can be caught year-round in South Padre Island, experienced anglers understand the importance of timing their trips to coincide with optimal conditions for success. Understanding the seasonal patterns of bonito migrations and adjusting fishing strategies accordingly can greatly increase the likelihood of hooking into these fast-swimming game fish. Whether trolling near offshore structures or casting and retrieving inshore, anglers visiting South Padre Island during the peak bonito season can anticipate thrilling encounters with these speedy predators and the satisfaction of landing a trophy-sized catch.
What techniques are popular for catching bonito in South Padre Island?
Bonito fishing in South Padre Island, Texas, offers anglers an exciting challenge with various effective techniques to target these fast-swimming and aggressive game fish. One popular method is trolling with small, brightly colored lures or spoons. Anglers can cover a large area of water by trolling at varying speeds and depths, searching for schools of bonito feeding near the surface. Bonito are known to be voracious feeders and will often strike aggressively at fast-moving lures, providing anglers with exhilarating moments as they hook into these speedy fish.
Another productive technique for targeting bonito in South Padre Island is casting and retrieving with small metal jigs or lures. Anglers can sight cast to bonito feeding near the surface or cast towards areas where birds are actively diving, indicating the presence of baitfish and predatory fish below. Bonito are known to follow schools of baitfish and will often attack lures with ferocity, providing anglers with exciting surface strikes and acrobatic leaps.
Chumming is also an effective strategy for bonito fishing in South Padre Island. Anglers can attract bonito to their boats by deploying a steady stream of chopped baitfish or chum pellets into the water, creating a feeding frenzy that entices bonito to strike nearby lures or baits. This method can be particularly effective when fishing near offshore structures or areas with abundant baitfish populations. With their high-speed runs and relentless fighting spirit, bonito offer anglers a thrilling fishing experience in the waters of South Padre Island, adding excitement to their offshore adventures in the Gulf of Mexico.
What other species are popular in South Padre Island?
Aside from bonito, South Padre Island offers anglers a diverse range of other exciting fish species to target. One popular species is the king mackerel, also known as kingfish. These fast-swimming predators can be found in both nearshore and offshore waters, often around bait schools or structure such as reefs and wrecks. Anglers can target king mackerel using trolling techniques with lures or live bait, as well as casting from piers or shorelines. King mackerel are known for their speed and aggressive strikes, making them a favorite among anglers visiting South Padre Island.
Another sought-after species in South Padre Island is the red snapper, known for its delicious taste and impressive size. Red snapper inhabit the deeper offshore waters around South Padre Island and are often targeted using bottom fishing techniques with live bait or artificial lures. The red snapper season typically runs from June to August, providing ample opportunities for anglers to reel in these prized catches. Red snapper are prized for their fighting ability and are a favorite among anglers for both recreational and culinary purposes.
In addition to king mackerel and red snapper, South Padre Island offers opportunities to target a variety of other species, including speckled trout, flounder, black drum, and sheepshead, among others. Whether fishing from shore, a pier, or a boat, anglers can enjoy the thrill of targeting a diverse array of fish species in the rich and fertile waters of the Gulf of Mexico. With its abundance of fish species and diverse fishing environments, South Padre Island is a prime destination for anglers looking to experience the excitement of saltwater fishing in Texas.
Recent Reviews of Captain Experiences
Other Fishing Species in South Padre Island
- Almaco Jack
- Amberjack
- Black Drum
- Black Grouper
- Blackfin Tuna
- Blue Marlin
- Cobia
- False Albacore
- Flounder
- Jack Crevalle
- Kingfish
- Ladyfish
- Mahi Mahi
- Mangrove Snapper
- Red Snapper
- Redfish
- Sailfish
- Sheepshead
- Snook
- Spadefish
- Spanish Mackerel
- Speckled Trout
- Tarpon
- Triggerfish
- Tripletail
- Wahoo
- White Marlin
- Whiting
- Yellowfin Tuna
Other Hunting Species in South Padre Island
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What's biting in South Padre Island?
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