Damn Good Yellowfin Tuna Fishing Charters In South Padre Island

Check real-time availability and compare rates on South Padre Island yellowfin tuna fishing trips. Confidently book your next day on the water.

Choose a Date
4.71/5 Average Rating

Damn Good Guides

Experts Available 24/7

100% Weather Guarantee

Recently Booked Yellowfin Tuna Fishing Charters In South Padre Island, Tx

Damn Good
Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in South Padre Island

South Padre Island Deep Sea

94% (16)
35 ft 1 - 6 People From $1,380
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Deep Sea Fishing Charter in South Padre Island

Luxury Offshore Fishing

100% (6)
35 ft 1 - 6 People From $2,310

“Our Damn Good Guides go above and beyond, and we’ve handpicked every single one. We’re passionate about the outdoors and look forward to getting you out on the trip of a lifetime, every time.”

Jonathan and Attison   |   Co-founders   |   Austin, Texas

Target Species in South Padre Island

View Full Species Seasonality Chart »
  • Get it while it's HOT!
  • This species is in play.
  • You might get lucky (as long as things are in-season).
  • Couldn't tell ya! (no data)

Other Trips in South Padre Island

Damn Good
Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Flats Fishing Charter in South Padre Island

Private Snook Fishing Trip

100% (10)
24 ft 1 - 4 People From $575
Damn Good
Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Jetty, Flats Fishing Charter in South Padre Island

Triple Delight - 3 Person Bay Trip

100% (10)
24 ft 1 - 6 People From $525
Damn Good
Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Duck Hunting Trip in South Padre Island

Bay Duck Hunting Trip

100% (10)
24 ft 1 - 4 People From $500
Damn Good
Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore, Flats Fishing Charter in South Padre Island

Bay Fishing

NEW
23 ft 1 - 10 People From $525
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore, Flats Fishing Charter in South Padre Island

Bay Fishing

NEW
24 ft 1 - 8 People From $600
Damn Good
Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Flats Fishing Charter in South Padre Island

Half Day Private Bay Fishing Trip

100% (10)
24 ft 1 - 4 People From $525
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Jetty, Flats Fishing Charter in South Padre Island

AM And PM Private Bay Fishing Trips

NEW
24 ft 1 - 8 People From $500
Damn Good
Certified Damn Good Guides offer 10/10 trips. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Nearshore, Jetty, Flats Fishing Charter in South Padre Island

Fly Or Conventional Sight Fishing

NEW
18 ft 1 - 4 People From $550
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Flats Fishing Charter in South Padre Island

SPI Classic

77% (13)
24 ft 1 - 6 People From $475
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Flats Fishing Charter in South Padre Island

SPI Classic Charter Trip

NEW
21 ft 1 - 4 People From $500
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Inshore, Flats Fishing Charter in South Padre Island

SPI Drift Trip

100% (5)
24 ft 1 - 4 People From $550
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin
Fishing in Destin

Duck Hunting Trip in South Padre Island

South Texas Duck Hunts

NEW
1 - 4 People From $1,100

Need a Place to Stay?

Everything to Know About Booking a South Padre Island yellowfin tuna fishing charter

What are the best yellowfin tuna fishing charters in South Padre Island?

The best yellowfin tuna fishing charters in South Padre Island are:

Why should I book a yellowfin tuna fishing charter in South Padre Island with Captain Experiences?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 2 yellowfin tuna trips in South Padre Island, and the most popular trips in the area are South Padre Island Deep Sea guided by Emilio and Luxury Offshore Fishing guided by JW.

Our guides in South Padre Island are rated a 4.71 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 yellowfin tuna guides / fishing lessons in South Padre Island? Check out our beginner and family friendly yellowfin tuna guides in South Padre Island.

What types of yellowfin tuna fishing charters are common in South Padre Island?

Deep Sea fishing is the most popular type of fishing for yellowfin tuna in South Padre Island.

The most common fishing techniques in South Padre Island are trolling, live bait fishing, and jigging but heavy tackle fishing and artificial lure fishing are popular as well.

How much do South Padre Island yellowfin tuna fishing charters cost?

Prices for yellowfin tuna in South Padre Island can range anywhere from about $1,568 to $2,580, but the average price for a full day trip for yellowfin tuna in South Padre Island is $2,120.

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 yellowfin tuna fishing in South Padre Island?

The most popular season for yellowfin tuna fishing in South Padre Island is summer, and most anglers book their trips 20 days in advance.

Do I need a South Padre Island fishing license for yellowfin tuna and what are the bag limits for yellowfin tuna 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 yellowfin tuna fishing in South Padre Island all about?

In South Padre Island, yellowfin tuna are highly coveted among anglers for their exceptional fighting ability, delicious flesh, and impressive size. These powerful pelagic predators roam the offshore waters of the Gulf of Mexico, including the areas around South Padre Island, offering anglers thrilling opportunities for big game fishing adventures. Yellowfin tuna are known for their distinctive torpedo-shaped bodies, metallic blue backs, and bright yellow fins, making them a prized catch for anglers seeking a challenging and rewarding fishing experience.

Yellowfin tuna season in South Padre Island typically coincides with the warmer months, from late spring through early fall, when water temperatures rise and baitfish become abundant offshore. During this time, yellowfin tuna migrate along the Gulf Coast in search of food, making their way through the waters near South Padre Island. Anglers eagerly await their arrival, gearing up for offshore expeditions targeting these powerful pelagic predators. With the right techniques and strategies, anglers have the opportunity to encounter yellowfin tuna of various sizes, ranging from school-sized fish to true giants weighing hundreds of pounds.

Successful yellowfin tuna fishing in South Padre Island often involves trolling with a spread of large lures or rigged baits, targeting areas where tuna are known to congregate, such as underwater seamounts, ridges, or offshore banks. Anglers may also employ techniques such as chunking, where they deploy chunks of baitfish or squid to create a scent trail to attract tuna to the vicinity. Once a strike occurs, anglers must be prepared for a fierce battle, as yellowfin tuna are known for their powerful runs and acrobatic leaps. With their sheer strength and tenacity, yellowfin tuna provide anglers with exhilarating fights and unforgettable memories on the open sea.

What are the most popular months to fish for yellowfin tuna in South Padre Island ?

In South Padre Island, the seasons for yellowfin tuna fishing offer anglers exciting opportunities to target these prized pelagic predators in the offshore waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The yellowfin tuna season typically spans from late spring through early fall, aligning with the warmer months when water temperatures rise and baitfish become abundant offshore. As temperatures increase, yellowfin tuna migrate along the Gulf Coast, including the waters surrounding South Padre Island, in search of food, creating prime conditions for anglers to pursue these powerful game fish.

Late spring marks the beginning of the yellowfin tuna season in South Padre Island, as warming waters trigger the arrival of these migratory predators. Anglers eagerly await the opportunity to venture offshore and target yellowfin tuna in the productive fishing grounds near underwater seamounts, ridges, and offshore banks. Throughout the summer months, yellowfin tuna activity typically peaks, with large concentrations of fish patrolling the offshore waters in search of baitfish. Anglers employ a variety of techniques, including trolling with large lures or live bait fishing, to entice strikes from yellowfin tuna during the height of the season.

As fall approaches, the yellowfin tuna season in South Padre Island gradually winds down, with decreasing water temperatures prompting the fish to migrate southward or offshore in search of warmer waters. While yellowfin tuna may still be encountered offshore well into the fall season, their numbers and activity levels tend to decline as they move away from the coast. However, anglers can still experience productive fishing opportunities during this time, particularly during periods of stable weather and favorable conditions. Overall, the yellowfin tuna season in South Padre Island offers anglers exhilarating offshore adventures and the chance to pursue one of the ocean's ultimate big game species in a picturesque and dynamic marine environment.

What techniques are popular for catching yellowfin tuna in South Padre Island ?

Yellowfin tuna fishing in South Padre Island demands a blend of skill, strategy, and adaptability to increase the chances of a successful catch. One primary technique employed by anglers is trolling, where boats cruise the offshore waters with a spread of large, brightly colored lures or rigged baits trailing behind. Anglers strategically vary the depth and distance of their baits to cover different parts of the water column, enticing yellowfin tuna cruising near the surface or at deeper depths. Trolling allows anglers to cover vast areas of open water, increasing the likelihood of encountering tuna actively feeding or patrolling the area.

Live bait fishing is another highly effective technique utilized by anglers targeting yellowfin tuna in South Padre Island's offshore waters. Anglers deploy live baitfish such as bonito, mullet, or mackerel, either on the surface or at varying depths using downriggers or kites. Live bait presents a natural and enticing offering for yellowfin tuna, often leading to aggressive strikes. Anglers must carefully monitor their baits and be ready to strike at the first sign of a tuna taking the bait, as these fish are known for their lightning-fast attacks.

Additionally, jigging can be a productive technique for targeting yellowfin tuna in South Padre Island. Anglers use heavy metal jigs to mimic the movement of baitfish, dropping them down to the desired depth and jigging them up and down to attract tuna. This technique requires precision and finesse, as anglers must closely monitor their line and feel for the subtle strikes of tuna hitting the jig. With the right presentation and timing, jigging can yield impressive catches of yellowfin tuna and provide anglers with thrilling battles on the open sea.

What other species are popular in South Padre Island?

While yellowfin tuna may be a prized target among offshore anglers in South Padre Island, the area offers a diverse array of other species to pursue, ensuring anglers have plenty of options for thrilling fishing adventures. One popular species to target is the dorado, also known as mahi-mahi or dolphin fish. These vibrant and energetic fish are prized for their delicious flesh and acrobatic fights, making them a favorite among anglers. Dorado can be found in offshore waters around South Padre Island, particularly near floating debris, weed lines, and underwater structures where they congregate to feed on baitfish and crustaceans.

Another sought-after species in South Padre Island's offshore waters is the sailfish, known for its incredible speed, agility, and striking appearance. Sailfish are frequently encountered in the deeper offshore waters, particularly along the edges of underwater canyons, ridges, and current lines where they patrol in search of schools of baitfish. Anglers targeting sailfish often deploy a variety of techniques, including trolling with large lures or live bait fishing, to entice strikes from these majestic predators. With their breathtaking aerial displays and powerful runs, sailfish provide anglers with thrilling battles and unforgettable memories on the open sea.

For anglers seeking a different kind of challenge, South Padre Island also offers opportunities to target species such as wahoo, kingfish, and marlin. Wahoo, with their lightning-fast strikes and powerful runs, provide anglers with exhilarating battles in the offshore waters around South Padre Island. Kingfish patrol the nearshore waters, often feeding voraciously on baitfish schools, offering anglers fast-paced action and adrenaline-pumping fights. Additionally, blue marlin, known for their immense size and strength, roam the offshore waters, providing anglers with the ultimate big game fishing experience. With such a diverse range of species to pursue, South Padre Island ensures anglers of all interests and preferences can enjoy rewarding fishing experiences year-round.

Recent Reviews

  • ★★★★★
    The captain and deck mate were excellent. Took two boys out for their first off shore trip and they are still talking about how much fun they had. I highly recommend this guide definitely worth the price.

    Jerad H. | July 27, 2024

    Trip: South Padre Island Deep Sea

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Emilio & Jesse were great! We caught red snapper and had a blast! Waters were a little rough but still had a blast! definitely recommend!

    Ashley L. | June 30, 2024

    Trip: South Padre Island Deep Sea

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great time! Emilio and Jesse did everything they could to get us some fish despite some difficult circumstances that were out of everyone’s control. We would definitely book this fishing trip again.

    Chris L. | June 29, 2024

    Trip: South Padre Island Deep Sea

  • ★★★★★
    I can’t explain how amazing this trip was! Everyone was so sweet and helpful. We got some awesome fish. Our family is so grateful for the amazing experience.

    Alisa J. | April 4, 2024

    Trip: South Padre Island Deep Sea

  • ★★★★★
    I hate reviews that don’t give you all the info you need. Emilio and his crew hand did a great job they brought us to a few spot that put us on 5-10 fish at a time the boat got us where we needed to go 5-10 miles out from the docks the squid bate was decent the rods were all usable there was a restroom on board In all especially for the price I would definitely take this charter again during the summer!!! Timing matters when fishing!

    Brayden L. | March 11, 2024

    Trip: South Padre Island Deep Sea

  • ★★★★★
    Our fishing trip on the Chachi was amazing! Emilio and his deckhand, Logan, were friendly and put us on the fish.

    Kerri F. | September 3, 2023

    Trip: South Padre Island Deep Sea

  • ★★★★★
    The trip was amazing! We all had a wonderful time, & the captain & mate were very helpful. They also answered all of our questions throughout the day. Even my son who was seasick the whole time said he was glad he went.

    Ann-Marie R. | August 10, 2023

    Trip: South Padre Island Deep Sea

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Emilio and his first mate(I apologize for not remembering your name), were wonderful. They visited with us before departure. We were at the end of Red Snapper season, but hey, we got our limit. Plus mackerel and Bonita. Captain Emilio did an excellent job getting us to the perfect location. I will say, taking the grandchildren (9& 4 years of age), the first mate did an outstanding job teaching the curious 9/year old. She learned a lot, as did I. I’m so glad we held off deep sea fishing until we were at South Padre(the other option was in Corpus), nope this was my favorite. I would tell anyone to make an 8-hr trip, and then scale back if needed. We had our quota of Red Snapper and continued to troll for the next hour or so. I would definitely recommend Captain Emilio !!!

    Melinda P. | July 28, 2023

    Trip: South Padre Island Deep Sea

  • ★★★★★
    Emilio and crew were excellent,very happy with the experience

    Bryan J. | July 19, 2023

    Trip: South Padre Island Deep Sea

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great time with Captain Emilio and crew. The waters were rough but they worked hard to make sure we were at the spots where the fish we biting. We would book with these guys every time- hands down. Looking forward to our next outing with them.

    Paige J. | June 27, 2023

    Trip: South Padre Island Deep Sea

  • ★★★★★
    Great experience, great dudes. Highly recommend

    Ryan C. | June 9, 2023

    Trip: South Padre Island Deep Sea

  • ★★★★★
    Great trip. Had a real good time. Recommend.

    Eddie L. | October 31, 2022

    Trip: South Padre Island Deep Sea

  • ★★★★★
    We had a great trip. Captain JW worked hard for us and put us on fish. The mate Jeremiah was a great host and very knowledgeable. We look forward to going again

    Kenneth D. | October 23, 2022

    Trip: Luxury Offshore Fishing

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Emilio and his crew know how to bring a great experience!! Very accommodating and knows where the fish are!! Highly recommend

    Jesse M. | June 13, 2022

    Trip: South Padre Island Deep Sea

  • ★★★★★
    Capt. Emilio and his crew were professional, attentive, and knowledgeable. My son and I were given options regarding what kind of fishing we wanted to do and they obliged. I give Capt Emilio a very high recommendation and would definitely fish with him again.

    David B. | June 6, 2021

    Trip: South Padre Island Deep Sea

What's biting in South Padre Island?

View Yellowfin Tuna Fishing Reports from our damn good guides.

Didn't Find What You Were Looking For?

Our guides are Damn Good Guides, which means they’re vetted by our team of outdoor experts who know them on a first-name basis. We hand pick each and every one of them, and our network spans all across the US and beyond.

The proof is in the pudding, and we’re incredibly proud of our 4.9 / 5 average review score. Hit the button below to see more trip options:

See All Yellowfin Tuna Trips in South Padre Island