What would you recommend to anglers fishing in South Padre Island, Texas for the first time?

We have enjoyed deep sea fishing, shore fishing and bay fishing in South Padre. Regardless of which type of trip you choose, you're very likely to catch something. Plan to keep your catch -- many restaurants offer at least a few different ways to cook it for you.

Don’t worry about bringing lunch if you just do the 5 hours trip. You are so busy taking it all in and fishing that a snack is not necessary. Bring a small cooler for beverages and they provide everything else. Bring sunscreen and a positive mind and your will enjoy every second.

Captain Noel and Prime time fishing is the best one to take you out and if you are at South padre Island in a RV stay at the KOA on the island and Captain Noel will be willing to pick you up and drop you off at the camp ground boat ramp.

First time to SPI and could only go by online reviews. I booked last minute with Capitan Manny. Right out the gate you know. Great customer service, flexible, friendly, knowledgeable, good fishing gear.

Sea grass and crossed wind and currents in addition to it being 90F+ degrees out made for a ridiculously tough day fishing. We caught a bad day out as the grass had just shown up in the tide lines a week prior to us fishing - check the conditions before you go - otherwise, you'd have a better success rate fishing from shore. We'll absolutely be going out to try again in the fall.

Highly recommend fishing in SPI if you like deep sea fishing. This place is right for snappers and king fish among many others. The weather in the summer can get very hot so be ready and bring plenty of drinks and sun screen.

Go offshore if possible, if bay fishing is more your style make sure the guide takes you up north. fishing pressure down south has reduced the number of quality fish, plenty of small ones but not a lot of CPR hogs

Temper your expectations and expect to fish not catch. Casting is difficult if you’re not accustomed to bay-fishing, and lots of species are super crafty about surgically removing live shrimp from your hook.

If it’s your 1st time or your kids 1st time deel sea fishing is recommend the 5 hr morning trip. The waves weren’t terrible but it did take the boys a minute to get use to it. Also the sun started to wear them down around 11:30

Go with a good guide. I recommend J W Watson and crew. Take a half day trip for your first time. Try to go in calmer waters your first trip. June was very moderate waves that were good for beginners. Do your homework and know what to expect and what you will catch.

Take a private charter if you want a more personal experience, otherwise go out into the gulf on a bigger boat.

Captain said that the seaweed is worse this time of year which makes it harder with lures.

Hire an expert guide like Captain Hector Lopez and tell him what kind of fish you want to catch. He knows the different locations that hold different species.

The water was warm, definitely worth fishing on the laguna, I would recommend the morning because I think it would be really hot in the afternoon if there wasn't much of a breeze.

Book early and on weekdays if possible. Figure at least16 oz of water or Gatorade per hour per person. Your cooler and your ice and drinks. Save the alcoholic drinks for the ride back in.

Fishing is a little more concentrated to specific locations given the water temperature, but the fish are definitely there and it's definitely a good time.

Try Isla Blanca Park and use popping cork with live shrimp. Make sure you don’t overdo the drag. Or, book a charter with Driftwater Charter and Captain Joaquin.

This isn't like fishing the Upper Laguna Madre. The water is extremely shallow and the fishing more difficult. Find a guide who will work for you even on the slowest of days.

I believe SPI is better for experienced fishermen but then again, you can begin fishing anywhere...so YES!

Either fish in the morning, or wear long sleaves if you're fishing in the afternoon. The sun can be brutal if you're on a boat with not shade for several hours in the afternoon.

Drink plenty of water and for heaven's sake, if you go deep sea fishing and are at all susceptible to seasickness, take a Dramamine or equivalent.

Just do it! It’s easy to get a fishing license in SPI. It’s so much fun, and heading out at sunrise is beautiful. We also saw dolphins and a sea turtle, which added to the enjoyable experience.

Watch the wind reports. We only had 10-12 mph winds and it caused some of our folks to be sea sick.

Plan your trips for weekdays. Starting Friday afternoon through Sunday evening the Island gets very busy. Holidays are even worse.

Don't worry if you have little to no experience. I good fishing guide will make you feel like a pro in an hour, and it will be an experience you can't get anywhere else.

Early March is still cool, and the fish are less accessible from shore than when it gets a bit warmer. Charter is the way to go to access the better spots.

work with captain and watch the waves. we booked in january and because of weather and waves , went out in march

Just remember you win some and you lose some each time on the water is different. Have a great time either way it goes. Be kind and God bless.

The Laguna Madre is a beautiful bay system with plenty of potential to catch limits. Remember, it's fishing, not catching so take in the whole experience in God's beauty!

Don't give up when you least expect it the fish will bite once you catch one red in particular you are sure to catch more be patient ?