Harlingen Fishing Charters

Flounder gigging in the shallow coastal waters of South Texas, particularly around Port Mansfield and the Lower Laguna Madre, offers a unique and exhilarating experience for anglers. This nighttime activity combines the thrill of the hunt with the serene beauty of the coastal environment, creating memories that last a lifetime. As the sun sets and darkness falls, you gather your gear and prepare for the adventure. The equipment for flounder gigging is simple yet essential: a sturdy gig (a long pole with a multi-pronged spear at the end), a bright underwater light, and appropriate footwear for wading in shallow waters. Some enthusiasts also use a flat-bottomed boat or, for a more immersive experience, an airboat equipped with powerful lights to illuminate the seabed. The journey begins as you head out into the calm, shallow waters. The transition from day to night transforms the coastal landscape into a tranquil and otherworldly realm. The air is cool, and the only sounds are the gentle lapping of water against the boat and the occasional call of a nocturnal bird. The powerful lights on the boat or your handheld light pierce the inky darkness, revealing the sandy or muddy bottom of the shallows where flounder lie hidden. Flounder are masters of camouflage, blending seamlessly into their surroundings. The key to successful gigging is patience and keen observation. As you move slowly through the water, the light reveals the telltale outline of a flounder lying flat against the bottom. Spotting the subtle shape of these elusive fish requires a sharp eye and an understanding of their behavior and habitats. Once a flounder is spotted, the next step is to approach it carefully. Moving too quickly or creating too much noise can startle the fish, causing it to dart away. With a steady hand and precise aim, you thrust the gig into the flounder, securing it before it has a chance to escape. The moment of a successful gig is filled with excitement and satisfaction, a testament to your skill and patience. Throughout the night, the thrill of the hunt is accompanied by the serene beauty of the coastal environment. The shimmering lights reflect off the water, creating a mesmerizing and peaceful ambiance. The stars overhead and the distant glow of coastal lights add to the enchantment of the experience. Flounder gigging also offers a unique perspective on marine life. As you wade or float through the shallows, you may encounter a variety of other nocturnal creatures, from crabs scuttling along the bottom to schools of fish illuminated by your lights. These encounters add to the richness of the adventure, providing a deeper appreciation for the coastal ecosystem. As the night progresses and you accumulate a catch, the satisfaction of a successful outing grows. Flounder, prized for their delicious, delicate meat, are a culinary delight. Back at the dock or campsite, the evening ends with the cleaning and preparation of the flounder, ready to be enjoyed as a fresh and flavorful meal. The simplicity of grilling or frying these freshly caught fish adds to the allure of the experience, creating a direct connection between the hunt and the feast. Flounder gigging in South Texas is more than just a method of fishing; it's an immersive adventure that combines skill, patience, and an appreciation for the natural world. The quiet beauty of the night, the thrill of the hunt, and the satisfaction of a successful catch make this a cherished tradition for those who partake. Whether you are a seasoned angler or a newcomer to gigging, the experience of flounder gigging in the shallow coastal waters of South Texas is one that promises excitement, tranquility, and unforgettable memories. Read More

Captain JW runs his charters out of beautiful South Padre Island, Texas offering a variety of different options and experiences. JW and his crew are a tenured bunch that equally love running tips for first-timers and families as they do they're most experienced clientele. JW is flat-out an experienced fisherman and avid outdoorsman, he's you're man if you're looking to venture out past the state water (9 mile) threshold to explore the open ocean! This 8-hour trip allows you to fish toll the deep-water for delicious and hard fighting fish like Wahoo, King Mackerel, Cobia, Red Snapper and much more! Being out in deeper water allows you to bottom fish for amberjack and several types of grouper as well. But an 8-hour trip rarely allows time to do both trolling and deep water bottom fishing for long. If you're looking to do both in one day, Captain JW would recommend his 10-hour trip at least. Everything is provided by Captain JW and his Crew From rods and tackle to expert guidance and tips. All the deckhands and responsible crew members tirelessly work around the clock to ensure that you as guests are accompanied by professionalism and are comfortable on the boat while catching your favorite fish. All deckhands will help you with rigging your lines, baiting your hook, teaching those with less experience proper fishing techniques, offering those who may get sick small comforts, cleaning your fish, and so much more. Your gratuity is how they get paid, so please show them, love, if you are happy or satisfied with the service they provided you! Read More

If you’ve never been fishing in South Padre Island before, then you’re missing out! And if you’re looking for a knowledgeable charter captain to take you out, Captain Arturo is a great choice. Test your angling skills and chase Redfish, Black Drum, Flounder, Sheepshead, and Speckled Trout on your 5 or 8-hour excursion through the Lower Laguna Madre. Captain Arturo will provide you with quality rods, reels, bait and tackle as well as bottled water and Gatorade. But you are more than welcome to bring your own snacks and drinks. Make sure you bring a valid Texas Fishing License with a saltwater stamp as well as some snacks of your choice. Come and explore this fishing paradise and make some everlasting memories! Read More

Head out to explore the Lower Laguna Madre aboard Captain J's 22' center console Lake and Bay with a Mercury 300 outboard motor. It fishes 2-3 people very comfortably. I supply all of the fishing equipment and bait, all the customer needs is a valid Texas saltwater fishing license and their choice of food and drinks. We fish for Redfish, Speckled Sea Trout, Black Drum, Sheepshead, and Flounder in the Laguna Madre Bay and troll for King Mackerel near the jetties and near shore. Read More

Bayview, Texas is a small fishing town located right on the Laguna Madre, a shallow bay know for exceptional fishing! Captain Randy is a local fishing guide with years of experience here, and he will put you on some awesome fish and help you fill our cooler on this spot-and-stalk sight casting trip. On a fishing charter with Captain Randy, you will have the chance to catch a variety of popular game fish in Laguna. Redfish, Speckled Trout, and Sheepshead are all common catches in these waters. Captain Randy will provide you with top-quality rods and reels for the day, so you can focus on reeling in your catch. In addition to the fishing equipment, Captain Randy will also provide all necessary bait and tackle. He will take you to the best fishing spots in the area and provide expert instruction on how to catch the various fish species in Bayview! Read More

Looking for a light tackle sportfishing specialist in South Padre Island? There's no better choice than Captain Lloyd! His trips are a blast for both beginners and experienced anglers, and are a great way to enjoy the Texas coast and all the great fishing it offers. On this trip, you'll use variety of tackle and techniques, including both live bait and artificial lures, to chase Speckled Trout and Redfish! These classic Texas sportfish are fun fighters, and they're great eating as well. Captain Lloyd is happy to clean and bag your keepers, so bring along a cooler to take your fish home. You'll be fishing aboard Captain Lloyd's 20' Dargel Skout. Lloyd used to work for Dargel Boats, and he knows this vessel inside-out. She's an ideal boat for motoring around the bay, and has a shallow draft to get you into the inshore waters and flats where big fish like to hang out. Captain Lloyd will supply everything you need for an awesome trip, including rods, reels, bait and tackle! All you need to bring along is sunscreen, your Texas Fishing License, and proper clothing fo the weather. Get out there and have a blast! Read More

We will target red fish, Speckled Trout, black drum, Mangrove Snappers, flounder, sand trout sheephead and whiting. Not all at once but when the possible. Leave the dock at 7:15am and fish till 12:15pm 5 hour trip. Fish on my Shallow Sport 21' bay boat with a 200hp Yamaha. Fish different spots along the bay either anchored or drift fishing. Using fresh dead bait, live bait and live shrimp. While traveling to different fishing spots you will see beautiful scenery and occasionally dolphins 🐬 Read More

Fishing the back bays of Port Mansfield in the brackish waters of the Lower Laguna Madre from an airboat adds an exhilarating dimension to the adventure. The airboat's unique capabilities allow access to shallow, hard-to-reach areas, enhancing the overall experience and increasing the chances of encountering a diverse range of fish species, including alligator gar, redfish, and catfish. As the airboat skims over the shallow flats and marshes, its powerful engine propelling it effortlessly across the water, the sense of anticipation builds. The airboat's ability to traverse very shallow waters and navigate through dense vegetation means you can explore fishing spots that are virtually untouched, providing an unmatched opportunity to catch some impressive fish. The primary target in these waters is the formidable alligator gar. Known for their size and strength, these prehistoric fish require a sturdy setup. The airboat maneuvers into a quiet, sheltered cove where alligator gar are known to lurk. You cast your heavy-duty line into the murky depths, using bait that attracts these giants. The wait is filled with tension, and when an alligator gar finally takes the bait, the fight is fierce. The airboat provides a stable platform, allowing you to brace yourself as you reel in the powerful fish. The sight of its long, armored body and rows of sharp teeth as it surfaces is a thrilling reward for your effort. Next, the airboat heads to the grassy edges and shallow flats, prime feeding grounds for redfish. Redfish are known for their hard strikes and strong runs, making them a favorite among anglers. The airboat's ability to glide over these shallow areas without disturbing the fish below gives you an advantage. You cast your line, watching for the distinctive tailing behavior of redfish. When one hits, the fight is exhilarating, with the fish making powerful runs that test your skill and strength. Catfish are another prominent species in the brackish waters. The airboat stops over deeper channels and muddy areas where catfish are likely to be feeding. Using a bottom rig with bait such as cut fish or shrimp, you cast into the deeper water. The bites can come quickly, and catfish provide a good fight as they pull against the current and your line. The airboat's stable platform makes it easier to handle the feisty catfish as you reel them in. Throughout the day, the airboat's versatility allows for quick changes in location, maximizing your fishing opportunities. The ability to cover more ground means you can explore various habitats, each home to different species and offering unique challenges. The serene surroundings of the back bays, bordered by salt marshes and mangroves, create a peaceful backdrop for the adventure. The brackish waters teem with life, and the occasional sight of a bird diving for fish or the splash of a jumping fish adds to the experience. Fishing from an airboat in the back bays of Port Mansfield combines the thrill of high-speed travel with the tranquility of nature and the excitement of fishing. The dynamic nature of the airboat allows you to reach the best fishing spots, giving you an edge in your quest for alligator gar, redfish, and catfish. Whether you are an experienced angler or new to the sport, this unique approach to fishing in the Lower Laguna Madre promises an unforgettable adventure filled with thrilling catches and the stunning beauty of Texas' coastal wilderness. Read More

If you're all about having a blast and making the most of every moment, Captain Jerrid's trips are tailored just for you. We believe in seizing the day, and that's exactly what we'll do on this adventure! Step aboard our spacious 33ft Sportfisher, and let Captain Jerrid be your guide to non-stop fun. You'll have ample time to reel in some incredible catches and enjoy every second of it. Our fishing options are as diverse as your appetite for adventure. From bottom fishing to cut bait fishing, heavy tackle battles to the thrill of jigging, and everything in between, we've got the techniques covered. Whether you're an angling pro or just starting out, you'll find the perfect way to test your skills. And the stars of the show? Get ready to hook into Barracuda, Blacktip Shark, Cobia, Jack Crevalle, and the scrumptious Mangrove Snapper. These formidable species promise an exciting challenge and a tasty reward. Don't wait for a long time; make it a good time with us. Book your 3/4 day fishing trip with Captain Jerrid and get ready for a day of thrilling catches, laughs, and unforgettable memories. 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

Captain Augustin "Cappy" has over 35 years of experience fishing the Lower Laguna Madre. Trips may be taken from South Padre Island, Arroyo City or Port Mansfield. The boat is a 25-foot Dargel Kat (catamaran hull) which allows fishing from shallow waters to deep offshore trips. The Kat hull provides stability on the water plus a smooth ride through the chop. Fish targeted on the bay are redfish, trout, flounder, black drum and sheepshead. The fishing methods vary depending on each customer's request or ability. Baits used vary based on the method of fishing. 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