Summary of Fishing Spots
South Padre Island has emerged as a premier tourist destination on the Gulf Coast of Texas, offering a plethora of water-based activities and attractions for visitors. It is an angler’s paradise, whether fishing inshore, offshore, or wading in the surf. This article highlights the top fishing spots ideal for land-based anglers.
Best Fishing Spots
Holly Beach Wade Fishing Area – Located just north of Laguna Vista, this area provides easy road access. The grass beds yield excellent catches of spotted trout and redfish from March through November. Large trout are also present during the spring and fall. However, wade fishing can be rewarding yet dangerous for inexperienced anglers; always be cautious of holes, drop-offs, soft bottoms, oyster shells, and stingrays. GPS: N 26°08.518′ W 97°17.664′
Jim’s Pier & Marina – This well-stocked tackle store offers everything needed for the fishing enthusiast, including snacks, ice, and beverages. In addition to pier fishing, their private charter trips provide 18′ to 24′ boats equipped with a Captain and all necessary gear to catch Speckled Trout, Redfish, Flounder, and Snook in the shallow flats of Laguna Madre Bay. GPS: N 26°06.15′ W 97°10.347′
Laguna Heights Wade Fishing Area – The shoreline between Laguna Heights and Laguna Vista is a fantastic wading location. Trout and redfish can be encountered here from March through November. Nevertheless, wade fishing can pose risks for beginners; always be alert for holes, drop-offs, soft bottoms, oyster shells, and stingrays. GPS: N 26°05.297′ W 97°16.158′
Lower Laguna Madre Grass Flats – These abundant grass flats in the south bay are excellent for fishing trout and redfish from March through November, with peak months being from April to August. This location is also very popular for kayak fishing. GPS: N 26°01.399′ W 97°10.561′
Old Causeway in the Lower Laguna Madre – This outdated causeway has transformed into a productive land-based platform for anglers using live bait to catch spotted trout, drum, and sheepshead. The most productive fishing times here are between March and November. GPS: N 26°04.39′ W 97°10.958′
Pirate’s Landing Fishing Pier – Situated on State Highway 100 at the south end of South Padre Island, this fishing pier is a highlight of a one-acre park that used to serve as a causeway across the bay. Following the construction of a new bridge in the early 1970s, the old bridge was leased to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Anglers can catch various fish species, including speckled trout, sand trout, croaker, sheepshead, and gaff top catfish. GPS: N 26°04.86′ W 97°12.252′
Sea Ranch Pier – This renowned pier provides access to waters where anglers, regardless of age, can catch red drum, speckled trout, black drum, sheepshead, and even occasional sharks. GPS: N 26°04.617′ W 97°10.314′
South Cullen Bay Wade Fishing Area – Experienced wade anglers will appreciate this fishing area, although it does contain several holes and soft spots that can pose risks for less experienced fishermen. Always shuffle your feet during summer to avoid stepping on stingrays. GPS: N 26°12.528′ W 97°18.381′
South Padre Island North Jetty and South Padre Island South Jetty – These two jetties run parallel to each other and offer productive fishing opportunities year-round for various species. Expect redfish action from spring through fall, with the addition of tarpon in the fall. The South Jetty can be accessed via State Highway 4 out of Brownsville, leading north on the beach. GPS: N 26°03.819′ W 97°08.886′
