Rental House Stay. Contact for current rates
South Padre Island, Texas. Short boat run to the Laguna Madre
Redfish, Big Speckled Trout & Jack Crevalle
Sight Fishing Clear Flats. Small Crowds
About South Padre Island

About South Padre Island

A copper tail breaks the surface over a patch of turtle grass. Your guide points. You have one good cast.

That's redfishing on the Laguna Madre, and it's different from almost anywhere else in the country. Just a short, smooth boat run from your rental house on South Padre Island, the water turns clear over miles of sand and turtle grass flats built for sight fishing. Redfish are the main event, but very large speckled trout cruise these flats too, along with the occasional jack crevalle. If you want a unique saltwater trip without the crowds, this is it.

Booking With Front Range Anglers

No Extra Cost

When you book with Front Range Anglers Adventure Travel, you never pay more. We work for you and the outfitter, so you get the best experience at the best value.

Concierge Services

Our Adventure Travel team coordinates flights to South Texas, rental cars, your rental house and gear prep, so you arrive ready to fish.

Expert Guidance & Resources

With 40+ years of fly fishing expertise, we'll help you choose rods, lines and flies for tailing reds and big specks, and pick the best time of year for your trip.

Trip Details

Trip Highlights

  • Sight fishing for redfish on clear sand and turtle grass flats
  • Tailing reds in the Laguna Madre, a style of redfishing unlike most of the U.S.
  • Very large speckled trout sharing the same flats
  • Occasional jack crevalle for a hard-pulling surprise
  • Short, smooth boat run from your rental house to the fishing
  • Small crowds and a relaxed, uncrowded saltwater experience
  • A domestic saltwater trip with no passport required

About the Fishing

Fishing the Laguna Madre

Most redfishing happens in murky marsh water where you're casting to a wake or a guess. The Laguna Madre is different. The water is clear, the bottom is sand and turtle grass, and you can see fish before you cast. It's true sight fishing, and it feels a lot closer to a flats trip in the tropics than a typical redfish day.

The Flats

  • Clear water over sand and turtle grass
  • Built for sight fishing
  • A short, smooth boat run from the rental house
  • [TBD: poling skiff, wading, or both]

Target Species

Redfish
The primary target. Look for tails and backs on the flats and make the cast count.

Speckled Trout
Very large specks frequent these flats and are a real trophy on the fly.

Jack Crevalle
An occasional visitor that will test your drag and your backing.

Lodging

South Padre Island Rental House

Coffee on the deck, a short walk to the boat, and back in time for dinner with your crew. The rental house keeps things easy and comfortable for small groups.

Accommodations

  • [TBD: number of bedrooms and bathrooms]
  • [TBD: max group size]
  • [TBD: kitchen, deck, dock or boat access]

Dining

  • [TBD: self-catered, chef, or local restaurants]

Getting There

Nearest Airports: [TBD, likely Brownsville (BRO) or Harlingen (HRL). Confirm with outfitter]
Drive time to South Padre Island: [TBD]
Ground Transportation: [TBD, rental car recommended]

Front Range Anglers Assistance
FRA will help with airline tickets, rental cars, lodging and all travel logistics. Contact 877-935-2975 or info@frontrangeanglers.com.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival

  • Fly into [TBD] and drive to South Padre Island
  • Check into the rental house
  • Rig rods and meet your guide [confirm]

Fishing Days

  • Breakfast at the house
  • Short boat run to the Laguna Madre flats
  • Sight fish for redfish, speckled trout and jack crevalle
  • Lunch on the water [confirm]
  • Return to the house for dinner

Departure Day

  • Pack up and drive to the airport

Rates & Terms

Package Rates: Contact Front Range Anglers for current rates and availability

What's Included: [TBD, likely rental house lodging and guided fishing]

Not Included: [TBD, likely airfare, rental car, Texas fishing license with saltwater endorsement, meals, and guide gratuities]

Reservation Policy

  • At booking: 50% deposit due and payable
  • 90 days before trip: Remainder plus taxes due

Cancellation Policy

  • Cancellation 90+ days out: Full refund less $100 fee (if replacement found)
  • Cancellation within 90 days: No refund unless a qualified replacement is provided
  • No refunds for weather, acts of God, or airline/travel issues

Travel Insurance
FRA recommends Medical Evacuation Insurance (Global Rescue recommended) and HIGHLY recommends Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance.
For insurance questions contact: Jessica Minard | 617.210.8106 | jminard@globalrescue.com

Speak to a Guide

Connect with Our Saltwater Experts

Never fished for tailing reds? Our Adventure Travel team can get you ready for the Laguna Madre, from casting practice to the right flies.

John Brown, Adventure Travel Manager

What We Can Help With

  • Rod, line and fly selection for redfish and speckled trout
  • Casting tips for sight fishing
  • Best time of year to go
  • Group trips and rental house planning
  • Travel logistics and rental cars
  • Pre-trip preparation and packing consultation

Contact Us
Email: johnb@frontrangeanglers.com
Phone: 877-935-2975
Visit: 2344 Pearl St, Boulder, CO 80302

Packing & Gear List

Rods & Reels

  • 8 weight rod for redfish and speckled trout [confirm with guide]
  • 9 or 10 weight rod for jack crevalle [confirm]
  • Floating saltwater line
  • Saltwater reel with a sealed drag

Flies: [TBD, get specifics from guide]

Clothing

  • Long-sleeve UPF sun shirts
  • Lightweight quick-dry pants
  • Wide-brim hat and buff
  • Polarized sunglasses plus a backup pair
  • Rain jacket
  • [If wading] Flats boots

Personal

  • Texas fishing license with saltwater endorsement (buy in advance)
  • Reef-safe sunscreen and lip balm
  • Personal medications

Shop South Padre Island Multi-Species Fly Fishing Gear

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Frequently Asked Questions

Still need help?

Contact us
The water is clear. Instead of blind casting in muddy marsh, you're sight fishing over sand and turtle grass, looking for tails and backs before you cast.
Very large speckled trout frequent the same flats, and you may run into the occasional jack crevalle.
Just a short, smooth boat run from the rental house to the Laguna Madre flats.
No. Small crowds are one of the best parts of this trip.
No. It's a domestic trip, making it one of the easiest saltwater destinations to get to.

Related Trips

South Padre Island

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