Drift Water Charters: Fishing Charters in South Padre Island Texas
Discover the thrill of fishing with 5 star rated Captain Pena and create lifelong memories on the water. Book your trip for exclusive and memorable experiences.
In Memory of Captain Joaquin Pena
It is with heavy hearts that we share the sudden passing of Captain Joaquin Pena, who passed away after a brief and sudden illness. He was the heart and soul of Drift Water Charters.
Captain Pena’s love for fishing began in childhood and never faded. Spending more than 300 days a year on the water, he became one of South Padre Island’s most sought-after guides, with an unmatched feel for the Laguna Madre and a gift for putting clients on Redfish, Black Drum, and Trout. But what he was proudest of wasn’t the fish — it was the people. He had a special love for teaching kids how to fish, and countless families left the boat with more than a catch: they left with a memory that lasted a lifetime.
Captain Pena’s legacy continues through Eli Moreno, who trained alongside him and has taken over the business. Eli is currently working toward his fishing guide license, which he expects to complete in the coming months. Once licensed, Drift Water Charters will be back on the water, continuing the tradition Captain Pena built.
In the meantime, we are pausing new bookings until Eli is fully licensed. If you’d like to be added to our list for when trips resume, please reach out through our contact form or call 956-929-3000.
Thank you for your patience, and for the years of support you gave Captain Pena. He will be deeply missed.
For those who would like to support Captain Pena’s family during this time, a GoFundMe has been set up here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-JP-family-after-sudden-loss-2bmf6
Discover Drift Water Charters
There’s nothing we love more than seeing a kid’s face light up when they catch their first fish! Our fishing charters in South Padre Island Texas are built around families – a wonderfully patient captain who genuinely enjoys teaching kids, and all the high-fives and cheering you can handle. Whether your 5-year-old is more interested in the dolphins we might spot or your teenager is determined to out-fish mom and dad, we make sure everyone has a blast on the water.
Experience an unforgettable fishing trip in South Padre Island with Drift Water Charters, guided by the expertise of Captain Pena. Choose from morning, afternoon or a full day fishing trips.
Experience Premier Fishing in South Padre Island
Discover the charm of South Padre Island and the rich, shimmering waters of the Laguna Madre with our expert-led fishing charters. Known as one of the most productive and unique fisheries in the world, the Laguna Madre is a rare hypersaline lagoon stretching across 280,910 acres—most of it just three to four feet deep.
These shallow, sun-lit flats create the perfect environment for trophy-worthy catches and nonstop action. Anglers from all over the world travel here for its unmatched sight-casting opportunities, crystal-clear shallows, and thriving populations of game fish.
In this vibrant estuary, you’ll find an incredible variety of species, including Red and Black Drum, Spotted Trout, Snook, Flounder, and many more. Whether you’re chasing your first big catch or returning for that unforgettable Texas inshore experience, the Laguna Madre delivers world-class fishing year-round.
Laguna Madre
Set sail on a fishing journey on the stunning Laguna Madre which is a large body of shallow water between the Texas mainland and South Padre Island.
South Padre Island
Explore the stunning beauty of South Padre Island and the vibrant waters of the Gulf, where dolphins gracefully swim beside you. It’s a fishing adventure you’ll never forget.
Our Commitment
Dive into the heart of Drift Water Charters, where our commitment to exceptional guided fishing tours, respect for marine life, and dedication to South Padre Island’s natural beauty shape our journey and inspire every adventure we offer.
Unforgettable Fishing Trips Await
Welcome to the premier fishing charters in South Padre Island, where the pristine waters of the Laguna Madre offer some of the best inshore fishing in Texas. Our diverse schedule of trips is designed around the tides, seasons, and feeding patterns that make each part of the day unique.
Choose morning charters to experience glassy calm waters and the incredible dawn bite, when hungry redfish cruise the shallows and trophy trout ambush baitfish in the grass beds. Our afternoon trips are perfect for those who prefer a relaxed start, offering excellent fishing as the bay comes alive during the cooling hours before sunset. For the ultimate adventure, our all-day fishing charters in South Padre Island provide the time needed to explore multiple spots – from shallow flats where you’ll sight-cast to tailing reds, to deeper channels holding keeper trout.
Whether you’re a seasoned angler or trying saltwater fishing for the first time, our experienced captain knows these waters intimately. He’ll put you on the fish using techniques perfected over years of guiding the Laguna Madre. All gear, tackle, and expertise needed for a successful day is provided – you just bring your sense of adventure and a fishing license. With our comfortable boat and professional guide, we’ll make sure you experience the incredible fishing that makes South Padre Island a world-class fishing destination.
Beat the heat while targeting active fish in the pristine morning shallows. The first hours of daylight often offer the best conditions of the day – calm winds, cool temperatures and aggressive fish feeding!
For those that prefer a leisurely start to the day while still catching the prime evening bite. As the sun drops the bay comes alive with activity – baitfish schooling on the surface and predators moving into the shallows to feed.
The ultimate fishing experience with opportunities to sight-cast to redfish and stalk trophy trout. This trip is your best option for variety – targeting different species, trying various techniques, and experiencing everything the Laguna Madre has to offer.
Exciting Fishing Adventures Await You
Discover why our clients rave about their fishing trips with Drift Water Charters. Read our testimonials!
Captain Joaquin knows what he’s doing! Even on a tough day, we managed to get into some trout and reds. Caught a trophy sized trout just shy of 26 inches, a 28 and 29 inch red, and several more respectable sized trout and reds. He was patient with my kids and showed them good techniques. Very communicative and accommodating. Wouldn’t fish with anyone else when I come back!
Brandon W.
Our afternoon trip with Joaquin was such a great fishing experience. Finding fish is no problem and Joaquin talked me through the process of hooking and catching the fish. So professional and kind. When in SPI definitely book through Joaquin. When my husband and I return we won’t hesitate to book another trip. Having our fish prepared for us tonight!!
Lynn H.
Amazing guide, very friendly and easy going. We had 4 fish on literally as soon as we got to the spot. He even stopped on the way back in and let us look at dolphins which swam up very close to the boat. A very pleasant experience!
Taten W.
What fishing trips do you offer?
We offer a variety of guided fishing adventures for all skill levels that works best for you. Our trips take place in the Laguna Madre, a large body of shallow water which is between the Texas mainland and the island of South Padre.
How can I book a fishing trip?
Booking your trip is easy: Explore our fishing trips. If you are ready to book, you can call 956-929-3000.
Do you offer custom fishing trips?
Yes, we offer custom fishing excursions tailored to your needs. Just give us a call at 956-929-3000!
