About Laguna Madre/Fishing Rates | View our Rates!
Based on Padre Island Texas, at the northern end of the famous Laguna Madre, our fishing guide service provides a variety of fishing experiences for everyone from serious fly-casting enthusiasts to family vacationers in Texas. With access to Baffin Bay and upper Laguna Madre estuary to the south, and the barrier island back lakes, grass flats and oyster reefs to the north we are ideally situated to take advantage of year-round Texas fishing opportunities. There are also over 60 miles of undeveloped beach along the Padre Island National Seashore that offers unique fishing experiences under the right conditions.

Captain Tim Duncan is a native Texan who first fished the Texas coast from a Rockport pier, wearing a life jacket. After a career in the corporate world he returned to his coastal roots and for the past six years has operated Laguna Madre Charters as a full-time, professional fishing guide. He is licensed by the United States Coast Guard to operate in both coastal inshore and offshore waters, by the State of Texas as a fishing guide, by the U.S. Department of Interior to operate as a guide within the boundaries of the Padre Island National Seashore, and is certified by the International Game fish Association.

Our goal is to provide a quality outdoor experience for our clients. Whether it is catch and release fly-casting on pristine grass flats, or taking the kids to catch a box of filets with live bait, we insist on observation of ethical standards and encourage customers to keep only what they can eat. We operate in a beautiful and fragile environment that we intend to help preserve for future generations to enjoy as we do.

The Fishing
There are a number of fishing species available in the Laguna Madre and adjacent waters. The focus is on speckled trout and redfish, with incidental catches of flounder and black drum. The Laguna Madre is a year-round fishery. Patterns change with the seasons but there are always fish to be caught. Seasonally, there are trout and redfish available in the Padre Island surf, along with Spanish mackerel, ladyfish, little tunny and tarpon. Conditions have to be right for the surf to be a viable option, but when it's right it can be awesome.

Fishing trips in the Laguna Madre are either drift fishing with artificial lures or guided fishing with live bait, depending on the customers preference. Less experienced anglers and younger guests generally have more success with live bait. Anglers more experienced with bait casting or spin casting equipment enjoy drifting the grass flats throwing top water lures and other artificials to cruising fish. Wade fishing is also an option, a very effective one for large trout, for those more adventurous anglers.

Sight casting for trout and redfish is available for flycasters, or conventional tackle anglers. These trips are usually to back lakes and flats to the north of the Laguna Madre where the fish feed in the shallows. Flycasters can experience extremely clear and shallow water sight casting the most would think of going to the Florida Keys, or some more exotic and expensive destination to find. It surprises most people that this sort of fishing is available on the Texas coast.

The Fishing Tackle
All tackle will be available regardless of the type of fishing involved. Those anglers wishing to bring their favorite rod and reel are welcome to. Adequate conventional tackle is a 6'-7' medium action rod and a reel filled with 12-15 pound line. All terminal tackle will be provided, but feel free to bring your favorite plugs along.

Flycasters will want a 7 or 8 weight ( preferably 8 weight) rod with a fast action. A weight forward floating line is best for the flats, and the new lines designed to deal with big flies and windy conditions are a plus. You will want to be able to deliver a fly fairly accurately at 50 to 60 feet with minimal false casting. A few practice sessions in the back yard will make your trip much more productive and enjoyable. Leaders and flies will be provided, but bring your secret weapons if you like.

Tackle for the surf depends on conditions and species, and should be discussed in detail for a particular trip. Whatever is needed will be available.

Our Fishing Guide Rates
All Texas fishing trips are fully equipped, including tackle, ice, drinking water, bait (if applicable), fish cleaning bagging. Guests should bring any food or drinks they may want, there will be plenty of water available. Sunglasses, sunscreen and a big hat are also recommended. All anglers will need a State of Texas fishing license with a saltwater stamp. They are not available at the marina, but can be purchased at any sporting goods or convenience store in the area. A camera is a good idea, and we will take some digital photos that can be emailed to you after the trip.

Full day guided trips are 8 hours, departing the marina at daylight. Exact departure times will vary seasonally. Half day trips are 4 hours and usually the morning hours are preferable. Our intention is to find fish and have a good time, we don't necessarily head for the dock when the clock runs out. Even though 8 hours in the Texas sun is more than enough for most people, you just can't leave a good bite.

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