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Kids' Inshore Fishing Adventure in Port Mansfield
- Published Date: August 19, 2025
- Fishing
- South Padre Island
- $500 price range
- Updated Date: October 4, 2025
Summary
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Kid-Friendly Fishing Fun
Casting memories on the coast.
From dock to drift in minutes.
South Padre’s best kept secret—fishing.
Where island vibes meet big bites.
Sunrise casts in South Padre.
South Padre = fishing paradise.
Rods out, fish on!
Catching smiles in SPI.
Casting into crystal waters.
SPI fishing never disappoints.
Casting memories on the coast.
From dock to drift in minutes.
South Padre’s best kept secret—fishing.
Where island vibes meet big bites.
Sunrise casts in South Padre.
South Padre = fishing paradise.
Rods out, fish on!
Catching smiles in SPI.
Casting into crystal waters.
SPI fishing never disappoints.
Casting memories on the coast.
From dock to drift in minutes.
South Padre’s best kept secret—fishing.
Where island vibes meet big bites.
Kid-Friendly Fishing Adventure in South Padre
Get ready for a family-friendly fishing trip that'll have the kids hooked! Captain Manny Perez knows how to make fishing fun and accessible for young anglers. This 5-hour trip in the calm waters near Port Mansfield is perfect for introducing kids to the joys of inshore fishing. You'll target easy-to-catch species like black drum and Spanish mackerel, with Captain Manny offering simple instructions and hands-on help to keep everyone engaged. It's a screen-free day out that builds confidence and creates lasting memories. So grab the sunscreen, round up the kids, and get ready for a real Texas fishing experience!
Trip Overview
This half-day fishing trip is all about getting kids excited about being on the water. Captain Manny has a knack for working with young anglers, making sure everyone has a blast while staying safe. You'll head out to some of the best spots in the calm waters near Port Mansfield, where the fish are plentiful and the action is steady. The focus is on species that are fun to catch and perfect for beginners, like black drum and Spanish mackerel. With a max of two guests, you'll get plenty of personal attention and help baiting hooks, casting, and reeling in those fish. It's a hands-on experience that'll have the kids talking about their catches for weeks to come.
What to Expect on the Water
When you step aboard Captain Manny's boat, you're in for a day of fishing tailored to young anglers. He'll start by going over some basic safety rules and showing everyone how to use the gear. The techniques are kept simple – mostly bottom fishing and light casting – perfect for kids to get the hang of quickly. Captain Manny's got all the equipment you'll need, sized right for smaller hands. He'll help with everything from baiting hooks to unhooking fish, always keeping it fun and stress-free. The waters around South Padre Island are teeming with fish, so there's a good chance everyone will feel the excitement of a tight line. And don't worry if the kids get a little fidgety – Captain Manny's got plenty of fishing stories and local knowledge to keep them interested between bites.
Top Catches This Season
While this trip is all about having fun and learning the ropes, there's still plenty of excitement when it comes to the fish you might catch. Spanish mackerel are often the stars of the show – these speedy fish put up a great fight and are perfect for teaching kids how to work a rod and reel. Black drum are another favorite, with their distinctive 'croaking' sound and strong pulls. If you're lucky, you might even hook into a snook or redfish. These species are a bit more challenging but still manageable for kids with a little help from Captain Manny. And who knows? You might even get a shot at a king mackerel if conditions are right. No matter what's biting, Captain Manny knows how to put you on the fish and make sure everyone has a chance to reel one in.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Spanish Mackerel: These quick-moving fish are a blast for kids to catch. They're known for their speedy runs and acrobatic jumps when hooked. Spanish mackerel usually show up in good numbers from spring through fall, making them a reliable target for young anglers. They're not too big, typically ranging from 1-3 pounds, which is perfect for kids to handle. Plus, their silver sides with dark spots make for great photos!
Snook: While a bit more challenging, snook are a prized catch in South Padre waters. These clever fish love to hang around structures like mangroves and jetties. Snook are known for their strong initial runs and head shakes, providing an exciting fight even for experienced anglers. They're most active in the warmer months, especially around dawn and dusk. Landing a snook is always a special moment, and Captain Manny will make sure the kids are ready if one takes the bait.
Black Drum: These bottom-dwellers are perfect for teaching kids patience and technique. Black drum are known for their strong, steady pulls and the unique 'drumming' sound they make. They can be caught year-round but are especially abundant in the spring. Kids love feeling the drum's distinctive bite and the weight of these fish as they reel them in. Black drum can range from small 'puppy drum' perfect for kids to handle, up to big bruisers that might need a team effort to land!
King Mackerel: While not as common on inshore trips, occasionally you might get lucky and hook into a 'king'. These larger cousins of the Spanish mackerel are known for their blistering runs and sharp teeth. Catching a king is always a thrill, and even if the kids need help reeling one in, it's an experience they won't forget. Kings are more common in the summer months and can put up a fight that'll have everyone cheering.
Redfish: Another favorite target, redfish (or red drum) are known for their copper color and black spot near the tail. These fish put up a great fight, often making strong runs and head shakes. Redfish can be caught year-round but are especially active in the fall. Kids love the excitement of spotting a redfish's tail in shallow water or feeling the distinctive thump when one takes the bait. Landing a nice red is always a photo-worthy moment!
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Families return to Captain Manny's trips year after year because he knows how to make fishing fun for kids. It's not just about catching fish – it's about creating an experience that gets kids excited about being on the water. Parents love seeing their kids light up when they reel in their first fish or learn a new skill. Captain Manny's patience and enthusiasm are contagious, and he has a way of making every trip feel special. Plus, the calm waters and steady action mean less downtime and more excitement. It's a chance for families to bond, laugh, and make memories away from screens and daily distractions. And let's be honest – there's nothing quite like the pride on a kid's face when they catch a fish all by themselves!
Time to Book Your Spot
If you're looking for a way to introduce your kids to fishing or just want a fun day out on the water, this trip is hard to beat. Captain Manny's kid-friendly approach, combined with the great fishing around South Padre Island, makes for an unforgettable experience. You'll come away with more than just fish – you'll have stories to share, new skills learned, and maybe even a new family hobby. Spots on these popular trips fill up fast, especially during peak seasons and school breaks. So why wait? Grab your calendar, pick a date, and get ready to create some lasting memories on the water. Your kids will thank you for it – and you might just rediscover the joy of fishing through their eyes. Book now and get ready for a day of laughs, learning, and hopefully, lots of fish!
Learn more about the species
Black Drum
Black Drum are a great species for kids to target here in South Padre. These bottom-feeders are found in our bays and estuaries year-round, often hanging around oyster beds and channel edges. Most run 5-30 pounds, but big ones can top 50. Spring is prime time as they school up to spawn. Black Drum aren't the fastest fish, but they pull hard and steady. Fresh peeled shrimp or cut crab on a simple bottom rig works well. Kids love feeling the drum's distinctive thumping as it uses its throat teeth to crush shells. The smaller ones under 5 pounds are good eating too, with a sweet, mild flavor. Pro tip: Use your fish finder to locate hard bottom areas, then drift with fresh bait barely off the bottom. When you feel the telltale thump-thump, set the hook!
King Mackerel
King Mackerel, or "Kings", are one of our most exciting offshore targets. These speedsters typically run 10-20 pounds but can reach 50+. You'll find them in open water from 20-150 feet deep, often near structures like reefs or wrecks. Summer and early fall are prime seasons as they follow bait schools. Kings are known for blistering runs and acrobatic jumps when hooked. Trolling with large spoons or live bait like blue runners works well. Anglers love the thrill of the chase and the fight Kings put up. They're good eating too, especially when smoked. Local tip: When you see birds working over bait schools, slow-troll live bait nearby. Kings will often be patrolling the edges, looking for an easy meal. Be ready for a screaming run when they hit!
Redfish
Redfish, or Red Drum, are a staple target in our shallow bays and flats. These copper-colored bruisers typically run 20-30 inches but can grow much larger. You'll find them tailing in water as shallow as 1-2 feet, often near oyster reefs or grass flats. Fall is prime time as they school up, but they're around year-round. Redfish put up a stubborn fight, with powerful runs and head shakes. Live bait like mullet or crabs work great, but artificial lures can be just as effective. Anglers love sight-casting to tailing reds in clear water - it's like hunting and fishing combined. They're also excellent table fare. Pro tip: On calm mornings, look for pushing wakes or tails breaking the surface. Quietly position upwind and make long casts with a gold spoon or soft plastic shrimp imitation.
Snook
Snook are one of the most sought-after inshore gamefish we have here. These ambush predators hang around mangroves, docks, and other structure in our bays and estuaries. Adults typically run 24-34 inches and put up a strong fight with powerful runs. Spring and fall are great times to target them as they move between deeper waters and the flats. Snook hit hard on live bait like pinfish or mullet, but artificial lures work well too. Topwater walks and jerkbaits in low light conditions can produce explosive strikes. Anglers love snook for their hard-fighting nature and challenging bite. They're also excellent table fare when in season. Here's a local trick - fish the outgoing tide around dock lights at night. The snook will stack up to ambush bait being swept out with the current.
Spanish Mackerel
Spanish Mackerel are a favorite target for both kids and adults here in South Padre. These speedy fish usually run 1-2 feet long and put up an exciting fight. You'll find them in schools near the surface, often in waters 40-150 feet deep. Spring and fall are prime seasons as they migrate through our area. Trolling with small spoons or jigs works well, but live bait like sardines or mullet can be deadly too. Kids love the fast action when a school is feeding. The meat is tasty grilled or smoked, but don't overdo it - it can dry out quickly. Pro tip: Look for diving birds to locate feeding schools, then cast metal jigs or spoons right into the frenzy. Let the lure sink a bit, then retrieve quickly. The mackerel often hit on the drop, so be ready!
About the Coastal Concepts
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 5
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 45
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 300
