South Beach Campground

Fishing at Padre Island is no relaxing afternoon at the water. As any local angler knows, fishing is the biggest game in town at Padre Island, and if you didn’t come here to catch a big one, you might just pick up a new hobby by the end of your trip. Padre Island is a designated national seashore, and you can fish along the entirety of the Gulf of Mexico beach, as well as in the Laguna Madre, Yarborough Pass and Bird Island Basin. All locations require that you have a valid Texas fishing license, as well as a saltwater stamp. Both of these must be purchased at a gas station or tackle shop outside of Padre Island. What sort of fish will you catch, you ask? Speckled Trout, Southern Flounder, Black Drum and Red Drum, Blue Marlin and Sailfish. These fish are attracted by the high levels of nutrients found in the Padre Island waters, so consider Padre Island your new holy grail for fishing. But fishing is not without its rules and regulations, so read up before you cast that line.

If you can’t decide between saltwater or freshwater paddling, head to Padre Island Seashore, where there are scenic views, calm waters and shores to explore no matter where you launch your boat. The shallow waters and protected habitats of the Laguna Madre make it a great spot for beginners, or for those just looking for a more peaceful paddle. Sea kayaking opportunities are also available in the wide open Gulf of Mexico, and many enjoy fishing right from their kayaks. If you plan on going out to sea, make sure you’re up for the challenge and are kept abreast of any changing forecasts and conditions. Boats may also be launched from anywhere along the seashore except directly in front of the Malaquite Visitor Center, a popular beach spot, and there are no boat launching fees anywhere on the island.

The warm waters and expansive, sandy beaches along the Gulf of Mexico make it perfect for a dip in the ocean. There are no lifeguards on duty, so explore the miles of seashore at your own risk. Beautiful shells, scenic dunes and the occasional family of turtles make the beach a great swim spot. But swimming can also be enjoyed in Bird Island’s recreational area. Either way, don’t swim alone, and always pay attention to the currents, which can be mighty strong at times.

People aren’t the only species that come to Padre Island for its fantastic fishing opportunities. A diverse array of birds live on Padre Island; in fact, the city of Corpus Christi has won the “Birdiest City in America” award for the past ten years. It’s an understatement to say that the birdwatching is good here. Fall, winter and early spring are the best times for birdwatching, as many species migrate south for the warm climate. If you’re not content to head out alone with the binoculars, there are also plenty of birding tours to choose from.