Bright blue skies, crystal clear water, soft sand bottom, and a slight warm breeze. Don’t forget the schools of fish tailing in eight inches of water. We’re not talking about the Caribbean, and this fly-fishing wonderland could be closer to home than you might think. Local fly-fishing expert and 2020 Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame inductee, Shane Wilson, provided us an insider’s look at what works on the fly around South Padre Island.
Shane recommends your setup should start with a seven or eight weight fly rod and a floating line. The line needs to be cleaned and dressed appropriately for use with an eight to nine-foot leader. If the winds are light you can go up to a twelve-foot leader. On the end of the line, your best bet is to have a gold spoon fly or a crab pattern. The spoon should be gold on the bottom and silver on top with a sparse skirt.
With the predominantly southeast wind, being able to cast over your left shoulder is a must. This is most important when wading, but if you’re with a guide, the guide will kant the boat so you’re not hitting anyone or anything with your backcast.
Typically, visitors will be fishing in as little as eight inches of water and will not need waders, but sand colored wading boots (not shoes) are great to have! Although not recommended, you can get away with being barefoot in some of the gin clear, sand bottom spots on the north end of the South Padre Island (just always remember to shuffle your feet). Shane’s number one tip for wading is “if you can hear yourself, your wading too fast”. Wearing a blue or gray shirt is also recommended.
South Padre Island is within driving distance for all Texans. This tropical paradise brings in fisherman from around the world to catch record snook, speckled trout, and redfish to name a few. Finding your perfect fishing hole without another boat in sight is a pretty common occurrence. There are miles and miles of mangroves, spoil islands, and grass bottom drifts to explore.
You can count on the experience of local fishing guides to get your line tight if you’re new to the area. Depending on the time of year, they will know the spots to find the fish of your dreams. If you prefer to stake out on your own path, there are endless trails accessible by four-wheel-drive, and public boat ramps across the island.
Shane is the founder and CEO for Fishing’s Future. This non-profit organization focuses on reconnecting youth and strengthening family relationships, reconnecting families with nature, teaching environmental stewardship, and increasing participation in recreational angling. You can reach out to him directly for more information on Fishing’s Future or fishing around South Padre Island by visiting fishingsfurture.org
Whether you prefer to hire a local guide or head out on your own adventure, sopadre.com can help to plan your next trip to some of the most beautiful fishing spots in Texas.
Thank you to South Padre Island for sponsoring this post.
