South Padre Island Private Bay Fishing Charter
Private bay fishing charters with Captain Kevin Nicholls — U.S.C.G. Licensed & Texas Registered Fishing Guide on the Laguna Madre, South Padre Island, TX. Anglers travel from across the Central US — Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Minnesota & beyond.
Private Charter
$550 / 2 people
$550 for 2 & $100 for each additional person (up to 4)
Perfect for families and first-time anglers! Private 6-hour fishing excursions on my 20'4" Shallow Stalker with an experienced fishing guide in South Padre Island, Texas. Charter a boat for up to 4 people to catch redfish, speckled trout, flounder, black drum, snook and more! All equipment and bottled water is included. There are coolers onboard if you bring drinks. Fillet services available at end of trip. Trips are a strict 6-hour window — Captain Kevin may adjust slightly based on weather and conditions.
20'4"
Shallow Stalker
4
Max Guests
100%
Private Charters
USCG
Licensed Captain
To hold your fishing date, please make a $100 deposit on PayPal. Then text to confirm deposit payment and fishing date. Deposit is non-refundable except in the case of a dire emergency or weather cancellation.
Everyone 17 & older must have a fishing license for the bay on hand while on the boat. Children 13 & under must wear a life vest for the duration of the trip, which is provided.
Make it a full trip — stay steps from the water in one of Captain Kevin's vacation rentals.
View all South Padre Island beach house rentalsAlso book on:
The Shallow Stalker
Anglers Travel from Across the Central US — and Beyond
From San Antonio and Austin to Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Denver, Minneapolis, and everywhere in between — Captain Kevin's guests come from all over the Central Time Zone and beyond. Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Minnesota, and more. The Laguna Madre is one of the most productive inshore bay systems in the country, and there's nothing like it closer to the middle of the US. Most guests say it's the best fishing trip they've ever taken — and they come back every year.
Drive times, fly-in tips, trip planning advice for every region
Book a Fishing Trip.
Watch a Rocket Launch for Free.
South Padre Island sits directly across the water from SpaceX Starbase. Already booked on a 6-hour fishing charter? If a launch happens while you're out, you get a front-row seat at no extra charge — that's just a great day on the Laguna Madre. Want a dedicated launch charter? Captain Kevin runs SpaceX launch charters at $100/person. Add fishing for an extra $100/person — decide when you book or right there on the water.
The best SpaceX viewing seat in Texas is on the water.
Dedicated launch charters available — or catch a launch as a bonus on your fishing trip.
Help us reach
50+ reviews from
across the country.
If you've fished with Captain Kevin, a quick Google review means the world — and helps other anglers from your part of the country find us.
Mention your home city in your review — it helps anglers from Minneapolis, Denver, Oklahoma City, San Antonio, and everywhere in between know that the drive is worth it.
40 more reviews needed — help us get there!
- Your home city & state
- What fish you caught
- How far you traveled
- Whether you'd recommend the trip
Example
"Drove down from Oklahoma City and it was worth every mile. Captain Kevin put us on redfish within 20 minutes. Best fishing trip I've ever taken."
Real Catches. Real Action.
This is what a day on the Laguna Madre looks like. Redfish, trout, flounder — and a few surprises. No stock footage, no actors. Just Captain Kevin and his clients doing what they came to South Padre to do.
26" Bull Red · Laguna Madre Flats
Mike T. — San Antonio, TX
Limit Before Noon · Lower Laguna
Jason R. — Houston, TX
Mixed Bag Day · South Padre Flats
Derek W. — Oklahoma City, OK
"Captain Kevin put us on redfish within 20 minutes of leaving the dock. My kids are still talking about it three months later."
Mike T.
San Antonio, TX
"Best fishing trip I've ever taken. He knows every flat on the Laguna Madre. We limited out on speckled trout before noon."
Jason R.
Houston, TX
"Drove down from Oklahoma City and it was worth every mile. Caught a 28-inch redfish and a flounder on the same morning."
Derek W.
Oklahoma City, OK
Ready to make your own catch story?
Spots fill fast — especially weekends and holidays. Text or call to lock in your date.
Snowbird Fishing Charters
Warm water, world-class redfish. The Laguna Madre fishes year-round.
Snowbird Fishing Charters Bring the KidsFamily Fishing Charters
Up to 4 guests. All gear and bait included. No experience needed.
Family Fishing Charters Worth the DriveDrive Times from TX & Beyond
Austin, San Antonio, Denver, OKC — see how close South Padre really is.
Drive Times from TX & Beyond Stay on the IslandSouth Padre Island Beach House Rentals
Captain Kevin's two beachfront Vrbo homes. Book the rental and the charter together.
South Padre Island Beach House Rentals Fishing IntelTips, Species & Seasons
Redfish tactics, best seasons, and trip planning guides from the captain.
Tips, Species & Seasons
Captain Kevin Nicholls
Big Mother Bay Fishing · South Padre Island, TX
Licensed Guide
U.S.C.G. & Texas Registered
Meet Captain Kevin Nicholls
Captain Kevin Nicholls has been fishing South Padre Island's bay system longer than most guides have been in the business — and he personally trained some of them. His deep knowledge of the Laguna Madre and Lower Laguna Madre means you spend more time on fish and less time searching. Private charters only. No crowds, no strangers — just you, your group, and a captain who knows these waters cold.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a fishing charter with Big Mother Bay Fishing cost?
Private bay fishing charters start at $550 for 2 people. Each additional guest is $100, with a maximum of 4 guests per trip. All fishing tackle, bait, and bottled water are included.
How long is a fishing charter trip?
Trips are a strict 6-hour window. Captain Kevin may adjust slightly based on weather and conditions, but plan on 6 hours on the water.
What fish can I catch on a South Padre Island bay fishing charter?
On the Laguna Madre and Lower Laguna Madre you can catch redfish (red drum), speckled trout, flounder, black drum, snook, and more. Captain Kevin specializes in inshore bay fishing for these species year-round.
Is Captain Kevin licensed?
Yes. Captain Kevin Nicholls is a U.S. Coast Guard Licensed and Texas Registered fishing guide with years of experience on the Laguna Madre and Lower Laguna Madre Bay near South Padre Island, Texas.
Where does the fishing charter depart from?
The boat launches from 211 W. Swordfish St., South Padre Island, TX 78597. Text Captain Kevin at 956-433-7287 after booking to confirm your meeting point and time.
How do I book a fishing charter?
Call or text Captain Kevin at 956-433-7287, or email [email protected]. A $100 PayPal deposit is required to hold your date (non-refundable except dire emergency or weather). You can also book through BoatBooker or FishingBooker.
What is included in the charter?
All fishing tackle, bait, and bottled water are included. Coolers are onboard if you bring drinks. Fillet and packaging service is available at the end of the trip for an additional $2–$3 per fish.
How many people can go on the charter?
The Shallow Stalker accommodates up to 4 guests per private charter trip. The base price covers 2 people, and each additional guest is $100.
What is the best time of year to fish South Padre Island?
South Padre Island offers excellent fishing year-round. Redfish and speckled trout are available in all seasons. Spring and fall are peak seasons for trophy-size fish on the Laguna Madre flats.
Is black drum fishing good at South Padre Island?
Black drum are one of the most exciting catches on the Lower Laguna Madre — the big ones (nicknamed "Big Uglies") can exceed 40 inches and are caught year-round on the shallow flats near South Padre Island. Captain Kevin targets them with cut crab and shrimp on the bottom, and they are especially active in late winter through spring when large schools move into the bay. Most oversized black drum are released as CPR (catch, photo, release) to protect the fishery.
Do I need a Texas fishing license for a charter trip?
No — you do not need your own Texas fishing license when fishing with a licensed guide. Captain Kevin's Texas Registered Guide license covers all guests on the charter, so you can fish legally on the Laguna Madre without purchasing a separate state license.
Do you offer SpaceX launch charters, and how does pricing work?
Yes. SpaceX launch charters are $100 per person for the launch viewing experience — up to 4 people, private boat. Fishing is a separate add-on at $100/person; you can decide when you book or right there on the water. Already booked on a regular 6-hour fishing charter ($550 for 2)? If a launch happens while you're out, you get a front-row seat at no extra charge.
What is the difference between bay fishing and offshore fishing at South Padre Island?
Bay fishing targets inshore species — redfish, speckled trout, flounder, and black drum — on the shallow flats of the Laguna Madre and Lower Laguna Madre, typically in 1–4 feet of water aboard a shallow-draft boat like the Shallow Stalker. Offshore fishing ventures into the Gulf of Mexico for pelagic species like snapper, grouper, and kingfish, requiring a larger vessel and longer travel time. Big Mother Bay Fishing specializes exclusively in bay fishing, which offers calmer water, shorter trips, and action-packed inshore angling right at South Padre Island.
Can I keep the fish I catch, and is cleaning available?
Yes — within Texas Parks and Wildlife size and bag limits, you are welcome to keep your catch. Fillet and packaging service is available at the end of your trip for an additional $2–$3 per fish, so you leave with your fish cleaned and ready for the cooler. Oversized black drum and other trophy fish are typically released as CPR to preserve the Laguna Madre fishery for future generations.
Still have questions? Captain Kevin is happy to help.
Call 956-433-7287