Escape the Cold — Fish the Laguna Madre
Trade Snow for Redfish.
While Minnesota is buried under two feet of snow and Colorado is frozen solid, South Padre Island is 70°F and the redfish are biting. Captain Kevin's private bay charters run all winter long — and the fishing is some of the best of the year.
70°F on the water vs. 12°F back home.
Right now, while you're reading this
Minneapolis, MN
12°F avg
there
70°F
South Padre
Denver, CO
30°F avg
there
70°F
South Padre
Phoenix, AZ
55°F avg
there
70°F
South Padre
Kansas City, MO
28°F avg
there
70°F
South Padre
Why Winter Is a Great Time to Fish South Padre Island
Most people assume fishing slows down in winter. On the Laguna Madre, that is not the case. The bay stays fishable year-round, the crowds thin out, and redfish are still actively feeding on the flats through December, January, and February.
Redfish Don't Migrate
Unlike many species, redfish are year-round residents of the Laguna Madre. They move to slightly deeper water in cold snaps but return to the flats on warm winter days — which happen often on South Padre Island.
Speckled Trout Peak in Winter
Speckled trout are arguably at their best in winter on the Laguna Madre. Cold fronts push big trout into deeper channels and grass edges where they stack up and feed aggressively.
Fewer Boats, More Fish
Summer brings crowds. Winter brings solitude. You will have the flats largely to yourself, which means less pressure on the fish and more productive water to work.
Mild Texas Gulf Coast Winters
South Padre Island averages 70°F in January. Between cold fronts, you will have calm, clear days on the water that are genuinely comfortable — light jacket in the morning, t-shirt by noon.
Clear Water Sight-Fishing
Winter water clarity on the Laguna Madre is exceptional. On calm days you can see redfish tailing and pushing in the shallows — some of the best sight-fishing of the entire year.
No Crowds, No Wait
Booking a winter charter is easy. Dates are available, the ramp is quiet, and Captain Kevin can focus entirely on putting your group on fish without the summer rush.
What Snowbirds Say
Real customers who made the drive from up north — and came back.
"We drove down from Minneapolis in January and it was the best decision we made all winter. 68 degrees, caught redfish all morning. Captain Kevin knew exactly where to go. Already planning next year's trip."
Dave R.
Minneapolis, MN
"Left Denver in a snowstorm and arrived to sunshine and 72 degrees. Captain Kevin had us on fish within 20 minutes of launching. The speckled trout were stacked up. Absolutely worth the drive."
Mike & Linda T.
Denver, CO
"Even coming from Arizona, the South Padre winter fishing blew me away. The Laguna Madre is a special fishery. Captain Kevin is the real deal — patient, knowledgeable, and puts you on fish."
Tom S.
Scottsdale, AZ
Worth the Drive
Snowbirds drive from all over the country to fish the Laguna Madre. Here's how far your escape is.
Minneapolis, MN
~22 hrs
Worth every mile
Denver, CO
~16 hrs
Straight shot down I-25 to I-37
Kansas City, MO
~13 hrs
Easy overnight drive
Tulsa, OK
~10 hrs
A long day's drive
Phoenix, AZ
~12 hrs
Straight across on I-10
St. Louis, MO
~14 hrs
Down through Arkansas
Charter Pricing
$550
Private Charter for 2 People
All fishing gear, bait, and Texas fishing license included
$100
Per Additional Person
Up to 4 people total per charter
Make it a full escape — Captain Kevin also has two South Padre Island beach house rentals steps from the water.
Snowbird FAQ
Everything you need to know before making the drive south.
Stop Watching the Snow. Start Catching Redfish.
Call Captain Kevin to check winter availability and plan your South Padre Island escape.