Fishing

If you want to go wade fishing, head away from the breaking waves of the gulf. Instead, go to the calm Laguna Madre waters on the bay side. They're teeming with redfish, speckled trout, and other sought-after species. For deep-water fishing, there are a bevy of options on and around the island. For a complete list of the dozens of experienced local fishing guides, ask at the South Padre Island Visitors Center just north of the causeway entrance.

The Sea Ranch Marina . The Sea Ranch Marina, on the southern end of the island, is home to many independent fishing charter companies. 1 Padre Blvd., 956/761-7777.

Osprey Fishing Trips . Operating off the pier at the South Padre Island KOA RV Park, Osprey Fishing Trips has two boats operating deep-sea fishing charters and a third for bay fishing trips. 1 Padre Blvd., 956/761–6655 ; ospreyfishingtrips.com.

Jim's Pier . On the west side of the island, Jim's Pier operates deep-sea and bay fishing trips, and has a bait and tackle shop, a gas station, and a boat-launching facility if you have your own boat. 209 Whiting St., 956/761-2865.

Dolphin Docks. Just across the causeway from South Padre Island, in Port Isabel, Dolphin Docks Just across the causeway from South Padre Island, in Port Isabel, Dolphin Docks, boasts the area's largest deep-sea fishing boat, and has been in business for more than 30 years. For a complete list of the dozens of experienced local fishing guides, ask at the South Padre Island Visitors Center just north of the causeway entrance. Queen Isabella Blvd. and S. Garcia St., 956/943-3185.