Bay Fishing South Padre Island
South Padre Island, United States

Bay Fishing South Padre Island

Outty Ranking 62 4.4 · 258 traveler reviews4 hoursFrom $32
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Outty Ranking

62/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.4/5

Based on 258 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Bay Fishing South Padre Island worth booking?

Bay Fishing South Padre Island is a 4-hour experience in South Padre Island, United States, from $32 per person. It scores 62 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.4/5 rating across 258 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
62 / 100
Rating
4.4/5 (258)
Duration
4 hours
From
$32 per person

The fishing on the bay is an exciting chance to reel in Sheepshead, Black Drum, Sandtrout, Whiting, and many others, including SHARK! Bay fishing trips primarily target tasty sand trout and whiting, but customers will also have opportunities to catch red drum and black drum. Customers can also bring their own gear if they desire, but Captain Murphy’s will not be responsible for it. All persons fishing, ages 17 and older are required to have a valid Texas Saltwater Fishing License. You can easily purchase a fishing license online by going to Texas Parks and Wildlife website and Fishing License

What you get

    About this experience

    The fishing on the bay is an exciting chance to reel in Sheepshead, Black Drum, Sandtrout, Whiting, and many others, including SHARK! Bay fishing trips primarily target tasty sand trout and whiting, but customers will also have opportunities to catch red drum and black drum. Customers can also bring their own gear if they desire, but Captain Murphy’s will not be responsible for it. All persons fishing, ages 17 and older are required to have a valid Texas Saltwater Fishing License. You can easily purchase a fishing license online by going to Texas Parks and Wildlife website and Fishing License

    What's included

    Included

    • Local guide
    • Bait and tackle
    • Live commentary on board
    • We provide everything you need to fish with; rod, reel, tackle and bait.

    Not included

    • Gratuities
    • Discount Coupons Not Accepted with this Offer
    • Bottled water

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    South Padre Island

    Turn right off Queen Isabella Causeway, travel 1/2 mile, turn right into Sea Ranch Marina. Look for Captain Murphy's Fishing Charters at the end of the blue and white building. Check in at Captain Murphy's office before boarding. Your fishing boat will be the Hard Bottom Too.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Turn right off Queen Isabella Causeway, travel 1/2 mile, turn right into Sea Ranch Marina. Look for Captain Murphy's Fishing Charters at the end of the blue and white building. Check in at Captain Murphy's office before boarding. Your fishing boat will be the Hard Bottom Too.

    Options you can book

    • 6:00PM

      3 Hr. Evening Trip : Please arrive a half hour before the trip starts Bring your own cooler with drinks and snacks.

    • 1:00pm

      Afternoon Trip : Please arrive a half hour before the trip starts

    • 8:00AM

      Morning Trip: Please arrive a half hour before the trip starts

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
    Languages
    en, es
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 10 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Isla Tours

    Know before you go

    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
    • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Only Children Age 5+ Allowed and must be accompanied by an adult

    Photos

    Summer FUN!, Bay Fishing South Padre IslandDrum caught on the SPI bay, Bay Fishing South Padre IslandDrum caught on teh bay, Bay Fishing South Padre IslandDrum caught on the Hard Bottom too, Bay Fishing South Padre IslandFAMILY FUN!, Bay Fishing South Padre IslandFull stringer!, Bay Fishing South Padre Island

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 256 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Good for families

    4 mentions

    Reviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.

    Traveler reviews

    256 verified traveler reviews for Bay Fishing South Padre Island. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    181
    4 star
    32
    3 star
    23
    2 star
    5
    1 star
    15
    Sort
    Mary_S · September 2026

    4 hour guided tour

    So much fun! A laid back enjoyable experience! We were able to enjoy some drinks and relax while we fished! One lady caught a hammer head shark!!!

    Response from the operator: Thank you, Mary!!! We love to hear back from our valued guests.

    via Viator

    Chas_L · September 2026

    No fish but great experience

    Didnt catch many fish, but thats fishing. Boat was clean. Crew was helpful and captain tried to get us on fish moving around several times

    Response from the operator: Thank you for fishing with Captain Murphy’s and for sharing your experience! 🎣Some days the fish just don’t cooperate, but we’re glad you appreciated the clean boat and our hardworking crew. Our captain will always do his best to move around and find where the fish are biting. We appreciate you joining us and hope to have you back for another trip—with a few more fish on the line next time!

    via Viator

    Duane_K · August 2026

    The group wanted to make...

    The group wanted to make sure everyone had a chance to catch something. We moved 3 times and each location was better than the previous. The staff was very helpful during the trip. They helped my kids bait their hooks when I couldn’t get to them. They helped explain what the different fishes were that were being caught. We finished the trip catching around 2 dozen trouts and they offered to clean and fillet the fish for a dollar each. Our whole group of 11 each caught something and had a fun time. E definitely will look at doing it again in the future.

    Response from the operator: Thank you!! We love to hear back from our valued guests! We look forward to your next visit!!!

    via Viator

    Angel_R · August 2026

    Had an amazing time! The...

    Had an amazing time! The captain and crew were so friendly and they made it the best time, definitely would book again !

    Response from the operator: Awesome!! Thank you for your review!

    via Viator

    Marianne_W · August 2026

    It was kind of odd. The...

    It was kind of odd. The passengers for bay fishing and deep sea fishing boarded the boats from the same dock (same tour group, I thought), The deep sea crew gave their passengers a fun spiel about what they would be doing for the day, the boat, safety, etc. I didn’t even hear our crew tell us to board the boat. I just followed the group. There were no greetings, introductions, info, safety instructions, etc. The captain never said one word. There was one crew member, a young man, who did all the work and was very helpful. He was on the quiet side; but was actually really funny and we enjoyed him. The captain made three stops for us to fish. At the second stop everyone was catching quite a number of fish and having a good time. Then for some reason he took us back to roughly the same place as the first spot where we hadn’t caught fish and we didn’t catch any again. And we stayed there for about an hour, hot and not catching any fish. The vibe just bottomed out. When we got back to the dock the same young man cleaned everyone’s fish and entertained us while we waited by feeding the pelicans the scraps. One of the pelicans was clearly this guy’s buddy. He sat on the roof and would slowly lean his head down and peek at the cleaning table. The guy would feed him and let one of the passengers feed him. So cool. That young guy really saved it. If he hadn’t been on the trip I don’t think we would have had much fun.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing such detailed feedback. We’re sorry the trip began without a proper welcome, introductions, or clear information about boarding, safety, and what to expect. Every guest should feel acknowledged and well informed from the moment they arrive, and we will address this with our captain and crew. Fishing conditions can change throughout the day, and captains sometimes revisit areas based on tides, weather, and recent activity. Still, we understand how frustrating it was to leave a productive spot and spend the final hour somewhere the fish weren’t biting, especially in the heat. Better communication from the captain would have helped everyone understand the decision. We’re very glad our deckhand was helpful, entertaining, and made the experience more enjoyable—pelican friend included! We’ll make sure he receives your kind words. Thank you again for giving us an honest account of your trip. Your feedback highlights areas where we need to improve both our communication and the overall guest experience.

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    4 hours
    Free cancellation
    Non-refundable
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $32 to $38
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    90
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Isla Tours, who run 9 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 66.2.

    See everything Isla Tours runs

    Why this scores 62

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)59
    Review evidence (18% weight)75
    Booking momentum (14% weight)71
    Value for money (12% weight)100
    Listing quality (10% weight)79
    Local standing (8% weight)14
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)0

    Bay Fishing South Padre Island: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for South Padre Island.

    How much does Bay Fishing South Padre Island cost?

    +

    Prices start at $32 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in South Padre Island usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Bay Fishing South Padre Island take?

    +

    Plan for about 4 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in South Padre Island is not rushed.

    Is Bay Fishing South Padre Island worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 62 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.4/5 across 258 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in South Padre Island, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Bay Fishing South Padre Island?

    +

    No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.

    Is Bay Fishing South Padre Island suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Bay Fishing South Padre Island?

    +

    Around 90 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in South Padre Island can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in South Padre Island and add a light layer if any part of the 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Bay Fishing South Padre Island start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central South Padre Island within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in South Padre Island?

    +

    South Padre Island, TX packs its best experiences into walkable neighborhoods, local food, and day trips nearby. Outty ranks every bookable tour and activity in South Padre Island by rating quality, review depth, booking demand and value, so you can see the standouts before you book. On Outty we rank every South Padre Island experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Bay Fishing Adventure in South Padre Island, Sunset Dolphin Watch Cruise, 1:00 PM Eco Tour and Dolphin Watch. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit South Padre Island?

    +

    Spring and fall bring the best weather and lighter crowds in South Padre Island, while summer has the widest choice of tours and evening activities. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in South Padre Island?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Bay Fishing South Padre Island?

    +

    Included: Local guide; Bait and tackle; Live commentary on board; and We provide everything you need to fish with; rod, reel, tackle and bait. Not included: Gratuities; Discount Coupons Not Accepted with this Offer; and Bottled water. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Bay Fishing South Padre Island?

    +

    Turn right off Queen Isabella Causeway, travel 1/2 mile, turn right into Sea Ranch Marina. Look for Captain Murphy's Fishing Charters at the end of the blue and white building. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Bay Fishing South Padre Island offered in?

    +

    It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Bay Fishing South Padre Island?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Bay Fishing South Padre Island wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible; Transportation options are wheelchair accessible; and Wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Bay Fishing South Padre Island if the weather is bad?

    +

    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Bay Fishing South Padre Island?

    +

    Across 258 reviews averaging 4.4 out of 5, recurring themes include good for families. Reviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.

    What booking options are available for Bay Fishing South Padre Island?

    +

    There are 3 options to choose from, including 6:00PM, 1:00pm, 8:00AM. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.

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