Find Fine Fishing, Much More on South Padre Island, Texas

For Texans this is a first-rate vacation -- it is enjoyable by all who love fish and the Gulf

“Fish. Party. Repeat.”

Those words, printed on a sign hanging on the wall of a restaurant in South Padre Island, Texas, refer to two of the most popular pastimes there.

SPI (as the locals call it) and Port Isabel, perched at the other end of a causeway that connects the two, boast a long and varied list of things to see and do.

“Winter Texans” throng South Padre Island and Port Isabel, Texas

That’s well known to “Winter Texans.” They’re people primarily from the Midwest who spend several winter months soaking up the sun, and fun, at those twin towns nestled along the Gulf of Mexico at the Lone Star State’s southern extremity.

This area has outstanding beaches, a long list of land and water activities, and intriguing historical tidbits that add color to the setting.

At first glance, both communities present the atmosphere of many beachfront locations. Hotels, restaurants, and souvenir shops abound. Colorful golf carts are a popular mode of transportation. The favored attire gives new meaning to the words “casual clothing.”

These are among the attractions that draw visitors, then keep them returning year after year. Much more awaits those who find their way to this inviting destination within a seashell’s throw of Mexico.

Seashells are a fitting image because the beaches on South Padre Island have won well-deserved accolades, and the proximity of Mexico has exerted a strong influence on the local culture.

After Spanish exploration, when the area was under that country’s domain, it was owned in turn by Mexico and the sovereign Republic of Texas before becoming part of the United States.

Vacationers have long been attracted by the sand that stretches in an unbroken line from White Sands Beach in the north to Pearl at its southern end. They are inviting sunbathers, bike riders, surf anglers, and others. 

Fishing is fine at South Padre Island and Port Isabel, Texas.

Fishing is by far the favorite pastime for both residents and visitors. Anglers seek their dinner in the flats of Laguna Madre Bay which separates SPI and Port Isabel, surfcasting off beaches, dropping a line from a pier, or trolling the offshore depths of the Gulf. So productive are the waters that the advertising of one charter boat captain offers “Guaranteed Fish. No fish – no charge.”

For visitors to the area seeking other activities, a lengthy catalog awaits their perusal and participation. Of course, the A (antiquing) to Z (ziplining) list includes many water-related. There’s kayaking and canoeing, snorkeling and sailing, speeding along on a jet ski, and loping along a beach on horseback.

South Padre Island and Port Isabel, Texas, are for the birds.

Birding also attracts its fans. The South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center & Alligator Sanctuary is an excellent place to observe various native wildlife. 

An observation tower, blinds, and a 3,300-foot-long boardwalk provide close-up sightings of some of the 350-plus species of birds that have been seen in the area. During my visit, a wall chart that lists recent identifications included colorful monikers like marbled godwit and semipalmated plover.

Another expedition took my wife Fyllis and me on a Breakaway Cruises dolphin-watch excursion in Laguna Madre Bay. Captain Bob pointed out the first prey as soon as we left the marina. 

Dolphins, stingrays, and shrimp rule the seas here.

 Whenever someone spotted a telltale fin or a dolphin leaping out of the water, a collective “ooooh, aaaah” echoed among the passengers. Adding to the enjoyment, education was inspecting at close hand specimens that a net had dredged up from the bay floor.  Among sea life we examined were a stingray, several small fish, and shrimp.

It's no surprise that shrimp were among the catch because those crustaceans have been the source of an industry that has thrived in the area since the middle of the 19th century. Today, Texas consistently ranks among the top three producing states, along with Alaska and Louisiana.

The trawlers typically drag their nets along the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico for as long as three weeks, working at night because the shrimp are nocturnal. When not at sea, trawlers may be spotted docked at several locations in Port Isabel.  

Also not surprising are the variations on shrimp dishes served at local restaurants. They augment the American, Mexican, and Texas-based cuisine, included on many menus. Preparations using shrimp that were new to me had tacos, quesadilla, chipotle, omelet Benedict, and added to a BLT sandwich.

The story of shrimping is among many told at the Port Isabel Historical Museum. Exhibits there portray the area’s past, beginning with the Spanish exploration period and moving on to the arrival of Native Americans, the Civil War, and colorful tales of border folklore. The museum is housed in a historic building (1899). It served as a dry goods store, post office, and railroad station in the past.

Port Isabel is also home to a landmark lighthouse, completed in 1853 to guide ships bringing supplies to U.S. military posts. It was used as an observation tower by both forces during the American Civil War. Of 16 lighthouses along the Texas coastline, this is the only one open to visitors.

If climbing to the top of a lighthouse isn’t your thing, perhaps world-class fishing or relaxing on famous sand beaches is. They’re among many treats that await those who visit SPI and Port Isabel, Texas, and learn why the destination has become a welcome wonderland for Winter Texans.

If you go

Accommodations include the selection expected at a beach resort destination.  Typical of the budget hotels in SPI is La Copa Inn, a beachfront property with a pool, restaurant, and fitness room. Rates begin at $90.

Many restaurants in SPI and Port Isabel are similar in decor (casual) and menus (lengthy).  Ceviche is a shared appetizer, sometimes touted as the best in SPI, all of Texas, and the world. 

Several seafood restaurants offer to “Cook your Catch” and serve it at reasonable prices alone or with sides. Because entrees, like Texas, are oversized, Fyllis and I usually shared one and, at times, an appetizer that was enough for two hungry people.

Jake’s Restaurant is a typical local eatery that has been “Serving fun since 1982.”  Among groupings on its lengthy menu are burgers, baskets, seafood, and Mexican. 

Specialties include fish, shrimp, oyster, and chicken baskets with sides ($10.95-$12.95) and a bountiful seafood platter with sides ($23.95). (Jakesspi.com)

For more information, log onto sopadre.com and portisabel-texas.com.

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Victor Block

Victor Block retains the travel bug after gallivanting throughout the United States and to more than 75 other countries worldwide and writing about what he sees, does, and learns. He firmly believes that travel is the best possible education and claims he still has a lot to learn. He loves to explore new destinations and cultures, and his stories about them have won several writing awards.

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