Hey everyone, my wife and I are thinking of escaping Wyoming for a month this winter and setting up shop in South Padre. We initially thought about Belize, but with covid in the rise again, I think we will stick within the US for the year.
We are both avid fly fishers, so we will have all our fly gear with us, but I also plan on purchasing a few spin fishing set ups. I realize the winter isn’t the best time to be fishing for reds/trout, but give me some hope that we can still find some fish to target. We will just be wade/beach fishing. I’m not sure on a spin set up for salt, but from what I’ve gathered,I should go with a rod in the 7-7.5’ length, medium power. 15 lb powerpro with 10-15 fluoro leader on a 3000 series reel. Is that a good combo to go with?
I’d appreciate any help I can get. I’m not new to spin fishing or fly fishing, we just don’t see much saltwater action up in Wyoming.
Is there ample wade fishing opportunities in the South Padre area?

Winter is actually really good. Not having boat access won't hurt too badly, there's a lot of access to walk in areas on the bay, south bay, and Port Isabel

And welcome to the Forum!

I'm from Colo. and spent a month there last Jan. Go north past the Birding Nature Center to the access rd and wade the flats on the west side of the island. Stay on the hard sand and be mindfull of the tides.4WD a plus. Or you can access the surf and wade if conditions are right. Clousers and deceivers for trout and reds.
South bay would be a drive to Brownsville to cross the shipping channel and back east. I did'nt do much there although I had a boat..
Holly beach rd in Port Isabel to access the flats on the west side of the bay near Laguna Vista. I did'nt feel comfortable back there and 4WD if wet.

Did best on the flats on the east side of Long Island. They run the length of the Island about a 100 yards out and very wadable. Site fishing reds on a rising tide as they come up on the flats to feed. Knee deep or less. Look for tails or wakes and put a crab fly in there path.

Throw gold spoons from the jetty on the south end in the ship channel. 15-20 lb power pro but you might get taken for a ride.

Space X is across the channel and and can be seen from the jetty. Might be worthwhile to hire a guide for a day for local info.

Port Mansfield is 30 mile north and can be reached from the mainland or drive the beach to the channel.

Been fishing Aransas Pass for years and that's where I'll be this winter. Good Luck

We have stayed in this unit several times. There is a lighted fishing pier that can be very productive for trout and snook if the weather is not too cold. I always take my fly rod (8 weight), and use clouser type flies. Shrimp imitation flies would be good too. There is some time available for this unit in December. If this doesn't work. check VRBO south padre island and try to find a place with a lighted fishing pier. Good luck.

https://www.vrbo.com/606015?noDates=true&unitId=1153332

I appreciate the help. Would love to find a place with a dock to fish from. Our one limiting factor is we may have our dog with us

Fisherman’s lodge in Arroyo city is our favorite place to stay.

If you want to go on a boat let me know. https://fishingbooker.com/charters/view/25534/preview You can book me on the website or just send me a PM. Thanks

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