Island Blog

Giant Snook

By Kelly Groce Peeling drag, freight train runs, aggressive head shakes and full-body aerials; this is what one can expect when battling the elusive snook. Up until the 1940s snook were plentiful along the south Texas coastline, but due to commercial gill netting, their numbers dropped drastically…

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Mangrove Snapper on Topwaters

By Kelly Groce Mangrove snapper on topwaters? This might not be the most common way to target a gray snapper, known mostly by you and I as a mangrove, but it is definitely the most visually pleasing way to catch these colorful, tough fighting fish. Mangrove snapper can be found both inshore and…

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Fishing, Food and Fun on South Padre Island

There is no better way to experience South Padre Island than by being on a boat with friends and catching fish. The Lower Laguna Madre is home to the best fishing that the state has to offer. Tarpon, snook, redfish, speckled trout, flounder, mangrove snapper, lookdowns, and jack crevalle are just…

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Father-Daughter Duo Manages Osprey Cruises

Happy Father's Day! Some of our favorite businesses on the island are run by father-son and father-daughter duos like Osprey Cruises. One of South Padre Island’s duos is Phil & Felicia Calo who together run Osprey Cruises, Black Dragon Cruises, and Jim's Pier. Felicia grew up around the island and…

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Things to Do in South Padre Island With Kids

One of the things I like most about Texas is that you can enjoy the beach almost year ’round. While the Texas gulf coast can’t compare with the sugar-white sands and turquoise waters of the Caribbean and parts of Alabama and Florida, they do the trick for a beach fix. If Texas beaches are on your…

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Am I, Are We Making a Difference?

Guest Blogger, Ed Caum, CVB Director South Padre Island I remember my first Earth Day, April 22, 1970, because it was the first Earth Day. I was 10. To set the stage I was raised in Alaska where we relied on our environment to provide us with many of the products we consumed daily. Fish from the…

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SpaceX Island Itineraries

There are Island itineraries, then there are SpaceX Island Itineraries. Because space launches are finicky things, it’s important to have a flexible itinerary that keeps you close to the action but gives you a chance to enjoy the best the Island has to offer. We recommend a minimum of three days on…

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5 Tips for Planning Your Family's Perfect Getaway

Pack your bags and head to the Texas Gulf Shore for an unforgettable family-fun adventure! South Padre Island’s location on the tropical tip of Texas, provides an ideal beach getaway that draws families and visitors of all ages from all over the country. The Island is easy to get to, provides ample…

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