Fishing in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas consists of saltwater fishing along the Gulf Coast and freshwater fishing in the Rio Grande River and a variety of lakes, the largest of which is Falcon Reservoir in Zapata, Texas.

The Gulf Coast offers both deep and shallow saltwater fishing at South Padre Island and Port Mansfield.
The Lower Laguna Madre is a shallow, hypersaline lagoon which is home to a wide variety of fish species including Speckled Trout, Sand Trout, Whiting, Red Drum (Redfish), Black Drum, Tarpon, Mangrove Snapper and many others.



Anglers enjoy wade fishing, fly fishing, chartered guide services, sight fishing from shallow draft boats and pier fishing.

Deep water fishing is available through chartered fishing trips for large and small groups. Typical catches include Red Snapper, Kingfish, Tuna, Amberjack, Shark, Grouper and a wide variety of other deep water species.



These charter services provide everything you need to catch fish including rods, reels, bait and tackle. Typically both half day and full day trips are offered.

Salt water fishing licenses are required for both the bay and the deep sea trips.
see Texas fishing licenses

Large Mouth Bass is the most popular freshwater sportfish in South Texas' Rio Grande Valley. Trophy size Bass are taken regularly from the Rio Grande River and Falcon Reservoir. Crappie and Catfish are also popular fisheries.

Professional guide services are available and a valid Texas freshwater fishing license is required.