When triggerfish are off South Padre Island
Gray triggerfish fishing out of South Padre Island comes with one limit on the data: local reports log "triggerfish" without separating gray from other triggerfish, so treat them as triggerfish reports and not as gray-specific timing. Species ID and biology are covered in our gray triggerfish guide, and Balistes capriscus is on the Padre Island National Seashore list. The wider picture is in the gray triggerfish fishing in the Gulf of Mexico and the Gulf of Mexico fishing guide.
Where boats run and the structure that holds fish
The main triggerfish run is the Texas Clipper wreck, about 17 nm off South Padre Island in about 134 ft. Every run leaves through Brazos Santiago Pass, and the grounds below are listed from the pass outward.
| Ground | Depth | Distance / position |
|---|---|---|
| Brazos Santiago Pass jetties (North and South) | Flank the pass entrance to the Gulf | |
| Port Isabel Reef | 75 ft | |
| RGV Reef | ||
| Texas Clipper | about 134 ft | about 17 nm off South Padre Island |
| Continental shelf edge | Starts to drop around 30 miles offshore | |
| Texas FAD network (Hilton / Houston Big Game Fishing Club buoys) | about 1300 ft | |
| Deep-water oil rigs, incl. Perdido |
Wind and wave numbers are available at NDBC/TCOON station BZST2 (8779749), SPI Brazos Santiago, TX, at 26.067N 97.155W, and in the Brownsville coastal waters forecast. Chart layers are not for navigation.
The Texas Clipper
The Clipper is the triggerfish focus out of this port, and the Texas Clipper reef site is a named state reef.
- Distance: about 17 nm off South Padre Island
- Depth: about 134 ft
- Route: out through Brazos Santiago Pass
Nearer reefs and the jetties
The jetties flank the pass entrance. Port Isabel Reef sits in 75 ft, well shallower than the Clipper’s 134 ft. RGV Reef is a named reef near the port.
The shelf edge, the FADs and the rigs
The farther structure lies beyond the Clipper run:
- The shelf starts to drop around 30 miles offshore.
- The Texas FAD network (Hilton / Houston Big Game Fishing Club buoys) sits in about 1300 ft.
- The deep-water rigs include Perdido.
How triggerfish are fished here
The local method is bottom fishing over the wreck, in about 134 ft on the Clipper. For the general method, see our reef fish guides.
Who fishes for them out of this port
Private boats run the Clipper themselves, and the charter fleet works it as well. Charter boats listed on FishingBooker run the Texas Clipper.
FAQ about gray triggerfish fishing out of South Padre Island
How far is the Texas Clipper from South Padre Island?
About 17 nm off South Padre Island.
How deep is the Texas Clipper?
About 134 ft. Port Isabel Reef, the nearer reef, sits in 75 ft.
Do local reports separate gray triggerfish from other triggerfish?
No. Local reports log triggerfish without separating gray from other triggerfish.
Where do I read conditions before the run?
Station BZST2 (8779749) at 26.067N 97.155W, plus the official forecast. Check the wind and wave numbers there before deciding to go.
Where are the rules?
Check the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department rules before fishing. Confirm federal rules for offshore structure.
