Welcome to the fourth edition of Meet the Captains! We extend our gratitude to everyone who has read any of our first three editions.
Today’s feature holds particular significance as we highlight our first woman's guide here at South Padre Island, Captain Alana Simon.
When Simon first arrived in South Padre Island from Venice Beach, Florida, 22 years ago, she wasn’t even allowed on the docks. Despite having spent her entire life working on boats, she couldn't work on them here. Fast forward 20+ years, and after much hard work and perseverance, Simon has become one of the most respected fishing guides on SPI.
Simon is currently in her 10th year as a fishing captain on the island and her third year as a fishing guide. Her father, a commercial fisherman in Florida, instilled in her a love for boats and fishing from an early age. While Simon began her career as an offshore fisherman, she transitioned into bay fishing, where she now takes the majority of her clients, offering them unlimited options for exploration around SPI.
“I like to read my clients, and if they want to stop and go swimming, they can. If they want to go see the dolphins, I'm okay with that. They can do whatever they want and fish as well,” Simon said.
Simon is an outdoorswoman at heart, so much so that she fishes even on her days off to avoid being stuck indoors for the majority of the day. Fishing is more than just a career to her; it's her life.
Competitive fishing is something Simon loves, as she participates in TIFT (Texas International Fishing Tournament) and LKT (Lady Kingfish Tournament) every year. Simon described tournament fishing as just another day but with a little extra preparation and swagger.
“It’s scouting a day or two before the event, making sure all of your gear is top-notch,” Simon said. “Down to the shirt you’re wearing at registration… you want to look the part, be the part during those days.”
While Simon is content with the fishing landscape at South Padre Island, she would love to see a weekend where fishing guides come together to celebrate fishing on the island, whether through a city-sponsored event or guides renting out the Convention Centre for a showcase. Tournament-wise, she would love to see LKT bring back the youth division, as it will encourage young girls to continue fishing and set a precedent for the next generation of lady fishers.
To book a trip with Captain Alana Simon, you can visit Tula Charters or book through her Facebook page. You can also book through Fishingbooker.com with the link to Simon’s page.