Would Memorial Day Weekend be a nice time to visit Padre for two young couples? We're looking for a laid back chance to catch up with friends, do some fishing and enjoy the ocean. We'd like to avoid any time that the area is obviously overrun (e.g. winter birds in Jan., spring breakers in March, families around Easter).

I think it would be a great time. It will be warm but not yet blistering hot and the summer crowds probably won't be there yet.

South Padre gets a big influx of Mexican tourists, including lots of teenagers and small children, at unpredictable (to me) times, but May seems like a good bet.

If you want to do some fishing, you might prefer the bay side to the beach side. It's quieter, less expensive and can't be beat in terms of sitting out on a dock with a drink watching the sun set. The beach is still less than a quarter of a mile away.

Yes, Memorial Day will be a perfect time to go!

If you're into deep sea fishing, there are lots of great charter fishing boats that you can hire for the day. Go to the Sea Ranch Marina and speak to the captains. Go at the end of the day and see which boat brings in a good catch! If you want to go on a group boat, the Osprey is pretty good. Bring your own food and drinks, though. My dad and husband did a day of deep sea fishing, and they absolutely loved it.

Most of the restaurants on the island have a "cook your catch" deal for the fish, too. We caught enough fish to have it prepared 4 ways and feed all 4 of us! Yum!

Thanks for the advice! One other question: do you have any hotel recommendations? We would be looking for something mid-priced (is $150/nt reasonable?), pool preferred, and with a deck/restaraunt, dock to sit on with a drink. I think the idea of staying on the bay side to get more for our money is a good idea.

Don't know if this would be your cup of tea, but I've always wanted to stay at the Surf Motel. It's on the gulf side and is pretty small, but they have a neat cabana-hut type bar on the beach called the Wanna Wanna. They serve good drinks and also have a grill for some basic bar food like burgers, sandwiches, etc. Room prices are very reasonable, but we've always rented beach houses for a large group so I've never stayed there. As far as location, personally, I would much prefer staying on the gulf side for the ambiance of the "real" ocean.

You might want to consider a condo. South Padre is such a relaxed place that it's nice not to have to go out to eat for every meal. There are many complexes on both sides of the island. I think that there is at least one central listing / management company you might try, or VRBO might be a good bet.