Half Day Advanced Fishing in Arroyo City, TX
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Four-hour private inshore charter targeting redfish, trout, and drumExpert Captain Smiley provides advanced techniques and local knowledgeAll fishing equipment included, accommodates up to five anglers
When you want to fish the Lower Laguna Madre like you mean business, Captain Smiley Yanez puts you right where the fish are biting. This 4-hour private inshore charter is built for anglers who already know their way around a rod and reel, and want to dial in their skills on some of the most productive flats on the Texas coast. You'll target redfish, speckled sea trout, and black drum in waters that have been producing consistent catches for decades. Captain Smiley doesn't just put you on fish—he shares the local knowledge that separates weekend warriors from serious anglers. With all tackle included and room for up to 5 people, this trip delivers the kind of fishing experience that keeps you coming back to Arroyo City season after season.
The Lower Laguna Madre around Arroyo City is legendary among Texas inshore anglers, and for good reason. These shallow, grass-rich flats hold incredible numbers of redfish and trout year-round, with black drum moving through in impressive schools during their seasonal runs. Captain Smiley runs a tight operation—he's on the water before dawn scouting conditions, checking tides, and dialing in where the fish are holding. By the time you step aboard, he's already got a game plan. The trip starts with a quick boat ride to productive water, then you're fishing multiple spots throughout the morning or afternoon. Expect to cover different types of structure—from shallow grass flats where reds cruise in skinny water, to deeper cuts where big trout hang out near current breaks. The pace stays active, with Captain Smiley reading the water and adjusting tactics as conditions change. This isn't a leisurely drift—it's focused, productive fishing that maximizes your time on prime water.
Captain Smiley comes equipped with quality rods, reels, and a tackle box full of local favorites that produce fish in these specific waters. You'll work with artificial lures most of the time—soft plastics rigged on jig heads for working grass flats, topwater plugs for early morning reds, and suspending twitch baits that drive trout crazy along deeper edges. The techniques focus on what works in the Laguna Madre: slow presentations over grass, aggressive topwater action in shallow water, and precise casts to structure where big fish hold. Captain Smiley adjusts the approach based on conditions—if the wind's up, you might switch to heavier jigs that get down fast. If it's calm and clear, he'll have you throwing lighter tackle to spooky fish in ultra-shallow water. The beauty of fishing with a local pro is learning how to read the water yourself—understanding how tides move bait, where predators set up to ambush, and how subtle changes in bottom structure hold different species. All rods and tackle are included, but bring your valid Texas fishing license and be ready to learn techniques that work specifically in these waters.
Redfish dominate the conversations among serious Laguna Madre anglers, and rightfully so. These copper-colored bruisers cruise the shallow flats in schools, especially during fall and winter months when they're fattening up before spawning runs. Most reds here run 20-28 inches—slot-sized fish that fight like locomotives and test your drag system. They're aggressive feeders that hit topwater plugs with explosive strikes, creating those heart-stopping moments that make inshore fishing addictive. Spring and fall are prime time, but Captain Smiley finds them year-round by adjusting depths and presentation. What makes redfish special in the Laguna Madre is their willingness to feed in skinny water—sometimes so shallow their backs are exposed. The visual aspect of watching a red track your lure across a flat never gets old.
Speckled sea trout are the other crown jewel of these waters, with the Laguna Madre producing some of the biggest trout on the Texas coast. These spotted predators are more finicky than reds, requiring subtle presentations and quality lure choices. The best trout here average 15-20 inches, with plenty of keeper-sized fish and the occasional wall-hanger over 25 inches. They're most active during cooler months, from October through March, when they school up in deeper holes and along current-swept edges. Trout fishing requires patience and technique—they'll follow a lure for long distances before committing, and the bite often comes as a subtle tick rather than an aggressive strike. Captain Smiley knows the specific grass beds, drop-offs, and structure that hold quality trout, and he'll teach you to feel the difference between a trout bite and bottom contact.
Black drum round out the target species list, and when they're around, they provide some of the strongest fights you'll experience in shallow water. These bottom-feeders show up in large schools during spring and fall migrations, creating opportunities for fast action when you locate them. Most black drum in the Laguna Madre run 16-24 inches, with occasional larger fish that can strip line off your reel in long, powerful runs. They're not as glamorous as reds or trout, but they're incredibly strong and willing to eat when you find them. Black drum prefer slightly deeper water than reds, often holding near shell reefs, channel edges, and areas with mixed bottom composition. The fishing technique shifts when targeting drum—you'll use different lures and work them closer to the bottom where these fish feed.
This half-day advanced trip delivers exactly what experienced anglers want—quality time on productive water with a captain who knows how to put you on fish. The 4-hour format gives you enough time to work multiple spots and techniques without burning a full day, making it perfect for anglers who want to maximize their fishing time on a tight schedule. Captain Smiley's local expertise and quality tackle setup means you'll
Captain Smiley's 24ft Shallow Sport center console is built for serious inshore fishing in the Lower Laguna Madre. This 2014 workhorse runs on a reliable 300 Suzuki that'll cruise at 50mph, getting you to productive redfish and trout spots fast. The shallow draft design lets you access those skinny water honey holes where big reds like to feed. With plenty of deck space for casting and fighting fish, plus room for all your gear, this boat handles everything from sight fishing in the flats to working deeper structure for black drum. The center console layout gives you 360-degree fishing access, while the comfortable seating keeps you fresh during those long battles with trophy fish. Perfect for experienced anglers who want to fish hard and cover water efficiently.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, running anywhere from 5-30 pounds with some monsters pushing 90. These bottom-feeders love oyster beds and muddy flats in 2-8 feet of water, using their powerful jaws to crush crabs and shellfish. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - you'll actually hear them "drumming" underwater. They're scrappy fighters that'll test your drag, but stick with fish under 15 pounds if you plan to eat them - the meat gets tough on the big ones. My go-to trick is using fresh blue crab on a Carolina rig and letting it sit right on the bottom near structure.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our flats, averaging 20-30 inches with bronze backs and that signature black spot near the tail. They cruise super shallow water - sometimes with their backs out - around oyster bars, grass flats, and drop-offs. These fish are year-round targets but really shine in fall when they're feeding heavy before winter. What guests love is their powerful runs and stubborn fight, plus they're fantastic table fare with mild, sweet meat. They'll eat just about anything but topwater strikes in skinny water are pure magic. Here's my local secret: look for nervous water and mullet schools - that's where the reds are hunting.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are one of our most popular targets, typically running 14-24 inches and putting up a solid fight on light tackle. These silver beauties with black spots love grass flats and drop-offs in 2-6 feet of water, especially around dawn and dusk. They're most active in cooler months when they school up in deeper channels. What makes them special is their delicate, flaky white meat that's perfect for the dinner table - just don't overcook it. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit topwater plugs, soft plastics, and live shrimp. Pro tip: work your lure slow and steady over grass beds, and always have a popping cork ready when the bite gets tough.
Arroyo City