Half Day Afternoon Guided Fishing in Arroyo City
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour private afternoon charter targeting redfish, trout, and black drumCaptain Smiley Yanez provides expert guidance in Lower Laguna Madre watersAll fishing equipment included, accommodates up to five anglers total
Captain Smiley Yanez knows these waters like the back of his hand, and this 4-hour afternoon charter puts you right in the sweet spot of the Lower Laguna Madre. We're talking about some of the most productive inshore fishing you'll find along the Texas coast, where redfish, speckled sea trout, and black drum patrol the flats and channels around Arroyo City. This isn't your typical tourist fishing trip – it's designed for serious anglers who want to make every cast count. With all tackle provided and room for up to 5 anglers (starting at 2), you just need your Texas fishing license and the drive to put some quality fish in the boat.
This top-rated afternoon charter kicks off when the sun starts working in your favor and the fish begin their evening feeding patterns. Captain Smiley has been working these waters for years, and he knows exactly where to position the boat based on tide, weather, and seasonal movements. The Lower Laguna Madre is a world-class fishery that stretches from Corpus Christi Bay down to the Rio Grande Valley, and the section around Arroyo City offers some of the best structure and grass flats you'll find anywhere. You'll be fishing productive back lakes, oyster reefs, and drop-offs that consistently hold fish year-round. The afternoon timing is perfect because you're hitting prime feeding windows when these species are most active, plus you get to enjoy some spectacular Texas sunsets while you're at it.
Captain Smiley comes prepared with quality rods, reels, and all the terminal tackle you need to target these three species effectively. We're talking about sight fishing with soft plastics, working live bait around structure, and reading water to find the most productive spots. The Lower Laguna Madre is known for its clear water and shallow flats, which means you'll often see fish before you cast to them – that's when things get really exciting. Techniques vary based on conditions, but expect to work everything from topwater lures during low light to soft plastics bounced along the bottom for drum. The captain adjusts tactics throughout the trip based on what's working, whether that's drifting grass beds for trout or targeting specific structures for redfish. All gear is tournament-quality, so you're set up for success from the moment you step on the boat.
Redfish are the bread and butter of this fishery, and the Lower Laguna Madre consistently produces some of the healthiest populations along the Texas coast. These copper-colored fighters typically run 20-28 inches in these waters, with plenty of slot fish and the occasional oversized bull that'll test your drag system. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, but even winter months can produce solid catches when conditions align. What makes redfish so special here is their aggressive nature – they'll crush topwater baits, slam soft plastics, and put up a fight that'll have you questioning your line choice. The sight fishing opportunities are phenomenal when you spot a school tailing in shallow water.
Speckled sea trout bring a different kind of excitement to this charter, and Captain Smiley knows exactly where they like to hang out around Arroyo City. These beautiful fish are absolute masters of ambush, sitting in grass beds and along drop-offs waiting for baitfish to swim by. The best trout in these waters typically measure 15-20 inches, with trophy fish pushing into the mid-20s during peak seasons. Fall and spring produce the most consistent action, but summer months can be phenomenal during early morning and evening trips. What anglers love about trout fishing here is the finesse involved – these fish can be picky, and when you dial in the right presentation, you'll often find schools that produce multiple hookups.
Black drum might not be the prettiest fish in the bay, but they're absolute bulldogs that'll give you a workout you won't forget. The Lower Laguna Madre produces drum ranging from keeper-sized fish around 14 inches up to massive bulls that can push 40+ pounds. These fish are structure-oriented, hanging around oyster reefs, channel edges, and anywhere they can find crabs and shellfish to munch on. Winter and spring tend to be the most productive seasons, but you'll find drum year-round if you know where to look. What makes drum fishing so addictive is the fight – they use every ounce of their weight to dive deep and test your equipment, making even average-sized fish feel like monsters.
This customer favorite charter fills up quickly, especially during peak fishing seasons when conditions are dialed in and the fish are cooperative. Captain Smiley's local knowledge and proven track record make this a renowned option for anglers who want to maximize their time on the water without dealing with the guesswork. The afternoon timing works perfectly for visitors staying on South Padre Island or anywhere in the Rio Grande Valley – you can enjoy your morning at the beach and still get in a world-class fishing experience. At $100 per additional angler beyond the base two-person rate, it's an affordable way to get the whole crew involved. Just remember to grab your Texas fishing license beforehand, and come ready to put some quality fish in the boat. The Lower Laguna Madre is waiting, and Captain Smiley knows exactly how to make the most of your afternoon on these productive waters.
Get ready to target trophy redfish, speckled trout, and black drum aboard this sleek 24ft Shallow Sport center console. Powered by a reliable 300 Suzuki engine, this fishing machine cuts through the Lower Laguna Madre's shallow waters at speeds up to 50mph, getting you to the prime fishing spots near South Padre Island fast. Captain Smiley Yanez knows these productive waters like the back of his hand and provides all the rods, reels, and tackle you'll need for a successful afternoon on the flats. The spacious center console design gives you plenty of room to cast and fight fish, while the shallow draft lets you access those hidden honey holes where the big reds like to feed. Perfect for serious anglers who want to maximize their time fishing rather than running.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our flats, running anywhere from 5-30 pounds with some monsters pushing 90. These dark, powerful fish love cruising oyster beds and muddy bottoms in 2-6 feet of water. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll hear their famous drumming sounds underwater. They're tough fighters with crushing jaws built for eating crabs and shellfish. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make great table fare, but the big boys are better released. Fresh blue crab is your best bet for bait, and here's a local trick: fish the incoming tide around oyster reefs early morning when they're most active feeding.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the stars of our shallow water game, known for that distinctive black spot near their tail and bronze-colored backs. Most slot fish run 18-28 inches, perfect for the table with their mild, sweet flavor. These fish love super shallow water - often just 1-3 feet deep around grass flats, oyster reefs, and muddy shorelines. Fall and spring offer the best action when they school up and cruise the flats. What gets anglers hooked is watching them tail in skinny water and the powerful runs they make when hooked. They'll eat everything from topwater plugs to live shrimp. Pro tip: look for nervous water and mullet activity - that's usually redfish pushing bait around.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are some of the prettiest fish we target, with their spotted silver sides and delicate build. Most run 14-24 inches and rarely top 5 pounds, but they're scrappy fighters that love topwater action. You'll find them over grass flats in 2-8 feet of water, especially around drop-offs and current breaks. They bite best in cooler months and low-light conditions - dawn and dusk are money time. What makes them special is their willingness to hit surface lures and their excellent eating quality with flaky white meat. Just don't overcook them. My go-to technique is working a soft plastic shrimp under a popping cork near grass beds during moving water.
Arroyo City