Half Day Family Fishing Trip in Arroyo City
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fourhour private inshore charter targeting redfish, trout, and black drumFamilyfocused trip with calm waters and beginnerfriendly approachAll fishing equipment included with space for up to five anglers
Looking for a fishing charter that actually works for the whole family? Captain Smiley Yanez runs one of the most popular family-friendly trips on the Texas coast, and there's a good reason his calendar stays packed. This 4-hour morning charter takes you into the productive waters of Lower Laguna Madre, where the fishing is consistent and the atmosphere is relaxed enough for kids to learn the ropes without feeling rushed. You'll target redfish, speckled trout, and black drum in some of the calmest inshore waters South Texas has to offer, just minutes from the boat ramp in Arroyo City.
Captain Smiley keeps things simple and fun, which is exactly what you want when you've got kids on board or first-time anglers in your group. The trip launches early in the morning when the fish are most active and the South Texas heat hasn't kicked in yet. You'll fish the shallow flats and grass beds of Lower Laguna Madre, where the water stays calm even when it's blowing outside. The boat is equipped with everything you need - rods, reels, tackle, and bait - so all you need to bring is a valid Texas fishing license and maybe some snacks for the kids. The pace is deliberately slower than typical fishing charters, giving everyone time to learn proper technique and actually enjoy being on the water together. Captain Smiley has been guiding families for years and knows how to keep younger anglers engaged while still putting fish in the boat.
This is classic Texas inshore fishing at its finest - sight casting to tailing redfish, working the grass beds for speckled trout, and bottom fishing for black drum around structure. Captain Smiley uses light tackle that's perfect for beginners but still sporty enough to make every fish feel like a trophy. You'll primarily fish with live bait and soft plastics, using techniques that are easy to master but effective on these waters. The boat stays in shallow water, usually 2-6 feet deep, where you can actually see the fish you're targeting. This visual element makes it especially exciting for kids who get to watch redfish cruise the flats or see their rod tip load up when a drum picks up their bait. The tackle is sized appropriately for the fish - heavy enough to land them quickly but light enough that a 10-year-old can handle the fight without getting worn out.
Black drum are the bread and butter of Lower Laguna Madre, and these waters produce some genuine giants. These fish can range from keeper-sized 16-inchers all the way up to 40-pound bulls that will test your drag and your patience. Black drum are bottom feeders that love to hang around shell beds and structure, making them perfect targets for families since they're predictable and fight hard without jumping around like some other species. The best part about drum fishing is that once you find them, you can usually catch several before they move on. Peak season runs from fall through early spring, but you can find good numbers year-round in these waters.
Redfish are the stars of the show in Lower Laguna Madre, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers are aggressive feeders that will eat just about anything you throw at them, making them perfect for beginning anglers. Slot-sized reds typically run 18-27 inches and put up a strong, bulldogging fight that's manageable for younger anglers but still plenty of fun for adults. The sight fishing opportunities are world-class here - you'll often see schools of reds tailing in shallow water, their copper backs flashing in the sun as they root around for crabs and shrimp. Fall and winter are prime time for reds in this area, when they school up in large numbers and feed aggressively before spawning.
Speckled trout round out the inshore slam, and Lower Laguna Madre has some of the most consistent trout fishing on the Texas coast. These fish are finicky feeders that require a bit more skill to catch consistently, making them a great species for kids to graduate to once they've mastered the basics with drum and redfish. Specks typically run 12-20 inches in these waters, with the occasional trophy pushing 6-7 pounds. They're school fish, so when you find them, you can often catch limits quickly. The best trout fishing happens during cooler months when the fish move into deeper grass beds and stay active throughout the day.
This charter books up fast, especially during peak season and school holidays, so don't wait too long to secure your dates. The morning departure time is perfect for families - you'll be back at the dock by lunch, leaving plenty of time for other activities or a beach day on South Padre Island. At $100 per additional person beyond the base rate for two anglers, it's one of the better values for guided inshore fishing on the Texas coast. Captain Smiley's reputation for putting families on fish while keeping the atmosphere relaxed and educational makes this trip a customer favorite that generates tons of repeat business. Whether you're introducing kids to fishing or just want a stress-free day on the water with productive fishing, this half-day charter delivers exactly what it promises.
Step aboard the Call Me Fishing charter's sleek 24ft Shallow Sport center console, perfectly designed for navigating the productive waters of Lower Laguna Madre. This 2014 beauty packs a serious 300 Suzuki engine that'll get you to the fish fast, cruising at speeds up to 50mph across the flats near South Padre Island. The shallow draft hull lets Captain Smiley access those skinny water spots where redfish and speckled trout love to hang out. Built for comfort during your 4-hour adventure, this center console offers plenty of casting room for up to 2 anglers while keeping everyone safe in the calm South Texas bays. The stable platform makes it easy for kids and beginners to learn the ropes while chasing black drum and sea trout. With all the modern conveniences and fishing amenities you need, this boat turns your family fishing day into pure fun on the water.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, typically running 5-30 pounds with some monsters reaching 90+ pounds. These powerful fish love crushing oysters and crabs with their strong jaws around shallow mud flats and oyster reefs. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - you can actually hear them "drumming" underwater during mating season. They're fantastic fighters that'll give kids and beginners a real workout without being too aggressive. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make excellent table fare with flaky white meat. My go-to tip: use fresh crab on the bottom near oyster beds at first light. The bigger fish get spooky as the day warms up, so early morning is your best shot at landing a true trophy.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the stars of our shallow water fishing, easily spotted by their copper-red backs and distinctive black spots near the tail. Most fish we catch run 20-35 inches and put up an awesome fight in just 1-4 feet of water. They love cruising oyster reefs, grass flats, and muddy shorelines looking for crabs and shrimp. What makes them special is you can often see them "tailing" in super shallow water with their backs exposed - it's like sight fishing for giants. Fall and spring offer the best action when they're most active. The meat is sweet and flaky, perfect for the dinner table. These fish are built for power, not speed, so they'll bulldoze toward structure once hooked. Local secret: throw topwater lures early morning over shallow grass beds - the strikes are explosive and will get everyone on the boat excited.
Salmo TruttaSpotted sea trout, or "specks" as we call them locally, are beautiful silver fish covered in distinct black spots. They typically run 14-24 inches and love our shallow grass flats, especially during cooler months when they school up in deeper channels. These fish are ambush predators that hang around structure and grass beds waiting for shrimp and small baitfish. They're perfect for families because they bite consistently and aren't too hard to land, but still put up a scrappy fight. The meat is delicate and delicious - just don't overcook it or it gets mushy. Best bite is usually early morning or late evening when they move shallow to feed. Pro tip: work your lures slow and keep them near the bottom. Specks have soft mouths, so don't jerk too hard on the hookset.
Arroyo City