Half Day Family Fishing in Arroyo City
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Four-hour private inshore fishing trip targeting redfish and speckled troutFamily-friendly charter accommodates up to five anglers in calm watersAll fishing equipment and tackle provided by experienced Captain Smiley
Captain Smiley Yanez knows exactly what families need on the water - a laid-back morning where everyone can cast a line without the pressure of a hardcore fishing expedition. This top-rated 4-hour charter in Arroyo City puts you right in the heart of the Lower Laguna Madre, where the fishing is consistent and the atmosphere is perfect for introducing kids to the sport. You'll be targeting three of South Texas' most reliable species: redfish, speckled trout, and black drum in some of the calmest waters along the coast.
This isn't your typical dawn patrol fishing trip. Captain Smiley designs these charters specifically for families who want to share quality time on the water without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. The Lower Laguna Madre offers protected waters that stay relatively calm even when the Gulf gets choppy, making it an ideal spot for first-time anglers and younger kids who might get seasick in rougher conditions. You'll fish shallow flats and grass beds where these three species love to hang out, and the captain adjusts his approach based on your group's experience level. Whether you've got a 6-year-old who's never held a rod or teenagers who think they know everything about fishing, this charter finds the right balance. The boat comes fully rigged with quality rods, reels, and tackle - you just need to bring your Texas fishing license and maybe some snacks for the kids.
Captain Smiley keeps things simple but effective, focusing on techniques that work well for mixed-skill groups. You'll primarily use live bait and soft plastics, which are forgiving for beginners but still productive for anyone who knows their way around a rod. The shallow waters around Arroyo City are perfect for sight fishing when conditions allow - there's nothing quite like watching a redfish cruise through two feet of water before your kid hooks into it. The captain provides everything from basic spinning setups to slightly heavier gear if bigger black drum show up. He'll teach proper casting techniques, how to work a lure, and most importantly, how to handle fish safely for photos before release. The boat is set up with plenty of space for everyone to fish comfortably, and safety equipment is always on board. Since this is inshore fishing in protected waters, you won't need heavy offshore gear - everything stays light and manageable for smaller hands.
Redfish are the stars of the show in these South Texas waters, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters typically run 18 to 28 inches in the Lower Laguna Madre, with some bigger bulls showing up during cooler months. What makes reds perfect for family trips is their aggressive nature - they'll hit live shrimp, soft plastics, and even topwater lures when the mood strikes. They're also incredibly photogenic with their distinctive black spots, and they fight hard enough to get everyone excited without being so strong that kids can't handle them. Fall and winter are prime time for slot-sized reds, but you'll find them year-round in these flats.
Speckled trout, or "specks" as locals call them, are the bread and butter of inshore fishing around Arroyo City. These spotted beauties love grass beds and sandy pockets, often holding in schools that can provide steady action for the whole family. Most specks here run 14 to 20 inches, perfect eating size if you decide to keep a few within regulations. They're excellent for teaching kids proper rod handling since they don't make screaming runs but still put up a respectable fight. Spring and early summer produce some of the best speck fishing, though they bite consistently through most of the year when you know where to look.
Black drum might not be the prettiest fish in the bay, but they're customer favorites for family trips because they're virtually guaranteed to show up. These bottom-dwellers range from small "puppy drum" that kids can easily handle to hefty 20-pounders that'll test everyone's drag settings. They're not picky eaters, readily taking live or cut bait, and they fight with a steady, stubborn pull that gives everyone time to enjoy the battle. Bigger drum are catch-and-release only, but the smaller ones make excellent table fare. You'll find them around shell bars and muddy bottoms throughout the year, making them a reliable backup when reds and trout get finicky.
This world-class family fishing experience covers up to 2 guests in the base price, with room for 3 more anglers at $100 each - making it perfect for multi-generational trips or families with several kids. Captain Smiley's patient teaching style and the productive waters around Arroyo City create the ideal environment for building lifelong fishing memories. The Lower Laguna Madre consistently ranks among the best inshore fisheries in Texas, and this charter gives your family access to it all without the intimidation factor of hardcore fishing trips. Whether you're looking to introduce kids to the sport or just want a relaxing morning on the water with guaranteed action, this half-day adventure delivers exactly what families need. Book now and discover why so many parents consider this their go-to fishing trip for quality family time on the Texas coast.
Step aboard the Call Me Fishing charter's 24ft Shallow Sport center console and get ready for some serious fish-catching action in the Lower Laguna Madre. This 2014 beauty packs a 300 Suzuki engine that'll cruise you to the hottest fishing spots at 50mph, getting you on the fish fast. Captain Smiley knows exactly where the redfish, speckled trout, and black drum like to hang out in these calm South Texas waters near South Padre Island. The shallow-running hull design lets you access those skinny water honey holes where the big fish feed. Perfect for families wanting to share some quality time on the water - the boat handles smoothly and the spacious center console layout gives everyone room to cast without tangling lines. All the fishing gear is provided, so you can focus on what matters most: putting fish in the cooler and making memories that'll last long after you're back on dry land.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, ranging from 5-30 pounds with some bruisers pushing 90. These grey-black fish love hanging around oyster beds and muddy flats in 2-8 feet of water. Spring is prime time when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll hear their distinctive drumming sounds underwater. They're tough fighters with powerful jaws built for crushing shellfish. The smaller ones under 15 pounds make great table fare with firm, flaky meat. Bigger fish are better released since the meat gets tough. My local tip: use fresh blue crab on a Carolina rig and let it sit on bottom near oyster shell. They can't resist it, and you'll feel that telltale thump when they pick it up.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the stars of our shallow water fishing, easily spotted by their copper-bronze color and distinctive black spots near the tail. Most run 18-27 inches in our area and love cruising oyster reefs, grass flats, and shallow bays in just 1-4 feet of water. They're year-round residents but really fire up in fall and spring. What guests love most is watching them "tail" in skinny water - backs and tails sticking out as they root for crabs and shrimp. They fight hard with strong runs and make excellent table fare with mild, sweet meat. The spot near their tail actually fools predators into attacking the wrong end so they can escape. My go-to trick: sight-cast a gold spoon just ahead of a cruising red and work it slow. They'll usually crush it on the first or second wobble.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are one of our most reliable targets year-round in the Laguna Madre. They typically run 14-24 inches and love grass flats in 2-6 feet of water. These spotted beauties are ambush predators that hang around structure like drop-offs and shell beds. Early morning and evening are peak times, especially during cooler months when they school up in deeper channels. What makes them special is their delicate, white meat that's perfect for the dinner table - just don't overcook it or it gets mushy. They're also great for beginners since they bite readily on live shrimp and artificial lures. Pro tip: work a soft plastic under a popping cork slowly through the grass. When you see that cork disappear, set the hook quick - they've got soft mouths.
Arroyo City