Arroyo City Redfish & Trout Afternoon Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
5hour beginnerfriendly redfish and trout fishing adventurePrivate 2person bay trips on Tuesday and Thursday afternoonsAll equipment, tackle, and drinks provided by experienced guides
If you're ready to dip your toes into the world of inshore fishing, this beginner-friendly afternoon trip in Arroyo City is exactly what you need. We're talking about a solid 5-hour guided fishing experience designed specifically for folks who are new to the game or just want to enjoy some relaxed bay fishing without the pressure. Running Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, this private charter takes up to 2 anglers into some of the most productive shallow water spots along the Texas coast. Your captain knows these flats like the back of their hand, and they'll have you casting into redfish tails and trout slicks before you know it.
This isn't your typical crowded party boat situation - we're talking about a personalized bay fishing experience where you'll actually learn something. The afternoon timing is perfect for beginners because the wind typically lays down, making casting easier and boat handling smoother. Your guide will position you over grass flats, along drop-offs, and near structure where redfish and trout love to hang out. The beauty of Arroyo City fishing is that you're working relatively protected waters, so even if it's a little breezy in the morning, afternoons often settle into that perfect fishing weather. You'll spend your time sight fishing when conditions allow, or working productive areas with live bait and artificials when the fish are holding deeper. The pace is relaxed but focused - plenty of time to get comfortable with your casting, learn to read the water, and actually understand what you're doing instead of just chucking bait and hoping.
Your guide comes loaded with everything you need - quality rods and reels spooled with the right line, plus a tackle box full of proven lures for these waters. We're talking soft plastics like paddle tails and shrimp imitations rigged on jigheads, topwater plugs for those heart-stopping surface strikes, and spoons that flash just right in the shallow water. If live bait is more your speed, expect to work with live shrimp under popping corks or free-lined near structure. The technique here is all about finesse - light tackle that lets you feel every bump and tap, with your guide coaching you through hooksets and fight strategies. Arroyo City's bay system is perfect for learning because you're typically fishing in 2-6 feet of water where you can actually see what's happening. Your captain will teach you to spot redfish tails, recognize trout slicks, and understand how tides and structure influence fish movement. All drinks are included to keep you comfortable, and you just need to bring your fishing license and any snacks you want.
Redfish are the bread and butter of Arroyo City inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters typically run 18-28 inches in these waters, with plenty of slot-sized fish that'll give you a real battle on light tackle. Reds are year-round residents here, but they're especially cooperative during the warmer months when they're actively feeding in the shallows. What makes them so exciting for beginners is their aggressive nature - they'll eat both live bait and artificials, and when they hit, you know it. The sight fishing opportunities are fantastic too, with redfish often cruising the flats with their backs out of the water or tails waving as they root around for crabs and shrimp.
Speckled trout are the other main target, and these beautiful fish are what really get anglers hooked on bay fishing. Running anywhere from 14-24 inches in these waters, specks are known for their delicate mouths and acrobatic fights. They're most active during the cooler parts of the day, making afternoon trips perfect timing as the sun starts to angle lower. Trout love to work drop-offs and grass edges, often giving themselves away with surface activity as they crash baitfish. They're more finicky than redfish, which makes them perfect for learning to work lures with subtlety and patience.
While not mentioned in the main targets, snook and alligator gar also cruise these waters and can provide some serious surprises. Snook are tropical visitors that show up during the warmer months, and if you hook into one, you're in for a treat - they're incredible jumpers with serious attitude. Alligator gar are prehistoric-looking fish that can reach impressive sizes, and while they're not everyone's target species, landing one is definitely a story worth telling back home.
This top-rated beginner fishing trip fills up fast, especially during the prime fishing months when word gets around about how productive these Arroyo City waters can be. The Tuesday and Thursday schedule works perfectly for visitors who want to plan around other activities, and the afternoon timing means you're not dealing with early morning rush or crowded launch ramps. With only 2 spots available per trip, you're guaranteed personal attention from your guide and plenty of fishing time without feeling rushed. The 5-hour duration gives you enough time to try different techniques, move between spots if needed, and really get a feel for what inshore fishing is all about. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your dates work before booking, but trust me - once you experience the quality of fishing and guiding that One Stop Charters provides, you'll be planning your next trip before this one is over.
Captain Miguel's restored 21' Shallow Sport center console is built for the shallow bay waters around Arroyo City, where redfish and trout love to hide. This reliable fishing machine handles the flats with ease, getting you into those productive spots where the fish are biting. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet so you won't spook any fish, while the GPS and fish finder help locate the best action. An onboard icebox keeps your drinks cold during those warm afternoon sessions on the water. With space for up to 3 anglers, this boat gives beginners plenty of room to learn proper casting techniques and fight their first bay fish. The shallow draft design means access to skinny water where bigger fish cruise the grass beds and oyster reefs.
Atractosteus SpatulaAlligator gar are living dinosaurs - massive prehistoric fish with armor-like scales and rows of needle-sharp teeth. These giants can stretch 4-6 feet and weigh over 100 pounds, making them one of the biggest freshwater fish in North America. You'll find them in deep river bends, backwaters, and brackish areas where they cruise near the surface gulping air. Late summer during hot, dry spells is prime time when they concentrate in deeper holes. What draws anglers is the sheer size and prehistoric appearance - landing one is like catching a piece of history. They're catch-and-release only, so it's all about the experience and photos. Best approach is using large live bait like carp or mullet on heavy tackle with a bright bobber. Position yourself where deep water meets shallow flats and be patient - these fish move slow but hit hard.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are easily spotted by their copper-red backs and signature black spots near the tail. Most fish we catch run 20-28 inches, though mature females can push into the 30s. These guys love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. You'll find them cruising oyster reefs, grass flats, and muddy bay bottoms in 1-4 feet of water. They're not picky eaters and will hit topwater plugs, soft plastics, or live shrimp with equal enthusiasm. What makes them special is that explosive strike followed by a strong, bulldogging fight. The meat is firm with a mild, sweet flavor that's hard to beat. Pro tip: when you spot one tailing in the shallows, cast well ahead of where it's moving and let your bait sink to the bottom before working it slowly back.
Centropomus UndecimalisSnook are sleek predators with that distinctive black lateral stripe and jutting lower jaw. Around here, most run 18-30 inches, but the big females can stretch past 3 feet. They're structure lovers - you'll find them tucked under docks, around mangrove roots, and near any cover in brackish water. These fish move between salt and fresh water easily, following baitfish and temperature changes. Spring through fall gives you the best action when water temps stay warm. Snook are ambush hunters that hit hard and jump like crazy once hooked. They're also some of the best eating fish in these waters - flaky white meat that's perfect for the grill. Here's the trick: they're spooky, so approach structure quietly and make accurate casts. A soft plastic jerkbait worked slowly around cover will usually get their attention.
South Padre Island