Expert-Guided Inshore Fishing | South Padre Island

Published Date: July 16, 2025
Fishing

Arroyo City
$500 price range
Updated Date: October 9, 2025

Summary

Ready for a laid-back morning of fishing in South Texas? Join Captain Smiley Yanez for a 4-hour trip in Arroyo City, perfect for beginners or anyone looking to wet a line without the pressure. You'll be targeting redfish, speckled trout, and black drum in the Lower Laguna Madre – some of the most productive inshore waters around. No need to bring gear; the captain provides everything except your Texas fishing license. This private charter is set up for 2 anglers, but there's room for up to 5 if you want to bring friends or family. Each extra person is just $100. Whether you're new to fishing or just want some expert guidance, Captain Smiley will show you the ropes and put you on fish. It's a great way to experience the local waters near Port Mansfield and South Padre Island, even if you've never held a rod before.

Expert-Guided Inshore Fishing | South Padre Island

Rods Bent, Lines Tight

Fisherman standing by the water in Arroyo City

Hooked up in Arroyo City!

Three fishing rods with a scenic background of Arroyo City

Good times, great catches, and plenty of smiles.

From sunrise to sunset, we’re fishing.

Arroyo mornings start with bent rods.

Half-Day Fishing Fun in Arroyo City

Ready for some laid-back fishing action in South Texas? Captain Smiley Yanez has you covered with this 4-hour trip that's perfect for newcomers and casual anglers alike. You'll be cruising the Lower Laguna Madre, dropping lines for redfish, speckled trout, and black drum. It's a no-fuss, all-fun kind of morning where you can learn the ropes or just enjoy being out on the water. The best part? Everything you need is included, so you can focus on reeling in the big one.

What to Expect on the Water

Picture this: You're heading out as the sun's coming up, the air's got that salty kick to it, and you're about to spend the next four hours fishing some of the most productive waters in Texas. Captain Smiley knows these spots like the back of his hand, so you're in for a treat. Whether you're a total newbie or you've wet a line before, he'll make sure you're comfortable and having a blast. The boat's set up for two, but if you've got a bigger crew (up to 5), no worries – it's just an extra $100 per person. You'll be targeting redfish, speckled trout, and black drum, and trust me, when that line goes tight, you'll be hooked – pun intended!

Fishing 101: Gear and Techniques

Don't sweat the small stuff – Captain Smiley's got all the gear covered. We're talking quality rods, reels, and tackle that'll give you the best shot at landing a keeper. You'll likely be using live bait or lures, depending on what's biting. Expect to learn some basic casting techniques, how to read the water, and the art of setting the hook. The Lower Laguna Madre is known for its shallow, crystal-clear waters, so you might even spot your fish before you catch it. Just remember to bring your Texas fishing license, and you're good to go. Oh, and don't forget the sunscreen – the Texas sun doesn't mess around!

Top Catches This Season

Alright, let's talk fish. The waters around Arroyo City are teeming with some real beauties, and you've got a shot at three of the best:

Redfish: These copper-colored fighters are a Texas favorite. They love to hang out in shallow water, often with their tails sticking up as they root for crabs – it's called "tailing" and it's a sight to see. Redfish can grow over 40 inches long, but you'll likely be catching "slot reds" between 20-28 inches. They put up a great fight and taste even better on the grill.

Speckled Trout: Don't let the name fool you – these guys are no lightweights. Speckled trout, or "specks" as the locals call 'em, are known for their spotted sides and their willingness to smack a lure. They're most active in the cooler months, but you can catch them year-round. A good-sized speck is around 20 inches, and they're a blast on light tackle.

Black Drum: These are the bulldogs of the bay. Black drum can get huge – we're talking 30-40 pounds or more. They've got a distinctive "croaking" sound and those whisker-like barbels under their chins. While the bigger ones can be tough eating, a smaller "puppy drum" is delicious. They're bottom feeders, so you'll be targeting them with bait near structure or over oyster beds.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

Look, fishing in Arroyo City isn't just about what ends up in the cooler. It's about that moment when the sun's just peeking over the horizon, and the water's like glass. It's about learning from a pro like Captain Smiley, who's been doing this for years and still gets excited about every fish. And it's about those stories you'll tell later – the one that got away, or the monster you reeled in against all odds. Plus, you're fishing the Lower Laguna Madre, which is basically like the promised land for inshore anglers. It's shallow, it's clear, and it's absolutely packed with fish. Whether you're here to learn, to relax, or to challenge yourself, this trip's got you covered.

Time to Book Your Spot

Alright, let's wrap this up. You've got a chance to spend a morning on some world-class fishing grounds with a guide who knows his stuff. Whether you're looking to catch your first fish or your fiftieth, Captain Smiley's got the know-how to make it happen. And hey, even if the fish aren't biting (which is rare around here), you're still in for a great day on the water. So why not give it a shot? Grab a buddy, book your trip, and get ready for some real Texas fishing. Trust me, once you feel that first tug on the line, you'll be planning your next trip before you even get back to the dock. Don't let this one slip away – book now and let's get you out on the water!

Learn more about the species

Black Drum

Black drum are the bulldogs of Texas flats fishing. These powerful fish typically run 5-30 pounds, with some monsters topping 90. You'll find them in brackish waters and estuaries, often around oyster beds where they use those strong jaws to crush shellfish. Spring is prime time as they school up to spawn, making them easier to target. Anglers love drum for their hard-fighting nature and good eating, especially the smaller ones under 15 pounds. To land one, try a slow-moving jig or live bait like crab on the bottom. My local tip? Listen for that distinctive drumming sound they make - it can give away their location in murky water. Whether you're after a tasty dinner or just want to tangle with a bruiser, black drum deliver a fun, no-frills fishing experience.

Redfish

Redfish are the rock stars of Texas flats fishing. These copper-colored beauties, with their trademark tail spot, love super shallow water - sometimes with their backs out of the water! Most run 28-33 inches when mature, but they can get much bigger. Look for them in 1-4 feet of water around oyster reefs, grass flats, and even old pier pilings. They'll eat just about anything when they're hungry, making them fun for all skill levels. Spring and fall are prime seasons here. Anglers love reds for their hard fights and excellent table fare. For a real thrill, try sight-casting to tailing fish with a topwater lure. My local tip? Pay attention to the tides - a falling tide concentrates bait and gets the redfish feeding aggressively. Whether you want a trophy photo or a tasty dinner, redfish deliver on both counts.

Sea Trout

Speckled trout, or specs as we call 'em, are a favorite target here in the Lower Laguna Madre. These silver beauties usually run 14-24 inches and put up a great fight on light tackle. You'll find them hanging around grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. Winter's when they school up in deeper channels. Trout are known for their delicate, flaky white meat - just be careful not to overcook it. They're suckers for artificial lures, with topwater plugs giving you those exciting surface strikes. My go-to trick is to troll slowly along grass edges when the bite's tough. Whether you're after a trophy or just want consistent action, sea trout fishing is hard to beat. Plus, there's nothing like the sound of a big trout smashing a lure at dawn.

About the Call Me Fishing

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 5

Manufacturer Name: Suzuki

Maximum Cruising Speed: 50

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 300

Ready to wet a line in the Lower Laguna Madre? Captain Smiley Yanez's half-day fishing trip out of Arroyo City is perfect for those looking to learn the ropes or just enjoy a laid-back morning on the water. Over 4 hours, you'll target redfish, speckled trout, and black drum in the rich fishing grounds near Port Mansfield and South Padre Island. This private charter includes all the gear you need, so just grab your Texas fishing license and hop aboard. The trip is set up for 2 anglers, but there's room for up to 5 if you want to bring along friends or family - each extra person is only $100. Whether you're a first-timer or just prefer a relaxed pace, Captain Smiley offers friendly guidance to help you make the most of South Texas' productive inshore waters.

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