Expert-Guided Inshore Fishing | South Padre Island

Reel in the Big Ones: Arroyo City Fishing

Hey there, angler! Ready to wet a line in some of the best inshore waters Texas has to offer? Captain Smiley Yanez here, and I'm itching to get you out on the Lower Laguna Madre for a morning of rod-bending action. This 4-hour trip out of South Padre Island is perfect for both greenhorns and old salts looking to tangle with some of our prized gamefish. We're talking redfish, speckled trout, and black drum – the inshore trifecta that keeps folks coming back year after year. So grab your hat and sunscreen, and let's hit the flats!

What to Expect on the Water

When you step aboard my skiff, you're in for a treat. We'll cruise out at first light, when the water's like glass and the fish are hungry. I've been fishing these waters for years, and I know every nook and cranny where the big ones like to hide. We'll start by hitting some of my favorite spots – maybe a grass flat where the reds are tailing, or a deep hole where the trout are stacked up. I'll get you set up with all the gear you need – top-notch rods, reels, and tackle that'll give you the edge when that monster fish strikes. Just remember to bring your Texas fishing license, and we're good to go.

This trip's perfect for a couple of anglers, but if you've got a bigger crew (up to 5), no worries. Each extra person is just an extra $100. It's a steal for a personalized fishing experience with one of the top-rated guides in the area. Whether you're looking to learn some new techniques or just want to bend a rod, I've got you covered.

Techniques & Terrain

Alright, let's talk fishing. In the Lower Laguna Madre, we've got a mix of techniques that'll keep you on your toes. For those redfish, we might be sight-casting to tailing fish in skinny water – there's nothing quite like watching a big red crush your lure in 6 inches of water. When we're after trout, we could be drifting over potholes, working soft plastics or topwater lures. And for those bruiser black drum? We might need to anchor up and soak some crab or shrimp.

The terrain here is something special. We've got miles of shallow flats, dotted with grass beds and sand pockets. There are deeper channels and holes where the big girls like to hang out when the water heats up. And don't even get me started on the mangrove shorelines – prime ambush spots for predator fish. I'll show you how to read the water, spot the signs of feeding fish, and present your bait just right. By the end of the trip, you'll be fishing these waters like a local.

Top Catches This Season

Folks have been crushing it out here lately. Just last week, we had a father-son duo from Houston land a 28-inch redfish and a gator trout over 7 pounds. A couple days ago, a group of buddies got into a school of black drum – they were pulling in fish after fish, all in the 5-10 pound range. And let's not forget about the lady angler who outfished her husband with a personal best 30-inch red on topwater. The bite's been hot, and I can't wait to see what you'll catch!

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are the crown jewels of Texas inshore fishing. They're known for their hard-pulling fights and that distinctive black spot on their tail. Reds can be found year-round, but fall is prime time when they school up for their spawning run. Look for them tailing in shallow water or crushing bait along the shorelines. A 30-inch red will give you a workout you won't soon forget.

Speckled Trout: Also known as spotted seatrout, these guys are the bread and butter of our inshore fishery. They're beautiful fish with a mouthful of teeth and a temperamental nature that makes them a blast to catch. Specks are suckers for topwater lures, and there's nothing like seeing one explode on your bait at dawn. Spring and fall are peak seasons, but you can catch them year-round if you know where to look.

Black Drum: Don't let their ugly mugs fool you – black drum are hard-fighting fish that can grow to bull-sized proportions. They're bottom feeders with a soft spot for crabs and shrimp. While the bigger ones can be tough eating, a slot-sized drum (14-30 inches) is mighty fine on the dinner table. Winter and early spring see huge schools of these fish move into the bay, offering some of the best action of the year.

Time to Book Your Spot

Listen, if you're itching to get out on the water and tangle with some of South Texas' finest gamefish, this is your chance. We've got the perfect combo – great fishing, top-notch gear, and a guide who knows these waters like the back of his hand (that's me, by the way). Whether you're looking to score your personal best or just want to enjoy a morning on the water, I've got you covered.

Don't wait around – prime dates fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. Grab your fishing buddy, your spouse, or the whole family, and let's make some memories on the Lower Laguna Madre. Trust me, once you've felt the pull of a big red or the excitement of a trout blowup, you'll be hooked for life. So what are you waiting for? Book your trip now, and let's go catch some fish!