Family-Friendly Inshore Fishing | Arroyo City, TX

Family Fun: Half-Day Fishing in Arroyo City

Get ready for a laid-back morning on the water with Captain Smiley Yanez in Arroyo City, Texas. This 4-hour private charter is perfect for families looking to wet a line together in the calm waters of the Lower Laguna Madre. Whether you're teaching the kids to fish or just want a relaxed day out, Captain Smiley's got you covered. You'll be targeting redfish, speckled trout, and black drum – some of the most popular inshore species in South Texas. And the best part? Everything's included except your fishing license, so you can focus on making memories and maybe landing dinner.

What to Expect on the Water

As you hop aboard Captain Smiley's skiff, you'll feel the excitement building. The Lower Laguna Madre is known for its crystal-clear shallows and abundant fish, making it an ideal spot for family fishing. You'll cruise through the picturesque waters near South Padre Island, with Captain Smiley pointing out local wildlife and sharing fishing tips along the way. This trip is all about taking it easy – no pressure, just good times. Whether you're casting from the boat or wading in the shallows, Captain Smiley will make sure everyone's comfortable and having a blast. And don't worry if you're new to fishing – he's got a knack for helping beginners land their first catch.

Fishing Techniques & Gear

On this trip, you'll get to try out a mix of fishing techniques tailored to the conditions and what's biting. Captain Smiley might have you drifting live bait for big reds, or tossing soft plastics for trout in the grass flats. If the black drum are feeding, you might drop some crab or shrimp to the bottom. All the gear is provided, from rods and reels to tackle and bait, so you don't need to worry about a thing. Captain Smiley uses light to medium tackle that's easy for kids and adults alike to handle. He'll show you how to work the lures and set the hook, making sure everyone's in on the action. And if you're into sight casting, the clear waters of the Laguna Madre offer some prime opportunities to spot fish before you cast.

Top Catches This Season

Arroyo City's inshore waters are teeming with fish year-round, but each season brings its own highlights. In the cooler months, big schools of redfish cruise the flats, offering chances at some real bull reds. As things warm up in spring, the speckled trout action heats up, with some gator trout lurking around deeper holes and channels. Summer brings hot action for all species, especially early in the morning when the water's calm and the fish are hungry. Black drum are reliable targets throughout the year, with some real bruisers showing up in late winter and early spring. No matter when you visit, Captain Smiley knows where the fish are biting and how to put you on them.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish: These copper-colored beauties are a favorite among Arroyo City anglers. Known for their powerful runs and distinctive spot on the tail, redfish (or red drum) can be found tailing in shallow grass flats or cruising along shorelines. They love to eat crabs, shrimp, and small baitfish, making them fun to target with both live bait and artificial lures. The "slot" size for keepers is 20-28 inches, but you might hook into some real bulls over 40 inches if you're lucky!

Speckled Trout: Also called spotted seatrout, these fish are prized for their delicate flavor and exciting fight. They're ambush predators, often found around grass beds, oyster reefs, and channel edges. Speckled trout are suckers for soft plastic lures worked with a twitch-and-pause retrieve, but they'll also readily hit topwater plugs in the right conditions. The best part? They often school up, so when you catch one, there's a good chance more are nearby.

Black Drum: Don't let their looks fool you – black drum are some of the hardest-fighting fish in the bay. These bottom-feeders use their downturned mouths and sensitive barbels to root out crabs and shrimp from the seafloor. While smaller "puppy drum" are great eating, the big ones (some over 50 pounds!) are catch-and-release trophies. Black drum tend to hang out over hard bottom areas and around structure, and they're suckers for a well-presented crab or chunk of shrimp.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something special about fishing the Lower Laguna Madre that keeps folks coming back year after year. Maybe it's the crystal-clear water that lets you spot fish from a distance. Or the diverse ecosystem that supports everything from tiny baitfish to trophy gamefish. For many, it's the laid-back vibe of Arroyo City itself – a true fishing town where life moves at a slower pace. But ask anyone who's fished with Captain Smiley, and they'll tell you it's his friendly demeanor and local knowledge that really makes the trip. He's got a way of making everyone feel at ease, whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod. And let's not forget the fish – with such a variety of species and the potential for some real giants, every cast holds the promise of excitement.

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're looking for a family-friendly fishing trip that's as much about the experience as it is about the catch, Captain Smiley's half-day charter in Arroyo City is hard to beat. With room for up to 5 anglers (though the base price covers 2), it's perfect for families or small groups. Remember, each additional person is just $100, making it a great value for a private charter. Whether you're aiming to put some fish in the cooler or just want to enjoy a morning on the water, this trip delivers. The calm waters of the Lower Laguna Madre, combined with Captain Smiley's easy-going approach, create the perfect environment for anglers of all ages and skill levels. So why wait? Grab your fishing license, round up the family, and get ready for a morning of laughs, learning, and hopefully some tight lines. Book your spot now and start counting down the days until you're on the water with one of Arroyo City's top-rated guides!