Premier Redfish & Trout Charter | Arroyo City

Reel in Redfish, Trout & Drum in Arroyo City

Get ready to wet a line in some of South Texas' most productive inshore waters. This 4-hour morning trip with Call Me Fishing puts you right where the action is in the Lower Laguna Madre. We're talking redfish tailing in the shallows, speckled trout ambushing bait, and black drum cruising the flats. Captain Smiley Yanez knows these waters like the back of his hand and he's itching to put you on fish. Whether you're looking to bend a rod or just soak in the coastal scenery, this Arroyo City charter delivers the goods.

What to Expect on the Water

We'll meet up bright and early at the Arroyo City boat ramp, where Captain Smiley will have the boat gassed up and ready to roll. This isn't some crowded party boat situation - it's just you, your fishing buddies, and the endless flats of the Lower Laguna Madre. We'll run to Captain Smiley's favorite honey holes, hitting grass flats, oyster reefs, and channel edges where the fish like to hang out. You'll be using light tackle and artificial lures most of the time, so be ready for some arm-stretching action when a big red decides to take you for a ride. Don't worry if you're not a pro - Captain Smiley's got plenty of tricks up his sleeve to help you dial in your technique.

Tactics for Tailing Reds & Specks

In these skinny waters, stealth is the name of the game. We'll be using a mix of sight-casting and blind-casting techniques, depending on conditions. When the water's calm, keep your eyes peeled for those telltale red tails waving above the surface - that's your cue to make a pinpoint cast. For trout, we might throw soft plastics or topwater lures around grass beds and drop-offs. And don't sleep on those big ugly black drum - they may not be the prettiest fish in the sea, but they pull like freight trains. Captain Smiley's got all the gear you need, from lightweight spinning rods to baitcasters if that's your style. Just bring your A-game and be ready to learn some new tricks.

Top Catches This Season

The Lower Laguna Madre is a year-round fishery, but each season brings its own highlight reel. In spring and fall, redfish go on the feed, schooling up and chasing bait across the flats. Summer can be trout heaven, with big specks hanging around deeper holes and channels. Winter's the time to target those bull reds and oversized black drum that move into the bay. No matter when you come, there's always something pulling on the other end of the line. And with Captain Smiley's local knowledge, you're in for some of the best inshore fishing Texas has to offer.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are the stars of the show in Arroyo City. Reds in the 20-30 inch range are common, with bigger bulls showing up seasonally. They love to root around in shallow water, often giving themselves away with their signature tail-waving behavior. When hooked, redfish make blistering runs and put up a dogged fight all the way to the boat. There's nothing quite like watching a big red explode on a topwater lure in gin-clear water.

Speckled Trout: Also known as spotted seatrout, these wily predators are prized for both their sporty fight and their excellent table fare. Specks in the Lower Laguna Madre can grow to impressive sizes, with fish over 5 pounds not uncommon. They're ambush feeders, often hanging around structure or depth changes to ambush passing bait. A trout's soft mouth makes for some heart-stopping moments during the fight - you never know if that hook is going to hold until the fish is in the net.

Black Drum: Often overlooked by anglers chasing flashier species, black drum are the unsung heroes of inshore fishing. These cousins of the redfish can grow to massive sizes, with fish over 30 pounds a real possibility. They're bottom feeders, using their sensitive barbels to root out crabs and shrimp from the seafloor. While they might not make the glamour shots, hooking into a big black drum is like trying to stop a runaway truck - pure, unadulterated power on the end of your line.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

It's not just about the fish, though they're a big part of it. Arroyo City offers a slice of old Florida right here in Texas - miles of unspoiled coastline, crystal clear flats, and a laid-back vibe that's getting harder to find these days. You might spot pods of dolphins, roseate spoonbills wading the shallows, or even a gator sunning itself on a remote bank. And with Port Mansfield and South Padre Island just a stone's throw away, you've got options for post-fishing fun. But let's be real - once you've experienced the thrill of sight-casting to tailing reds or watched a big trout inhale your topwater, you'll be itching to get back on the water.

Time to Book Your Spot

Look, we could go on all day about the fishing here, but nothing beats experiencing it firsthand. This 4-hour trip with Call Me Fishing is the perfect way to get your feet wet (sometimes literally) in the world-class inshore action of Arroyo City. Captain Smiley's got room for up to 5 anglers, but trust us - you'll want to keep the group small to maximize your fishing time. Whether you're a seasoned pro looking to dial in your technique or a newbie hoping to bend a rod, this trip's got something for everyone. So what are you waiting for? Grab your fishing license, round up a buddy or two, and let's hit the flats. The fish are waiting, and Captain Smiley's ready to put you on 'em. Book now and get ready for some of the best inshore fishing Texas has to offer!