Top-Rated Inshore Fishing | South Padre Island

Afternoon Redfish Bonanza in Arroyo City

Get ready to hit the sweet spots of the Lower Laguna Madre on this 4-hour afternoon fishing trip out of Arroyo City. Captain Smiley Yanez knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's itching to put you on some quality redfish, speckled trout, and black drum. This ain't no beginner's rodeo - we're talking about a trip tailored for seasoned anglers who want to make every cast count. With top-notch gear provided and room for up to 5 fishing fanatics, you're in for some serious hook-ups near the legendary South Padre Island flats.

What to Expect on the Water

As soon as we shove off, you'll feel the anticipation building. Captain Smiley doesn't mess around - he'll have you on the fish faster than you can say "tight lines." We're talking skinny water action, sight-casting to tailing reds, or maybe drifting for some hefty trout. The afternoon bite can be dynamite, especially when those sea trout start smashing topwaters. You'll be using light tackle, so be ready for some drag-screaming runs when a big black drum decides to test your skills. Just remember to bring your A-game and a valid Texas fishing license - we'll handle the rest.

Techniques That'll Fill the Box

On this trip, we're not just chunking bait and hoping for the best. Captain Smiley's got a few tricks up his sleeve that'll have you fishing like a local in no time. We might start by working the grass lines with soft plastics, looking for those telltale "V" wakes of cruising reds. If the wind's right, we could be throwing flies at tailing fish - talk about a rush! For the trout, we might switch to a popping cork rig or work a topwater walk-the-dog style. And when those black drum are around, a well-placed crab or piece of shrimp can lead to some serious pull. It's all about reading the water and adjusting on the fly - that's the Arroyo City way.

Top Catches This Season

The Lower Laguna Madre has been on fire lately. Anglers have been crushing it with some real quality fish. We're talking about solid 28-inch reds tailing in less than a foot of water, gator trout pushing 7 pounds smashing topwaters, and black drum so big they'll make your arms ache. The best part? This fishery is consistent year-round, but the afternoon bite we're targeting can be especially productive. You never know when that next cast might land you a personal best or even a Texas state record.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are the stars of the show in Arroyo City. Known for their iconic tail, redfish love to cruise the shallows, often revealing their location with a telltale wake or "tailing" behavior. In the Lower Laguna Madre, you can expect to tangle with reds ranging from scrappy 20-inchers to bull reds over 40 inches. They're incredibly fun to sight-cast to and put up a mean fight, often making blistering runs that'll test your drag system. Fall is prime time for reds, but you can catch them year-round in these parts.

Speckled Sea Trout: Don't let the name fool you - these "specks" are anything but small fry. Arroyo City is famous for its trophy trout, with fish over 5 pounds not uncommon. They're ambush predators, often hanging around structure or in potholes on the flats. The thrill of watching a big trout explode on a topwater lure is hard to beat. While they can be caught year-round, the bigger specimens tend to show up in winter and early spring. Their soft mouths require finesse, so set the hook with a sideways sweep rather than an upward jerk.

Black Drum: These striped powerhouses might not be the prettiest fish in the sea, but they sure know how to put up a fight. In the Lower Laguna Madre, black drum can range from 5-pounders to true giants over 30 pounds. They love to root around on the bottom for crabs and shrimp, so a well-placed bait can lead to some serious action. The bigger ones, often called "Big Uglies," show up in force during their spring spawning run. Don't underestimate these fish - they've got the power to turn your reel into a smoking mess if you're not careful.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something special about fishing the Lower Laguna Madre out of Arroyo City. Maybe it's the crystal-clear water that lets you spot fish from a mile away. Or perhaps it's the sheer number of quality fish you can catch in a single afternoon. But ask any regular, and they'll tell you it's Captain Smiley that keeps them coming back. His local knowledge is second to none, and he's got a knack for putting clients on fish even when conditions aren't perfect. Plus, with the trip capped at 5 anglers, you're guaranteed plenty of elbow room and personal attention. It's like fishing with a buddy who happens to know every nook and cranny of these legendary waters.

Time to Book Your Spot

Look, if you're serious about your inshore fishing, this Arroyo City afternoon trip is a no-brainer. You've got a top-notch guide, world-class fishing grounds, and a shot at some real trophy catches - all packed into a convenient 4-hour window. Whether you're a local looking to sharpen your skills or a visitor wanting to experience the best of Texas coastal fishing, Captain Smiley's got you covered. Just remember, spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. So don't wait around - get your crew together, grab your license, and let's get after some Lower Laguna Madre giants. The fish are waiting, and the bite is on!