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Top-Rated Bay Fishing | Arroyo City | 956 Salty
- Published Date: August 19, 2025
- Fishing
- Texas
- $450 - $500 price range
Summary
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Rods, Reels, and Results
Found them!
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Found them!
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Found them!
Reel in Trophy Reds on the Laguna Madre
Get ready to chase trophy redfish and speckled trout with a seasoned pro on the legendary Lower Laguna Madre. This 6-hour expert fishing trip puts you right where the action is, drifting and wading the rich waters near Arroyo City and Port Mansfield. USCG Captain DLS knows these bays like the back of his hand and will have you on fish fast. Grab your favorite soft plastics (or use ours) and get ready for some serious hook-ups. This ain't no beginner's cruise - we're talking precision casting and hungry gamefish. If you live for that telltale thump on your line, you're in for a treat.
What to Expect on the Water
We'll blast off from Arroyo City bright and early, aiming for those honey holes where big reds and gator trout love to feed. Expect a mix of drifting over productive flats and wading skinny water, depending on where the bite is hottest. We focus on working soft plastics - those Wicked Paddle Tails are absolute fish magnets out here. Captain DLS will dial you in on the retrieve that's working that day, whether it's a slow drag or a pop-and-drop. The Lower Laguna is known for its gin-clear shallows, so sight-casting to tailing reds is always a possibility. Keep your eyes peeled for subtle surface movement - could be a 30-inch red cruising by. We've got all the gear you need, but feel free to bring your favorite rod if you've got a lucky streak with it.
Techniques That Fill the Box
This trip is all about finesse and reading the water. We'll start by drifting some deeper guts, fan-casting those paddle tails to cover water. When we find active fish, it's time to hop out and wade. There's nothing like the stealth approach in knee-deep water, picking apart potholes and grass lines. We'll work topwaters early if conditions are right - nothing beats a big trout blowing up on a Super Spook. As the sun gets higher, we'll switch to plastics rigged on light jigheads. That's when precision casting comes into play. We might bump some shell with slow-rolled plastics or dance a Gulp! shrimp under a popping cork. Captain DLS will show you exactly how to work each spot for maximum success. By the end of the day, you'll have a new appreciation for the subtle art of inshore fishing.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Folks who fish with 956 Salty Waders tend to book again before they even get back to the dock. It's not just about the numbers (though we do put clients on plenty of fish). It's the overall experience of fishing some of the most pristine flats in Texas with a guide who lives and breathes this water. Captain DLS has that uncanny ability to put you on fish when other boats are coming up empty. Plus, the camaraderie on board is second to none. Swap fishing stories, learn new techniques, and soak in the beauty of the Laguna Madre. Oh, and did we mention the convenience? We take care of everything from licenses to ice, so all you have to do is show up ready to fish. At the end of the day, we'll even clean your catch so you can head straight to your favorite restaurant for the ultimate fresh-caught dinner.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Redfish: The crown jewel of Texas inshore fishing, redfish in the Lower Laguna Madre grow big and fight hard. These copper-colored bruisers love to cruise the shallows, often revealing their location with subtle wakes or tails breaking the surface. In the fall, schools of bull reds can provide non-stop action. Reds here commonly range from 20 to 30 inches, with plenty of oversized specimens in the mix. There's nothing quite like the initial run of a big red when it realizes it's hooked - hold on tight!
Speckled Trout: Also known as spotted seatrout, these fish are prized for both their sporty fight and excellent table fare. The Lower Laguna is famous for producing true gator trout, with fish over 25 inches not uncommon. They're ambush predators, often found around structures like oyster reefs or deep holes. Early mornings can provide exciting topwater action, while soft plastics fished low and slow work well throughout the day. The satisfying 'thump' when a big trout hits your lure is addictive. Specks in this area tend to school up, so when you find one, get ready for more.
Time to Book Your Spot
If you're itching to tangle with some serious inshore gamefish, this 6-hour expert trip with 956 Salty Waders is your ticket. Whether you're after that personal best redfish or looking to dial in your soft plastic game, Captain DLS will put you in the zone. Remember, we're limited to just two anglers per trip, ensuring you get the personalized attention needed to maximize your success. The Lower Laguna Madre is fishing hot right now, so don't wait to lock in your date. Grab your fishing buddy, pack your favorite polarized shades, and get ready for a day you'll be talking about for years to come. The big ones are waiting - let's go get 'em!
Learn more about the species
Redfish
Redfish, or red drum, are the bulldogs of the flats. These copper-colored fighters typically run 28 to 33 inches, but can push 50 pounds in the right spots. Look for them in super shallow water, sometimes with their backs out of the water. They love hanging around oyster reefs, grass flats, and manmade structures in 1 to 4 feet of water. Fall is prime time when they're schooling up. Anglers chase 'em for their strong runs and light, sweet meat. They'll hit just about anything when they're fired up - topwater lures, jigs, or live bait. One tip: watch for their tails sticking up out of the water when they're rooting around for crabs. That's your cue to make a cast. And don't forget to look for that distinctive black spot near the tail - it's a dead giveaway. When you hook one, hold on tight. These fish will give you a workout, especially in shallow water. It's why we call 'em "Big Red" around here.
Sea Trout
Speckled trout are a staple in these waters, usually ranging from 14 to 24 inches and 1 to 5 pounds. You'll find them hanging around grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. They're suckers for shrimp, small crabs, and baitfish. In winter, they school up in deeper water, sometimes down to 160 feet. Anglers love 'em for their delicate, mild flavor and the challenge they present. They've got a soft bite, so stay alert. Best time to target them is during spring and fall migrations. Use soft plastics like paddle tails or topwater plugs early morning or late evening for best results. One local trick: when you find one, there's usually more nearby. They're not called "specks" for nothing – look for that spotted pattern to ID them. Remember, they're light biters, so set the hook quick and keep tension on the line. It's a thrill when you hook into a big one!
About the 21 Shallow Master
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 32
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 150
