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SIGHT FISHING THE CRYSTAL CLEAR WATERS OF THE LOWER LAGUNA MADRE
FOR REDFISH AND SPECKLED TROUT SINCE 1985
Weldon Charter
Service is a fishing guide service based in Arroyo City, Texas.
Centrally located on the Lower Laguna Madre, our charters may range from
Port Mansfield to South Padre Island. WCS offers fly fishing charters as
well as lure fishing trips. Targeted species include redfish, speckled
trout and flounder.
OUR APPROACH...
Our usual
approach is to sight fish for redfish and speckled trout whenever
possible. Sight fishing can be done from the boat, poling, drifting or
wading the warm, shallow flats of the Lower Laguna Madre. Sight fishing
requires an angler to spot and
identify gamefish and
make an accurate cast in varying wind conditions. I am always ready and
willing to work with individual anglers with regard to learning how to
spot fish and cast to them.
Sometimes a charter includes anglers of varying skill levels and even a mix of fly fishers and lure fishers. I'll try to work with each angler throughout the day and combine several different approaches in an effort to maximize everyone's opportunities. Of course, the more people taken on one charter, the harder it is for me to provide the individual attention that I strive for.
From novice to expert, the best opportunities and adventures are enjoyed by all when an extended stay of two or three days is planned. It is impossible to experience all of the different types of fishing the Lower
Laguna Madre has to
offer in just one day. Early in the morning, before the sun rises high
enough for sight fishing -- and on days where cloud cover prevents us
from sight fishing -- we'll turn to other fishing techniques, such as
stalking tailing fish, working topwater lures and soft plastics over
potholes and or flounder fishing. These alternative techniques are
usually done on the west side of the bay system, which has a grassy
bottom. Later in the day we may have time to experience sight fishing at
its best, Florida or Bahamas style on the white sands of the east bank.
The Lower Laguna Madre offers over sixty miles of pure white sand flats
along the backside of the Padre Island National Seashore. The water
depth on the white sand seldom exceeds 12" to 14". This strip of
heavenly waters varies in width from several hundred yards to about a
mile wide. Most of our clients have never experienced anything as
beautiful and productive as the white sand flats of Padre Island. It is
the only place in Texas where one can experience the combination of gin
clear water over a white sandy flat. Many times while fishing the white
sand, I've seen grown men, experienced fishermen, fall completely apart
at the sight of an approaching trout in the 25" to 30" range. They
always describe it as being similar to buck fever! Sight fishing can be
so exhilarating that I still get just as excited over the last fish
caught as I did over the first fish so many years ago. Again, due to
changing weather conditions, ever-moving fish, and time constraints, it
is always best to book at least two days in a row. Of course, if you can
only get away for one day, the possibility of experiencing a perfect day
in paradise is always worth it.
identify gamefish and
make an accurate cast in varying wind conditions. I am always ready and
willing to work with individual anglers with regard to learning how to
spot fish and cast to them.
Sometimes a charter includes anglers of varying skill levels and even a mix of fly fishers and lure fishers. I'll try to work with each angler throughout the day and combine several different approaches in an effort to maximize everyone's opportunities. Of course, the more people taken on one charter, the harder it is for me to provide the individual attention that I strive for.
From novice to expert, the best opportunities and adventures are enjoyed by all when an extended stay of two or three days is planned. It is impossible to experience all of the different types of fishing the Lower
Laguna Madre has to
offer in just one day. Early in the morning, before the sun rises high
enough for sight fishing -- and on days where cloud cover prevents us
from sight fishing -- we'll turn to other fishing techniques, such as
stalking tailing fish, working topwater lures and soft plastics over
potholes and or flounder fishing. These alternative techniques are
usually done on the west side of the bay system, which has a grassy
bottom. Later in the day we may have time to experience sight fishing at
its best, Florida or Bahamas style on the white sands of the east bank.
The Lower Laguna Madre offers over sixty miles of pure white sand flats
along the backside of the Padre Island National Seashore. The water
depth on the white sand seldom exceeds 12" to 14". This strip of
heavenly waters varies in width from several hundred yards to about a
mile wide. Most of our clients have never experienced anything as
beautiful and productive as the white sand flats of Padre Island. It is
the only place in Texas where one can experience the combination of gin
clear water over a white sandy flat. Many times while fishing the white
sand, I've seen grown men, experienced fishermen, fall completely apart
at the sight of an approaching trout in the 25" to 30" range. They
always describe it as being similar to buck fever! Sight fishing can be
so exhilarating that I still get just as excited over the last fish
caught as I did over the first fish so many years ago. Again, due to
changing weather conditions, ever-moving fish, and time constraints, it
is always best to book at least two days in a row. Of course, if you can
only get away for one day, the possibility of experiencing a perfect day
in paradise is always worth it.
OUR FISHING GUIDE POLICY...
Once you book a
trip with me, I will attempt to contact you two or three days in advance
of your scheduled trip. At this time, we can go over the current weather
forecast and determine where we will be meeting on the morning of your
charter. If the weather forecast is not acceptable, we can re-schedule
your trip if you wish. Once you have elected to go out with me, then we
are both committed to following through with whatever agreement we have
made. We cannot
control the weather, the behavior of fish or the fisherman's abilities.
Some days turn out to be windy, sometimes the fish are extra spooky and
won't hit but, fortunately, many days are absolutely perfect! I feel
badly when a client doesn't catch a fish or when the wind and weather
unexpectedly turn on us but I cannot afford to give discounts or
compensate you for any difficulties you may face. No matter what Mother
Nature throws at us, I will always do the best I can to make sure you
catch fish and have a good time.
If for any reason, you do not show up at the agreed upon meeting location, on the agreed upon date, the $100.00 deposit will be charged to your credit card. Otherwise, no deposit will be charged to your account and full settlement will be made at the conclusion of our outing. We accept cash, Visa, MasterCard and personal checks (as long as I have your credit card number on file).
control the weather, the behavior of fish or the fisherman's abilities.
Some days turn out to be windy, sometimes the fish are extra spooky and
won't hit but, fortunately, many days are absolutely perfect! I feel
badly when a client doesn't catch a fish or when the wind and weather
unexpectedly turn on us but I cannot afford to give discounts or
compensate you for any difficulties you may face. No matter what Mother
Nature throws at us, I will always do the best I can to make sure you
catch fish and have a good time.
If for any reason, you do not show up at the agreed upon meeting location, on the agreed upon date, the $100.00 deposit will be charged to your credit card. Otherwise, no deposit will be charged to your account and full settlement will be made at the conclusion of our outing. We accept cash, Visa, MasterCard and personal checks (as long as I have your credit card number on file).
GUIDED TRIP RATES
HALF DAY- 5 HOURS DOCK TO DOCK
ONE TO TWO PERSONS..........................$300.00
ADDITIONAL PERSON ADD...................$ 50.00
FULL DAY - 8 HOURS DOCK TO DOCK
ONE TO TWO PERSONS ........................$400.00
ADDITIONAL PERSON...........................$ 75.00
DEPOSIT REQUIRED ON ALL CHARTERS........$100.00
A deposit is required to confirm your date!
GROUP AND CORPORATE CHARTERS AVAILABLE
WITH ADVANCED NOTICE
THINGS YOU SHOULD BRING WITH YOU....
-
Current
fishing license with saltwater stamp
- Good polarized sunglasses (I use copper and vermillion colors)
- A hat or baseball cap,
- Rods & reels (spinning reels work far better that baitcasters, 8 to 10 lb. test is plenty),
- If using a fly rod, seven or eight weight is normal,
- Wading accessories (if you like to wade) may include wading or stingray boots & wading belt with stringer and pliers,
- Tackle might include a small assortment of your favorites (don't sink the boat with stuff!),
- Sunscreen,
- Food & drinks (I'll have an ice chest with ice for your food & drinks and another in case you want to keep some fish),
- I always have plenty of lures on the boat that I know will work for the type of fishing we'll be doing,
- I also keep a couple of extra wading nets on board as well as stringers, wading boots, stingray leggings, sunglasses, etc.
-
As
for loaner rods and reels, I offer my clients the use of Temple Fork
Outfitters 7' spinning rods with Diawa reels. I also have TFO fly rods
and reels in 6, 7 and 8 weights.
OUR BOAT...
 |
The 21-foot Dargel Skout is the original tunneled boat designed and built in the Rio Grande Valley specifically for the Lower Laguna Madre. Powered by the new Suzuki 140 h.p. Four-stroke engine, the Skout 210 is considered the most sought after fishing package in South Texas. It's fast, comfortable, and best of all--it's shallow! Equipped with a forward casting platform, a center casting platform, dual rear casting/poling platforms and lots of deck space, this boat is rigged for serious sight fishing! |
Our clients
usually stay on the Arroyo...
We are able to pick you up on the water at the following waterfront facilities on the Arroyo. We work closely with these establishments to provide coordinated services.
We are able to pick you up on the water at the following waterfront facilities on the Arroyo. We work closely with these establishments to provide coordinated services.
Fisherman's Lodging ---------------(956) 748-3581
Kingfisher Inn -----------------------(956) 748-4350
La Casita Del Pescado -------------(956) 761-1400
|
Guide Service and Rates |
Where we're located |
About the Arroyo and the Laguna Madre |
Photo Gallery | Forecast and tides |
CAPT. RICHARD WELDON
FISHING GUIDE
32883 F.M. 2925
RIO HONDO/ARROYO CITY, TX. 78583
PHONE (956) 748-0022
CELL (956) 245-0147
Email us!