Rio Hondo Kids' Inshore Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Six-hour inshore fishing adventure designed specifically for childrenCaptain DLS provides gear, guidance, and catch cleaning servicesTarget Redfish and Sea Trout in calm Texas bay waters
Want to get your kids hooked on fishing? This 6-hour inshore trip out of Rio Hondo is designed specifically for young anglers ready to experience the magic of Texas coastal fishing. Captain DLS knows exactly how to make fishing fun and accessible for kids, turning what could be intimidating into pure excitement. We're talking shallow bay waters, gentle currents, and plenty of action to keep little hands busy. Your young crew will be targeting Redfish and Sea Trout using simple but effective techniques that actually work. All gear, drinks, and even fish cleaning are covered – you just bring the kids and their sense of adventure.
This isn't your typical "sit and wait" fishing trip. Captain DLS runs a hands-on operation where kids learn by doing, not just watching. We launch from Rio Hondo and head into the protected bay systems where the water stays calm and the fish are cooperative. The 6-hour window gives us plenty of time to find active fish without rushing or overwhelming young anglers. You'll cruise through grass flats and shallow structure where Reds and Trout love to hang out. The boat stays in water shallow enough that kids can actually see what's happening below – sometimes spotting their target before they even cast. Captain DLS keeps things moving at the right pace, rotating between productive spots and making sure everyone gets quality fishing time. The Texas coast provides the perfect classroom, with reliable action and forgiving conditions that build confidence instead of frustration.
We keep the tackle simple and effective on these kids' trips. Soft plastic lures are the go-to choice because they're easy to cast, work well in shallow water, and produce consistent results. Think paddle-tail shrimp imitations and small jerkbaits that mimic the baitfish these Reds and Trout feed on daily. Captain DLS rigs everything with single hooks and appropriate weights – no complicated setups that tangle every five minutes. The technique is straightforward: cast toward structure, let it sink briefly, then work it back with gentle twitches and pauses. Kids pick this up fast because it feels natural, like playing with a toy underwater. Rod selection matters too – we use shorter, lighter setups that young hands can actually manage without getting worn out. The drag systems are set perfectly to let fish run without breaking off, giving kids the full experience of fighting and landing their catch. When someone hooks up, Captain DLS is right there with coaching and encouragement, making sure every fish makes it to the boat.
Redfish are the stars of this show and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters typically run 18-26 inches in our bay systems, perfect size for kids to handle with some guidance. Reds are aggressive feeders that hit soft plastics hard, giving young anglers that satisfying thump they'll remember forever. They're most active during moving tides, especially early morning and late afternoon when we typically fish. What makes Reds special for kids is their fighting style – they make strong, steady runs rather than crazy jumps, so there's less chance of losing the fish and more time to enjoy the battle. The distinctive black spot near their tail makes every Red feel like a trophy fish. Plus, they're abundant year-round in these Texas bays, so kids have excellent odds of connecting with multiple fish during our 6-hour window.
Sea Trout bring a different kind of excitement to the trip. These silvery predators are abundant in our area and known for their willingness to hit soft plastics worked through grass beds and sand pockets. Trout typically range from 14-20 inches, with occasional bigger fish that really get kids' hearts pumping. They're most cooperative during cooler months, but we find them consistently throughout the year in the right spots. What kids love about Trout is their aggressive strikes – they often hit the lure hard and immediately try to make runs toward deeper water. The fight is energetic but manageable, perfect for building confidence. Trout also tend to school up, so when you find one, there are usually more in the area. This creates those magic moments where kids are hooking fish back-to-back, laughing and high-fiving between catches. Their delicate mouths mean we use barbless hooks and teach proper handling techniques, turning every catch into a learning opportunity.
This top-rated kids' fishing experience sells out regularly, especially during school breaks and summer months. Captain DLS has built a reputation for creating positive first fishing memories that last a lifetime. With only 2 guests per trip, your kids get personalized attention and plenty of fishing time. The 6-hour format provides real value – enough time to learn, practice, and actually catch fish without feeling rushed. Everything needed is provided, from quality gear to cold drinks and professional fish cleaning service. Parents consistently tell us this trip turned their kids into dedicated anglers who can't wait to get back on the water. Don't wait to book – these Rio Hondo inshore adventures fill up fast, and the best fishing windows won't last forever. Your young crew deserves this kind of authentic Texas coastal experience.
Your young anglers will fish from our dependable 21' Shallow Master, built specifically for navigating Rio Hondo's shallow bay waters where Redfish and Sea Trout love to feed. This motorboat handles beautifully in calm inshore conditions, getting you and up to two kids to the best fishing spots quickly and safely. The onboard icebox keeps drinks cold during your 6-hour adventure, while the GPS ensures Captain DLS can find those productive shallow flats every time. The boat's shallow draft design lets you access prime fishing areas that bigger vessels can't reach, perfect for targeting those hungry fish hiding in the grass beds and drop-offs along the Texas coast.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bronze bulldogs of our shallow bays, easily spotted by their copper-red backs and distinctive black spots near the tail. Most fish we catch run 20-35 inches, but don't be surprised if we hook into a real bruiser over 40 inches. They love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out - around oyster reefs, grass flats, and muddy bottoms. Year-round fishing is solid here, but fall brings the best action when they school up. What makes reds special is their raw power and stubborn fight - they'll peel drag and make multiple runs. Plus, they're fantastic eating with sweet, firm meat. Local secret: look for nervous water or tailing fish in skinny areas, and cast well ahead of them since they spook easily.
Salmo TruttaSpotted Sea Trout, or "specks" as we call them here, are silver beauties with black spots covering their bodies. They typically run 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds in our Texas waters. You'll find them cruising grass flats and shallow bays, especially at dawn and dusk when they're actively feeding on shrimp and small baitfish. They love structure like oyster reefs and drop-offs near deeper water. Fall and spring are prime time when water temps are just right. Kids love them because they fight hard for their size and make great table fare with that mild, flaky white meat. Pro tip: work your soft plastics slowly along the grass edges - specks are ambush predators and won't chase a fast-moving lure very far.
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