Family Inshore Fishing in Rio Hondo
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour private charter targets redfish, flounder, and spotted seatroutFamilyfocused instruction suitable for all ages and skill levelsAll equipment, bait, and safety gear included with experienced crew
Looking for a fishing trip that works for the whole family? This 6-hour private charter with Dos Gringos Fishing Charters hits the sweet spot between productive fishing and a relaxed day on the water. We're talking about the protected waters around Rio Hondo and South Padre Island – some of the most consistent inshore fishing grounds on the Texas coast. Your crew knows these flats like the back of their hand, and they're genuinely excited about getting kids hooked on fishing while making sure the adults have plenty of action too.
This charter keeps things simple but effective. You'll launch into the calm backwaters where the Rio Grande meets the Gulf, cruising through shallow bays and grass flats that hold fish year-round. The boat maxes out at three guests, so there's plenty of room to spread out and nobody's fighting for space at the rail. Your captain will adjust the day based on who's on board – if you've got young kids, expect more anchor fishing and patient instruction. Got some experienced anglers? They'll put you on moving fish and let you work for them. The whole setup is designed around having a good time rather than just filling a cooler, though you'll definitely have shots at keeper fish throughout the day.
The beauty of inshore fishing here is the variety of approaches that work. Your crew comes loaded with everything you need – light spinning tackle, live bait, and an arsenal of soft plastics that absolutely crush it in these waters. Depending on conditions, you might be drifting live shrimp over oyster reefs, working topwater plugs along grass lines at dawn, or bouncing jigs through deeper channels. The guides excel at reading water and adjusting tactics on the fly. When the tide's moving and fish are feeding, you'll be casting and retrieving. During slower periods, they'll set up drift patterns or anchor over structure where fish like to hang. Everything's included, from tackle to bait to safety gear, but feel free to bring your own rods if you've got favorites.
Redfish are the bread and butter of this fishery, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers love the shallow grass flats and oyster bars that define this area. They're aggressive feeders that hit everything from live shrimp to spoons, and they fight like they mean it. Reds are here year-round, but fall months bring the biggest fish as they fatten up before winter. What makes them perfect for family trips is their willingness to eat and their spectacular fights in shallow water – nothing gets kids more excited than watching a big red peel drag in three feet of water.
Spotted seatrout are the other staple species, and they're absolute gems for light tackle fishing. These silvery predators roam the grass flats in schools, especially during spring and early summer when they're most active. Trout have soft mouths, so they require a bit more finesse than reds, making them perfect for teaching proper hook-setting and fish-playing techniques. They're also excellent table fare, and a mixed bag of keeper trout makes for some fantastic fish tacos back at the dock. Look for the best trout action during moving tides when they're actively feeding on shrimp and small baitfish.
Southern flounder add an element of surprise to every trip. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, lying buried in sand and mud waiting to ambush prey. They're most active during fall months when they're moving toward deeper water, but you can find them year-round in the right spots. Flounder require different techniques – slower presentations and patience – but they're incredibly rewarding to catch. Their unique appearance always fascinates kids, and they're among the best eating fish in these waters. Your guides know the specific drop-offs and channel edges where flounder like to set up ambushes.
Black drum round out the target species list and provide some of the most consistent action, especially during cooler months. These bottom-feeders love crabs and shrimp, making them perfect for younger anglers who might struggle with more finicky species. Drum fight hard and steady, giving everyone time to enjoy the battle. They're particularly abundant around oyster reefs and structure, where they root around for food. While they're not the prettiest fish, black drum are surprisingly good eating when prepared right, and catching one always feels like a solid accomplishment.
Rio Hondo's inshore waters deliver the kind of fishing experience that creates lasting memories – the type of day where kids discover a new passion and adults remember why they fell in love with fishing in the first place. Dos Gringos Fishing Charters has built their reputation on these family-friendly trips, combining local knowledge with genuine enthusiasm for sharing their home waters. The 6-hour format gives you plenty of time to try different spots and techniques without wearing out the younger crew members. With all gear included and a crew focused on making sure everyone has a great time, you just need to show up ready to fish. These private charters book up quickly, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait too long to secure your dates. The fish are biting, the weather's cooperating, and your family fishing adventure is just a phone call away.
Your fishing adventure starts aboard our reliable 2010 24-foot Dargel Bay Boat, perfectly designed for navigating the shallow waters around Rio Hondo and South Padre Island. This stable platform gives you and your family plenty of room to cast lines while targeting redfish, flounder, and spotted seatrout in the productive inshore waters. The boat's shallow draft lets us access those prime fishing spots where the big ones hide in the grass flats and back bays. With an onboard icebox, your catch stays fresh and your drinks stay cold during the 6-hour trip. GPS navigation ensures we find the hottest fishing locations while keeping everyone safe. Whether you're teaching the kids their first cast or looking to land that trophy redfish, this comfortable bay boat handles the calm inshore waters with ease, giving everyone aboard a smooth ride and plenty of fishing action.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, commonly running 10-30 pounds with some monsters pushing 50+. These powerful fish love oyster beds, muddy flats, and creek mouths around Rio Hondo where they crunch crabs and shellfish with their crusher teeth. Spring is peak season when they school up for spawning - that's when you'll hear their distinctive drumming sounds underwater. They're bulldogs once hooked, making long powerful runs that test your drag. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are excellent eating with firm, white meat. Bigger fish are better released since the meat gets tough. My go-to technique is fresh crab or cut mullet on the bottom with a Carolina rig. Keep your bait still and be patient - they're bottom feeders that take their time inspecting a meal before committing.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our inshore fishing - bronze-colored bruisers with distinctive black spots near their tails. Around Rio Hondo, most slot fish run 20-28 inches, perfect for the dinner table with firm, mild-flavored meat. These fish cruise super shallow water, sometimes with their backs out of the water, making them exciting targets for sight fishing. They're year-round residents but really turn on during spring and fall. What guests love most is their fighting ability - strong runs and bulldogging power that tests your equipment. They're also forgiving fish that eat everything from live shrimp to topwater plugs. The real thrill comes when you spot them tailing in knee-deep water over grass flats. My secret weapon is a gold spoon worked slowly over the grass - the flash drives them crazy. When sight fishing, cast well ahead of cruising fish and let your bait settle before they arrive.
Salmo TruttaSpotted Seatrout, or "specks" as we call them, are the bread and butter of our inshore fishing around South Padre. These beautiful silver fish with black spots typically run 14-20 inches, though we regularly see 3-5 pounders that'll make your day. They love grass flats, soft bottoms, and areas where fresh water mixes with salt. Dawn and dusk are prime time, especially during spring and fall when they're most active. Trout have a soft mouth, so they're great for teaching kids proper hook-setting technique. The meat is delicate and flaky - some of the best eating you'll find. They're also willing biters on both live shrimp and artificials like soft plastics. Here's the key: use a light drag and don't horse them in. Their mouths tear easily, so keep steady pressure but let them run when they want to. Look for birds working baitfish - that's usually where you'll find feeding specks.
Paralichthys LethostigmaThese flat, oddly-shaped fish are masters of disguise - they lie buried in sandy or muddy bottoms with both eyes on one side of their head, waiting to ambush prey. Most run 15-18 inches, but we see some pushing 25+ inches around Rio Hondo's deeper channels and grass edges. They're active year-round here, but fall and winter months are prime time when they're feeding heavy before spawning runs. Kids love the surprise factor - one second your bait's sitting still, next thing you know you've got a doormat on the line. The meat is excellent, white and flaky. Pro tip: when you feel that subtle tap-tap, count to three before setting the hook - flounders like to grab bait sideways and need time to turn it around in their mouth. Fish slow with live shrimp or finger mullet on the bottom.
Paralichthys DentatusSummer Flounder are the bigger cousins of our Southern Flounder, with more pronounced spots and can reach impressive sizes up to 26 pounds. These ambush predators use their chameleon-like ability to blend with the bottom, lying in wait on sandy flats and channel edges. While not as common as Southern Flounder in our Texas waters, they show up more during cooler months. What makes them special is their aggressive nature - they'll chase down fast-moving baitfish when they're not lying in ambush. The fight is surprisingly strong for a flatfish, and the table fare is outstanding. Fall months from September through November are your best bet when they're most active. Use live minnows or mullet, but hook the baitfish through the lips rather than the back - Summer Flounder prefer their prey head-first. Work your bait slowly along the bottom near structure.
Rio Hondo, TX