Inshore Fishing Charter in Rio Hondo for Redfish
Looking for a solid inshore fishing trip that puts you on redfish and flounder? Captain Burt Grayson and Dos Gringos Fishing Charters have been working the productive shallow waters around Rio Hondo for years, and they know exactly where to find the fish. This 6-hour morning charter is built for anglers who want to experience real Texas coastal fishing – whether you're just learning to cast or you've been chasing reds for decades. The trip includes everything you need: boat, tackle, bait, and ice, so you can focus on what matters most – putting fish in the cooler.
What to Expect on the Water
Your morning starts early, which is exactly when inshore fish are most active. Captain Burt runs a private charter for up to 3 anglers, meaning you won't be sharing the boat with strangers or competing for casting spots. The Rio Hondo area offers some of the most consistent inshore fishing along the Texas coast, with grass flats, oyster reefs, and shallow bays that hold fish year-round. You'll be working the productive water where the Laguna Madre system meets the Gulf, targeting structure and current breaks that concentrate baitfish – and the predators that follow them. The boat is equipped with everything from light tackle for speckled trout to heavier gear for bull reds, and Captain Burt adjusts the approach based on conditions and what the fish are doing that day.
Techniques and Tackle Setup
Inshore fishing in Rio Hondo means adapting to what the water gives you. Some days you'll be sight casting to tailing redfish in knee-deep water, other mornings call for working soft plastics around oyster bars or drifting live bait over grass beds. Captain Burt provides all the tackle, but he's also happy to let you bring your own rod if you've got a favorite setup. The standard approach includes everything from popping corks with live shrimp to throwing paddle tails and spoons when fish are feeding actively. You'll learn to read the water, understand how tides affect fish movement, and pick up techniques that work specifically in these shallow coastal waters. The educational aspect is real – Captain Burt explains why fish hold in certain spots and how to present baits that get strikes.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
"An unforgettable day of fishing with Dos Gringos Fishing Charters and Captain Burt! Burt's knowledge of the local waters and his commitment to customer satisfaction ensured a memorable trip for everyone on board. Highly recommended!" - Yoshi. "Captain Burt and Dos Gringos Fishing Charters provided us with an amazing fishing adventure! Burt's professionalism and passion for fishing were evident throughout the trip. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a fantastic day on the water!" - Randel. "Captain Burt of Dos Gringos Fishing Charters is phenomenal! His expertise and enthusiasm for fishing ensure a successful and enjoyable trip every time. Highly recommend for an unforgettable fishing experience!" - Mendez.
Top Catches This Season
Redfish are the bread and butter of Rio Hondo inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters are aggressive feeders that hit everything from live shrimp to artificial lures with equal enthusiasm. Reds in this area typically run anywhere from slot-size fish around 20-25 inches up to bull reds that can push 40 inches and 30+ pounds. They're most active during moving tides, especially early morning when they cruise the shallows looking for crabs and baitfish. What makes redfish so appealing is their fighting ability – they make long, powerful runs and aren't afraid to dig into structure. You'll find them around oyster reefs, grass beds, and drop-offs where they ambush prey.
Southern Flounder are the perfect complement to redfish, often found in the same areas but requiring a completely different approach. These flatfish are ambush predators that bury themselves in sandy bottom and wait for baitfish to swim overhead. They're most active during cooler months, particularly fall and winter, when they move through the area heading to deeper Gulf waters to spawn. Flounder fishing requires patience and technique – you're typically bouncing soft plastics or live bait along the bottom, feeling for that distinctive tap-tap bite. When you hook a keeper flounder (15 inches minimum in Texas), you know you've got one of the best eating fish in the Gulf.
Speckled Trout round out the slam, and Rio Hondo's grass flats are perfect habitat for these popular game fish. Specks are schooling fish that suspend over grass beds, feeding on shrimp and small baitfish. They're particularly responsive to artificial lures, especially soft plastics worked under popping corks. Summer mornings and fall afternoons are prime time for trout, when they move into shallow water to feed. A good speckled trout will run 15-20 inches, with occasional fish pushing 25+ inches that locals call "gator trout." They're aggressive strikers but have soft mouths, so keeping tension without pulling the hook requires some finesse.
Black Drum don't get as much attention as redfish, but they're fantastic fighters and surprisingly common in Rio Hondo's inshore waters. These bottom feeders love crabs and will crush a well-presented bait near oyster reefs or shell beds. Drum can range from small juveniles that look almost identical to redfish (minus the spot) up to massive fish over 30 pounds. The big ones are pure power – they'll dig toward structure and test your drag system. They're most active during warmer months and are often caught while targeting redfish around the same structure.
Time to Book Your Spot
Captain Burt G
5.0(10 Reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Top Rated
Rio Hondo, TX
Six-hour private morning charter targeting redfish and flounder inshore.
