Inshore Redfish & Flounder Charter in Rio Hondo
Rio Hondo's shallow waters hold some of the best inshore fishing action on the Texas coast, and Captain Burt Grayson knows exactly where the redfish and flounder are stacked up. This 6-hour morning charter puts you right in the heart of productive back bays and grass flats where these species love to feed. You'll work the shallows with everything provided – tackle, bait, ice, and local knowledge that only comes from years of reading these waters. Perfect for first-timers wanting to learn or seasoned anglers looking to dial in their sight fishing game.
What to Expect on the Water
Your morning starts early when the fish are most active and the wind hasn't picked up yet. Captain Burt runs a tight operation focused on putting you on fish while teaching proper techniques for working these shallow coastal areas. The boat is rigged specifically for inshore work – shallow draft, quiet trolling motor, and all the gear you need to target redfish cruising the grass beds and flounder lying in ambush along drop-offs. This private charter accommodates up to three anglers, so you're not fighting for rod time or competing with a crowd. Expect to cover different structure types throughout the day, from oyster bars to mud flats, as conditions and fish activity dictate the game plan.
Tactics for Shallow Water Success
Inshore fishing in Rio Hondo is all about reading the water and presenting baits naturally in 1-6 feet of depth. You'll learn to work soft plastics along bottom structure where flounder ambush prey, and master the art of sight fishing for tailing redfish in skinny water. Captain Burt provides quality spinning tackle rigged with everything from live shrimp to artificial lures like spoons and paddle tails. The key here is stealth – using the trolling motor to position quietly and making accurate casts to feeding fish without spooking them. You'll also pick up tips on reading grass beds, identifying productive edges, and timing your presentations with tidal movement that brings baitfish through these areas.
What Anglers Are Saying
"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 are exceptional! Burt's knowledge of fishing spots and his friendly demeanor ensured a successful and enjoyable trip. Highly recommended for an amazing fishing adventure!" - John. "Highly recommend Dos Gringos Fishing Charters with Captain Burt at the helm! Burt's professionalism and enthusiasm for fishing are unmatched. We had an incredible time and can't wait to book another trip with them!" - Jake.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Redfish are the crown jewel of Texas inshore fishing, and Rio Hondo's grass flats are prime real estate for these copper-colored fighters. These fish average 20-28 inches here and are absolute bulldogs when hooked in shallow water. They're most active during moving tides when they push up into skinny areas to feed on crabs and shrimp. What makes redfish special is their willingness to eat in clear, shallow water where you can actually watch them take your bait – it's visual fishing at its finest. Fall through spring offers the most consistent action, though summer mornings can be fantastic before the heat sets in.
Southern Flounder are the masters of disguise in these waters, lying perfectly camouflaged on sandy bottoms waiting to ambush passing prey. These flatfish can reach impressive sizes – doormat flounder over 20 inches are caught regularly in Rio Hondo's deeper cuts and channel edges. They're most active during cooler months from October through March, making them perfect targets for winter fishing when other species move to deeper water. What anglers love about flounder fishing is the challenge of locating fish that are invisible until they strike, plus they're among the best eating fish in the Gulf.
Black Drum frequent these shallow areas year-round, often found around oyster reefs and mud flats where they root for crabs and mollusks. These bronze-colored fighters can range from smaller "puppy drum" perfect for sport to massive fish pushing 30+ pounds. They're particularly active during spring spawning runs and fall feeding periods. Black drum fight differently than redfish – more of a steady, powerful pull rather than wild runs – and their keen sense of smell makes them perfect targets for natural baits like blue crab and shrimp.
Sea Trout, or speckled trout, are abundant in Rio Hondo's grass beds and provide consistent action throughout most of the year. These spotted beauties average 14-18 inches with larger "gator trout" always a possibility. They're most active during dawn and dusk periods, making them perfect for morning charter fishing. Speckled trout respond well to both live bait and artificials, and their delicate mouths require finesse to land consistently. Spring and fall offer peak action when water temperatures are optimal and baitfish are abundant.
Summer Flounder add another flatfish dimension to your charter, typically running larger than their southern cousins and showing up during warmer months. These fish can exceed 25 inches and provide excellent table fare. They prefer slightly deeper edges adjacent to shallow feeding areas and are most active during summer months when water temperatures rise. Summer flounder are known for their aggressive strikes and strong fights in shallow water, making them a favorite target for anglers who enjoy the challenge of flatfish angling.
Time to Book Your Spot
Rio Hondo's inshore waters offer some of the most consistent fishing on the Texas coast, and Captain Burt's local knowledge puts you ahead of the game from the moment you