Morning Inshore Fishing Charters in Rio Hondo Waters
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Target Redfish, Speckled Trout, Black Drum, and Flounder inshorePremium gear, drinks, and complimentary fish cleaning includedIntimate 2guest capacity with Captain Steven in South Texas waters
If you're looking for some serious inshore action along the South Texas coast, Captain Steven's got you covered with True Story Adventures Charter. This 5-hour morning trip takes you into the productive waters around Rio Hondo and Arroyo City, where the Texas Slam is alive and well. We're talking Redfish, Speckled Trout, Black Drum, and Flounder—all within casting distance of some of the most consistent flats and channels in the region. With premium gear provided and your catch cleaned at the end of the day, this top-rated charter keeps things simple so you can focus on what matters: putting fish in the boat.
Captain Steven runs a tight ship, keeping groups small at just 2 anglers max so everyone gets plenty of shots at quality fish. The morning bite is prime time here—you'll launch early to hit those productive flats while the water's still cool and the fish are actively feeding. The Rio Hondo system offers everything from shallow grass beds perfect for sight fishing to deeper channel drops where the big drum hang out. Expect to move around throughout the morning, covering different structure types as Captain Steven reads the conditions and adjusts the game plan. The boat comes stocked with drinks to keep you hydrated, and you'll appreciate having everything taken care of when you're focused on working that perfect cast into a school of reds.
This is all about finesse inshore fishing with top-quality spinning gear that can handle everything from 14-inch trout to bull reds pushing 30 pounds. Captain Steven provides the rods, reels, and tackle—no need to worry about rigging up or bringing your own setup. Depending on conditions and target species, you'll be throwing everything from soft plastics on jig heads to topwater plugs when the fish are busting bait on the surface. The shallow water structure here calls for precise presentations, whether you're working a spoon through a school of drum or bouncing a gulp shrimp along the bottom for flounder. Live bait fishing is also in play when the artificial bite slows down, and Captain Steven knows exactly where to find the most productive spots based on tides, wind, and recent fishing reports.
Redfish are the crown jewel of this fishery, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters range from slot-size fish around 20-27 inches up to oversized bulls that'll test your drag system. Fall through spring offers the most consistent redfish action, though they're catchable year-round in these waters. What makes reds so exciting is their aggressive strikes and bulldogging fight—they'll use every bit of shallow water structure to try and break you off. You'll find them cruising the grass flats, tailing in super shallow water, and stacked up around oyster bars when the tide's moving.
Speckled Trout, or "specks" as the locals call them, are the bread and butter species that keeps trips productive when other fish get finicky. These spotted beauties typically run 14-20 inches in this system, with occasional gator trout pushing the 24-inch mark. Spring and early summer are prime time for specks, especially around dawn when they're feeding aggressively on shrimp and small baitfish. They're structure-oriented fish that love grass beds, shell reefs, and drop-offs. The strike is often subtle—just a little tick on the line—but once hooked, they jump and shake their heads like crazy trying to throw the hook.
Black Drum are the underrated powerhouses of the Texas coast, and the Rio Hondo area holds some genuine bruisers. These fish range from smaller "puppy drum" around 16-20 inches up to massive adults that can exceed 40 pounds. They're most active during cooler months and are absolute tackle-busters when hooked in shallow water. What makes drum fishing so addictive is the way they use their broad sides and powerful tails to make long, sustained runs. They're bottom feeders that love crab and shrimp, making them perfect targets for live bait or scented soft plastics worked along the bottom.
Southern Flounder are the stealthiest predators in this system, lying in wait on sandy bottoms and structure edges for unsuspecting prey to swim by. These flatfish typically run 14-18 inches, with keeper-size fish providing excellent table fare. Fall migration period offers the best shot at doormat-sized flounder as they move toward the gulf to spawn. What makes flounder fishing so rewarding is the challenge—they're ambush predators that require precise presentations and good hook-setting technique. The bite often feels like you've snagged the bottom until the fish starts shaking its head, and that's when you know you've got a good one.
Captain Steven's morning trips consistently produce fish because he knows this water inside and out, and the early departure time puts you on the most productive spots when the bite is hottest. With gear, drinks, and fish cleaning included, you just need to show up ready to fish. The 2-angler limit means you'll get personalized attention and plenty of opportunities to hook into that Texas Slam. Whether you're a seasoned inshore angler or someone looking to experience world-class fishing along the South Texas coast, this charter delivers the goods. Book your spot with True Story Adventures Charter and get ready to see why Rio Hondo and Arroyo City are quickly becoming customer favorites among serious inshore fishermen.
Cast off aboard our 2022 Shallow Stalker 20-foot center console, built specifically for navigating the shallow flats and back bays around Rio Hondo and Arroyo City. This purpose-built bay boat runs on a reliable 200HP Suzuki outboard that gets you to the fish fast, cruising at speeds up to 42 knots across South Texas waters. The center console design gives you 360-degree fishing access, perfect for sight-casting redfish in skinny water or working structure for flounder. With GPS navigation onboard, Captain Steven can pinpoint productive spots where speckled trout hold near grass beds and black drum cruise the deeper channels. The boat comfortably handles 2 anglers, giving everyone plenty of room to fish without tangled lines. Whether you're poling the shallows for tailing reds or drifting over oyster reefs, this Shallow Stalker handles Texas coastal conditions with ease, from calm morning glass-offs to afternoon chop.
Pogonias CromisBlack Drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, often called "drums" for the croaking sounds they make. These powerful fish average 5-30 pounds but can hit 50+ pounds in our deeper channels. You'll find them around oyster beds, muddy flats, and creek mouths where they crush shellfish with their strong jaws. Spring is peak season when they school up for spawning - that's when we see the best action. What guests love is the raw power these fish have. They're not flashy fighters, but they'll test your drag and make you work for every inch. The smaller ones under 15 pounds are fantastic eating with firm, white meat. Here's a local tip: use fresh blue crab for bait and fish it right on the bottom near oyster bars - they can't resist it.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our Texas inshore fishery, easily spotted by their copper-bronze color and distinctive black eyespot near the tail. They typically run 20-35 inches and 5-15 pounds, though we see plenty of bull reds over 27 inches. These fish love super shallow water - sometimes so shallow their backs stick out. Look for them cruising oyster reefs, grass flats, and muddy shorelines. They're year-round residents here, but fall brings the best action when they school up. What makes reds special is their power and attitude - they'll make blistering runs and fight hard right to the boat. Plus, they're excellent eating with sweet, firm meat. The sight fishing is what hooks most anglers - watching a big red cruise the shallows and explode on your lure. Pro tip: use gold spoons or topwater plugs in skinny water.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled Trout are the bread and butter of Texas inshore fishing, running 14-24 inches and averaging 1-5 pounds. These spotted beauties love our grass flats, shallow bays, and areas with good current flow. They're most active during cooler months and low-light periods - early morning and evening are prime time. What makes them popular is their willingness to hit artificials and their excellent table fare. The meat is delicate, white, and flaky when cooked right. Trout are also great fighters, making good runs and putting on aerial shows. They school up in winter in deeper water, making them easier to target. My favorite technique is working soft plastics like paddle tails and shrimp imitations under popping corks over grass beds. Keep your presentation slow and natural - trout can be finicky.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern Flounder are masters of disguise - these flat fish bury themselves in sand and mud bottoms, changing colors to match their surroundings. They typically run 15-18 inches and weigh around 5 pounds, though we've seen some push 20+ pounds. You'll find them in our shallow bays, estuaries, and muddy flats where they ambush shrimp, crabs, and small fish. Fall and winter are prime time when they move through our area heading to deeper water. What makes them special is that unique fight - they don't jump like other fish, but they'll pull drag and make strong runs along the bottom. The meat is excellent eating too, sweet and flaky. My go-to trick is drifting with live shrimp on a light jig head, keeping it right on the bottom where they're hiding.
Rio Hondo