Half Day Guided Morning Fishing Trip In Rio Rondo
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
5-hour inshore charter targeting redfish, trout, and flounderPremium gear, drinks, and fish cleaning services includedSmall group experience with maximum 2 guests aboard
Looking for some of the best inshore fishing action along the Texas coast? Captain Steven with True Story Adventures Charter knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on fish in Rio Hondo and Arroyo City. This top-rated 5-hour morning charter targets the coveted Texas Slam—Redfish, Speckled Trout, Black Drum, and Southern Flounder. You'll fish the productive flats, grass beds, and structure that make this stretch of the South Texas coast a customer favorite among serious anglers. With premium gear provided and your catch cleaned at the end of the day, all you need to bring is your fishing license and some sunscreen.
Captain Steven runs a tight ship with room for up to 2 anglers, which means you'll get personalized attention and prime fishing spots without the crowds. The morning bite is when these waters really come alive, and you'll be targeting multiple species using various techniques depending on conditions and what's feeding. The boat comes rigged with quality rods, reels, and tackle—no need to worry about bringing your own gear or wondering if it's up to the task. You'll be fishing everything from shallow grass flats where redfish cruise to deeper pockets where black drum like to hang out. Captain Steven reads the water conditions, tides, and weather to put you in the best position for success, and he's not shy about moving spots if the fish aren't cooperating.
This isn't your average wade fishing or pier casting trip. Captain Steven uses a combination of live bait, artificials, and cut bait depending on what the fish are hitting. You might find yourself working topwater plugs over grass beds at first light, then switching to soft plastics when the sun gets higher. For flounder, he'll often break out the live finger mullet or mud minnows and work them along drop-offs and channel edges. Black drum respond well to fresh shrimp or crab, especially around structure. The beauty of fishing with an experienced guide is that he's constantly adjusting tactics based on what's working that day. The provided tackle is tournament-grade stuff—medium to medium-heavy spinning setups that can handle everything from schoolie trout to bull reds. Captain Steven also keeps a variety of weights, leaders, and hooks to match the conditions, whether you're fishing in 2 feet of water or 8 feet.
Southern Flounder are the ultimate ambush predators, lying buried in sand and mud waiting for baitfish to swim by. These flatfish can grow over 20 inches in these waters, with fall months typically producing the largest specimens as they fatten up before heading to deeper water. What makes flounder so satisfying to catch is their initial surprise factor—one second you think you're hung on the bottom, the next you've got a doormat trying to dive back to cover. They're also some of the best eating fish in the Gulf, with firm white meat that's perfect for the dinner table.
Black Drum might not win beauty contests, but they'll give you an arm workout you won't forget. These bruisers can exceed 30 pounds in local waters and are known for their bulldogging runs along the bottom. Spring and early summer bring the best opportunities, especially around oyster reefs and structure where they root around for crabs and shrimp. The bigger drums are catch-and-release fish, but the slot-size ones (14-30 inches) make excellent table fare. Their powerful runs and stubborn fight make every hookup memorable.
Sea Trout, or Speckled Trout as locals call them, are the bread and butter of Texas inshore fishing. These spotted beauties are aggressive feeders that'll hit everything from topwater lures to live shrimp. The grass flats around Rio Hondo and Arroyo City are prime speckled trout habitat, especially during spring and fall when they're feeding heavily. A good speck will make several jumps and runs before coming to the net, and the 2-4 pound fish common in these waters provide steady action throughout the trip. They're also fantastic on the plate, with sweet, flaky meat that's hard to beat.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Texas inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored fighters are built like freight trains and fight twice as hard as their size suggests. Rio Hondo's shallow flats and back lakes are perfect redfish habitat, especially during warmer months when they cruise the shallows looking for crabs and baitfish. Slot reds (20-28 inches) are keeper size, while the oversized bulls provide world-class catch-and-release action. There's nothing quite like watching a red's back break the surface as it inhales your bait, followed by that classic head-shaking, drag-screaming run toward the nearest structure.
Captain Steven's morning charters fill up fast, especially during peak season when the fishing is at its best. This renowned guide service provides everything you need for a successful day on the water—premium tackle, refreshing drinks, and complimentary fish cleaning service. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to complete your Texas Slam or a newcomer wanting to experience some of the Gulf Coast's best fishing, this trip delivers consistent results in productive waters. The 2-angler limit ensures personalized service and plenty of room to fish comfortably. Don't let this trending charter opportunity slip away—book your Half Day Guided Morning Fishing Trip with True Story Adventures Charter and get ready for some serious South Texas fishing action.
Hit the productive waters around Rio Hondo and Arroyo City aboard our 2022 Shallow Stalker 20-foot center console, purpose-built for serious bay fishing. This nimble boat draws just inches of water, letting Captain Steven position you perfectly over redfish flats and flounder holes that bigger boats can't reach. The reliable 200HP Suzuki gets you to the hotspots fast, cruising at 42 knots when the bite window is tight. With GPS navigation, we'll mark productive structure and return to proven fishing spots where the speckled trout stack up. The center console layout gives both anglers plenty of casting room whether you're sight-fishing reds in the shallows or working deeper drop-offs for black drum. Built tough for Texas coastal conditions, this boat handles morning chop with ease while keeping you dry and comfortable during your half-day charter.
Pogonias CromisBlack drum are the heavyweights of our inshore waters, typically running 5-30 pounds but capable of hitting 90 pounds. These grey-black fish have crushing jaws built for oysters and crabs, plus they make distinctive drumming sounds you can actually hear underwater. They love shallow muddy flats, oyster reefs, and creek mouths throughout the year, but spring brings the best action when they school up to spawn. Smaller drum under 15 pounds are excellent eating, while the big bulls are better released. They're strong fighters that test your drag and patience. The secret is fresh crab bait - blue crab or peeler crab fished right on the bottom with enough weight to stay put. Look for them tailing in super shallow water on calm days.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the crown jewel of our Texas inshore fishing, running 20-35 inches with that signature copper color and black eyespot near the tail. These fish cruise ultra-shallow flats, oyster reefs, and marshes in 1-4 feet of water - sometimes so shallow their backs show above the surface. They feed year-round but fall offers the best sight-fishing when they school up in big numbers. Reds are bulldogs that make long, powerful runs and they're fantastic eating with mild, sweet meat. You'll love watching them cruise the shallows and crushing topwater lures. My go-to trick is throwing gold spoons or topwater plugs ahead of cruising fish - lead them by about 10 feet and work the lure parallel to their path. Keep it quiet and don't spook the school.
Salmo TruttaSpeckled trout are the bread and butter of Texas inshore fishing, running 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds with beautiful spotted silver sides. These schooling fish love grass flats, shallow reefs, and drop-offs where they feed on shrimp and small baitfish. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially around dawn and dusk when they move shallow to feed. Winter finds them in deeper channels and holes. Trout are aggressive strikers that make solid runs, and their delicate white meat is some of the best eating around. The key is matching the hatch - if you see baitfish dimpling the surface, throw topwater plugs. Otherwise, soft plastics under a popping cork over grass beds is hard to beat. Fish the edges of the grass, not in the thick stuff.
Paralichthys LethostigmaSouthern flounder are the masters of disguise in our shallow waters here. These flatfish typically run 15-18 inches and can hit 5 pounds, with both eyes on their left side and amazing color-changing ability to match the bottom. You'll find them buried in sand and mud on shallow flats, around oyster reefs, and in the back lakes where they ambush shrimp, crabs, and small baitfish. Fall and winter are prime time when they're fattening up before heading offshore to spawn. They make great table fare with sweet, flaky white meat. The trick is to fish slow - drift or anchor over muddy bottoms with live shrimp on a light jighead. Keep your bait moving just off the bottom and be ready for that subtle thump when they grab it.
Rio Hondo