Get ready to hit the sweet spots of South Padre Island and Rio Hondo on this 6-hour afternoon fishing charter. We're talking prime inshore action where the redfish, flounder, and trout are waiting to test your skills. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, our crew at Dos Gringos Fishing Charters knows how to put you on the fish. We'll cruise the bays and flats, showing you the ropes and helping you land some bragging-rights catches. It's good ol' Texas fishing at its finest, so grab your hat and let's get after it!
When you step aboard our boat, you're in for a treat. We'll head out into the calm, coastal waters where the fishing's been hot. Our expert guides have their finger on the pulse of these waters, so we'll hit up the honey holes where the fish are biting. You'll get to try different techniques depending on what's working that day - maybe some drift fishing over grass flats for redfish, or working a jig along the bottom for flounder. We provide all the gear and know-how, so all you need to bring is your enthusiasm and maybe a cold drink or two. With room for up to three anglers, it's the perfect setup for a small group or family outing.
On this trip, we're all about using the right tool for the job. We'll set you up with light to medium tackle that's perfect for inshore fishing. You might be throwing soft plastics on a jighead one minute, then switching to live bait under a popping cork the next. We'll show you how to work a topwater lure for those exciting surface strikes from speckled trout, or how to slowly drag a mullet imitation for a big redfish. And don't worry if you're new to this - we'll walk you through each technique step by step. It's all about adapting to what the fish want, and that's where our local knowledge comes in handy. We know these waters like the back of our hand, from the shallow grass flats to the deeper channels where the big ones lurk.
Let's talk about the stars of the show - the fish you'll be targeting on this trip. First up, we've got the redfish, also known as red drum. These copper-colored beauties are a favorite among anglers for their strong fights and delicious meat. They love to hang around structure and grass flats, often giving themselves away with their signature tail-waving as they feed in shallow water. Spring and fall are prime times for reds, but you can catch them year-round here.
Next, we've got the Southern flounder. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, blending in perfectly with the sandy bottom. They're ambush predators, so we'll target them around drop-offs and structure. Late fall is the best time for big flounder as they migrate to spawn, but we catch them throughout the year. There's nothing quite like the thump of a flounder hitting your bait!
Don't forget about the speckled seatrout, or "specks" as we call them. These spotted gamefish are known for their delicate taste and fun fights. They're schooling fish, so when you find one, you've often found a bunch. We catch them year-round, but the bigger ones, called "gator trout," are more common in cooler months. Topwater lures at dawn or dusk can produce some explosive strikes from these guys.
Last but not least, there's the black drum. These cousins of the redfish can grow to massive sizes, though we usually target the smaller "puppy drums" that are better eating. They're bottom feeders with sensitive barbels under their chin, perfect for detecting crabs and shrimp - their favorite foods. Spring is a great time for black drum, but they're available all year. When a big one takes your bait, hold on tight!
Folks come from all over to fish these waters, and it's not hard to see why. The variety of fish, the beautiful scenery, and the thrill of the catch keep anglers coming back year after year. There's something special about watching the sun start to set over the Texas coast while you're reeling in your dinner. And let's not forget the bragging rights - nothing beats showing off a photo of that monster redfish or limit of speckled trout to your buddies back home. Plus, with our experienced guides, even if you're new to fishing, you'll be casting like a pro in no time. It's not just a fishing trip; it's a chance to make memories that'll last a lifetime.
Alright, folks, if you're itching to get out on the water and tangle with some of South Texas's finest inshore species, now's the time to lock in your trip. This 6-hour afternoon charter with Dos Gringos Fishing Charters is your ticket to some of the best fishing Rio Hondo and South Padre Island have to offer. Whether you're looking to bend a rod on some hard-fighting redfish, outsmart a crafty flounder, or fill the cooler with tasty trout, we've got you covered. Remember, we're limited to three anglers per trip, so don't wait too long to book. Grab your fishing buddies, pack your favorite snacks, and get ready for a afternoon of non-stop action on the water. Trust me, once you've fished these waters, you'll be planning your next trip before you even get back to the dock. So what are you waiting for? Let's get you hooked up!
Black Drum are the gentle giants of our inshore waters, known for their distinctive barbels and ability to "croak." They range from 5-30 pounds but can grow up to 90 pounds. You'll find them in shallow, brackish waters around oyster beds and mudflats. Spring is prime time when they school up to spawn. Anglers love Black Drum for their strong fight and good eating, especially the smaller ones under 15 pounds. They're not picky eaters – crabs, shrimp, and cut bait all work well. A local tip: use your rod to tap the bottom in shallow water. The vibration mimics crabs and can attract nearby drum. When you feel that telltale thump, be ready for a battle. Just remember, the bigger ones can be tough and less tasty, so consider releasing those trophy-sized fish to fight another day.
Redfish, also called red drum, are the bulldogs of the flats. They're easily recognized by their copper color and black spot near the tail. Most inshore reds run 20-30 inches, but they can grow much larger offshore. You'll find them in super shallow water – sometimes with their backs out of the water – around oyster reefs, grass flats, and mangroves. They feed year-round but are especially active in fall. Anglers love reds for their powerful runs and excellent table fare. They'll hit a variety of baits, from live shrimp to artificial lures. A local secret: look for "tailing" redfish in shallow water during high tide. When you see those tails waving above the surface, you know they're feeding. Cast ahead of them and hold on tight – when a red hits, it's like hooking a freight train.
Sea Trout, also known as speckled trout, are a favorite among inshore anglers. These silvery fish with distinctive spots typically range from 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds. You'll find them in grass flats, shallow bays, and around structure like oyster reefs. They're most active in spring and fall, often schooling up in deeper channels during winter. Trout are prized for their delicate, mild-flavored meat and their tendency to strike aggressively at lures. They put up a good fight on light tackle too. Live shrimp are always a good bet, but artificial lures like soft plastics and topwater plugs can be deadly effective. Here's a tip: try fishing at night around lighted docks or bridges. Sea trout are attracted to the bait fish that gather in these illuminated areas, making for some exciting action after dark.
Southern Flounder are masters of camouflage, with both eyes on their left side and a flat, oval body perfect for lying on the seafloor. They typically range from 15-18 inches but can grow up to 33 inches. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries, often buried in sand or mud waiting to ambush prey. Fall is prime time for flounder fishing as they move to deeper waters to spawn. Anglers love targeting them for their tasty white meat and the challenge of detecting their subtle bites. To improve your chances, use live bait like mullet or shrimp and fish slowly along bottom structure. A local trick is to look for depressions in the sand – that's where flounder often hide. When you feel a light tap, resist the urge to set the hook immediately. Give the flounder time to fully take the bait, then reel in steadily to land this flat fighter.
Summer Flounder, also called fluke, are the chameleons of our coastal waters. With both eyes on their left side, they can change color to match the seafloor. Most run 15-20 inches, but they can reach over 20 pounds. Look for them in estuaries and inshore waters, especially near structures like wrecks or reefs. They're most active from spring through fall before moving offshore for winter. Anglers love fluke for their delicious white meat and the challenge they present – they're aggressive predators but can be tricky to hook. Live bait like minnows or squid strips work great, but artificial lures can be effective too. Here's a local trick: when you feel a bite, drop your rod tip and give a bit of slack. This lets the fluke fully take the bait before you set the hook. It's all about finesse with these flatfish.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Evinrude
Maximum Cruising Speed: 30
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 200