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Family-Friendly Fishing in Rio Hondo | Dos Gringos
- Published Date: July 17, 2025
- Fishing
- Rio Hondo, TX
- $450 - $600 price range
Summary
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Coastal Catches
Fishing fun with Captain Burt Grayson in Texas!
Laguna Madre's angling adventures!
Hook, line, and sinker in Laguna Madre!
The thrill of the catch in Laguna Madre!
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Reeling in the big ones with Captain Grayson.
A successful day on the water with Captain Burt!
Unforgettable fishing moments in Laguna Madre.
Laguna Madre's finest catch!
Trophy catches in Laguna Madre with Captain Burt!
Fishing fun with Captain Burt Grayson in Texas!
Laguna Madre's angling adventures!
Hook, line, and sinker in Laguna Madre!
The thrill of the catch in Laguna Madre!
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Reeling in the big ones with Captain Grayson.
A successful day on the water with Captain Burt!
Unforgettable fishing moments in Laguna Madre.
Laguna Madre's finest catch!
Trophy catches in Laguna Madre with Captain Burt!
Fishing fun with Captain Burt Grayson in Texas!
Laguna Madre's angling adventures!
Hook, line, and sinker in Laguna Madre!
The thrill of the catch in Laguna Madre!
Family Fun on Rio Hondo's Inshore Hotspots
Get ready for a day of non-stop action and smiles on the calm, fish-rich waters of Rio Hondo and South Padre Island. This 6-hour trip with Dos Gringos Fishing Charters is tailor-made for families looking to wet a line and make some unforgettable memories. Whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod, our crew's got you covered with hands-on help and local know-how. We'll hit the sweet spots where Redfish, Flounder, and Speckled Trout hang out, giving everyone in your group the chance to feel that exciting tug on the line.
What to Expect on the Water
As soon as we push off from the dock, you'll feel the excitement build. The shallow, protected waters around Rio Hondo are perfect for a family outing - no rough seas here, just smooth sailing and plenty of fish. We'll cruise to some of our favorite spots, where the fish are almost always biting. Your guide will be right there to help bait hooks, offer casting tips, and make sure everyone's having a blast. Kids love the quick action of catching smaller fish, while adults can test their skills against some of the bigger predators lurking in the grass flats and channels.
Fishing 101: Rio Hondo Style
On this trip, we keep things simple and effective. We'll mostly use light tackle and live bait - it's a combo that works wonders in these waters. You might find yourself tossing a shrimp under a popping cork for trout, or maybe dragging a soft plastic along the bottom for flounder. Don't worry if you're new to this - we'll walk you through every step. And for the more experienced anglers, we've got some tricks up our sleeves to target those trophy reds that make Rio Hondo famous. The best part? These techniques are easy to learn and super productive, so everyone goes home feeling like a pro.
Top Catches This Season
Rio Hondo and South Padre Island are known for their year-round fishing, but each season brings its own stars. In the warmer months, redfish and speckled trout are the headliners, often found tailing in the shallows or blasting bait along the shorelines. As the water cools down, flounder become the talk of the town, with their fall run bringing in some real doormats. And let's not forget about the black drum - these bruisers can be caught pretty much anytime and put up a fight that'll have the kids squealing with excitement. No matter when you book, there's always something ready to bend your rod.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Redfish: These copper-colored beauties are the rockstars of inshore fishing. Known for their strong runs and distinctive spot on the tail, redfish in Rio Hondo can range from "rat reds" perfect for kids to handle, all the way up to bull reds that'll test your drag. They love to cruise the shallows, often revealing their location with a tell-tale tail sticking out of the water. Fall is prime time for reds, but you can catch them year-round.
Southern Flounder: Masters of camouflage, flounder are the ninjas of the flats. These flat fish bury themselves in the sand, waiting to ambush unsuspecting prey. Catching them requires a bit of finesse, slowly dragging your bait along the bottom. The "thump" when a flounder takes the bait is unmistakable. While they're around all year, the fall run in November is legendary, with some real doormat-sized fish coming through.
Speckled Trout (Sea Trout): Also known as spotted seatrout, these guys are the bread and butter of inshore fishing. They school up, making for fast action once you find them. Specks are known for their soft mouths, so a gentle touch when setting the hook is key. Spring and fall are peak seasons, but you can catch them year-round. Nothing beats the sound of a big trout smashing a topwater lure at dawn.
Black Drum: Often overlooked, black drum are like the gentle giants of inshore waters. They can grow to massive sizes, with some old-timers pushing 50 pounds or more. Younger "puppy drum" are excellent eating and put up a great fight on light tackle. These guys love crustaceans, so fresh shrimp or crab is your best bet. You can target them pretty much any time of year, but winter and early spring can be especially productive.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
There's something special about fishing the waters around Rio Hondo and South Padre Island. Maybe it's the way the sun paints the sky as it rises over the bay. Or perhaps it's the thrill of watching your kids reel in their very first fish, eyes wide with excitement. Our regulars tell us it's the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure - you never know what you might catch next. Plus, with our local knowledge and commitment to making sure everyone has a good time, you can kick back and focus on making memories with your family. Whether you're looking to fill the cooler or just enjoy a day on the water, Rio Hondo's got you covered.
Time to Book Your Spot
If you're itching to get out on the water and show your family what inshore fishing is all about, now's the time to lock in your trip. Our 6-hour family-friendly charters fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. With room for up to 3 guests, it's the perfect size for a fun family outing or a small group of friends. Remember, everything you need is included - from rods and reels to bait and licenses. All you need to bring is some snacks, sunscreen, and a camera to capture those big smiles and even bigger fish. Don't let this chance for an awesome day on Rio Hondo slip away. Book your trip with Dos Gringos Fishing Charters today and get ready to make some waves (and memories) on your next family adventure!
Learn more about the species
Black Drum
Black Drum are the heavyweight cousins of Redfish, known for their size and strength. Adults typically range from 5 to 30 pounds, but can grow up to 90 pounds. You'll find them in brackish waters, around oyster beds, and in estuaries with muddy bottoms. These fish make a distinctive croaking sound, which is actually how they got their name. Spring is the best time to target them, as they school up for spawning. Anglers love Black Drum for the challenge they present - they're strong fighters that can really test your gear. When fishing for Black Drum, use heavy tackle and fresh bait like crab or shrimp. They're bottom feeders, so a simple fish-finder rig works well. Here's a local tip: if you're after the bigger ones, try fishing around pier pilings or bridge supports during incoming tides. Just remember, the smaller ones under 15 pounds taste better - the big ones can be tough and not as flavorful.
Redfish
Redfish, also called Red Drum, are a staple of inshore fishing here. They typically run 20 to 30 inches, but bulls can grow much larger. You'll find them in shallow waters - sometimes so shallow their backs are out of the water! Look for them around oyster reefs, grass flats, and mangroves. These copper-colored beauties are known for their distinctive black spot near the tail. They're most active in fall when they school up to spawn, but you can catch them year-round. Anglers love Reds for their hard-fighting nature and excellent table fare. To catch Redfish, try sight-fishing in clear shallows or blind-casting around structure. They'll hit a variety of lures, from topwater plugs to soft plastics. Live bait like shrimp or mullet is always effective too. Here's a local trick: on hot days, look for Reds "tailing" in very shallow water. Cast a weedless spoon or soft plastic just ahead of them for some exciting surface strikes. Just be ready - when a big Red takes off, it'll make your drag sing!
Sea Trout
Sea Trout, also known as Speckled Trout, are a favorite among coastal anglers. These silvery fish typically range from 14 to 24 inches and weigh 1 to 5 pounds, though some monsters can hit 40 pounds. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, grass flats, and around structure like oyster reefs. They're most active in spring and fall when water temperatures are moderate. Trout are known for their delicate, white flesh and the exciting topwater action they provide. Nothing beats seeing a big trout explode on a surface lure at dawn! To catch Sea Trout, try using soft plastic jigs, topwater plugs, or live shrimp under a popping cork. They often hang around depth changes, so focus on drop-offs and channels near flats. Here's a local tip: on calm mornings, look for subtle surface disturbances - that could be trout feeding on bait schools. Cast beyond the activity and work your lure through it for some heart-pounding strikes.
Southern Flounder
Southern Flounder are masters of camouflage, blending perfectly with the sandy or muddy bottom. They're usually 15-18 inches long but can reach up to 33 inches. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. These ambush predators lie in wait for smaller fish and crustaceans to swim by. Fall is prime time for flounder fishing as they move to deeper waters. Anglers love targeting them for their delicate, mild flavor and the challenge of hooking these bottom-dwellers. They put up a good fight once hooked, making for an exciting catch. To land a flounder, try using live bait like mullet or shrimp on a Carolina rig. Work it slowly along the bottom, feeling for that distinctive thump when a flounder grabs it. Be patient - they often hold onto the bait before fully committing. When you feel weight, give it a second, then set the hook firmly. It's a technique that takes practice, but once you get it down, you'll be hooked on flounder fishing.
Summer Flounder
Summer Flounder, also called Fluke, are ambush predators with both eyes on their left side. They're usually 15-20 inches long but can grow much larger. You'll find them in inshore waters, hanging out on sandy or muddy bottoms. These fish are masters of camouflage, changing color to match their surroundings. They're most active from spring through fall, moving to deeper waters in winter. Anglers love targeting them for their tasty white meat and the challenge they present. To catch Summer Flounder, try drifting or slow-trolling with live bait like minnows or strip baits. They have a unique way of striking - they'll often grab the bait and swim with it before fully committing. When you feel that telltale thump, give it a moment before setting the hook. Here's a local trick: use a bucktail jig tipped with a strip of squid or fish. Bounce it along the bottom as you drift. The movement imitates their natural prey and can trigger some aggressive strikes. Just be ready - when a big Fluke hits, it can feel like you've snagged the bottom!
About the 24’ Dargel Bay Boat
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Evinrude
Maximum Cruising Speed: 30
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 200
