%2Ffit-in%2F250x250%2Fguide_websites%2F15508%2Fimages%2F1717029975124lucas_fly_fishing__2_-removebg-preview.png&w=1200&q=100)
World-Class Weekend Inshore Fishing in Rio Hondo
- Published Date: July 17, 2025
- Fishing
- Rio Hondo, TX
- $450 - $600 price range
Summary
%2F%2Fusers%2F49b56bc2-aa11-488f-9d95-86b240893d17%2Fratecard%2F476027969_1166023981885740_2429383263746184800_n.jpg&w=1200&q=75)
Inshore 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!
null
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!
null
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!
Weekend Inshore Fishing: Rio Hondo's Hidden Gems
Ready for a weekend escape on the water? Dos Gringos Fishing Charters has you covered with our 6-hour inshore trip around South Padre Island and Rio Hondo. We're talking prime fishing spots where the redfish, flounder, and trout are just waiting to bend your rod. Our local guides know these waters like the back of their hand, so you'll be on fish before you know it. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned angler, we've got the know-how to make sure everyone has a blast. The shallow bays and flats are perfect for all skill levels - calm waters, plenty of action, and some of the best inshore fishing Texas has to offer. So grab your hat and sunscreen, and let's hit the water!
What to Expect on the Water
Picture this: You're cruising through the pristine waters of South Padre and Rio Hondo early on a Saturday morning, the sun just peeking over the horizon. Our captain's at the helm, scanning for signs of fish activity while you and your buddies sip on your morning coffee. We'll hit up some local hotspots - maybe that secret redfish hole near the mangroves or that flounder-rich flat that's been on fire lately. You'll be using light tackle, perfect for the inshore species we're after. And don't worry if you're new to this - our guides are patient teachers who love nothing more than seeing a newbie reel in their first big catch. We've got all the gear you need, from rods and reels to bait and lures. Just bring your sense of adventure (and maybe a snack or two)!
Top Catches This Season
Alright, let's talk fish. In these parts, we're mainly going after the inshore slam: redfish, flounder, and spotted seatrout. Each one fishes a little different, and that's what makes this trip so fun. For redfish, we might be sight-casting in shallow water, watching for their tails as they root around for crabs. It's a rush when you see that bronze back and make the perfect cast. Flounder fishing is all about patience and precision - we'll drift along likely spots, bouncing soft plastics or live bait along the bottom. And for trout? Well, those speckled beauties love to smash topwater lures at dawn, making for some heart-pounding action. Our guides are pros at reading the water and conditions, so we'll adjust our techniques to whatever's biting that day. Whether it's working a popping cork for trout or slow-rolling a jig for flounder, you'll pick up some new tricks to add to your fishing arsenal.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
You know what sets Dos Gringos apart? It's not just about catching fish (though we do plenty of that). It's about the whole experience. Our guides aren't just good at putting you on fish - they're great company, full of local stories and fishing wisdom. They know when to give you space to enjoy the moment and when to jump in with a helping hand or a bit of advice. And let's talk about the scenery - from the diverse wildlife in the Laguna Madre to the beautiful coastline of South Padre Island, there's always something to see. Plus, with our 6-hour trip, you've got plenty of time to really settle in and enjoy the day without feeling rushed. It's the perfect balance of fishing action and relaxation. No wonder we've got folks who come back year after year - it's like fishing with old friends.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Let's break down the stars of our inshore show, starting with the mighty redfish. These copper-colored bruisers are the bulldogs of the flats, known for their powerful runs and stubborn fights. They'll test your drag and your patience, often growing to over 40 inches in these waters. Redfish love to cruise the shallows, especially around structure like oyster beds or grass flats. Spring and fall are prime time for reds, but you can catch them year-round here.
Next up, the southern flounder - the ninja of the inshore world. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, blending in perfectly with the sandy bottom. What they lack in looks, they make up for in taste - flounder are considered one of the best eating fish in the Gulf. We target them most in the fall when they start their migration to the Gulf, but you can find good numbers throughout the year. They're ambush predators, so we'll focus on drop-offs and channel edges where they like to lie in wait.
Don't forget about the spotted seatrout, or "specks" as we call them around here. These silver beauties with their distinctive spots are a favorite among light tackle anglers. They're known for their soft mouths, which means a gentle touch on the hookset is key. Trout are most active in the cooler months, but we catch them year-round in the bays and grass flats. There's nothing quite like the topwater bite of a big speck at dawn - it's enough to get your heart racing!
Last but not least, we've got the black drum. These cousins of the redfish might not be the prettiest fish in the sea, but they sure can put up a fight. They use those barbels on their chin to root out crabs and shrimp from the bottom, and they can grow to massive sizes. We typically catch them in the 5-30 pound range, but monsters over 50 pounds aren't unheard of. Black drum are most active in the cooler months, and they love hanging around structure like pier pilings and bridge supports.
Time to Book Your Spot
So there you have it, folks - a day on the water with Dos Gringos Fishing Charters is more than just a fishing trip. It's a chance to explore the rich inshore waters of South Padre Island and Rio Hondo, learn new techniques from seasoned pros, and maybe even land that fish of a lifetime. Whether you're looking to bend a rod on some hard-fighting redfish, outsmart a crafty flounder, or experience the thrill of a topwater trout bite, we've got you covered. Our 6-hour weekend trips are perfect for both seasoned anglers and families looking for a fun day out. Remember, the best dates fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. So why wait? Give us a call or hop online to book your trip today. Trust me, your future self will thank you when you're out here, rod in hand, with a screaming drag and a big ol' smile on your face. See you on the water!
Learn more about the species
Black Drum
Black Drum are the heavyweights of the drum family, often ranging from 5 to 30 pounds, but can top 90 pounds in rare cases. Look for them around oyster beds, mudflats, and in brackish waters. They're adaptable fish, tolerating a wide range of temperatures and salinity. Spring is usually the best time to target them, as they school up for spawning. Anglers enjoy the strong fight Black Drum put up, especially the larger ones. They're also good eating, particularly the smaller ones under 15 pounds. To catch them, use fresh crab, shrimp, or clams as bait. Here's a tip: listen for their distinctive drumming sound – it can help you locate a school. Fish on the bottom with a circle hook, and be patient – Black Drum are methodical feeders.
Redfish
Redfish, also known as Red Drum, are a prized catch in our coastal waters. They typically range from 20-30 inches, but can grow much larger. Look for them in shallow flats, around oyster beds, and near structures like docks or jetties. Fall is prime time for Redfish as they school up and feed aggressively. Anglers love them for their powerful runs and excellent table fare. To catch one, try sight-casting in clear shallows or fishing with live bait like mullet or crabs. Here's a local tip: watch for their distinctive tail waving above the water as they feed in shallow areas. When you spot one, cast your lure or bait ahead of its path and slowly retrieve. Redfish often have a subtle bite, so stay alert and set the hook when you feel weight on the line.
Sea Trout
Sea Trout, also called Speckled Trout, are a favorite among coastal anglers. These silvery fish with distinctive spots typically range from 14-24 inches and 1-5 pounds. You'll find them in shallow bays, grass flats, and around structure like oyster reefs. They're most active in spring and fall when water temperatures are moderate. Anglers love Sea Trout for their aggressive strikes and delicate, flaky meat. To catch them, try using soft plastic lures, topwater plugs, or live shrimp under a popping cork. Here's a local tip: fish the edges of grass flats during moving tides, especially at dawn or dusk. Sea Trout are light-sensitive, so low light conditions often produce the best bites. Remember, they have soft mouths, so set the hook with a quick, steady pressure rather than a hard jerk.
Southern Flounder
Southern Flounder are masters of camouflage, often hiding in plain sight on sandy or muddy bottoms. These flat fish typically range from 15-18 inches, but can grow up to 33 inches long. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. Fall is prime time for flounder fishing as they move to deeper waters to spawn. Anglers love targeting them for their delicate, sweet meat and the challenge of spotting them. To land one, try drifting or still fishing with live bait like mullet or shrimp. A local trick: use a slow retrieve and keep your bait near the bottom – flounder are ambush predators and won't chase far. When you feel a bite, wait a few seconds before setting the hook to make sure the flounder has the bait fully in its mouth.
Summer Flounder
Summer Flounder, also known as fluke, are ambush predators with both eyes on the left side of their head. They typically measure 15-20 inches but can grow larger. You'll find them in coastal waters, estuaries, and bays, often camouflaged on sandy or muddy bottoms. Fall is prime time for flounder fishing as they move offshore. Anglers love targeting them for their tasty white meat and the challenge they present. To catch one, try drifting or jigging with live bait like minnows or squid strips. A local secret: use a bucktail jig tipped with a strip of squid or a Gulp! artificial bait. When you feel a bite, give the flounder a moment to fully take the bait before setting the hook. Their sideways mouth can make hooksets tricky, so patience is key.
About the 24’ Dargel Bay Boat
%2F%2Fusers%2F49b56bc2-aa11-488f-9d95-86b240893d17%2Fvehicle_picture%2F10931662_597946003638571_2088593606007178934_o.jpg&w=1200&q=75)
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Evinrude
Maximum Cruising Speed: 30
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 200
