Family Bay Fishing | Rio Hondo | 956 Salty Waders

Family Fun on the Flats: Rio Hondo Fishing

Ready for some quality time with the kids? Captain DLS has you covered with this 6-hour inshore adventure in Rio Hondo. You'll be cruising the legendary Lower Laguna Madre, throwing soft plastics for redfish and trout. It's the perfect mix of action and relaxation – just what the family ordered. Whether you're teaching the little ones to cast or hoping to land that trophy red, this trip's got something for everyone. So grab the sunscreen, pack some snacks, and let's hit the water!

What to Expect on the Water

This isn't your average day at the beach. You'll be fishing the skinny water of the Lower Laguna Madre, a shallow bay system that's home to some of Texas' best inshore action. Captain DLS knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he'll put you right on top of the fish. Expect to spend your day drifting across grass flats, sight-casting to tailing reds, or working shell banks for hungry trout. The boat's set up for easy casting, so even the kids can get in on the action. And don't worry about gear – everything you need is provided, from rods and reels to ice-cold drinks. Just bring your sense of adventure and maybe a camera to capture those "first fish" moments.

Techniques for Texas Reds

Soft plastics are the name of the game on this trip. If you've never fished them before, don't sweat it – Captain DLS will show you the ropes. You'll learn to work a jig head and curly-tail combo that drives the fish wild. For the redfish, we'll be looking for "nervous water" – those telltale ripples that mean fish are feeding. When we spot them, it's all about the perfect cast and a slow, tempting retrieve. For trout, we might switch it up with a popping cork rig, which mimics the sound of feeding baitfish. It's a blast to fish and even more fun when that cork disappears under the surface. By the end of the day, you'll be working those lures like a pro, and hopefully with a few fish stories to tell.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Redfish are the rock stars of Texas inshore fishing, and for good reason. These copper-colored bruisers can grow up to 40 inches long and put up a fight that'll have your drag singing. They love to cruise the shallows, often with their distinctive tails breaking the surface as they root for crabs and shrimp. The best part? They're not too picky eaters, which makes them perfect for anglers of all skill levels. Fall is prime time for reds in the Lower Laguna Madre, but you can catch them year-round. Just wait until you see your kid's face light up when they hook into their first "bull" red – it's what fishing memories are made of.

Sea trout, or speckled trout as the locals call them, are the other half of our inshore dream team. These spotted beauties are known for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic jumps. They might not grow as big as redfish, but what they lack in size, they make up for in numbers and fight. Trout love to hang around structure like oyster reefs and drop-offs, so we'll be targeting those hot spots. The bite can be fast and furious, especially in the early morning or late evening. And here's a fun fact: big female trout are often called "gator trout" because of their size and their long, toothy mouths. Landing one of these is a real badge of honor for any angler, young or old.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

It's not just about the fish – though that's a big part of it. The Lower Laguna Madre is a slice of coastal paradise that keeps families coming back year after year. Where else can you spend a day on crystal-clear flats, watching ospreys dive for their lunch while you chase your own? The scenery alone is worth the trip, with endless blue skies meeting the shallow, emerald waters. And let's not forget the bonding time. There's something special about sharing a boat with your loved ones, away from screens and distractions. Whether you're helping your kid reel in their first fish or swapping jokes with Captain DLS, these are the moments that stick with you. Plus, with the captain handling everything from bait to boat handling, you can focus on what really matters – having a good time with your family.

Time to Book Your Spot

Look, the fish are biting, and Captain DLS's calendar is filling up fast. This 6-hour trip is the perfect intro to inshore fishing for families, and it's a great way to see what the Rio Hondo area has to offer. You'll come back with new skills, great photos, and maybe even some fish for dinner (thanks to the included fish cleaning service). So why wait? Grab the kids, clear a day on the calendar, and let's make some waves. The Lower Laguna Madre is calling, and trust me, you don't want to miss this call. Book now and get ready for a day of laughs, learning, and hopefully a few "fish on!" moments that'll have everyone talking for years to come. See you on the water!