Get ready for a family fishing trip that'll have your kids hooked on the sport! Captain Efrain's half-day adventure in the Lower Laguna Madre is tailor-made for young anglers and their parents. You'll be cruising the calm, shallow waters near Rio Hondo, TX, where Redfish and Speckled Trout are just waiting to give your kids their first big catch. With all the gear provided and plenty of know-how from the Captain, this 6-hour trip is the perfect way to introduce your little ones to the joys of fishing.
Rise and shine, anglers! Your day starts bright and early at 6:30 a.m. when you'll meet Captain Efrain at the docks in Rio Hondo. Don't worry about bringing a thing – all the fishing gear is covered. The Captain's got years of experience making fishing fun for kids, so he'll have your young ones casting like pros in no time. You'll spend the morning exploring the fish-rich waters of the Lower Laguna Madre, where the shallow depths and calm conditions are perfect for beginners. The trip wraps up at 12:30 p.m., but not before the Captain cleans your catch, so you can head home with some fresh fish for dinner and plenty of stories to tell.
This isn't your average fishing charter – it's all about making sure the kids have a blast. Captain Efrain knows all the best spots where Redfish and Speckled Trout like to hang out, increasing your chances of getting some action on the line. He'll teach the basics of casting, reeling, and how to spot where fish might be hiding. The shallow waters mean you might even see fish tailing or splashing around – a sure-fire way to get the kids excited. And don't worry if they need a break; there's plenty of room on the boat to relax, have a snack, and enjoy the beautiful Texas coastline.
The Lower Laguna Madre is known for its year-round fishing, but some seasons are hotter than others. In the warmer months, Redfish are often found tailing in the shallows, making for some exciting sight-casting opportunities. Speckled Trout, or "specks" as the locals call 'em, are pretty active year-round but really turn on during the fall when the water starts to cool. Captain Efrain might have you drifting with live bait, tossing soft plastics, or even trying out some topwater lures if the conditions are right. It's all about finding what works best for the kids and getting them onto some fish.
Redfish, also known as Red Drum, are the rock stars of Texas inshore fishing. These copper-colored beauties can grow up to 40 inches or more, but you'll mostly be targeting "slot reds" between 20-28 inches. Kids love catching these guys because they put up a great fight and are easy to spot with their distinctive black dot near the tail. Redfish hang out in shallow water, often giving themselves away by "tailing" – sticking their tails out of the water as they root around for crabs and shrimp on the bottom.
Speckled Trout, or Spotted Seatrout, are another favorite for young anglers. These silvery fish with dark spots are known for their delicate taste and their willingness to bite. They're usually smaller than Redfish, with most catches ranging from 14-20 inches, making them perfect for kids to reel in. Specks are schooling fish, so when you find one, you've often found a bunch. They love to chase bait fish, so watching a trout smash a topwater lure can be one of the most exciting moments of the trip for your kids.
It's not just about the fish – though that's a big part of it! Families return to Captain Efrain's trips because he knows how to make fishing fun for kids. He's patient, encouraging, and full of stories that'll keep the little ones engaged even when the bite is slow. The Lower Laguna Madre is also a special place, with its crystal-clear waters and abundant wildlife. Don't be surprised if you spot some dolphins, pelicans, or even sea turtles during your trip. And let's not forget the bragging rights – there's nothing quite like the pride on a kid's face when they reel in their first big fish.
If you're looking for a way to get your kids off their screens and into the great outdoors, Captain Efrain's kid-friendly fishing trip is just the ticket. With only room for two guests, these trips fill up fast, especially during school breaks and summer vacation. Remember, everything's included – from rods and reels to bait and even drinks. All you need to bring is some sunscreen, a hat, and a camera to capture those priceless "first fish" moments. So why wait? Give your kids the gift of a new hobby and some quality family time on the water. Book your trip with 956 Salty Waders today and start creating those fishing memories that'll last a lifetime. Who knows, you might just be raising the next generation of Texas anglers!
Redfish are the bread and butter of our shallow water fishing here in South Texas. These copper-colored bruisers typically run 20-30 inches in the flats, but can grow over 40 inches in deeper water. Look for their signature tail spots in 1-4 feet of water around grass beds, oyster reefs, and mangroves. Fall is prime time as reds school up to spawn, but we catch 'em year-round. They're popular for their hard-fighting nature and excellent table fare. To hook up, try sight-casting with gold spoons or soft plastics. When you see a red's back breaking the surface, lead it by a few feet and let your lure sink. A slow, steady retrieve often triggers a strike. Once hooked, hang on tight - these guys will test your drag system and make blistering runs.
Sea trout, also called speckled trout, are a local favorite here in the Lower Laguna Madre. These silver-sided fish usually run 14-24 inches and put up a great fight on light tackle. You'll find them hanging around grass flats and shallow waters, especially at night. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but we catch 'em year-round. Trout are popular for their mild, flaky white meat - just be careful not to overcook it. To land one, try working a soft plastic shrimp imitation slowly along the bottom. When you feel that telltale tap-tap, set the hook quick. These guys have soft mouths, so keep steady pressure as you reel 'em in. Nothing beats the thrill of a speckled trout breaking the surface on a calm morning.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: suzuki
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Horsepower per Engine: 150