Bass Fishing Austin TX | 5 Hour Charter Trip
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Target three bass species across Austin area lakesFivehour afternoon charter accommodates two guests maximumCaptain Ander provides guided lake fishing expertise
Looking to get away from the hustle and chase some serious bass around Austin's legendary lakes? Captain Ander's 5-hour afternoon charter is exactly what you need. This isn't your typical "throw a line and hope" kind of trip – we're talking about a focused bass hunt across some of Texas Hill Country's most productive waters. You'll have the whole morning to yourself, then meet up for an afternoon that puts you right in the sweet spot when bass are actively feeding. With spots for just two anglers, you get the personalized attention that makes all the difference between going home with fish stories or going home with actual fish.
Captain Ander knows these Austin-area lakes like the back of his hand, and he's got a game plan that adapts to whatever Mother Nature throws at you. We're not stuck fishing one spot all day – instead, you'll move between different lakes targeting three distinct bass species that call these waters home. The beauty of this 5-hour window is hitting that prime afternoon bite when the sun starts working in your favor and bass move into feeding mode. You'll fish structure, cover, and open water depending on what the fish are telling us. Fair warning though – if you're thinking about those summer weekend evening trips on Travis, Captain Ander doesn't run those during the hottest months. The fish just don't cooperate when the sun's beating down and weekend boat traffic has them spooked. This afternoon timing gives you the best shot at consistent action without fighting crowds or brutal heat.
We're talking real bass fishing here – not just dunking worms and waiting. Captain Ander runs a variety of techniques depending on conditions and what the fish want that day. You might find yourself flipping jigs into heavy cover, working topwater over shallow flats, or dragging soft plastics along drop-offs. The boat comes equipped with quality rods and reels spooled with the right line for Austin's rocky, brush-filled waters. We're not messing around with light tackle when there are 5-pound largemouth hiding in timber. Depending on the lake and season, you could be throwing everything from chatterbaits over grass to drop-shot rigs on deep ledges. The key is reading the water and adapting – something Captain Ander excels at. He'll teach you to recognize productive structure and explain why certain lures work better in specific situations. By the end of the trip, you'll understand these lakes better and have techniques you can use long after you head home.
Largemouth bass are the stars of the show around Austin, and for good reason. These green giants love the rocky structure and abundant forage in our Hill Country lakes. Spring brings the spawn, when big females move shallow and become surprisingly aggressive. You'll find them bedding in protected coves and along rocky banks where they're easier to target. Summer pushes them deeper during the day, but they'll still come up to feed in low-light conditions – exactly when this afternoon trip hits its stride. Fall brings some of the best action as largemouth fatten up for winter, chasing schools of shad in open water. These fish regularly push 3-5 pounds, with the occasional wall-hanger topping 7 pounds. What makes Austin largemouth special is their fight – the rocky environment and current in some areas keeps them strong and makes every hookup feel bigger than it is.
Spotted bass might be smaller on average, but they make up for size with pure attitude. These scrappy fighters love current and rocky structure, making them perfect for our Texas Hill Country lakes. Spots typically run 1-3 pounds but fight like fish twice their size. They're less finicky than largemouth about weather conditions, so even on tough days, you can usually count on spots to provide consistent action. They school more than largemouth, so when you find one, there are usually more nearby. The key is fishing deeper structure and using smaller presentations. Spots are also more active during the day than their larger cousins, making them perfect targets for afternoon trips.
Smallmouth bass are the wildcards in Austin waters. They're not as numerous as largemouth or spots, but when you hook into one, you know it immediately. Smallmouth prefer cleaner, rockier areas with good current flow. They're incredibly structure-oriented and love to ambush prey from rocky ledges and drop-offs. These bronze-backed fighters are known for their aerial displays – expect jumps, head shakes, and runs that'll test your drag. Most Austin smallmouth run 2-4 pounds, but they fight harder pound-for-pound than any other bass species. Late fall through early spring offers the best smallmouth action as cooler water temperatures get them more active. Finding smallmouth requires precision – you're targeting specific pieces of structure rather than covering water, but the payoff is worth the effort.
This 5-hour afternoon charter with Captain Ander gives you everything you need for a world-class bass fishing experience without eating up your entire day. You get expert local knowledge, quality gear, and access to multiple lakes that most visiting anglers never see. With room for just two people, you're not fighting for rod space or waiting your turn to fish the best spots. The timing works perfectly – enjoy your morning however you want, then spend the afternoon doing what Austin bass fishing is all about. Captain Ander's reputation speaks for itself, and his no-nonsense approach to finding fish means you're spending time fishing, not just riding around looking. Whether you're a seasoned angler wanting to learn new waters or someone looking to step up their bass game, this trip delivers. Don't wait around hoping for the perfect conditions – the best time to go bass fishing is when you can get on the water. Book your spot now and see why Austin's bass fishing scene keeps anglers coming back year after year.
Captain Ander's 19' Nitro is built for serious bass fishing on Austin's lakes. This sleek motorboat cuts through shallow waters with ease, powered by a 150 HP Mercury outboard that'll get you to the hot spots fast—sometimes just minutes from launch. The shallow-draft hull means you can slip into those back coves and structure-rich areas where the big bass like to hide. Onboard, you'll find everything needed for a productive day on the water: a quality fish finder to locate schools and structure, GPS navigation to mark your best spots, and an icebox to keep drinks cold and your catch fresh. The boat comfortably handles two anglers, giving everyone plenty of room to work their favorite lures without tangling lines. Whether you're targeting largemouth around fallen timber, spotted bass on rocky points, or smallmouth in deeper channels, this Nitro has the speed and maneuverability to put you on fish. Captain Ander knows these Texas waters inside and out, so expect to hit multiple productive areas during your 5-hour charter.
Micropterus SalmoidesThe king of our local lakes, largemouth bass average 12-24 inches and 1-4 pounds, though we've seen some real monsters over 6 pounds. They love hanging around structure - fallen trees, weed beds, and rocky points in 3-15 feet of water. Spring and fall are prime time when they're aggressive and feeding heavily. What makes them special? That famous fight - they'll jump, dive, and put your drag to the test. Their oversized mouth (hence the name) means they'll hit big baits others won't touch. Here's a local tip: during summer heat, focus on shaded areas and deeper drop-offs early morning or late evening. These fish are excellent table fare when handled properly.
Micropterus DolomieuThe bronze fighters of our lakes, smallmouth typically measure 14-18 inches and weigh 2-4 pounds. They're pickier about habitat - preferring clear, cooler water over rocky bottoms and points. During summer, they'll move deeper seeking cooler temps, but spring and fall find them in shallower water. Guests rave about their fight - smallmouth are absolute bulldogs that'll test your tackle and skills. They're also excellent eating with firm, white meat. Best times are early morning and evening with light winds. Pro tip: when they go deep in summer, use a drop shot rig with small plastics. Work it slow along rocky ledges and points - patience pays off with these selective feeders.
Micropterus PunctulatusOften called "spots" for the dark rows along their sides, these scrappy fighters typically run 12-18 inches and 1-3 pounds. Unlike largemouth, they prefer clear water with rocky or gravel bottoms and tend to school up, especially around deeper structure. They're most active spring through fall when water temps are stable. What guests love about spots? They fight harder pound-for-pound than their cousins, diving deep and staying down. They're also less spooky than largemouth, making them great for beginners. Local trick: when you find one, work the area thoroughly - where there's one spot, there's usually a whole school. They'll hit smaller baits aggressively, so downsize your lures for better success.
Austin