Half Day Bass Fishing at Lake Amistad & O.H. Ivie
Looking for some serious bass action without burning your whole day? Captain Cory Miles has you covered with his afternoon half-day trips on two of Texas' most productive bass waters. Whether you're hitting Lake Amistad's crystal-clear depths or working the structure-rich flats of O.H. Ivie, you'll spend four solid hours targeting largemouth, smallmouth, and white bass from a top-rated 2024 Bass Cat STS. With over twenty years of guiding experience under his belt, Cory knows exactly where the fish are holding and which techniques will put them in the boat. Perfect for couples or small groups looking to make the most of an afternoon, this customer favorite trip delivers consistent action and plenty of learning opportunities on some of the best bass water Texas has to offer.
What to Expect on the Water
You'll meet Captain Cory at the boat ramp where his 2024 Bass Cat STS awaits – this isn't your average fishing boat. Powered by a Mercury Pro XS 250 HP, this world-class platform gets you to the honey holes fast and keeps you fishing longer. The afternoon bite can be absolutely killer on these lakes, especially when the morning crowds thin out and the fish start moving again. Cory's got the cooler stocked with ice-cold water and all the essential gear ready to go, though he's always happy to see what you've got in your own tackle box. The beauty of a private trip is the flexibility – if the largemouth aren't cooperating in the shallows, you can quickly run deeper water for smallmouth or switch gears entirely for some fast white bass action. With room for up to two guests, you'll get personalized attention and plenty of rod time without feeling crowded.
Techniques & Hot Spots
Lake Amistad and O.H. Ivie each fish differently, and that's what makes Captain Cory's local knowledge so valuable. On Amistad, you might find yourself working deep ledges with Carolina rigs, pitching jigs into flooded timber, or throwing topwater around rocky points where the Rio Grande and Devils River feed in. The gin-clear water means finesse presentations often rule the day – think drop shots, shakey heads, and light line. Over at O.H. Ivie, the game changes completely. This lake's got miles of creek channels, submerged roadbeds, and standing timber that hold bass year-round. Cory's dialed in on techniques like flipping heavy cover, cranking the channel swings, and working spinnerbaits through the scattered brush. He'll have you throwing everything from Texas-rigged worms to squarebill crankbaits, adjusting tactics based on what the fish are telling you. The afternoon timing works perfectly here – as the sun starts dropping, those bass often fire up for an evening feeding spree.
Top Catches This Season
Largemouth bass are the bread and butter of both lakes, and these Texas waters grow them big and healthy. On Lake Amistad, largemouth averaging 2-4 pounds are common, with plenty of opportunities for fish pushing 6-8 pounds, especially around the deeper structure and creek mouths. These fish love the abundant shad population and will absolutely crush a well-presented swimbait or crankbait. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, though Cory's been putting clients on quality fish even during the cooler months by adjusting depths and slowing down presentations. Smallmouth bass add serious fight to your afternoon, particularly in Amistad's rockier areas and along the limestone bluffs. Don't let their smaller average size fool you – a 3-pound smallmouth will give you a battle you won't forget, with aerial displays and bulldogging runs that test your drag. White bass provide the numbers game when you want constant action. These schooling fish can turn a slow afternoon into non-stop excitement, especially when they're busting shad on the surface. Cory knows the seasonal patterns and can usually locate feeding schools that'll keep your rod bent for as long as you want to cast.
Time to Book Your Spot
Four hours on the water with Captain Cory means you're getting quality fishing time without the full-day commitment. Whether you're looking to squeeze in some bass fishing during a Texas vacation, want to introduce someone to the sport, or just need an afternoon escape, this trip delivers exactly what serious anglers expect. The combination of Cory's two-decade guiding experience, access to two renowned bass lakes, and a tournament-level boat setup makes this a no-brainer for anyone wanting to fish Texas bass waters the right way. These afternoon slots fill up fast, especially during peak season, so don't wait around if you're serious about getting out there. Book your half-day bass adventure and see why anglers keep coming back to fish with one of Texas' most trusted guides.