5.0(1 Reviews)Central Texas Bass and Catfish Charter
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Private 4hour guided fishing trip departing 7:00 AM dailyTarget bass, striped bass, and catfish species across Central Texas lakesAll equipment, instruction, and local expertise included for groups
If you're looking for a solid day on the water targeting some of Central Texas's best freshwater species, this 4-hour guided charter delivers exactly what you'd expect from a top-rated fishing experience. Starting at 7:00 AM when the fish are most active, you'll spend quality time working both open water and shoreline structure for hybrid striped bass, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, white bass, and blue catfish. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, our guide provides all the gear, local knowledge, and hands-on instruction you need to make the most of your time on these productive Central Texas lakes.
Your morning starts early for good reason – dawn and the first few hours of daylight are prime feeding times for most species in these lakes. The guide knows exactly where to position you based on current conditions, water temperature, and seasonal patterns that change throughout the year. You'll work a variety of techniques and locations, from trolling open water for stripers to targeting bass along drop-offs and structure near the shoreline. The beauty of this charter is its flexibility – if the catfish are biting in deeper water, you'll focus there first, then transition to bass fishing as the morning progresses. All equipment is provided, including rods, reels, tackle, and bait, so you just need to show up ready to fish. The 2-person capacity keeps things personal and ensures everyone gets plenty of hands-on time with the guide's full attention.
Central Texas lakes require a versatile approach, and your guide comes prepared with multiple rod setups to handle different species and conditions. For bass fishing, expect to work with medium-heavy spinning gear loaded with both soft plastics and hard baits – think crankbaits for covering water quickly and Texas-rigged worms for working structure. Catfish tactics are completely different, using heavier tackle with circle hooks and cut bait or prepared stink baits that blue cats can't resist. The striped bass and hybrid fishing often involves trolling with umbrella rigs or working schools that show up on the fish finder in open water. Your guide reads the water constantly, adjusting techniques based on what's working that day. Don't worry if you've never used some of these methods before – part of what makes this charter valuable is learning proven techniques from someone who fishes these waters regularly and knows what produces results season after season.
"Had an amazing time with my son! Derek delivered exactly as promised. We started with some great catfish in the early morning and ended with an incredible bass fishing session. All quality catches! If you're in the area and love bass fishing, look no further than Derek with DeeZ Memories ATX Fishing Guide. It was truly the best guided fishing experience we've had so far. Thank you, Derek! We'll definitely be rebooking next time we're in town." - Richard
Largemouth bass are the bread and butter of Central Texas fishing, and these lakes produce some real quality fish. They're most active in spring and fall when water temperatures are in the sweet spot, but you can catch them year-round if you know where to look. During warmer months, they move to deeper structure and shaded areas, while cooler weather brings them shallow to feed aggressively. What makes largemouth so exciting is their fight – they'll jump, run, and use every bit of cover to try and throw your hook. Most fish range from 2-5 pounds, but don't be surprised if you tie into something bigger lurking around the right structure.
Striped bass bring a completely different energy to the trip. These fish are built for open water and when you hook one, you know it immediately. They hit hard and make long, powerful runs that test your drag system and your arms. In Central Texas lakes, stripers often school up and feed on shad in open water, creating some of the most exciting fishing you'll find. They're typically most active during cooler months but can be caught year-round if you find the right depth and bait presentation. Most stripers you'll encounter range from 3-8 pounds, with the occasional larger fish that makes your day memorable.
Smallmouth bass might be the scrappiest fighters pound-for-pound in these waters. They prefer rocky structure and clear water, putting up a fight that's way bigger than their size suggests. These bronze-backed fighters are most active in spring and fall, often relating to rocky points, ledges, and boulder fields. What smallmouth lack in size compared to their largemouth cousins, they make up for in pure determination. Every fish feels like it's twice as big until you get it to the boat, and their aerial displays rival anything you'll see in freshwater fishing.
Blue catfish are the gentle giants of Central Texas lakes, offering a completely different fishing experience from the bass species. These bottom-dwellers can reach impressive sizes – 10, 20, even 30-pound fish are possible in the right spots. They're most active during warmer months and feed heavily during summer evenings and early mornings. What makes blue cats special is their consistent bite once you find them, and the possibility of hooking into a true monster that could be the fish of a lifetime. They're also excellent table fare, making them a favorite for anglers who like to take a few fish home for dinner.
This charter hits all the right notes for a quality fishing experience in Central Texas. You get expert local knowledge, top-notch equipment, and the chance to target multiple species in a single trip. The 4-hour timeframe is perfect – long enough to really get into the fishing and try different techniques, but not so long that you're exhausted by the end. Whether you're planning a father-son trip, want to introduce someone new to fishing, or just need a solid day on the water away from everything else, this charter delivers the kind of experience that keeps anglers coming back. Remember
Our 2002 Ranger Bass Boat puts you right where the fish are biting on Central Texas lakes. This 18-footer moves fast with its Yamaha 115HP engine, getting you to prime fishing spots quickly and quietly. Built for serious angling, it's equipped with a fish finder to locate those deep-water bass and catfish, plus GPS to mark your hot spots for next time. The onboard icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during those warm Texas mornings. With space for two anglers, you'll have plenty of room to cast, fight fish, and move around the boat comfortably. Whether we're working the shallows for largemouth or heading to deeper water for stripers, this boat handles Central Texas waters like a champ. The multimedia system keeps things entertaining between bites, but once that rod bends, you'll forget all about everything except landing your fish.
Ictalurus FurcatusBlue cats are the giants of our catfish world - these slate-blue monsters can grow massive, with 25-50 pounders not uncommon in Central Texas lakes. They're opportunistic feeders that'll eat anything, but prefer deep holes, channels, and muddy bottoms near creek mouths. Unlike other cats, they'll feed throughout the day, making them perfect for our morning trips. What makes them special? Pure size and the thrill of never knowing if you've hooked a 10-pounder or a 50-pound beast. They're also some of the best eating fish we catch - firm, white meat with a mild flavor. Here's my secret weapon: fresh-cut shad or herring on the bottom in 20-40 feet of water. Let it sit still - these cats are scavengers and they'll find that blood trail. Just make sure your drag is set right because when a big blue takes off, it's game on.
Micropterus SalmoidesThe king of Texas bass fishing, largemouth are what most folks think of when they hear "bass." These green bruisers average 12-24 inches and 1-4 pounds, but our Central Texas lakes produce some real hawgs. You'll find them hanging around structure like fallen trees, docks, and weed beds in 3-15 feet of water. Spring and fall are prime time when they're actively feeding in the shallows. What makes them special? That famous fight - they'll jump, dive, and make runs that'll get your heart pumping. Plus, they're excellent table fare when handled right. Here's a local trick: when fishing our clear Texas lakes, try a red-colored lure. Largemouth are drawn to that color, and it can make the difference between a slow day and a memorable one.
Micropterus DolomieuSmallmouth are the scrappy fighters of the bass family - pound for pound, nothing pulls harder. These bronze-colored beauties run 12-18 inches typically, with females pushing 3-6 pounds. They love clear water with rocky or gravel bottoms, hanging around bluffs, points, and boulder fields. Spring and fall offer the best action when they're in shallow water. Summer pushes them deeper where it's cooler. What draws anglers to smallmouth? That fight - they're absolute bulldogs that'll jump and run like fish twice their size. They're also excellent eating with firm, flaky meat. Here in Central Texas, I've found smallmouth love crawfish-colored jigs bounced along rocky ledges in 15-25 feet of water. When they hit, hang on tight - you're in for a battle.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the power hitters of our lakes - big, strong fish that'll test your drag. These silver rockets with their signature dark stripes typically run 20-40 pounds in Central Texas waters. They're open-water cruisers that follow baitfish schools, but you'll also find them near points and drop-offs where they ambush prey. They bite year-round, but early morning and late evening are money times. What makes them a favorite? Pure strength and size - these fish will make screaming runs that novices and pros alike never forget. They're also fantastic eating with firm, sweet meat. My go-to tip for Central Texas stripers: look for birds working the surface. When you see gulls diving, there's usually a school of stripers pushing baitfish up from below. Get your bait in that action fast.
5.0 out of 5.0Had an amazing time with my son! Derek delivered exactly as promised. We started with some great catfish in the early morning and ...
Austin