Bass Fishing Guides Texas | 8 Hour Fishing Trip
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
8hour guided bass fishing across six Central Texas lakesTarget largemouth, striped, and white bass using multiple techniquesSmall group experience with maximum 2 guests per trip
Central Texas holds some of the finest bass fishing waters in the country, and our full-day guided trips put you right in the thick of it. We'll spend eight solid hours working Lake Austin, Lake Travis, LBJ, Decker, Lake Bastrop, and Fayette County Reservoir – each lake offering its own personality and fishing opportunities. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to dial in your technique or someone who just wants to feel that satisfying tug on the line, this trip delivers. We launch at sunrise when the fish are most active, and trust me, there's nothing quite like watching the sun come up over these Texas waters with a rod in your hand.
Your day starts early – we're talking first light – because that's when bass are feeding hard in the shallows. I'll pick you up right at the boat ramp, and we'll spend a few minutes going over the game plan based on current conditions. Central Texas lakes each have their quirks, and I've been fishing these waters long enough to know where the fish are holding on any given day. Lake Travis might be producing on deep structure while Lake Austin's bass are hugging the cypress trees. That's the beauty of having multiple lakes at our disposal – we can chase the bite. You'll get hands-on experience with different presentations, and I'll walk you through reading the electronics, understanding structure, and recognizing productive water. The boat's equipped with everything you need, but if you've got that favorite rod or tackle box you can't fish without, bring it along.
We'll run the full spectrum of bass fishing techniques depending on what's working. Early morning might find us throwing topwater poppers around boat docks and fallen timber – nothing beats watching a largemouth explode on a surface lure. As the sun gets higher, we'll switch gears to bottom fishing with Carolina rigs or Texas-rigged plastics along deeper drop-offs and creek channels. Jigging is deadly effective on these lakes, especially around the abundant rock piles and humps. If you brought fly gear, fantastic – there are times when a well-placed woolly bugger or clouser minnow will outfish everything else. I carry a full arsenal of rods from spinning to baitcasting setups, and we'll match your comfort level with the right gear. The key is staying versatile and reading what the fish want on that particular day.
Largemouth bass are the main attraction here, and Central Texas grows some real hawgs. These fish typically range from 2-6 pounds, with the occasional monster pushing 8-10 pounds showing up to make your day. Spring and fall are prime time when they're feeding aggressively, but summer fishing can be fantastic if you know where to look. They love the abundant structure these lakes provide – submerged trees, rock ledges, and grass lines. What makes largemouth so addictive is their fight; they'll jump, dive for cover, and test every knot you tied. The variety of ways you can catch them keeps things interesting all day long.
White bass provide non-stop action when they're schooling, which happens frequently throughout the year. These silvery fighters typically run 1-3 pounds and are absolute blast on light tackle. They'll often feed in large schools near the surface, creating a feeding frenzy that's visible from a distance. When we find them, get ready for bent rods and sore arms – it's not uncommon to catch 20-30 white bass in an hour when they're really turned on. They're also excellent table fare if you're looking to take some fish home for dinner.
Striped bass, or "stripers" as we call them, are the bulldogs of Central Texas lakes. These fish can reach 15-20 pounds or more and will give you a workout you won't forget. They're often found in deeper water following schools of shad, and when you hook one, you'll know immediately. Stripers make powerful runs and have the stamina to keep fighting long after you think they should give up. They're most active during cooler months but can be caught year-round if you know their patterns. Landing a big striper on our lakes is something every angler should experience at least once.
This eight-hour adventure gives you the full Central Texas fishing experience across multiple world-class lakes. With just two anglers per trip, you'll get personalized instruction and plenty of fishing time. I've been guiding these waters for years, and every trip teaches me something new – that's what keeps this job exciting. Whether you're trying to improve your technique, introduce someone to bass fishing, or just need a day away from everything, this trip delivers. The combination of diverse lakes, multiple species, and varied techniques makes for a top-rated fishing experience that keeps customers coming back season after season. Don't wait too long to book – the best days fill up fast, especially during peak seasons when the fish are most active.
Hit the water in style with our 2019 Nitro Z-20 bass boat, powered by a beastly 250HP Mercury V8 Pro XS that'll get you to the honey holes fast across Central Texas lakes. This 20-footer cuts through Lake Travis and Austin's waters at speeds up to 70 knots, so you'll spend more time fishing and less time getting there. The boat's rigged for serious angling with a wireless trolling motor that keeps things quiet when you're working structure, plus a fish finder to locate those suspended bass and stripers. Stay comfortable during your 8-hour hunt with an icebox for cold drinks and GPS to mark productive spots. Whether you're throwing topwater at dawn or working deep ledges, this bass boat handles everything from finesse fishing to power techniques. Perfect for two anglers ready to chase largemouth, striper, and white bass across some of Texas' best fishing waters.
Micropterus SalmoidesThe king of Central Texas lakes, largemouth bass typically run 12-24 inches and 1-4 pounds, though we see bigger ones regularly. These green fighters love shallow, weedy areas and structure like fallen trees or docks. Spring through early summer is prime time when they're active in the shallows. Fall can be fantastic too as they feed up before winter. What makes them special? That famous fight - they'll jump, shake, and give you everything they've got. Plus, they're excellent eating when handled right. My local tip: in our clear Hill Country lakes, try red lures early morning. Largemouth are actually attracted to red, and it works especially well around here when the water's calm.
Morone SaxatilisThese are the muscle cars of our lakes - silver torpedoes with distinctive dark stripes that can hit 20-40 pounds in our best waters. Stripers love deep, open water and creek channels, especially where there's current flow. They're structure-oriented, so look around points, humps, and drop-offs. Best fishing happens during cooler months and low-light periods. What makes them special? Pure power. A big striper will test your drag and your arms. They're also fantastic table fare - firm, white meat that's perfect for grilling. Being originally saltwater fish, they adapt well to our reservoirs. My go-to tip: focus on areas where creeks enter the main lake. Stripers use these as highways and ambush points.
Morone ChrysopsAlso called sand bass, these silver fighters are schooling fish that average 10-12 inches and put up a scrappy fight. Look for them in open water during spring and fall runs - they'll boil the surface when feeding on shad. Summer finds them deeper, around 20-30 feet near creek channels and drop-offs. White bass are aggressive and fun on light tackle, plus they're some of the best eating fish in these lakes. The meat is flaky, white, and mild. They're perfect for families since they bite readily and fight hard for their size. Local trick: when you find one white bass, work that area thoroughly. They travel in schools, so where there's one, there's usually dozens more nearby.
Austin, TX