Texas Fishing Guide | 4 To 6 Hour Charter
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Target Striper and Catfish on 46 hour lake charterAll equipment provided plus fish cleaning and bagging serviceAccommodates up to 6 guests with live and artificial bait options
Looking for some serious action on Texas waters? You've found the right boat. Captain Finn's been putting anglers on fish for years, and this charter delivers exactly what you're after – quality fishing time without the hassle. We're talking about a solid 4 to 6 hours targeting some of the best eating and fighting fish in Texas lakes. Whether you're a weekend warrior or someone who lives for the bite, this trip covers all the bases. Bring your crew of up to 6 people, and I'll handle the rest. No need to stress about gear, bait, or even cleaning your catch – that's all on me.
This isn't your typical one-trick fishing trip. We're switching it up to give you the best shot at filling the cooler. First half of the day, we're going after stripers with both live bait and artificials – these fish are absolute bulldogs when they hit. Then we'll shift gears and target catfish using cut bait and some proven stink baits that really get their attention. The beauty of this approach is you're learning different techniques while maximizing your chances of success. I've got all the rods, reels, tackle, and bait sorted, so you can focus on what matters – putting fish in the boat. Once we're back at the dock, I'll clean and bag everything for you. No muss, no fuss, just fresh fillets ready for the dinner table.
For the striper action, we'll start with live bait presentations – nothing beats a frisky shad or herring when these fish are feeding. I'll have you working different depths until we find where they're holding. When the live bait bite slows down, we'll switch to artificials like spoons, jigs, and swimbaits. It's a great way to cover water and trigger reaction strikes. The catfish portion gets interesting with cut bait rigs and some seriously potent stink baits that have been my go-to for years. We'll be fishing bottom structure where these whisker fish love to hang out. I'll show you how to read your rod tip for those subtle catfish bites – they're not always the rod-bending hits you might expect. All the gear is tournament-quality stuff that can handle whatever we hook into, and I'll walk you through each setup so you know exactly what's happening.
Striped bass are the main event here, and Texas lakes produce some real beauties. These fish typically run anywhere from 3 to 15 pounds, with occasional giants pushing into the 20+ range. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, especially during low-light periods when they're actively feeding on baitfish schools. What makes stripers so popular is their fight – they'll make multiple runs and test your drag system. Plus, they're fantastic on the table with firm, white meat that's perfect for grilling or frying. Channel catfish are year-round targets, usually ranging from 2 to 8 pounds, though Texas waters can surprise you with much larger specimens. They're most active during warmer months but bite consistently if you know where to find them. Blue catfish are the heavy hitters of the catfish family, commonly reaching 10 to 30 pounds in our local waters. These fish are pure muscle and will give you a workout. They're excellent eating and bite best during spring and summer months when water temperatures are optimal.
This charter hits all the right notes – variety, action, and convenience. You're getting two completely different fishing experiences in one trip, learning techniques you can use for years to come. The fact that everything's included, from gear to fish cleaning, means you can focus entirely on fishing and having a good time with your group. Texas lakes are loaded with quality fish, and this trip puts you on the best of them. Whether you're introducing someone new to fishing or you're a seasoned angler looking for a productive day on the water, this charter delivers. Don't wait around – good fishing days book up fast, and you don't want to be stuck on shore wishing you were out here instead.
Get ready to fish Texas waters from our 2020 Ranger 23ft center console, powered by a reliable Yamaha 200HP that'll get you to the honey holes fast at 45 knots. This boat's built for serious angling with up to 6 fishermen – equipped with a wireless trolling motor for those sneaky approaches when the fish are finicky, plus GPS and fish finder to locate where they're holding. Whether you're after hard-fighting Stripers on live bait and artificials or going deep for big Catfish with cut bait and stink bait, this rig handles it all. The center console design gives everyone room to fight fish without getting tangled up. All tackle and bait provided, and I'll clean and bag your catch so you just focus on setting hooks and landing fish. Perfect setup for a productive day on Texas lakes.
Ictalurus FurcatusBlues are the giants of the catfish world and Texas has some monsters. These slate-blue bruisers commonly hit 15-30 pounds but can push 50+ pounds. You can tell them apart from channel cats by their squared-off anal fin and that dorsal hump. They love deep river channels, holes near creek mouths, and anywhere with current and structure. They're active year-round but really feed heavy in spring and fall. What gets anglers fired up is their size and power - blues fight harder than any other catfish and will test your tackle. They're also excellent table fare. These opportunistic hunters will eat almost anything, but fresh cut bait works best. Local tip: fish the deepest holes you can find with fresh herring or shad, and use heavy tackle - when a 40-pounder takes off, you'll need it.
Ictalurus PunctatusChannel cats are the bread and butter of Texas catfishing. These whiskered bottom-dwellers typically run 2-10 pounds, though 20+ pounders show up regularly. You'll find them in deeper holes, around submerged logs, and near creek channels where they use those sensitive barbels to hunt by smell and taste. They bite year-round but really turn on during warmer months. What makes them fun is they're scrappy fighters despite their reputation, and they're some of the best eating fish in our waters - sweet, mild meat that's hard to beat. Their whole body is covered in taste buds, so stinky baits work best. My go-to trick: use fresh cut shad or chicken liver, let it sit still on the bottom, and wait for that steady pull. Don't set the hook too quick - let them run with it first.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are what make Texas lake fishing special. These silvery fighters with their distinctive black stripes average 20-40 pounds, though we've seen some push 50+. They're structure-oriented fish, so look for them around drop-offs, points, and submerged timber in 15-30 feet of water. Spring and fall are prime time when water temps hit that sweet spot between 55-68°F. What guests love most is the fight - stripers are strong swimmers that'll test your drag and give you a real battle. Plus, they're fantastic eating with firm, flaky white meat. Here's a local trick: when using live bait, let your shad or herring swim naturally near the bottom around dawn or dusk. That's when these predators are most active and aggressive.
Corpus Christi