Private 12 Hour Bolivar Peninsula Fishing Trip
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fullday 12hour inshore fishing adventure on Bolivar PeninsulaTarget Bull Shark, Hammerhead Shark, and Redfish speciesProfessional crew provides equipment and guides to productive spots
Looking for a serious day on the water? This 12-hour private charter with Lonestar Hooker puts you right in the heart of some of Texas's best fishing grounds. Bolivar Peninsula's waters are loaded with everything from hard-fighting redfish to monster sharks that'll test your tackle and your nerves. With room for up to 5 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to work without bumping elbows, and our experienced crew knows exactly where the fish are biting. This isn't your typical half-day trip – we're talking about a full commitment to putting you on fish from sunrise to sunset.
When you step aboard, you're getting access to prime fishing real estate that most weekend warriors never see. The Bolivar Peninsula sits right where the Gulf meets the bay system, creating perfect conditions for both inshore species and bigger pelagic fish. You'll start early to maximize your time on productive water, and our crew will have all the gear rigged and ready before you even cast off. The boat's equipped with top-shelf tackle, live bait wells, and fish finders that'll help us locate schools and structure. Expect to move around throughout the day – we're not anchoring in one spot and hoping for the best. Our guides read the water, watch the birds, and follow the bait to keep you in the action. The Gulf side offers different opportunities than the bay, and with 12 hours, you'll sample the best of both worlds.
This trip covers multiple fishing styles depending on what we're targeting and where the fish are feeding. For redfish in the shallows, we'll use live croaker or cut bait on Carolina rigs, working the grass flats and shell beds where they ambush prey. When we're after sharks, we switch to heavy conventional gear with steel leaders and circle hooks, deploying fresh-cut bait in deeper water. The crew handles all the rigging, but you'll want to understand the basics – we're using 20-30 pound tackle for reds and stepping up to 50-80 pound gear when sharks are the target. Live bait makes all the difference here, so expect to see shrimp, croaker, and mullet in the wells. We'll also run artificials when the bite calls for it – soft plastics work great on redfish, especially around structure. The key is staying flexible and letting the conditions dictate our approach.
Redfish are the bread and butter of this fishery, and Bolivar Peninsula produces some real bulls. These copper-colored fighters average 20-30 inches but don't be surprised to hook into a 40+ inch bruiser that'll peel drag and test your patience. They feed aggressively in the fall and spring, cruising the flats in schools or holding tight to oyster reefs and grass beds. What makes reds so special is their fight – they're strong, stubborn, and never give up easy. Plus, they're excellent table fare if you decide to keep a few within the slot.
Blacktip sharks show up in good numbers during the warmer months, typically running 3-6 feet and putting on aerial shows that'll get your heart racing. They're fast, aggressive, and love to jump when hooked. These sharks patrol the surf and nearshore waters, following bait schools and creating some of the most exciting fishing you'll find along the Texas coast. The runs are spectacular – 100+ yards of screaming drag before they even think about slowing down.
Tiger sharks are the apex predators here, and landing one is a badge of honor. These massive fish can exceed 10 feet and 400 pounds, making them serious trophies for experienced anglers. They're more common in summer and fall, often found in deeper water around structure or following bait migrations. Tigers are smart, powerful, and incredibly strong – expect a battle that could last an hour or more with a big one.
Lemon sharks offer something different with their distinctive yellow coloration and more predictable behavior. They're curious fish that often hang around structure and don't spook as easily as other species. Size-wise, they typically run 4-8 feet in these waters, and they're known for their bulldogging fighting style rather than long runs. Lemons are more active during dawn and dusk, making them perfect targets during the early and late portions of your 12-hour adventure.
Bull sharks are the ultimate challenge – thick, powerful, and aggressive with an attitude that matches their reputation. These fish can show up anywhere from shallow flats to deep Gulf water, and they're notorious for their bone-crushing bites and relentless fights. Bulls in this area commonly reach 6-8 feet, and anything over that size will push your gear and skills to the limit. They're year-round residents but most active in the warmer months when bait is plentiful.
A 12-hour charter isn't something you do on a whim – it's a commitment to serious fishing with serious results. Lonestar Hooker's reputation speaks for itself, and dates fill up fast, especially during prime season. You're not just buying a fishing trip; you're investing in a full day of professional guide service, top-quality equipment, and access to some of the most productive waters on the Texas coast. Whether you're chasing a personal best redfish or want to tangle with a monster shark, this trip delivers the time and expertise needed to make it happen. Don't wait – the fish are biting, and your spot on the boat is just a phone call away.
Carcharhinus LimbatusBlacktips are some of the most fun sharks you'll tangle with out here. These athletic fish average 5-6 feet but can push 9 feet, and they're famous for their aerial shows - jumping clear out of the water when hooked. You'll find them patrolling in 30-100 feet of water around structure and drop-offs, especially during warmer months. They're social feeders with a taste for mackerel, herring, and croaker. What guests love most is their aggressive nature and spectacular jumps that'll get your heart pumping. Despite being powerful fighters, they're actually pretty timid until they smell chum in the water. Heavy braided line and circle hooks are essential since they get excitable fast. Here's my trick: use oily baits like fresh mackerel or sardines, and don't be surprised if they come right up to the boat - they're curious by nature.
Carcharhinus LeucasBulls are hands-down the toughest customers in our waters - thick, aggressive, and absolutely fearless. These 8-12 foot bruisers can push 300 pounds and have the strongest bite of any shark. They're unique because they hunt everywhere from deep Gulf waters to surprisingly shallow bays and even brackish areas where rivers meet the sea. Late spring through early fall brings peak action when they move inshore to feed. What makes them special is their raw power and unpredictable nature - they fight dirty and never give up. The adrenaline rush of battling a bull shark is unmatched. They'll eat almost anything, but fresh eel is absolute gold for bait - the oil content drives them crazy and the tough skin stays on your hook. My advice: bring your strongest tackle and be ready for a war. These fish don't know the meaning of quit.
Negaprion BrevirostrisLemon sharks are perfect for anglers wanting a solid shark experience without the massive size of tigers or bulls. These yellow-tinted beauties typically run 6-8 feet and pack surprising power in their stocky build. They prefer shallow coastal waters around 20-100 feet, often hanging near structure and sandy bottoms where they hunt for fish and rays. Spring through fall gives you the best shot at them when water temperatures warm up. What guests enjoy is their consistent fight - not as explosive as blacktips but longer, sustained runs that test your endurance. They're curious sharks that respond well to chum and fresh cut bait. Unlike some species, lemons often stick around once you get them interested. My local tip is to use stingray chunks or fresh mullet - they can't resist that combination, and the scent really draws them in from a distance.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are the bread and butter of our shallow water fishing here. These copper-colored beauties average 28-33 inches and love cruising the flats in just 1-4 feet of water around oyster reefs and grass beds. You'll spot them by their distinctive black eyespot near the tail - nature's decoy to confuse predators. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit topwater plugs, spoons, or live shrimp with explosive strikes. Fall and spring offer the best action when they school up in big numbers. What makes them special is the combination of a strong fight and excellent table fare - mild, sweet meat that's hard to beat. My go-to tip: when you see them tailing in shallow water, cast past them and work your bait back slowly. They spook easily but once hooked, they'll give you a battle to remember.
Galeocerdo CuvierTigers are the ultimate apex predator challenge - massive, powerful, and built like tanks. These monsters commonly run 11-14 feet and 800-1400 pounds, with big females pushing 2000 pounds. Named for their dark stripes that fade with age, they're nomadic hunters that follow warm currents and patrol deeper waters around 100+ feet, though they'll cruise shallows hunting for food. Summer months bring the best opportunities when water temps climb. What makes them special is their incredible strength and the test of heavy tackle - you need 100-pound test and serious gear. They're slow swimmers but explosive when they strike. The fight is legendary, testing every ounce of your strength and patience. My secret weapon is fresh tuna or mackerel chunks on heavy circle hooks. Once hooked, settle in for a battle that could last hours.
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