2-Day Kayak Fishing & Camping at Calaveras Lake
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Two-day guided kayak fishing adventure on Calaveras LakeTarget trophy Redfish and Catfish using stable Hobie kayaksIncludes lakeside camping and advanced fishing technique instruction
If you're serious about kayak fishing and want to push your skills to the next level, this 2-day adventure on Calaveras Lake is exactly what you've been looking for. We're talking about an extended solo trip where you'll have my full attention as we work prime fishing spots, camp lakeside, and really dial in your technique. This isn't a quick morning on the water – it's a proper fishing immersion that'll have you targeting trophy Redfish, Channel Catfish, and Blue Catfish while living the outdoor lifestyle for 48 hours straight. You'll be fishing from a top-rated Hobie Outback kayak, learning advanced methods that most weekend anglers never pick up, and sleeping under the stars between sessions. Military folks get a solid discount too – just $275 for active and retired service members.
This trip kicks off around 6:30 AM, though I'll always check conditions the night before and let you know if we need to adjust timing. Calaveras Lake sits just southeast of San Antonio and offers some of the most consistent fishing in South Texas. The warm water discharge creates unique conditions that keep fish active year-round, and the lake structure provides plenty of cover and drop-offs where big catfish and reds like to hang out. You'll be paddling a Hobie Outback – hands down one of the most stable fishing kayaks on the market – which means you can focus on your presentation instead of worrying about tipping over. We'll cover different areas of the lake over two days, hitting shallow flats in the morning, deeper channels during midday heat, and working back to structure as evening approaches. Between fishing sessions, we'll set up camp right on the shoreline where you can relax, grab some food, and talk through what worked during the day.
This extended format gives us time to really work on the finer points of kayak fishing that make the difference between okay days and epic ones. We'll spend serious time on reading water – understanding how current, temperature, and structure influence where fish position themselves throughout the day. You'll learn to work different depths effectively, from shallow water sight fishing to dropping baits in 15-20 foot holes where the big catfish cruise. I'll show you how to properly anchor and position your kayak for different presentations, plus advanced rigging techniques that keep your baits in the strike zone longer. We'll work with both live and cut baits, and I'll teach you how to read your electronics to locate fish-holding structure. The Hobie's pedal drive system lets you keep your hands free for fishing while maintaining perfect positioning – a game changer when you're working a productive area. By day two, you'll be reading the water like a local and making adjustments that put more fish in the kayak.
Redfish have been the stars of Calaveras Lake, and these aren't your typical coastal reds – they're landlocked powerhouses that fight harder than anything you've tangled with in saltwater. These fish average 8-12 pounds but we regularly see 15+ pounders that'll test your drag and your patience. They're most active in 3-6 feet of water early morning and late evening, cruising the flats looking for crawfish and small baitfish. What makes them so fun to target is their aggressive nature – when they're feeding, they'll absolutely crush topwater lures and put on an aerial show that'll get your heart pumping. Channel Catfish are the bread and butter species here, running anywhere from 2-8 pounds with occasional double-digit fish mixed in. They're bottom feeders that respond well to cut bait and prepared baits, especially around submerged timber and channel edges. Spring and fall are prime times when they're most active, but the warm water discharge keeps them biting year-round. Blue Catfish are the true trophies of Calaveras – these bruisers can exceed 20 pounds and provide some of the strongest fights you'll experience from a kayak. They prefer deeper water and larger baits, often relating to main lake points and creek channels where they ambush prey moving through the area.
The combination of extended time on productive water plus personalized instruction creates results that stick with you long after the trip ends. Most guided trips give you a taste of what's possible, but this 2-day format lets us really build your skills systematically. You'll leave knowing how to read this type of water anywhere you fish, not just on Calaveras. The camping component adds a dimension that day trips can't match – there's something special about falling asleep to the sound of water lapping the shore after a successful day of fishing, then waking up ready to hit different spots with fresh energy. Solo trips mean you get 100% of my attention, and we can adjust tactics on the fly based on what's working and what you want to focus on improving. The military discount makes this adventure even more accessible for those who've served, and I've found that military anglers often appreciate the structured approach to skill building that this trip provides.
If you're ready to take your kayak fishing to the next level while experiencing some of South Texas' best fishing, this 2-day adventure delivers everything you're looking for. The combination of trophy fish, advanced instruction, and outdoor camping creates memories and skills that'll last a lifetime. Calaveras Lake's unique conditions and diverse fish population make it the perfect classroom for serious anglers, and the extended format ensures you'll have time to really absorb and practice new techniques. Don't forget to grab your Texas fishing license before we meet up, and remember that active and retired military get special pricing at $275. Spots fill up quickly, especially during prime fishing seasons, so reach out soon to secure your dates. This isn't just another fishing trip – it's an investment in becoming a better angler while enjoying some of the finest fishing Texas has to offer.
The Hobie Outback is your fishing platform for this 2-day Calaveras Lake adventure. This pedal-driven kayak lets you keep both hands free for casting and fighting fish while the MirageDrive system moves you silently through shallow water where big catfish and redfish cruise. The stable hull design means you can stand up to sight-cast or land trophy fish without worrying about taking a swim. Perfect for working tight spots along the shoreline or drifting over deeper structure, this single-person kayak gives you the stealth and control needed to put fish in the cooler. The comfortable seating keeps you fishing hard from dawn until your guide calls it a day, then it's back to camp for stories around the fire.
Ictalurus FurcatusBlue cats are the monsters of Calaveras Lake - these slate-blue giants are what trophy dreams are made of. We're talking fish that commonly hit 15-30 pounds, with some true giants pushing 40+ pounds. They prefer deeper water and main lake structure, especially around creek channels and submerged timber. Summer months are best when they're most active in our Texas heat. What makes blues special is that incredible fight - they'll drag you around the lake and test every knot you tied. They're also excellent eating, with firm white meat that's perfect for the grill. My secret: use fresh-cut herring or shad on the bottom near deep structure. Blues are opportunistic feeders, so let your bait sit in one spot and be ready for a rod-bending experience.
Ictalurus PunctatusChannel cats are the perfect target for kayak anglers looking to bend some serious rod. These whiskered fighters average 2-8 pounds but don't let that fool you - the big ones here can push 15-20 pounds and will test your drag system. They hang out in deeper holes and around structure during the day, moving shallow to feed at night. Summer evenings are prime time when they're most active. What guests love is their willingness to bite and that steady, bulldogging fight from the kayak. Plus, they're some of the best eating fish in Texas waters. Here's a local trick: fresh-cut shad or chicken liver fished right on the bottom near drop-offs produces consistently. Let it sit still - channel cats hunt by smell and taste, so patience pays off.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish are unique here at Calaveras Lake - these copper-backed beauties with their signature black eyespots near the tail typically run 20-30 inches, though we've pulled some real trophies pushing 40+. They love shallow flats and structure areas, especially around submerged vegetation and drop-offs in 2-6 feet of water. Spring and fall are prime time when water temps are comfortable and they're actively feeding. What makes them special is that explosive strike when they hit topwater lures - pure adrenaline. They're also fantastic table fare with firm, mild flesh. My go-to tip: work your lure slow and steady near grass lines during dawn and dusk. These fish use their keen eyesight to ambush prey, so natural presentations in their comfort zone pay off big time.
Calaveras Lake