Full Day Group Kayak Fishing on Calaveras Lake
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Fullday guided kayak fishing on Calaveras Lake for groups.Target trophy Redfish and Catfish using stable Hobie kayaks.Eighthour experience includes instruction for all skill levels.
Looking for the perfect group fishing adventure in San Antonio? This full-day kayak fishing trip on Calaveras Lake brings together everything serious anglers love about Texas fishing. You'll spend eight solid hours on the water with your crew, learning proven techniques while chasing trophy redfish, channel catfish, and blue catfish. The guide knows exactly where these fish hold up and will put you on them using stable Hobie Outback kayaks that let you sneak into spots bigger boats can't reach. Whether you're bringing the family or rallying your fishing buddies, this trip delivers the kind of action that keeps groups talking for months.
Your day starts early at 6:30 AM when the lake is calm and the fish are most active. The guide will get everyone rigged up with the right tackle and walk through the game plan for the day. You'll be paddling Hobie Outback kayaks – these things are rock solid and perfect for anglers who want to focus on fishing instead of worrying about tipping over. The beauty of kayak fishing is getting into those shallow flats and structure-rich areas where the big fish live. Your guide has years of experience reading Calaveras Lake and knows exactly which spots produce based on weather, water temperature, and seasonal patterns. Groups of 2-5 anglers work perfectly because everyone gets personalized attention while still enjoying the social aspect of fishing together. The guide adapts instruction based on skill level, so beginners learn proper casting and fish handling while experienced anglers pick up advanced techniques for kayak positioning and lure presentation.
Kayak fishing requires a different approach than traditional boat fishing, and that's where this guide really shines. You'll learn how to effectively manage your tackle from a seated position, use the kayak's stability to your advantage when fighting fish, and position yourself for the best presentations. The Hobie Outback kayaks come equipped with rod holders and storage, letting you keep multiple rigs ready while staying organized on the water. For redfish, you'll work shallow flats with soft plastics and topwater lures during early morning periods. Catfish require a completely different strategy – you'll anchor up near drop-offs and structure, using cut bait and prepared baits to draw in those big channel cats and blues. The guide carries a variety of tackle options and will match your setup to current conditions and target species. You'll also pick up essential kayak fishing skills like proper paddle positioning during the fight, how to land fish solo from a kayak, and reading water from a lower vantage point.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Calaveras Lake, and these copper-colored fighters put up an amazing battle in shallow water. They typically run 20-30 inches here, with some real bulls pushing over 35 inches during peak season. Spring and fall offer the best redfish action as they move into the shallows to feed aggressively on baitfish and crabs. What makes redfish so special is their fighting style – they make powerful runs and use their broad sides to pull against your drag. From a kayak, you really feel every head shake and surge. Channel catfish are year-round performers on Calaveras, with fish regularly hitting 5-10 pounds and occasional monsters topping 20 pounds. They're most active during low-light periods and love structure like submerged trees and drop-offs. Channel cats are perfect for groups because they bite consistently once you find them, keeping everyone in the action. Blue catfish are the true giants of the lake, with specimens over 30 pounds caught regularly by anglers who know where to find them. These fish prefer deeper water and stronger current areas. Blues are incredibly strong fighters that will test your tackle and technique – landing a big blue from a kayak is an achievement any angler can be proud of.
At $275 per angler with a minimum of two guests, this full-day kayak fishing experience delivers serious value for groups who want quality time on the water. You're getting eight hours of guided fishing, all the kayak equipment, and hands-on instruction that will make you a better angler long after the trip ends. Calaveras Lake consistently produces trophy fish, and having a local guide who knows the seasonal patterns makes all the difference between a good day and an epic day. Remember to bring your Texas fishing license and be ready for an early start – the best fishing happens when most folks are still having their morning coffee. Groups fill up fast, especially during prime fishing seasons, so don't wait to lock in your dates. This is the kind of trip that builds lasting memories and might just land you the fish of a lifetime.
Your Hobie Outback kayak puts you right in the fish zone on Calaveras Lake. This pedal-driven setup keeps your hands free for casting while you quietly work the shallows where trophy catfish and redfish hang out. The stable hull design means you can stand up to cast or fight fish without worrying about taking an unexpected swim. Pedal power lets you cover water efficiently and hold position in the wind better than paddling. Perfect for accessing those tight spots where the big fish hide that motorboats can't reach. Built tough for all-day fishing sessions with plenty of storage for tackle and your catch.
Ictalurus FurcatusBlue catfish are the giants of Calaveras Lake, regularly hitting 15-30 pounds with some true monsters over 40. These slate-blue bruisers are opportunistic feeders that hunt both shallow and deep, making them exciting targets throughout the water column. You can tell them apart from channels by their straight-edged anal fin and that slight underbite. What makes them special is their raw power - they'll make long runs and test your tackle like no other freshwater fish. The meat is excellent, firm and mild-tasting. Best fishing happens during cooler months when they're more active, especially around deeper holes and channel bends. Here's what works: fresh cut bait like shad or herring on the bottom near structure. The key is letting your bait sit still - blues are scavengers at heart and will track down that scent trail. Bring heavy tackle because once they're on, it's going to be a battle.
Ictalurus PunctatusChannel catfish are Calaveras Lake's most reliable fighters, running anywhere from 2-15 pounds with trophy fish pushing 20+. These whisker-faced bruisers hang around deeper structure, fallen trees, and creek channels during the day. They're bottom feeders with incredible senses - their whole body is covered in taste buds, so they can find your bait even in murky water. What guests love is their dependable bite and how they pull hard once hooked, plus they make excellent table fare with white, flaky meat. Summer nights and early mornings are prime time when they move shallow to feed. They'll hit everything from live bait to prepared baits, but my local secret is using fresh cut shad or chicken liver on a Carolina rig. Let it sit still on the bottom - they'll find it and usually hook themselves when they take off with the bait.
Sciaenops OcellatusRedfish here on Calaveras Lake are actually transplanted saltwater fish that thrive in our freshwater system. These copper-backed beauties typically run 20-35 inches and are known for their signature black spot near the tail. They love shallow flats and structure areas where they cruise looking for baitfish and crustaceans. What makes them special is their aggressive strike and stubborn fight - they'll make long runs and test your drag. The meat is firm with a mild, sweet flavor that's hard to beat on the dinner table. Spring and fall are prime times when water temps are ideal, but summer mornings can be productive too. Here's a local tip: watch for surface disturbances and "nervous water" in the shallows - that's usually redfish pushing bait around. Cast just ahead of the disturbance and work your lure slowly back.
Calaveras Lake