Full Day Solo Kayak Fishing - Calaveras Lake
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Eighthour guided kayak fishing adventure on Calaveras LakeTarget trophy Redfish, Channel Catfish, and Blue Catfish speciesPrivate solo experience with stable Hobie Outback kayaks provided
If you're looking for a serious day on the water targeting some of Texas's best fish, this full-day solo kayak fishing trip on Calaveras Lake is exactly what you need. Located just outside San Antonio, Calaveras offers trophy-sized Redfish, Channel Catfish, and Blue Catfish in a setting that's perfect for kayak fishing. You'll spend eight hours with an experienced guide who knows every productive spot on this lake, learning techniques that work and putting them into practice immediately. This isn't a rushed half-day deal – it's a proper fishing trip designed to give you the skills and success that keep anglers coming back season after season.
Your day starts early at 6:30 AM from the Calaveras Lake Boat Ramp, though timing can shift based on weather and seasonal patterns – your guide will confirm the exact start time when you book. You'll be fishing from a stable Hobie Outback kayak, which gives you the perfect combination of stealth and mobility to reach spots that bigger boats can't access. The beauty of kayak fishing here is how quietly you can approach structure and cover where the big fish hang out. Your guide will position you over productive areas and work with you on everything from bait presentation to reading the water. This is hands-on instruction throughout the day, not just a drop-off-and-hope situation. The lake's warm water discharge creates unique fishing opportunities year-round, and you'll learn how to take advantage of these conditions like a local.
Kayak fishing requires a different approach than fishing from a big boat, and that's where this trip really shines. You'll learn how to position your kayak for the best casting angles, manage your gear in a smaller space, and use the kayak's mobility to stay on moving fish. The Hobie Outback's pedal drive system means you can keep your hands free for fishing while still controlling your position – a game-changer when you're fighting a big catfish or working a redfish in shallow water. Your guide will show you how to read the lake's structure, from submerged timber to drop-offs where fish concentrate. You'll work with both live and cut bait techniques, learning when each approach works best. The thermal discharge areas require specific strategies, and by the end of the day, you'll understand how water temperature and current affect fish behavior on Calaveras.
Redfish are the crown jewel of Calaveras Lake, and these aren't your typical coastal reds – they're landlocked giants that can exceed 20 pounds and fight like freight trains in the lake's structure-rich environment. These fish are aggressive year-round thanks to the warm water discharge, but they're particularly active during the cooler months when they school up in predictable areas. What makes catching redfish here so special is their size and the fact that you're targeting them in a freshwater lake setting, which is pretty unique in Texas. They'll hit both live bait and artificials, and the fight in a kayak is something you won't forget.
Channel Catfish in Calaveras are plentiful and grow to impressive sizes, with fish over 10 pounds being common catches. They're most active during low-light periods, which is why those early morning starts pay off big time. These fish respond well to cut bait and stink baits, and they'll use every bit of structure in the lake to try to break you off. The thermal areas concentrate baitfish, which in turn attracts hungry channels looking for an easy meal. What anglers love about targeting channels here is the consistent action – you're rarely waiting long between bites when you're in the right spots.
Blue Catfish are the heavyweight champions of Calaveras, with fish pushing 30+ pounds calling this lake home. These monsters are less common than channels but when you hook into one, you'll know immediately. Blues prefer deeper water and bigger baits, and they'll test both your tackle and your kayak handling skills. The best blue cat fishing typically happens during the warmer months when they're more active, though the lake's thermal discharge means they can be caught year-round. Landing a trophy blue catfish from a kayak is a bucket-list experience that combines skill, patience, and a little bit of luck.
This solo trip gives you the focused, personalized instruction that's tough to get on larger group charters. Eight hours on the water with an experienced guide means you're not just catching fish – you're learning skills that will make you a better angler for years to come. The early start time puts you on the water during prime feeding periods, and the full-day format means you can adapt to changing conditions and fish behavior throughout the day. Don't forget to grab your Texas fishing license before the trip, and if you're active or retired military, make sure to ask about the discount pricing. Calaveras Lake consistently produces trophy fish, and with the right guidance, your solo adventure could result in the fish of a lifetime.
Your solo fishing adventure on Calaveras Lake starts with the Hobie Outback, a pedal-driven kayak that's built specifically for serious anglers. This single-person craft lets you work your hands free while the MirageDrive pedal system moves you silently through the water - perfect for sneaking up on those trophy catfish without spooking them. The Outback's wide, stable hull keeps you steady when fighting fish or casting to structure, while its shallow draft gets you into backwater spots that boats can't reach. With built-in rod holders and plenty of gear storage, you'll have everything within arm's reach as you target Channel Catfish, Blue Catfish, and Redfish around the lake's productive areas. The pedal drive gives you precise boat control, letting you hold position in the wind or current while you work your baits. Whether you're drifting cut bait for cats or working lures along the shoreline, this kayak handles like a dream and gives you the mobility to cover water efficiently during your 8-hour fishing day.
Ictalurus FurcatusBlue cats are the giants of Texas catfish, averaging 25-40 inches and capable of hitting 50+ pounds. These slate-blue bruisers prefer deeper channels and holes in Calaveras Lake, especially around structure and drop-offs. You can tell them apart from channels by their squared-off anal fin and that slight underbite. They're active year-round but really turn on during spring spawning runs and hot summer nights. What makes them special is their size and power - hooking a big blue from a kayak is a real test. They're opportunistic feeders that'll eat anything, but fresh-cut shad or herring works best since the blood scent draws them in. These fish are excellent eating with firm, white meat. The trick is to let your bait sit dead still on the bottom - blues are scavengers and won't chase moving baits. Be patient and bring good gloves, they're slimy and strong.
Ictalurus PunctatusChannel cats are the bread and butter of Texas catfishing, running 2-10 pounds on average with some trophy fish pushing 20+. They love the deeper holes and structure around Calaveras Lake, especially near fallen trees and rocky areas. These whiskered fighters are most active during warmer months and bite best in low-light conditions - dawn, dusk, and overcast days. What guests love is their steady, bulldogging fight and how good they taste fried up. They're not picky eaters, but their barbels help them find food by taste and smell even in murky water. The key is using stinky baits - cut shad, chicken liver, or prepared catfish baits work great. My go-to trick is to let your bait sit right on the bottom near structure and wait for that telltale tap-tap-pull. Don't set the hook too early - let them run with it first.
Sciaenops OcellatusThese copper-colored fighters average 28-33 inches and are famous for that distinctive black eyespot near their tail. On Calaveras Lake, redfish cruise the shallow flats and structure in 1-4 feet of water, often with their backs barely submerged. They're aggressive feeders that'll hit topwater plugs, soft plastics, and live shrimp with explosive strikes. The warm Texas waters keep them active year-round, but spring and fall are prime time when they're most aggressive. What makes them special is that hard initial run - they'll peel drag and test your kayak fishing skills. The meat is excellent too, with a mild, sweet flavor that's perfect for the grill. Pro tip: look for nervous water or wakes in the shallows - that's usually redfish pushing bait. Cast ahead of their path and work your lure slow.
Calaveras Lake