Beginner's Guide to Bass Fishing Near Austin
New to bass fishing? Start on easy, high-catch water - around Austin that's Lake Travis or Lake Bastrop - with all tackle provided so you can focus on learning. Spring and early summer give the most bites.
The fastest way to fall in love with bass fishing is to catch a bunch of them, so I steer new anglers and families to the lakes that keep a rod bent all day. I provide everything - rods, reels, baits - so there's no gear to buy or figure out. You just show up, and I'll teach you the rest on the water. Here's where to start.
The best lakes to learn on near Austin
Lake Travis
The lake I've put more first-timers and kids on than any other. — numbers are good - a few bigger ones
Lake LBJ
If you like flipping docks for chunky largemouth, this is the lake. — fishing good right now
Inks Lake
Being on the smaller side, you can pretty much fish it however you like. — numbers are good - some bigger ones
Lake Bastrop
A great lake to catch numbers and to bring the family or a large group. — numbers have been good
What to expect on your first trip
- Everything's provided - rods, reels and tackle. Bring a Texas fishing license (required at 17+), sunglasses, a hat, and some food and drinks.
- Easy water, steady bites - we fish where the catch rate is high, which is what keeps kids and first-timers hooked.
- Catch and release - we handle the fish carefully, grab a photo, and let them go.
- Great for kids - I've taken more kids out than anyone in 26+ years, and if the bass are slow I'll happily put young anglers on bluegill to keep the action going.
From Bryan's logbook
Lake Travis is the lake I've put more first-timers and kids on than any other. It's easy to fish, it's loaded with bass, and almost everybody catches.
I've been fishing Inks Lake for over 50 years and seen a lot of big fish come out of it. A shaky head with a trick worm worked slow through the rock piles is one of the surest bites on the lake, and it takes both largemouth and Guadalupe bass.
In summer on Bastrop the bass school up in the middle of the lake, and there are spots where you can sit and catch lots of fish - some days over 100.
Beginner bass fishing - FAQs
What items should we bring on the trip?
I like things easy, so the main thing you must bring is a fishing license. I provide all the fishing tackle, so other things you can bring are a cap, polarized sunglasses, drinks, food and sunscreen. Please limit the size of any coolers.
Are you child friendly?
Very much so. I've taken more kids out than anyone in the over 26 years I've been guiding. There's nothing better than kids getting excited when catching fish and the smile that says it all.
Why hire a bass fishing guide?
Knowing where to start is most of the battle, especially on big water. A guide brings the boat and all the tackle and knows which lake, cover and pattern are producing that week - so instead of burning a day searching, you spend it catching.
I've never bass fished — where should I start?
On easy, high-catch water. Around Austin that's Lake Travis or Lake Bastrop, where steady numbers keep you busy and learning. I provide all the tackle, so you just show up - and spring and early summer give the most bites.
How many guests can fit in your boat?
I can legally have up to 6 people in my boat, including me, your captain. It's best to keep this number to 2 or 3 though so there's plenty of room to fish safely.
Can you accommodate large groups?
I can certainly accommodate by hiring as many guides as needed to fulfill the number of guests that will be attending.
Where will we meet?
I have addresses where we'll meet on each lake's page. I'll be glad to try to pick guests up at their dock within reason.
Can we bring our own tackle?
You're more than welcome to bring your own tackle. Texas Hawgs provides all tackle needed though, so you can travel light. Just make sure to have your fishing license.
First time out, or bringing the kids? Tell me a bit about your group and I'll set up an easy, fun day.