Hiring a Central Texas Bass Fishing Guide
A good Central Texas bass guide brings the boat, all the tackle, and - most importantly - knows which lake, cover and pattern are producing that week, so you spend the day catching instead of searching.
Knowing where to start is most of the battle, especially on big water like Lake Buchanan or Lake Travis. That's the real value of a guide: I've spent over 26 years learning which rock, grass, docks and points hold fish in a given season, so a day on my boat skips the searching and gets right to the fishing.
What's included on a trip
- The boat and all tackle - rods, reels and baits are provided; you just show up. You're welcome to bring your own if you'd like.
- Local expertise - the right lake and pattern for the conditions, on any of 16 Central & South Texas lakes.
- Family friendly, catch & release - I've taken more kids out than anyone in 26+ years of guiding.
- You bring - a valid Texas fishing license (required at 17+), sunglasses, a hat, and food and drinks.
How to choose a guide
Pick someone who actually guides for the fish you want to catch - I'm a largemouth guide first and foremost - who provides the gear, knows the specific lakes you'll fish, and matches the trip to your group, whether that's first-timers, kids, or an angler hunting a trophy. Ask where you'll meet and what's provided before you book, and make sure the deposit and payment are clear up front.
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.
Travis long had a reputation for numbers over size, but starting in 2011 it's been the best for quality I've ever seen here - plenty of 4-5 pound fish, and some even bigger, on a lake that usually produces 1-3 pound bass.
On Lake Austin it almost always comes back to the grass. Find the grass, you'll find the bass - that cover is what grows and holds the big fish.
Guided trip FAQs
Are your prices for each angler?
No, my prices are for up to 2 anglers, plus $50 per person after. This accounts for anyone getting in my boat for the trip whether fishing or not.
Do we need a fishing license?
Anyone that's at least 17 years old must have a fishing license. There's a link to get one on the Prices page.
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.
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.
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.
Tell me your dates, your group, and what you're after - I'll get you on the calendar, usually within a day.