Get ready to spend a full day chasing some of Texas' most prized gamefish on this action-packed 8-hour lake fishing trip! We'll be targeting hard-fighting redfish, wily speckled trout, and tasty flounder as we hit up the hottest spots on the lake. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, our expert guides will put you on the fish and share their local knowledge to maximize your chances of landing a trophy. With Phantom Charters, you're in for a day of non-stop fishing, good times, and memories that'll last a lifetime. Just don't forget to grab your Texas fishing license before we shove off!
Our 8-hour trip kicks off bright and early, so we can take advantage of that primo morning bite. We'll meet up at the dock, load our gear, and hit the water as the sun's coming up. The lake can be like glass in the morning, perfect for spotting fish activity and getting to our first honey hole without getting soaked. As the day heats up, we'll move around to different spots, targeting various species and using different techniques to keep the action hot. Expect to cover a good chunk of the lake, from shallow flats to deeper channels, always on the hunt for that next big bite. By the time we head back in, you'll have worked different areas, tried various techniques, and hopefully filled the cooler with some tasty lake denizens.
On this trip, we'll be using a mix of light and medium tackle, depending on what we're after and where we're fishing. For redfish and larger trout, we might break out the baitcasters with 20-pound test, perfect for working those jigs along the bottom or tossing topwater lures. When we're targeting flounder or smaller trout, we'll switch to lighter spinning gear that'll let you feel every nibble. We'll cover a range of techniques throughout the day – from sight-casting to tailing reds on the flats, to working soft plastics around structure for trout, to slow-rolling jigs for those bottom-hugging flounder. Don't worry if you're new to these methods; our guides are patient teachers and will have you casting like a pro in no time. And for you experienced anglers, we're always happy to swap fish tales and learn your favorite tricks too!
Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are a favorite among Texas anglers, and for good reason. They put up a heck of a fight, often making screaming runs that'll have your drag singing. Reds love to cruise the shallows, especially early in the morning or late in the evening. We'll look for their tell-tale tails sticking up out of the water as they root around for crabs and shrimp. The best part? They're not too picky eaters, so once we find 'em, we've got a good shot at hooking up. Fall is prime time for bull reds, but we catch these guys year-round.
Speckled Trout: Also known as spotted seatrout, these fish are the bread and butter of Texas inshore fishing. They're beautiful to look at, with their spotted sides and yellow mouth, and they're a blast to catch on light tackle. Specks are ambush predators, so we'll be targeting them around structure like oyster reefs, grass beds, and drop-offs. They love to hit topwater lures, which makes for some explosive strikes. Spring and fall are typically the best seasons for big trout, but we catch 'em all year long.
Southern Flounder: These flatfish might not look like much, but they're prized for both their fight and their flavor. Flounder fishing requires a bit of finesse – they like to bury themselves in the sand and ambush their prey. We'll work the bottom slowly with jigs or live bait, feeling for that distinctive thump when a flounder grabs on. The fall run, when flounder move to the Gulf to spawn, is the best time to target these tasty devils. But don't worry, we can find 'em other times of the year too, especially around structure and drop-offs.
Folks who fish with Phantom Charters tend to become regulars, and it's not just because of the fish we put in the boat (though that certainly helps). It's the whole package – the thrill of the hunt, the peacefulness of being out on the water, and the satisfaction of learning new skills and techniques. Our guides aren't just fish-finders; they're educators, storytellers, and hosts all rolled into one. We tailor each trip to our guests, whether you're looking to land your personal best, learn new fishing methods, or just enjoy a relaxing day on the lake. Plus, with an 8-hour trip, we've got time to really explore and find where the fish are biting, even if they're playing hard to get.
For an 8-hour trip, you'll want to come prepared. First off, don't forget that Texas fishing license – we can't hit the water without it. Dress in layers; mornings can be cool, but it'll heat up as the day goes on. Bring plenty of sunscreen, a hat, and polarized sunglasses to cut the glare off the water. Pack a cooler with drinks and snacks to keep you fueled up throughout the day. We provide all the fishing gear, but if you've got a lucky rod or some favorite lures, feel free to bring 'em along. Oh, and don't forget your camera – you'll want proof when you're telling your buddies about the monster you landed!
If you're itching to get out on the water and tangle with some of Texas' finest gamefish, this 8-hour lake fishing trip is calling your name. With Phantom Charters, you're not just booking a fishing trip – you're signing up for a day of adventure, learning, and hopefully, some serious fish-catching action. Our expert guides know these waters like the back of their hand and are passionate about putting you on the fish. Whether you're looking to land your personal best, learn new techniques, or just enjoy a day out with friends or family, we've got you covered. Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to lock in your date. Give us a call or book online today, and get ready for a Texas-sized fishing adventure you won't soon forget!
Southern Flounder are masters of camouflage, blending in with sandy or muddy bottoms. They're usually 15-18 inches long, but can grow up to 33 inches. You'll find them in shallow coastal waters, bays, and estuaries. These flatfish are ambush predators, lying in wait for smaller fish and crustaceans. Fall is prime time for flounder fishing as they move to deeper waters. Anglers love targeting them for their tasty white meat and the challenge of spotting them. To catch one, try drift fishing with a slip lead rig and light tackle. Live bait like mullet or shrimp works well, but artificial lures can be effective too. Here's a local tip: When you feel a bite, resist the urge to set the hook right away. Flounder often grab prey sideways, so give them a moment to turn the bait before you reel. Patience is key with these tricky fish, but the reward is worth it – both for the fight and the dinner table.
Redfish, also called red drum, are a blast to catch in our shallow waters. They usually run 20-30 inches, but can get much bigger offshore. Look for them in water just 1-4 feet deep, hanging around oyster reefs, grass flats, and structure. These copper-colored beauties with a distinctive tail spot love to cruise the shallows, especially during warmer months. They put up a great fight and are known for explosive surface strikes that'll get your heart racing. Redfish are popular for their mild, sweet taste. To hook one, try working topwater lures or jigs along the edges of grass flats. Here's a tip: On calm days, watch for their tails breaking the surface as they root for crabs and shrimp in shallow water. Sight-casting to tailing reds is one of the most exciting ways to fish these waters.
Lake trout are the giants of the char family, often weighing 15-40 pounds with some real monsters out there. They're coldwater fish, so you'll find them deep in the lake where the water's cool and oxygen-rich. These fish are slow-growing and can live for decades. They're most active in spring and fall when the water temperatures are just right. Anglers love targeting lake trout for their size and the challenge of finding them in deep water. To catch one, you'll want to focus on jigging in deep basins. Use lures that imitate wounded baitfish – Jigging Raps and big soft plastics work well. Here's a local trick: On overcast days, try fishing a bit shallower. Lake trout often move up in the water column when there's less light, giving you a shot at hooking into one of these deep-water bruisers.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 75
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 350