%2Ffit-in%2F250x250%2Fguide_websites%2F11891%2Fimages%2Flogo.jpg&w=1200&q=100)
Expert-Guided Family Shark Fishing on Bolivar
- Published Date: August 19, 2025
- Fishing
- Bolivar Peninsula
- $600 - $1,000 price range
- Updated Date: November 8, 2025
Summary
%2F%2Fusers%2Ffedf829f-40c3-4676-b7d8-5abbde33d659%2Fratecard%2Fee8b7164bf4aabb6aaba8701430cbfd0.jpg&w=1200&q=75)
Surf Fishing Scores
Family Surf Fishing Fun on Bolivar Peninsula
Get ready for an action-packed day of surf fishing on the beautiful Bolivar Peninsula with Captain Johnny Hamm! This full-day trip is perfect for families and anglers of all skill levels looking to reel in some exciting catches right from the shore. With top-notch gear provided and expert guidance from the Captain, you'll be targeting hard-fighting redfish and adrenaline-pumping sharks in no time. It's a beach day with a serious fishing twist that's sure to create lasting memories for the whole family.
A Day in the Surf
Your 8-hour adventure kicks off bright and early on the sandy shores of Bolivar Peninsula. Captain Johnny will meet you with all the gear you need - rods, reels, bait, and tackle suited for the day's conditions and target species. As the sun climbs higher, you'll learn the ins and outs of reading the surf, casting techniques, and how to entice those big fish cruising just beyond the breakers. The beauty of surf fishing is that you're not confined to a boat - you can spread out along the beach, enjoy the Gulf breeze, and have plenty of space for the kids to play between bites. Just remember to pack some snacks, drinks, and plenty of sunscreen!
Surf Fishing 101
If you're new to surf fishing, don't worry - Captain Johnny's got you covered. He'll show you how to rig up your lines with the right bait and weights to punch through the waves and reach those feeding zones where the big ones lurk. You'll learn to read the beach for sand bars and troughs where fish tend to hang out. The Captain will teach you the art of the long cast, how to work your bait, and the telltale signs of a fish on the line. It's a bit different from pier or boat fishing, but once you get the hang of it, you'll be hooked on the unique thrill of battling a fish through the surf.
Top Catches This Season
Bolivar Peninsula is known for its excellent redfish runs and variety of shark species that cruise the coastline. Anglers have been pulling in some real beauties lately, with redfish in the 20-30 inch range being common catches. The shark action has been heating up too, with blacktips and bonnetheads giving folks a run for their money. One family even landed a 5-foot bull shark last week - talk about an unforgettable beach day! Remember, it's all about having fun and enjoying the experience, whether you're reeling in a monster or just soaking up the sun.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Redfish: These copper-colored bruisers are a Gulf Coast favorite. Known for their powerful runs and delicious taste, redfish (also called red drum) love to cruise the surf zone looking for crabs and small fish. They put up a great fight on light tackle and are often found in the 5-15 pound range, though bigger ones aren't uncommon. Fall is prime time for bull reds, but you can catch them year-round on Bolivar.
Blacktip Shark: One of the most common shark species you'll encounter, blacktips are fast, acrobatic, and known for their impressive jumps when hooked. They typically range from 3-5 feet long in the surf and put up an exciting fight. These sharks are most active in the warmer months and are often seen chasing bait fish close to shore.
Bonnethead Shark: A smaller cousin of the hammerhead, bonnetheads are perfect for introducing kids to shark fishing. They usually run 2-3 feet long and have a distinctive shovel-shaped head. These sharks love crustaceans and are often found in shallow water, making them accessible targets for surf anglers. They're around most of the year but are especially common in spring and fall.
Bull Shark: The heavyweight champion of Bolivar's surf, bull sharks can grow over 8 feet long and are known for their stocky build and aggressive nature. While less common than other species, hooking into one of these monsters from the beach is an unforgettable experience. They're most active in the warmer months and tend to stay in deeper water, so a long cast might be needed.
Tiger Shark: While not as common as other species, tiger sharks do occasionally cruise the Bolivar coast, especially in late summer. These large predators can grow over 10 feet long and are known for their distinctive striped pattern. Landing a tiger shark from the surf is a rare and thrilling achievement for any angler.
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
There's something special about fishing the Bolivar Peninsula that keeps folks coming back year after year. Maybe it's the laid-back vibe of the Texas coast, or the thrill of never knowing what might be on the end of your line. For many, it's the perfect mix of serious fishing and family beach time. You can have your kids building sandcastles one minute and helping you land a shark the next. Captain Johnny's expertise and easy-going nature make the whole experience accessible and fun for everyone, whether you're a seasoned angler or it's your first time holding a rod.
Time to Book Your Spot
Ready to make some waves on your next family vacation? This full-day surf fishing trip with Captain Johnny Hamm is the perfect way to experience the best of Bolivar Peninsula. Whether you're after the fight of a lifetime with a big shark or just want to introduce the kids to the joys of fishing, this trip has something for everyone. With all gear provided and expert guidance throughout the day, all you need to bring is your sense of adventure (and maybe a camera for those epic catch photos). Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to book your day on the beach. Get ready to create some reel memories on the Texas Gulf Coast!
Learn more about the species
Blacktip Shark
Blacktips are fast, feisty sharks that'll give you a run for your money. They average 4-5 feet but can push 9 feet in deeper water. You'll find them patrolling the surf zone and around jetties, especially in summer. These sharks are known for their spectacular aerial displays when hooked. Anglers love 'em for their hard fights and good eating. To catch one, use heavy gear - at least 50-pound braid and a wire leader. Fresh cut mackerel or mullet works great as bait. Here's a pro tip: Blacktips often hunt in packs, so if you see one jumping, get your bait out there fast. And keep an eye on your rod - these guys are known for sudden, blistering runs that can yank it right off the beach!
Bonnethead Shark
Bonnetheads are the little cousins of hammerheads, usually 3-4 feet long. You'll spot 'em cruising the shallows, often in small schools. They hang close to shore in summer, then head south come fall. These sharks love crabs, so chumming with some crushed blue crab is a great way to bring them in. Despite their size, they put up a scrappy fight. Anglers get a kick out of their unique shovel-shaped head. To land one, use a stout rod with 20-pound test minimum. Fresh cut crab on a circle hook is your best bet. Work it slow along the bottom in 3-6 feet of water. And here's a local secret - they go nuts for a piece of crab skewered on a jighead. Cast it out, let it sit, and hang on!
Bull Trout
Bull trout are a real treat to catch in our cooler streams. These char get big - up to 30 inches and 30 pounds in some spots. You'll find them in deep, cold pools and slow backwaters. They're ambush predators, so look for undercut banks or submerged logs where they can hide. Fall is prime time as they move up to spawn. Anglers love bull trout for their aggressive strikes and powerful fights. Use heavy tackle though, as they can really put it to you. My top tip is to fish early morning or evening with big streamers or minnow imitations. Work those flies slow and deep. And keep an eye out - their spotted backs blend in well, but you might spot that distinctive white-edged fin.
Redfish
Redfish are a favorite target in the shallows around Bolivar Peninsula. These copper-colored bruisers usually run 20-30 inches and put up a great fight. Look for them tailing in 1-4 feet of water over mud bottoms, especially near oyster reefs or grass flats. They love to hang around structure like old piers too. Spring and fall are peak seasons as they move in and out of the bays. Anglers prize redfish for their strong runs and light, flaky meat. To hook one, try a gold spoon or shrimp imitation lure worked slowly along the bottom. My go-to trick is to chum with some crushed blue crab - that really gets them fired up and feeding. Just be ready when that rod doubles over!
Tiger Shark
Tiger sharks are the heavyweights of our coastal waters, growing up to 14 feet and 1400 pounds. You'll find them cruising offshore, but they'll move into shallower areas to hunt. Summer's your best bet for hooking one of these monsters. Anglers target tigers for the pure thrill - their size and power are unmatched. Use the heaviest gear you've got, with 100-pound test minimum. Fresh bloody bait is key - big chunks of tuna or mackerel work well. My top tip: Chum heavily and be patient. Tigers are curious and will investigate given time. When one shows up, it's a sight you won't forget. Just remember, these aren't catch-and-release fish - we tag and release to help with conservation efforts.
