Get ready to feel the sand between your toes and the rush of reeling in some serious surf monsters. This 8-hour trip on Bolivar Peninsula is all about chasing down hard-fighting redfish and adrenaline-pumping sharks right from the beach. No boat needed – just you, your rod, and miles of prime fishing real estate. Our local guides know every sandbar and rip current, putting you right where the action is. Whether you're a seasoned surf caster or new to the game, this trip dishes out non-stop excitement and the chance to tangle with some of the Gulf's most sought-after species.
Forget about leisurely beach days – this trip is for anglers who want to get their hands dirty and lines stretched. We'll kick things off early, loading up our custom beach buggies with heavy-duty surf rods, massive reels, and enough bait to tempt every fin in the Gulf. As we cruise down the peninsula, your guide will break down the day's game plan, pointing out promising cuts and dropoffs where big fish love to lurk.
Once we find our spot, it's all hands on deck. You'll learn the art of reading the surf, casting beyond the breakers, and setting up multiple lines to cover more water. Be ready to move fast when those reels start screaming – we're talking about fish that can strip 100 yards of line in seconds. Between casts, your guide will share local knowledge, surf fishing tricks, and maybe even a few fish tales (we promise most of them are true).
If you've never fished the surf before, don't sweat it. Our guides are master teachers and will have you slinging baits like a pro in no time. We use specialized surf casting setups – long rods for distance and heavy-duty reels that can handle the big boys. You'll learn how to read the water, identifying the troughs and sandbars where fish concentrate.
For our shark setups, we're talking serious hardware. Think 12-foot rods, reels that could pull a truck, and leaders tough enough to withstand those razor-sharp teeth. We'll show you how to rig up big baits and use kayaks to paddle them out beyond the breakers where the real giants patrol.
Redfish require a bit more finesse. We'll use lighter tackle and teach you how to work the surf zone, where these copper-colored bulldozers cruise looking for an easy meal. From reading the water to perfecting your cast, you'll pick up skills that'll serve you well long after the trip is over.
Redfish: These bruisers are the bread and butter of Texas surf fishing. Known for their copper color and distinctive spot near the tail, redfish (or red drum) are pound-for-pound some of the hardest fighting fish in the Gulf. They love to cruise the surf, hunting for crabs and baitfish. In the fall, big schools of "bull reds" over 40 inches long migrate along the coast, providing some of the most exciting fishing of the year. Nothing beats the sight of that red tail breaking the surface as a big one tail-walks across the waves.
Bonnethead Shark: Don't let their small size fool you – these little sharks pack a punch. Averaging 2-3 feet long, bonnetheads are perfect for anglers looking to tangle with their first shark. They're common in the shallows during summer, often visible cruising right in the surf. With their distinctive hammer-shaped head (though much narrower than their larger cousins), bonnetheads are a unique catch and put up a scrappy fight on light tackle.
Blacktip Shark: Now we're talking some serious action. Blacktips are the acrobats of the shark world, known for spectacular leaps and blistering runs. These sharks typically range from 4-6 feet long and are a favorite target for surf anglers. They show up in good numbers during the warmer months, often hunting in packs just beyond the breakers. When a blacktip picks up your bait, hold on tight – the initial run is explosive, and they'll often go airborne in their attempts to throw the hook.
Tiger Shark: The unicorn of Bolivar surf fishing. While not as common as some other species, the chance to hook into one of these striped beasts keeps anglers coming back. Tigers can grow massive, with some topping 12 feet or more. They're known for their power and tenacity – a big tiger can empty a reel in minutes if you're not careful. Landing one from the surf is a true feat of angling skill and endurance, often requiring hours of back-breaking combat.
Bull Shark: If you're looking for raw power, bull sharks deliver in spades. These stocky, aggressive sharks are built like tanks and fight like it too. Bulls are notorious for their bulldog-like determination – once hooked, they dig in and refuse to give an inch without a fight. They're not uncommon in the Bolivar surf, especially in the warmer months when they follow bait schools close to shore. Landing a big bull shark from the beach is a bucket-list accomplishment for many shark anglers.
There's something addictive about surf fishing on Bolivar. Maybe it's the raw, untamed feel of battling big fish with nothing but sand under your feet. Or the heart-stopping moment when a shark breaks the surface, dorsal fin cutting through the waves. Our repeat customers rave about the variety – one cast might bring in a hard-pulling red, the next could be the shark of a lifetime.
But it's not just about the fish. There's a camaraderie that develops over a long day on the beach, sharing stories and laughs between bites. And let's not forget the scenery – watching the sun rise over the Gulf as you cast your first line of the day is tough to beat. By the time we're packing up, covered in sand and salt with sore arms from battling fish all day, most folks are already planning their next trip.
If you're itching to feel the power of a big red or the heart-pounding thrill of a shark run, don't wait. Our Bolivar Peninsula trips fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. Whether you're a seasoned surf angler looking to test your skills or a newbie ready to catch the fishing bug, this trip delivers the goods. Bring your sense of adventure, a good hat, and get ready for a day of non-stop action. The sharks and reds are waiting – are you ready to meet them on their turf? Book now and let's hit the surf!
Blacktip Sharks are on the smaller side, usually 4-5 feet long, but don't let that fool you - they're feisty fighters. You can spot them easily by the black tips on their fins. They like warm, shallow waters and often hang out near artificial reefs. These sharks are most active in summer when they follow baitfish schools up the coast. They're known for their acrobatics, sometimes leaping clear out of the water when hooked. It's quite a sight to see a blacktip go airborne. For gear, go with a 20-50 pound setup and circle hooks. Blacktips love oily fish, so try mackerel or herring as bait. Here's a local trick: mash up some baitfish into a chum slurry and let it disperse in the water. That scent trail will bring the blacktips right to you. What makes blacktip fishing fun is their energetic fights and those spectacular jumps. They're not the biggest sharks out there, but pound for pound, they give you a real run for your money. Plus, you can often catch them right from the beach, which is pretty cool.
Tiger Sharks are real bruisers, typically 11-14 feet long and 800-1400 pounds. They're easy to spot with those distinctive stripes, though they fade as the shark ages. These guys are loners, following warm currents and hanging around the coast. You'll find tigers in tropical waters, often near reefs but they'll come into the shallows to hunt. They're not the fastest swimmers, but man, when they attack prey, they can really move. Summer's your best bet for tigers. Use heavy tackle - we're talking 100-pound test line minimum. Live bait is key, especially oily fish like mackerel or tuna. Here's a pro tip: chum the water to get them interested, then present a live bait. Fishing for tigers is a real adrenaline rush. They're powerful, unpredictable, and put up one heck of a fight. It's not for the faint of heart, but landing one of these massive predators is an experience you won't forget.
Bull Sharks are tough customers, usually 8-12 feet long and 200-300 pounds. They're built like tanks with thick bodies and short, blunt snouts. You'll find them cruising shallow coastal waters, but what's crazy is they can swim up rivers and live in freshwater too. That means you might hook one in the bay or even way upriver. These sharks are around all summer, from June through September. They'll eat just about anything, which makes them fun to target. Live bait works great - mullet, herring, or bream. But here's a local tip: try freshwater eel. The high oil content drives bulls wild, and the tough skin stays on the hook. What makes bull shark fishing a blast is their raw power and aggression. When they hit, hold on tight. It's a serious workout reeling one in. Just remember, they've got a nasty temper, so be careful handling them. Overall, bull sharks give you an exciting, hard-fought battle right in the shallows.
Bonnethead Sharks are the smallest hammerheads, usually 3-4 feet long. They've got that distinctive spade-shaped head, which makes them easy to spot. These guys are pretty mellow as sharks go, often swimming in small groups near the shore. You'll find bonnetheads in shallow, warm waters - beaches, bays, and estuaries. They're most active in summer, but come fall, they head south to Florida and the Gulf for warmer water. Use a sturdy rod with 20-pound test line and a wire leader. Bonnetheads love crabs, so fresh blue crab is your best bet for bait. Here's a tip: cut the crab in half and hook it through a leg joint. That scent drives them wild. Fishing for bonnetheads is great because they're abundant and put up a good scrap for their size. They're perfect if you want shark action without dealing with the giants. Plus, they're one of the few sharks that'll readily take crab bait, which adds a fun twist to your typical shark fishing.