What to Expect on a Guided Fishing Trip with Hooked on Fishing

December 11, 2025

What to Expect on a Guided Fishing Trip with Hooked on Fishing

Woman on a boat holding a striped fish, smiling. Cloudy sky, water background.

Whether you're new to fishing or simply looking for a better experience on the water, booking a guided fishing trip can be the key to a safe, successful, and enjoyable outing. At Hooked on Fishing, LLC, we’ve helped hundreds of families, beginners, and seasoned anglers have productive days out on Lake Somerville — without the hassle of doing it all yourself.


If you’re wondering what’s included, how to prepare, or what your day will actually look like, this guide will walk you through exactly what to expect on a guided fishing charter with us in Brenham, Texas.


Why Choose a Guided Trip?

Hiring a fishing guide isn't just about putting more fish in the boat — though that certainly helps. It's about removing the barriers that often keep people from enjoying fishing in the first place. These include:


  • Not knowing the best fishing spots

  • Confusion over gear, bait, and licenses

  • Safety concerns, especially with kids

  • Stress from planning and logistics

A guided trip with Hooked on Fishing takes care of everything. You show up, step onto the boat, and fish. We'll handle the rest.


Before Your Trip: What You Need to Know

Here’s how to prepare for your day on Lake Somerville with us:


1. Booking & Scheduling

You can schedule your trip by calling (979) 451-0044 or using the contact form at hookedonfishingllc.com. Most trips are scheduled early in the morning (7 a.m. departure) to take advantage of cooler temps and active fish.


Weekends and holidays book quickly, so we recommend planning at least 1–2 weeks ahead.


2. What We Provide

When you fish with Hooked on Fishing, everything you need is included:



  • Boat, fuel, and licensed captain

  • Fishing rods, reels, bait, and tackle

  • Safety equipment (including life jackets)

  • Fish cleaning and bagging at the end of your trip

We also provide cooler storage and seating for everyone onboard. You won’t need to rent or bring any gear unless you prefer to.


3. What You Should Bring

To ensure a comfortable experience, we suggest you bring:


  • Sunscreen and sunglasses

  • Hats or visors

  • Snacks and drinks (water is essential)

  • Weather-appropriate clothing (layers in spring/fall)

  • Camera or phone for photos

  • A valid Texas fishing license (for those 17 and older)

Licenses can be purchased online through TPWD’s website.


Day of the Trip: Step-by-Step

1. Meeting at the Marina

We’ll meet you at 505 Marina Road in Brenham, TX, right on the shores of Lake Somerville. There's easy parking and close access to the dock, so you won’t have to carry anything far.


After a short safety briefing, we’ll get you fitted with life jackets and head out onto the water.


2. Targeting the Right Fish

Depending on the season and your interests, we’ll target species like:


  • White Bass – often caught in high numbers

  • Catfish – great for kids and beginners

  • Crappie – ideal for brush piles and submerged structures

  • Hybrid Striped Bass – for those who want a bigger fight

Captain Steve Lyons will guide you to the most productive spots based on real-time conditions, not guesswork.


3. Teaching the Basics (If Needed)

If you're new to fishing, don’t worry. We'll walk you through:


  • How to cast

  • How to bait your hook

  • How to reel in a fish

  • What to do once you catch one

We’re here to teach, not judge. Most of our guests catch fish within the first hour, even if they’ve never held a rod before.


4. Fishing and Fun

Fishing trips typically last 4–5 hours, depending on the package you book. There’s plenty of time to:


  • Catch multiple fish species

  • Take photos with your catch

  • Chat and relax between bites

  • Watch the sunrise over the water

We make sure the pace suits your group. Kids get extra help, while experienced anglers get deeper tips and techniques if desired.


5. Cleaning and Packing the Catch

At the end of your trip, we’ll return to the dock and clean and bag your fish for you. You’ll leave with ready-to-cook fillets and some great stories to tell.


Common Questions First-Time Guests Ask

Do I need prior fishing experience?

No experience is required. Our trips are ideal for complete beginners, families, and casual anglers. We adapt the experience to each group’s skill level.


What if my kids are young?

We welcome children of all ages. Captain Steve has four grandchildren of his own and knows how to make kids feel comfortable, excited, and safe on the water.


Will we catch fish?

We can’t guarantee every cast, but Lake Somerville is one of the most productive lakes in Central Texas. With our guidance, your chances of success are very high.


Do I need to know how to operate a boat?

Nope — we handle everything. All boats are captained by a licensed, insured professional, and your only job is to enjoy the ride and reel in the fish.


Local Expertise: Why It Matters

Lake Somerville is a dynamic fishery. Water levels change, schools move, and some spots produce better than others depending on wind, weather, and time of year.


That’s where having a local guide really pays off.


Captain Steve has fished this lake for decades and knows:


  • Where fish are staging in different seasons

  • How to adjust techniques on the fly

  • What baits are working best each week

  • How to keep kids engaged and involved

You don’t need to spend years learning this lake. You just need a few hours with the right guide.


What Sets Hooked on Fishing Apart?

  • Family-owned, family-focused – We treat every guest like part of the family.

  • Species-specific trips – Want white bass? Crappie? Catfish? We target what YOU want.

  • Beginner-friendly – No experience required; we'll teach you everything.

  • All gear included – Just show up and fish.

  • Transparent pricing – No surprise fees or add-ons.

Our goal is simple: make fishing accessible, fun, and successful for everyone — from first-time families to seasoned anglers visiting Lake Somerville.


How to Book Your Trip

Booking a guided trip is easy. Here’s how to get started:


  1. Call (979) 451-0044 – Talk directly with Captain Steve

  2. Visit hookedonfishingllc.com – Use our contact form to reserve your date

  3. Choose your preferred species or let us recommend based on the season

We fish 7 days a week from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and offer morning, afternoon, and custom trips.


A guided fishing trip with Hooked on Fishing, LLC is more than just a boat ride — it’s a stress-free, family-friendly experience on one of Texas’s best lakes. Whether you're chasing white bass in spring or relaxing with the kids on a summer morning, we’ll make sure your time on the water is productive, comfortable, and fun.


Don’t spend your next weekend fighting the crowds or guessing where the fish are. Let us show you how simple and enjoyable fishing can be — even if it’s your very first time.


Book your trip today by calling (979) 451-0044 or visiting hookedonfishingllc.com
Serving Brenham, Lake Somerville, and surrounding Central Texas communities.


Four people pose behind a table of freshly caught fish on a dock near water.
November 26, 2025
Plan your next family-friendly fishing trip to Lake Somerville. Discover why it's perfect for kids and first-timers with expert guide tips.
Calm lake reflecting a blue and orange sky, with a distant treeline and buildings.
November 13, 2025
Discover the best months to catch white bass on Lake Somerville. Seasonal tips from a local fishing guide in Brenham, TX.