Get ready for a day of fun and learning on the water with our full-day kids' fishing charter on the Trinity River. Captain Milton knows how to keep young anglers engaged and excited, whether they're casting a line for the first time or looking to level up their skills. This trip is all about creating memories, building confidence, and hopefully landing some impressive catches along the way.
Our kid-friendly fishing adventure kicks off bright and early on the banks of the Trinity River. Captain Milton's got a knack for making fishing fun and easy to understand for the little ones. He'll start with the basics - how to bait a hook, cast a line, and reel in a fish. But don't worry, it's not all talk - we'll get those lines in the water quick so the kids can put their new skills to the test.
Throughout the day, we'll cruise to different spots where the fish are biting. The Trinity's got a mix of calm stretches and livelier areas, so there's always something new to see. Captain Milton keeps a close eye on everyone, making sure everyone's safe and having a blast. He's got a ton of patience and loves seeing kids' faces light up when they feel that first tug on the line.
We've got all the gear your young anglers need, sized just right for kids. We use light, easy-to-handle rods that won't tire out little arms. The reels are simple to use, perfect for beginners getting the hang of things. Captain Milton's got a bunch of tried-and-true lures and bait that the local fish can't resist. He'll show the kids how to rig up their lines and pick the right bait for different fish.
Safety's our top priority, so everyone gets a well-fitted life jacket. We've also got plenty of sunscreen, hats, and water on board to keep everyone comfortable in the Texas sun. Don't forget to bring along some snacks to keep energy levels up - fishing can work up an appetite!
The Trinity River's got some real monsters lurking beneath the surface, and alligator gar are the star of the show. These prehistoric-looking fish can grow over 7 feet long and put up one heck of a fight. Kids get a real kick out of seeing these "living fossils" up close. But that's not all - depending on the season, we might also hook into some catfish, bass, or even the occasional striped bass.
Captain Milton knows all the best spots where these fish like to hang out. He'll teach the kids how to read the water, look for signs of fish activity, and pick the right spot to cast. It's not just about catching fish - it's about learning to think like an angler and understanding the river ecosystem.
Alligator gar are the kings of the Trinity River, and they're our main target on this trip. These prehistoric fish have been swimming in Texas waters for millions of years, and they look the part with their long, toothy snouts. Alligator gar can grow huge - the state record is over 300 pounds! We usually catch them in the 3-5 foot range, which is plenty big to get the kids' hearts racing.
Alligator gar are ambush predators, often hanging out in slower-moving parts of the river. They're most active in the warmer months, from late spring through early fall. Kids love fishing for gar because when they bite, they bite hard. It's an exciting fight that even experienced anglers get pumped about. Plus, there's something really cool about catching a fish that looks like it swam straight out of the dinosaur age.
While we're focused on gar, we might also run into some other Trinity River residents. Channel catfish are common and fun to catch - they put up a good fight and can grow to respectable sizes. Largemouth bass are another possibility, especially in the backwaters and around structure. If we're lucky, we might even hook into a striped bass, which can really get the drag singing on the reel.
Our kids' fishing charters on the Trinity are more than just a day out - they're about creating young anglers who'll love the sport for life. We've seen plenty of kids catch their first fish ever on these trips, and let me tell you, there's nothing quite like that moment. The pride on their faces when they reel in a big one all by themselves is priceless.
Parents love these trips too. It's a chance to bond with their kids away from screens and busy schedules. Plus, they often end up learning a thing or two themselves! Captain Milton's got a way of explaining things that makes sense to kids and grown-ups alike. By the end of the day, everyone's got some new fishing know-how under their belt.
The Trinity River itself is a big draw. It's got a wild beauty to it that you don't find just anywhere. Between casts, we often spot wildlife along the banks - herons wading in the shallows, turtles sunning themselves on logs, and if we're lucky, maybe even an alligator or two (from a safe distance, of course). It's like a nature safari and fishing trip rolled into one.
If you're looking for a way to get your kids hooked on fishing and the great outdoors, our full-day Trinity River adventure is the way to go. Captain Milton's got the patience of a saint and the know-how to make sure everyone has a great time, whether they catch the big one or just enjoy a day on the water.
Remember, we can take up to three young anglers per trip, so it's perfect for siblings or a small group of friends. While we don't provide meals, you're welcome to bring along a picnic lunch to enjoy on the boat. And don't worry if your kids have never fished before - by the end of the day, they'll be casting like pros.
Spots fill up fast, especially during school breaks and summer weekends. So if you're thinking about giving your kids an adventure they'll be talking about for years to come, don't wait to book. Get in touch with us at Xtreme Trophy Fishing, and let's get your young anglers out on the Trinity for a day of fishing they'll never forget!
The Alligator Gar resembles its namesake, the alligator. With long bodies and a jawline full of sharp teeth, they look like the tenacious alligator but actually are fairly passive when it comes to humans. The Alligator Gar is one of the largest freshwater fish in North America and the largest in the gar family. Their prehistoric look gives them their accurate nickname ‘primitive fish,’ since they keep certain characteristics of their earliest ancestors.
The Alligator Gar is a ray-finned euryhaline fish that typically reaches around 4 - 6 feet in length and around 100 -160 pounds. They have elongated snouts with a lining of razor-sharp teeth. These fish are typically brown or olive-colored while fading to a gray or yellow on their stomach. Unlike other fish, Alligator Gar have rhomboid ganoid scales that resemble bones, kind of like dinosaurs. Ganoid scales are incredibly strong armor, giving them an advantage in their defense against predators.
The alligator gar has a similar digestive system to sharks, leveraging a spiral valve intestine, a more ancient fish characteristic before years of evolution.
Alligator Gar can breathe in water as well as above water, allowing them to prey on anything from small fish to even birds, small mammals, and reptiles above the water.
Over the years, the Alligator Gar’s habitat has diminished due to habitat destruction, segregation, and unrestricted harvests. Today, they primarily reside in the southern portions of the United States. They are typically found inshore of lakes, rivers, bayous, and backwaters in the states of Mississippi, Florida, Texas, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. While there have been reports of Alligator Gar as far north as Nebraska, those are rare and have not been confirmed in quite some time.
Catching an Alligator Gar ain't easy. There are a variety of techniques and methods to catch one. Methods include legal bow fishing, rod-and-reel, and passive gear such as juglines, limblines, and trotlines. Bowfishing is regulated as a lethal method to catch these fish in most states, however, once a gar is shot with an arrow, it cannot be released.
Even though the Gar spawns in brackish waters in spring, the best time for hunting them is in late summer in hot and dry weather. They can be found in deep river bends adjacent to shallow pools.
The best bait to use is common carp, smallmouth buffalo, gizzard shad, and mullet and shiners. Rig them on a 5/0 to 6/0 treble hook tied 6 inches below a bright-colored 4-inch in diameter bobber.
It is illegal to keep an Alligator Gar.
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