Trinity University

College Ambassador: Sean Spencer

Species

Largemouth Bass: One of the biggest predators in the area. You can catch them in urban creeks and neighborhood ponds. They tend to start bedding in late February or early March, which is the best time to target them. They can be caught year-round, but spring and summer are the best times. Catch them on streamers, craw imitations, wooly buggers… you name it; a bass will eat it!

Cichlid: You can catch them in urban creeks and ponds, but mainly creeks. They start bedding shortly after bass do so look to catch them best in April and May. Use a wooly bugger or a small fly in olive color and that should get the job done. 

Sunfish: Sunfish are one of the prettiest fish in the San Antonio area, particularly the long-ear sunfish. Catch them on a small wooly bugger or nymph in spring and summer. 

Redfish: While not native to San Antonio or any body of freshwater, freshwater redfish can be caught in Calaveras and Braunig lakes. These fish cannot breed, but they can be caught! The lakes are stocked yearly and are a perfect spot if you have the itch to catch some big ole reds and don’t want to drive three hours to the coast. When time permits, I go down to the coast quite often, and redfish are at the top of my favorite fish list. 

Accessibility

Brackenridge Park: This is one of my favorite spots. It is a few miles north of downtown San Antonio, about a 3-minute drive from Trinity University, and is home to some monster bass and cichlids. If you go on the weekends, you will likely find many families grilling, fishing, and relaxing. Fish under the waterfall for a few big bass, but continue walking downstream, where you will find some bass that aren’t fished often because the spots are more challenging to reach.

Calaveras Lake: Launch at Calaveras Lake Boat Ramp and fish with soft plastics, crankbaits, or, if they aren't biting, frozen shrimp from Walmart.

Seadrift: About a two and a half hour drive from San Antonio, but well worth it if you want to get on some bank bullies. Launch at Charlie’s Bait Camp, and you can cross the bay or stay on the bayside. Use small shrimp flies, soft plastics, or gold spoons to get on redfish. Catch trout on the bayside at 3-5 feet depth with a soft plastic.

Community 

I attend a small liberal arts college with about 2800 other students in San Antonio. While I haven’t met many people at school who fish, I have had the opportunity to meet lots of local fishermen each time I go out. Despite San Antonio not being a huge fishing destination, the local community of fishermen is very kind and knowledgeable. Whenever I go to Brackenridge, one of the major parks in the city, I always leave having caught large bass and new friendships. 

Hangouts/Shops

Tacklebox outfitters: This is one of the only fly shops in San Antonio, and it is excellent. They have a good selection of flies, rods and reels, apparel, and anything else you could possibly need. They are friendly and knowledgeable. I go there whenever I have time.