Family Bass Fishing Lake Livingston Big Dawg

Family Bass Fishing Trip on Lake Livingston

Captain Scott Pierce knows how to make a family fishing day work for everyone. His 6-8 hour adventure on Lake Livingston packs bass fishing, swimming, and water sports into one perfect day that keeps kids engaged and parents happy. You'll start early when the bass are biting, then shift gears to tubing and knee boarding once the morning bite winds down. It's the kind of trip where everyone finds their groove, whether they're 8 or 80 years old.

What to Expect on the Water

Your day kicks off at 6 AM when Lake Livingston is glass-smooth and the bass are actively feeding. Captain Scott runs a relaxed operation that welcomes unlimited family members, though the boat comfortably handles up to 8 guests. The morning hours from 6-10 AM focus on bass fishing, giving everyone a chance to work different techniques and spots around the lake's structure. After 10 AM, the vibe shifts completely – out come the tubes, knee boards, and swimming gear. Captain Scott provides canopies for shade and comfortable chairs, but you'll want to pack your own food, drinks, and any cooking supplies if you plan to grill lunch on the water. The setup works perfectly for families because there's no pressure to fish all day if the kids get antsy, and the adults who want to keep casting can do so while others swim nearby. If Lake Livingston isn't calling your name, Captain Scott can also run trips on Lake Nacogdoches or other East Texas waters for an additional $450.

Techniques and Tackle

Lake Livingston's bass respond well to a mix of techniques depending on the season and conditions. Captain Scott typically starts the morning working topwater baits around timber and grass lines, especially during the warmer months when bass are shallow and aggressive at dawn. As the sun climbs higher, you'll likely shift to soft plastics and crankbaits, targeting deeper structure like creek channels and submerged timber. The lake's varied bottom composition – from sandy flats to rocky points – means you'll get to try different approaches throughout the morning. Captain Scott provides all the tackle and gear, but he's always happy to let experienced anglers bring their favorite rods if they prefer. The key on Livingston is reading the water temperature and adjusting techniques accordingly. Summer mornings might call for buzzbaits and spooks, while cooler weather often means slowing down with jigs and worms around deeper cover.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Smallmouth bass are the stars of this show, and Lake Livingston holds some quality fish that'll put up a serious fight. These bronze-backed fighters are known for their aerial displays and stubborn runs, making them a favorite target for anglers of all skill levels. Smallmouth in Livingston typically run 12-16 inches, with plenty of keeper-sized fish and the occasional 3-4 pounder to keep things interesting. Spring and fall offer the most consistent action, when smallmouth move shallow to feed aggressively before and after the spawn. During summer months, early morning provides the best shot at connecting with active fish before they retreat to deeper, cooler water. What makes smallmouth so appealing for family trips is their willingness to hit a variety of baits – kids can catch them on simple worms, while adults can target them with more technical presentations. The fight-to-size ratio is unmatched, and even a 14-inch smallmouth will make your drag sing and get everyone on the boat excited.

Time to Book Your Spot

This family-friendly format hits the sweet spot for multi-generational groups looking to spend quality time on East Texas waters. Captain Scott's approach takes the pressure off by combining serious fishing with recreational water activities, so no one feels locked into one activity all day. The unlimited family member policy means grandparents, parents, and kids can all join without worrying about extra charges, and the 6-8 hour timeframe gives everyone plenty of opportunities to catch fish, cool off in the lake, and enjoy a full day outdoors. Whether you're introducing kids to bass fishing or just want a relaxed day where fishing and fun blend seamlessly, this trip delivers the kind of memories that keep families coming back to the water. Give Captain Scott a call to check availability and lock in your date – prime family fishing times fill up quickly, especially during school breaks and holiday weekends.