Known as "Bassquatch," Captain Ander is an outstanding bass fishing guide based in Texas who ensures you not only catch plenty of fish but also enjoy every moment on the water. Originally from San Francisco, he developed his fishing skills in California and Utah before relocating to Texas with his wife over a decade ago. They have embraced life—and fishing—in the greater Austin region wholeheartedly.
With more than two decades of tournament fishing experience and a decade guiding anglers of all skill levels, Captain Ander possesses an extensive knowledge base. He’s always eager to share helpful tips and strategies to help improve your fishing game. Discover the excitement of Texas bass fishing on a trip tailored to your preferred start location.
Guests often praise their trips with Ander, highlighting his deep knowledge of prime fishing spots and proven techniques. Many leave with memorable catches and have even gone home enjoying meals prepared from their fresh catches, seasoned with their favorite spices and butter. Whether you’re seeking a fun day on the water or aiming to sharpen your skills, Captain Ander is a highly recommended guide who brings professionalism and expertise to every outing.
You may cancel your booking up to three days prior to the trip and receive a full credit to your account. If you cancel within three days of the trip, your deposit will be non-refundable and given to the guide. Cancellations on the day of the trip or failure to show up will result in the full trip cost being charged to your payment method.
Please wear clothing suited to the season. Mornings on the water can be much colder than expected, so don’t underestimate the chill. Be sure to check the hourly weather forecast to track temperatures throughout our trip. If your visit to Austin is between October and March, it’s wise to bring some heavy winter gear just in case. Although rare, temperatures can sometimes drop into the 30s during October and March.
Bring rain gear if the forecast calls for it, as well as sunglasses—polarized lenses are preferable if possible. Consider packing food and snacks, a camera, sunscreen, and insect repellent. I will provide plenty of cold bottled water for everyone. All necessary equipment is included in the rate.
This trip includes three consecutive days of fishing, with each day offering 8 hours on O.H. Ivie Lake. The trips accommodate only 1-2 passengers, ensuring a personalized experience. All fishing tackle is provided and included in the trip fee; however, food and lodging are not covered. While lodging isn’t provided, recommendations for nearby accommodations are available upon request.
O.H. Ivie Lake is situated on the Colorado and Concho Rivers, spanning Concho, Coleman, and Runnels counties, about 55 miles east of San Angelo. The lake covers 19,149 acres and reaches depths up to 119 feet. Its water levels typically fluctuate between 6 to 10 feet annually. As one of Texas’s more recent reservoirs, impounded in 1990, O.H. Ivie features a classic Texas lake environment, rich with flooded brush, standing timber, and diverse aquatic vegetation.
The water is generally clear in the main lake and Concho arm but tends to be murkier in the Colorado arm. The lake’s primary cover consists of standing timber left intact when the area was flooded. Thousands of acres of submerged trees and brush provide excellent habitat throughout the lake. In addition, various native aquatic plants and hydrilla grow around the lake. Structurally, rock formations dominate the main body, while mud flats appear farther up the river arms.
Recently, O.H. Ivie has garnered a reputation as a top destination for anglers targeting trophy bass, especially those weighing over 13 pounds. Most big bass are caught during the winter months, aligning with the season when trips are offered. Because of this, information on fishing at other times of the year is limited. It’s important to note that landing a 13-plus pound bass is a challenge—only highly skilled anglers dedicating multiple days to locating that one big bite typically succeed.
For those looking to enjoy a more traditional bass fishing experience, O.H. Ivie also offers solid opportunities. While catching a giant 13-plus pound bass on conventional methods is less likely, anglers have a good chance of hooking large bass in the 8 to 11-pound range, along with consistent numbers of smaller bass for an enjoyable day on the water.
