Tips for Fishing a Private Stocked Lake During Your RV Stay

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There's something special about walking a few steps from your RV and casting a line. No boat ramp, no long drive, no crowded pier. Just you, a rod and the water.

If you're staying at an RV park with a private stocked lake, you're in for some easy, relaxing fishing. Here are some simple tips to help you catch more fish, mainly catfish, and have more fun doing it.

Start With Simple Gear

You don't need fancy tackle to fish a stocked lake. A basic setup will handle most of what you'll catch.

• Rod and reel. A medium-power spinning or casting rod around 6 to 7 feet long works well.
• Line. Fresh monofilament in the 10- to 20-pound range is a good all-around choice for catfish.
• Hooks. Circle hooks are great for catfish. They tend to hook the fish in the corner of the mouth, which makes release easier.
• Weights and bobbers. Bring a few egg sinkers, split shot and a couple of bobbers.
• Extras. Needle-nose pliers, a rag, a rod holder and a comfy chair.

Spool on new line before your trip. Old line gets weak and brittle, and it's no fun losing a big fish to a snapped line.

Pick the Right Bait for Catfish

Catfish find food mostly by smell and taste. That means smelly baits often work best. Here are some reliable choices.

• Nightcrawlers. Easy to find, easy to use, and most fish will eat them.
• Chicken liver. A classic. Toughen it up by letting it sit in the sun for a bit, or wrap it with a little thread so it stays on the hook.
• Prepared catfish bait. Dough baits and dip baits are made for this. They're messy, but they work.
• Hot dogs or shrimp. Cheap, simple and often surprisingly good.

If one bait isn't working after 20 or 30 minutes, switch it up. Fish can be picky from one day to the next.

Use an Easy Rig That Works

Two simple rigs will cover most of your fishing.

The slip sinker rig

Thread an egg sinker onto your line, then tie on a swivel. Add a short leader of line about 12 to 18 inches long, then tie on your hook. The sinker holds your bait on the bottom, where catfish like to feed. When a fish bites, the line slides through the sinker so the fish doesn't feel much weight.

The bobber rig

Clip a bobber a few feet above your hook and add a split shot below it. This keeps your bait off the bottom. It's a fun setup for kids since they can watch the bobber dip when a fish bites. You may pick up other kinds of fish this way too.

Fish at the Right Time and Place

Timing matters, especially on hot Texas days.

• Early morning and evening are often the best times. The water is cooler, and fish are more active.
• Cloudy days can be great all day long.
• After a light rain, fish often start feeding.
• In the heat of summer, fish may move to deeper or shadier water in the middle of the day.

Look for spots with some structure, like a drop-off, a shady bank or an area where the wind pushes water in. Fish like places where food gathers. If you're not getting bites, move a little and try again.

Be a Good Neighbor on the Lake

A private lake is shared by everyone staying in the park. A few simple habits keep it nice for all.

• Check the rules first. Ask the office about any lake rules, including what you can keep and whether catch and release is required.
• Give others space. Don't cast over someone else's line or set up right next to them.
• Pack out your trash. Old line, bait cups and hooks can hurt birds and other wildlife.
• Watch your backcast. Look behind you before you cast, especially near walkways.

If you release a fish, wet your hands first and keep it in the water as much as you can. Use pliers to back the hook out gently, then let the fish swim away on its own.

Cast a Line at Texas Lakeside RV Resort

At Texas Lakeside RV Resort in Port Lavaca, our private stocked fishing lake is right on site. Guests catch catfish and other fish without ever leaving the park. Pick a waterfront or deluxe waterfront site, and the water is just steps from your door.

After fishing, relax in the pool or hot tub, or fire up the grill at one of our picnic pavilions. If you want to try the bay too, Port Lavaca's causeway fishing pier and Lavaca Bay are close by.

Ready to fish? See our rates for daily, weekly and monthly stays or contact us to book a waterfront site. You can also call (361) 551-2267. We'll save you a spot by the water.