FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ's)
Q: What is provided on my trip?
A: I provide the following:
- All equipment (rods, reels, lures, bait, etc.)
- All lifejackets and safety gear
- A professionally maintained boat with a clean, quiet Honda 4-stroke outboard
- Digital photos of your catch, sent by e-mail, within a week of your trip's end
- Transportation to and from your local lodging, if requested
Q: Do you fish year 'round?
A: Yes, we fish 12 months a year. For the cold weather months of Nov. through Feb., I recommend the following dress:
- For your feet: polypropylene sock liners, heavy socks, insulated boots
- For your lower body: 1 or 2 layers of long underwear, pants, windpants
- For your upper body: t-shirt, 2 layers of long underwear with turtleneck, polar fleece top, windshirt, Gore-Tex outer shell with hood
- For your head: Ski cap and neoprene facemask, or balaclava, baseball cap to block sun, sunscreen and chapstick
- For your hands: Thin gloves worn under thicker fingerless gloves, bring extra gloves in case a pair gets wet, mittens for rewarming cold hands.
Q: What should I bring with me on my trip?
A: You should bring the following:
- A current fishing license (see "What about my fishing license?" below)
- Adequate clothing (layering is smart all year round)
- A windbreaker (to keep boat spray off when we travel at high speeds)
- Raingear (if the weatherman indicates)
- A hat (and don't forget to protect your neck, too)
- Sunblock (I use SPF 50)
- Polarized sunglasses
- Snacks
- During cold months bring fingerless gloves, as well as full length gloves which will fit over the fingerless gloves, and a stocking cap
Q: Is live bait available locally should I want to fish on my own?
A:Yes, I recommend you go to Salado Creek Outfitters, located on the west side of IH35 just south of exit 285 in Salado. They have a full selection of live bait including:
- Large Minnows for Bass fishing
- Medium Minnows for Crappie fishing
- Canadian Nightcrawlers (large)
- Belgium Nightcrawler (medium)
- Mealworms
- Frozen Shad
- Chicken Livers
Call 254-947-8239 to check on the availability of Black Salties (black goldfish) for trotlining or hybrids. Store hours are 7am-7pm Mon-Fri and 6am-7pm on Saturday. Minnows can be placed in oxygen bags to stay lively longer and minnow buckets and aerators are available for sale.
Other locations in the Killeen/Harker Heights area offering bait include: - Freddy's Drive In Gas Station; they're located at the corner of FM2410 and Cedar Knob Road. Their number is (254) 698-1210.
- Mickey's Convenience; they're located at the corner of FM2410 and the westbound US HWY 190 frontage road. Their number is (254) 690-1881.
Q: What about a fishing license?
A: Clients 17 and older WILL need a license, but that need not be expensive. Read on ...- Texas residents at least 65 years old, and born on or after Sept. 1, 1930 may purchase an annual license for a reduced price.
- Texas residents younger than 65 may purchase a one-day license for a reduced price.
- A current listing of all license types and costs may be found at http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/publications/annual/general/fish_licenses/
Q: Is there anything of interest for the non-angler to do?
A:
In Salado: Art Galleries, Antiques, Crafts, Women's Fashions, Stagecoach Inn, B&B's galore, Carriage Rides
In Austin: Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Museum, Congress Street Bat Flight, Austin City Limits Tour, LBJ Library, Texas State Capitol Complex, Governor's Mansion, Bob Bullock State History Museum
In Belton: Summer Fun USA Water Park, U. of Mary Hardin Baylor, Bell Co. Museum, 'Cochran Blair & Potts'
In Ft. Hood: 1st Calvary Museum, 4th Infantry Museum, Mayborn Planetarium, Wal-Mart, Restaurant Row
In Round Rock: AAA Baseball Team "Round Rock Express" at Dell Diamond, Innerspace Caverns
In San Marcos: Aquarena Center, Wonder World Cave, Commemorative Air Force
In Waco: Dr. Pepper Museum, Texas Ranger Museum, Cameron Park Zoo, Mayborn Museum, Sports Hall of FameQ: Do you fish in any other lakes?
A: The five lakes I primarily fish are Stillhouse Hollow Reservoir, Belton Lake, Granger Lake, Decker Lake (a.k.a. Walter E. Long Reservoir) and Lake Georgetown. I will gladly consider fishing elsewhere on a case-by-case basis. For example, if you would like me to come to you and teach you to vertical jig or to fish with downriggers on "your lake" with my equipment, we can work such a project out. Obviously, standard rates will not apply.Q: Where may I purchase a fishing license?
A: I strongly suggest that you purchase your license before you travel to the area. Fishing licenses are available at all Wal-Mart stores in Texas. Should advanced purchase not be possible, these local outlets are available. Please attempt to secure your license no later than the night before your trip. We cannot fish without a license, and we stand a chance of missing the early bite on a morning trip if we're not out at first light:- In Belton: Wal-mart, 2604 North Main Street, 254-939-0962
- In Harker Heights: Wal-mart, 2720 Eastbound US Highway 190, 254-542-7600
- In Killeen: Wal-mart, 1400 Lowe's Blvd., 254-526-4102
- In Salado: Salado Creek Outfitters, 518 N. Robertson (I-35 S. frontage road), 254-947-8239
- In Temple: Wal-mart, 3401 South 31st Street, 254-778-9235
- In Temple: Academy, 1407 Marlandwood Rd., 254-742-7350
Q: Do you have any recommendations for local lodging?
A: I have personally met with the proprietors of the establishments listed under the LODGING section and have personally visited their properties (accompanied by my wife, to make sure all considerations feminine were taken into account, too). So, I can say with confidence that you will not be disappointed in staying with any of the fine folks shown there.Holding The Line Guide Service - based in Salado, Texas, in pursuit of the game fish of Texas
White Bass, Largemouth Bass, Hybrid Stripers, Black Bass, Sand Bass, Crappie
Focusing on Stillhouse Hollow Lake, Belton Lake, and Lake Georgetown
Fly fishing and light tackle
FOR RESERVATIONS, 254-368-7411 or Bob@HoldingTheLineGuideService.com© 2006 - 2010 Holding The Line Guide Service, All rights Reserved
