Austinfishingguide.com Fishing Guide Service bio

Hi, my name is David Townsend and I am a professional fishing guide in Central Texas. I’ve been fishing in Austin-area lakes for over 25 years. My passion for the outdoors started when I was a child. My father, Ollie Townsend, is a well-documented duck decoy carver, collector, and bird hunter. My father began taking me hunting and fishing at a very young age. While I shared his passion for bird hunting, it is only available during limited times of the year and, well, you can fish Year-Round! As I got older, when the cold weather and bird-hunting season arrived, I would still go hunting now and then. However, while I was hunting, all I could think, “What am I doing? I could be catching a Giant Bass right now!”

Surprisingly, (or not) I gave up hunting altogether. I spent the next ten years learning how to perfect my fishing techniques and become the best fisherman I could be, although fishing was just my “hobby” and not yet my profession. I watched every worthwhile fishing show and teaching video available. My greatest teacher came from the extensive notes that I took from every fishing trip. I maintained journals (prior to the days before blogging became popular!) analyzing every variable from every trip; such as barometric pressure, wind speed and direction, water clarity, water and air temperature, clouds, etc.

Asking myself, “How do these variables affect the fish and under these conditions, which lures work best, i.e., type, color, size, speed of presentation?” I broke each lake down into three parts, trying to figure out which part of each lake was best by season. I always fished different patterns and depths on every trip, even if one pattern was working great, just to see what else would work.

This learning process has taken half a lifetime, and it continues today. I tell people that fishing is like playing Chess. It requires a lot of strategy, awareness, adjustments, and execution. Everyone can play Chess, but not everyone is really good at it.

I would love to share my knowledge of local lakes and fishing techniques with you. I have modern and results-driven fishing tackle and equipment to share with you, as well as a beautiful, late-model Nitro bass boat with plenty of fishing space and a modern fish-finding electronics. My trips can be tailored to

anyone ranging from children to experienced fishermen; half-days, either morning or evening; full days; and your choice of the lake you prefer to fish. Alternately, I can recommend the lake that would offer the best fishing for the time you prefer. 

Thank you for your time and consideration and I look forward to hearing from you.

Fishing Charters faq's

What to bring?

Hat, Sunscreen, Drinks (an ice chest is provided).

Valid TX fishing license and I.D.; any

fishing equipment you’d like to use. Don’t worry! If you don’t have any fishing equipment, I have plenty to share!

Where are we fishing?

Trips are not limited to these lakes. However, these are the area lakes with which I have the most fishing guide experience.

Lake Austin

Lake Travis

Lake Bastrop

Lake Belton

Lake LBJ

Lake Buchanan

Decker Lake (Walter E. Long)

Fayette County

Charter Fishing Rates

4 hours: $350

6 hours: $425

8 hours: $500

*Additional $50 charge for 3 adults*

I offer discounts for current/former military, and first responders