I have a 12 ft john boat and trolling motor. Next tuesday I was looking to go launch at 99 bridge by choke canyon. I was looking to either fish for crappie or catfish or both. I am headed down from san antonio. Any tips or info would be helpful. And is there any bait shops open on my way down there for minnows.
Thanks in advance

You'll be fine with a jon boat in the river. The only bait shop is off of hwy 72 near the South shore boat ramp (three rivers) so you might wanna come into town then head to 99.

Ty

My dad and nephew have been doing just that the last few weeks.

Caught a 4lb cat today and multiple small ones. As well as several crappie and a few drum.

Good luck.

sb

Gonna have to make a big circle just for minnows.

https://www.budsbaitandtackle.com/

Do you still have to pay to launch or is it free?

yes the launch fee is $5 per person

Should have asked this also but is there a pay here thing or do you have to drive to Calihan?

Drop box in the back of the parking lot

Not now, you have to pay online or drive alllllllll the way to Calliham! New corona rules and they are writing tickets to non-payers.

ALERT: April 1, 2020

For all Texas State Parks

You must now purchase a "Save the Day" pass online and print before you visit. Once the passes for that location are sold out for the day no more will be sold.

Here is the link:

https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/

Debra

As an alternative, if you are having trouble finding minnows, you can get some comet goldfish at petsmart or petco; unless those stores are closed in TX or TPWD has changed the regulations for using goldfish as bait. In years gone by I caught many crappie, gaspers and bass out of choke and lake cc on goldies. Catfish, especially flatties, really love them; have caught many more cats on goldies than regular minnows though for me they don't out-catch sunfish. Just a thought. Good luck.

Is Choke open for boaters still? Im seeing the park, along with all other State parks, are closed as of 4/7/20. There is a note on the website that indicates Masons Point ramp is still open??

Don’t waste your time, parking lot was full and the McMullen co sheriffs office was talking about closing the ramp because so many people were going there. You will not have a place to park, i absolutely guarantee it.



And nobody buy fish at a pet shop and transport them to the lake! That’s how exotic species get introduced.

Bang your head all you want, unless tpwd has changed the rules, goldfish are legal bait. People releasing pacu, snakeheads, cichlids, etc are a completely different story.