Ace in the Hole Guide Service

Captain Brent Hopkins operates Ace in the Hole Guide Service out of Rockport, Texas—a full-time professional outfitting business he's owned for 20 years. With over 30 years of experience in saltwater fishing and hunting, Brent guides individuals, families, corporate groups, and tournament fishermen over 300 days per year, which sets him apart from most coastal guides who spend far less time on the water.

Captain Brent operates two different boats depending on conditions and your preference: - 23' Outboard Jet Boat - Standard bay fishing - 22' Panther Airboat - Access to shallow backwaters and marshes

All boats meet US Coast Guard standards, carry USCG-approved life vests, GPS, cellular phone, and medical kit.

He specializes in redfish (red drum) but also targets speckled trout, flounder, black drum, sharks, and sheephead using drift and anchor fishing techniques. His fishing grounds span from San Antonio Bay to Baffin Bay, including Copano, St. Charles, Aransas, Mesquite, Ayers, Carlos, Redfish, Corpus Christi, Nueces, Upper Laguna Madre, and numerous saltwater marshes.

What's Included: - Live bait, tackle, rods, and lures provided - Fish cleaning and packaging - Dry, safe, comfortable ride

What You Bring: - 90-quart cooler (or smaller) with drinks/snacks - Polarized sunglasses - Hat or cap - Valid saltwater fishing license - Boat-appropriate shoes

During summer months with live bait (croaker, piggie perch), you may pay additional bait costs—always disclosed before your trip with no hidden fees.

Duck season hunts (teal and regular duck seasons) feature fast-paced hunting from well-camouflaged blinds on scenic coastal Texas flats. Primary species: pintail, widgeon, teal, redheads, bufflehead, and scaup.

Morning hunts start at legal shooting time and finish by 10:00 AM (or when limits are reached). Afternoon hunts depart around 1:00 PM for those who prefer sleeping in—often limiting out by early afternoon.

What's Included: - Blind and decoys - Transportation to/from blind - Ducks cleaned and packaged

Pricing:

• •Hunt Only:
• •1 hunter (guided): $250
• •2-20 hunters (guided): $200 per gun
• •2-20 hunters (unguided): $150 per gun

• •Cast-n-Blast Combos (Fully Guided):
• •1 person: $500
• •2 persons: $400 each
• •3+ persons: $350 per gun

Hunts run late January through mid-March (after deer season, when conditions cool and game is accustomed to feeders from the closed season). Captain Brent rotates between multiple ranches throughout South Texas brush country and Hill Country (around Austin/San Antonio) to keep hunters on fresh game—ranches vary from 1,000 to 15,000 acres.

Hunts are semi-guided: Brent shows you stand locations and the lay of the land, then lets you hunt independently. He advises on the most promising areas (eliminating guesswork) and personally feeds stand roads every afternoon to draw game from the brush.

Hunt Details: - Rifle and archery stands pre-positioned - Corn feeders filled and maintained - Night hunting allowed - Hunt any weapon except fully automatic - Up to two trophy javelina per hunter - No trophy or hidden fees

What's Included: - Lodging with home comforts (or RV camping free at some ranches) - Corn at bulk pricing - Free tracking of wounded game with lacy dogs - Skinning available for a fee

What You Bring: - Food and drink - Transportation for hunting - Weapon(s) - Corn/attractant costs (typically ~$50 per hunter)

Pricing (per hunter, includes lodging): - 1 day: $250 - 2 days: $500 - 3 days: $600 - 4 days: $800 - 5 days: $1,000

Custom-built 20' Panther airboat sightseeing and fishing tours into backwaters, marshes, and shallow areas unreachable by regular boats. See abundant wildlife—birds, whitetail deer, alligators, fish, and native critters. Perfect for families and photographers.

Pricing: - 2-hour trip (1-5 persons): $400 - Each additional hour: $100

3-day fully guided 1x1 hunts (rifle hunters only) in Encinal, Texas (LaSalle County) in the famed "Golden Triangle" South Texas brush country. Ranches managed for 10+ years produce superior quality whitetail with B&C record book rankings.

B&C Scoring Tiers (call for pricing): - Management Bucks (120-150 B&C) - Trophy Bucks (130-150 B&C) - 141-150 B&C - 150-160 B&C - 161+ B&C

Guided spring turkey hunts available in San Antonio and Hill Country areas. Also offers exotic hunts (axis, black buck, aoudad, sheep, African game, sitka, oryx, etc.). Call for pricing and availability.

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• •US Coast Guard Licensed
• •State of Texas Licensed
• •Adult CPR and First Aid Certified
• •Active member, Coastal Bend Guides Association (former Board of Directors representative)
• •Welcomes children 5+ with parental guidance

"When the cards are down and the bet is called, you have your Ace in the Hole."