Ready for a day of non-stop fishing action? Rodney's Guide Service has you covered with our full-day lake adventure. We're talking 6 solid hours on the water, starting bright and early at 7 AM. This private trip is perfect for two anglers looking to dive deep into lake fishing techniques and catch some serious fish. At $600, you're getting personalized attention from Captain Mathew, who knows these waters like the back of his hand. Whether you're after stripers, cats, or the elusive paddlefish, we've got the gear and know-how to put you on the fish.
When you step onto our boat, you're in for a treat. We're not just talking about casting a line and hoping for the best. Captain Mathew is all about the live bait technique – it's a game-changer out here. He'll show you the ropes, literally, helping you get comfortable with the gear and teaching you how to feel for those subtle bites. The lake can be like glass in the early morning, perfect for spotting surface action. As the day heats up, we'll switch tactics, maybe dropping lines deeper or trolling along structure. It's all about adapting to what the fish are doing, and that's where having a pro guide really pays off.
Forget about lugging your own tackle box – we've got you covered from rod to reel. Our setup is dialed in for the species we're after, whether it's light tackle for white bass or heavier gear for those bruiser catfish. Live bait is the name of the game here. We're talking about threading live shad onto hooks or using cut bait for the cats. It's a hands-on experience, so be ready to get a little messy. Don't worry if you're new to this; Captain Mathew will walk you through everything from tying knots to setting the hook when a big one hits. And trust me, when a striper slams your bait, you'll be glad you've got an expert on board to help you land it.
Striped Bass are the rockstars of our lake. These hard-fighting fish can grow to impressive sizes, with some real trophies lurking in the deeper holes. They're known for their powerful runs and tendency to school up, so when you find them, the action can be fast and furious. Spring and fall are prime times for stripers, but we can target them year-round with the right approach. There's nothing quite like the adrenaline rush of a big striper peeling line off your reel.
Catfish, especially the blue cats, are the heavyweight champions of our waters. These whisker-faced giants can tip the scales at over 50 pounds, and they put up a fight that'll have your arms burning. We typically target cats in the warmer months, using stink baits or cut bait to tempt these bottom-dwellers. The best part? They're excellent eating if you decide to keep a few for the frying pan.
White Bass might be smaller than their striped cousins, but what they lack in size, they make up for in numbers. When these fish are running, it's not uncommon to catch them one after another. They're perfect for anglers who want constant action and are a blast on light tackle. Look for white bass to start schooling up in the spring, chasing bait to the surface in spectacular feeding frenzies.
Hybrid Striped Bass, or "wipers" as we call them, are a man-made cross between white bass and stripers. They've got the best of both worlds – the aggressive feeding habits of white bass with the size and strength of stripers. These fish are like little footballs with fins, and they fight like crazy. Targeting hybrids is a year-round possibility, but they really turn on during the warmer months.
Paddlefish are the oddball species of our lake, and they're a real treat to catch. With their long, paddle-shaped snouts and prehistoric looks, hooking one of these is like stepping back in time. Paddlefish are filter feeders, so we use special snagging techniques to catch them during their spring spawning run. It's a unique fishing experience that you won't find just anywhere.
Our full-day trips aren't just about filling the cooler – though we'll do our best to make that happen. It's about soaking in the whole experience. You'll learn new techniques, hear some tall tales (and true stories) from Captain Mathew, and hopefully create some fishing memories that'll last a lifetime. Plus, with our flexible cancellation policy, you can book with confidence. Just remember, that deposit is non-refundable, so make sure you're good to go before you pull the trigger.
If you're itching to get out on the water and tangle with some hard-fighting lake fish, don't wait. Our calendar fills up fast, especially during peak seasons. This 6-hour trip is the perfect way to spend a day, whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet in the fishing world. Remember, we're limited to two guests per trip, so it's an exclusive experience. Grab a buddy, clear your schedule, and let's make some waves. Give Rodney's Guide Service a call today, and let's get you hooked up with some of the best fishing action our lake has to offer. Trust me, once you feel that first big hit, you'll be planning your next trip before we even get back to the dock.
Striped bass are real heavyweights, often hitting 20-40 pounds with some monsters topping 70. You'll find these guys hanging around structures like reefs and drop-offs, usually within a stone's throw of the shoreline. They love moving water, so focus on areas with good current. Spring and fall are prime time as the stripers migrate, but you can catch 'em year-round if you know where to look. Anglers love stripers for their powerful fights and excellent eating – their meat is sweet and flaky. To boost your chances, try fishing at dawn or dusk when they're most active near the surface. Live bait like herring or menhaden is tough to beat, but if you're throwing lures, go with something that mimics their natural prey. One local trick: look for diving birds – they'll often lead you right to a school of feeding stripers.
Blue catfish are the giants of the catfish world, with some real monsters pushing past 100 pounds. You'll find them in deep holes and channels in lakes and larger rivers. They're bottom feeders but will sometimes suspend in the water column chasing bait. Summer and early fall are prime seasons when they're most active. Anglers love blue cats for the sheer thrill of hooking into something so massive – it's like trying to reel in a Volkswagen. They're also excellent eating, with firm, white meat. To target the big ones, use fresh cut bait like shad or herring. Let it sit on the bottom and be patient – when a blue cat hits, you'll know it. Here's a local trick: try fishing at night using glow sticks on your rod tips. The blues often feed more aggressively after dark, and you'll see those tips start dancing when you get a bite.
White bass are scrappy little fighters, usually running 10-12 inches but sometimes stretching to 18. You'll find them in big rivers, reservoirs, and even some creeks. They're schooling fish, so when you find one, you've likely found a bunch. Spring is prime time as they make their spawning runs upstream. Anglers love white bass for their aggressive strikes and the fast action they provide – when they're biting, it's non-stop fun. They're also mighty tasty on the dinner plate. To get into a good school, keep an eye out for surface activity, especially in the early morning or late evening. Small spinners or jigs work great, but live minnows are hard to beat. Here's a tip: if you see them chasing bait on the surface, cast beyond the school and retrieve through it – they'll often hit as soon as your lure enters the frenzy.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 5
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 40
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 150