Morning Striper Fishing with Guide Mark
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Morning charter targeting striped bass with Guide MarkMultiple species including white bass, largemouth, and catfishSmall group experience for up to 3 guests
There's nothing quite like watching the sunrise paint Lake Texoma's surface while you're already working your lines for hungry stripers. Guide Mark knows these waters like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious fish during the prime morning bite. This isn't just another fishing trip – it's your chance to experience what makes Texoma one of the top-rated striper destinations in the country. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, Mark's got the local knowledge and patience to make sure you leave with stories worth telling.
Your morning starts early – and trust me, it's worth every minute of lost sleep. We're talking about the golden hours when stripers are actively feeding near the surface, creating those heart-stopping topwater explosions that make grown anglers grin like kids on Christmas morning. Mark keeps his groups small at just three guests, so you're not fighting for elbow room or waiting around for your turn at the hot spots. The boat's rigged with quality gear, but feel free to bring your own if you've got favorites. We'll be targeting multiple species throughout the trip, so expect to switch up techniques as we read the water and follow the fish. Don't worry about bringing snacks – this trip focuses purely on fishing time, letting you grab breakfast afterward while swapping stories about the one that didn't get away.
Mark's approach changes with the conditions, but you can count on learning proven methods that work consistently on Texoma. Early morning often means topwater action with poppers and spoons when the stripers are busting baitfish near the surface. As the sun climbs higher, we'll likely switch to trolling with umbrella rigs or working deeper structure with jigs and live bait. The beauty of fishing with an experienced guide is watching how he reads the electronics, interprets bird activity, and positions the boat to give you the best shot at landing fish. You'll pick up local tricks like identifying the thermocline during summer months or finding those wind-blown points where white bass stack up. Mark provides all the terminal tackle and knows exactly which colors and sizes produce when others are struggling.
Striped Bass are the main attraction here, and for good reason. These silver rockets can stretch the tape anywhere from 18 to 30-plus inches, with some true giants lurking in Texoma's depths. They're most active during cooler parts of the day, making our morning departure perfect timing. When a striper hits, you'll know it – they make blistering runs and jump like they're auditioning for a fishing show. The fight alone makes them a customer favorite, but they're also fantastic table fare when prepared right.
White Bass might be smaller than their striped cousins, but they make up for size with sheer numbers and aggressive attitudes. These scrappy fighters often school up in massive groups, creating non-stop action that'll wear out your arms in the best possible way. They typically run 12 to 16 inches and hit just about anything you throw at them when you find an active school. Spring and fall are peak times, but Texoma's white bass bite stays strong most of the year.
Largemouth Bass add a different flavor to the mix, especially around structure and cover. These ambush predators love to lurk near submerged timber, rocky points, and creek channels. They're notorious for their explosive strikes and aerial acrobatics, making every hookup a mini-battle. Texoma's largemouth population includes some real slabs, with fish over five pounds always a possibility.
Channel Catfish and Blue Catfish round out the diverse fishery, offering excellent opportunities for anglers who enjoy a good tug-of-war. Channels typically run 2 to 8 pounds and are renowned for their excellent eating quality. Blues can get much larger – we're talking potential 20-pounders that'll test your drag system. Both species bite year-round, making them reliable backup options when other fish get finicky.
Guide Mark's morning striper trips fill up fast, especially during peak seasons when the bite is red-hot. With only three spots available per trip, you're getting personalized attention that bigger operations simply can't match. This world-class fishery deserves an experienced guide who knows where to find fish when conditions change, and Mark's track record speaks for itself. Whether you're looking to land your first striper or add to an already impressive fishing resume, this trending Lake Texoma experience delivers the goods. Don't let another season pass without experiencing what many consider the best fishing trip on these waters – reserve your spot and get ready for some serious action on one of Texas and Oklahoma's premier fisheries.
Ictalurus FurcatusBlue catfish are the heavyweights of Texoma's catfish clan, often hitting 15-40 pounds with some true giants lurking in the depths. These slate-blue bruisers patrol deep channels and creek mouths, especially areas with current and structure. They're active year-round but summer nights can be lights-out good. What draws anglers is the chance at a true trophy fish that'll give you a workout - these things are pure muscle. The meat quality is outstanding too, firm and mild-flavored. They're opportunistic feeders that'll hit cut bait, live shad, or even catch fish falling from striper schools above them. Here's my trick: find feeding stripers and drop fresh-cut shad to the bottom below them. Blues often follow stripers to pick up the scraps, and that's when you'll hook into a real submarine.
Ictalurus PunctatusChannel cats are tough fighters that'll test your drag system. These whiskered bottom-dwellers typically run 2-8 pounds in Texoma, with some reaching 15-plus pounds. They patrol creek channels, mud flats, and areas with cover like fallen timber, staying active year-round but feeding best in warmer months. What makes them fun is their strong, bulldogging fight and they're some of the finest eating fish you'll find - sweet, flaky meat that fries up perfect. They use those barbels to taste their way to stinky baits like cut shad, chicken liver, or prepared stinkbaits. My go-to technique: anchor over a creek channel in 20-30 feet and put fresh-cut shad on the bottom. Use a slip sinker rig so they don't feel resistance when they pick it up. Patience pays off with these guys.
Micropterus SalmoidesLargemouth bass are Lake Texoma's classic gamefish, running 12-24 inches and weighing 1-4 pounds on average. These green-backed fighters love shallow, weedy areas and hang around structure like fallen trees, docks, and creek channels. Spring through fall are prime time when they're active in 5-15 feet of water. What makes them special is that famous big mouth and the way they'll smash topwater lures at dawn - plus they jump and fight hard once hooked. The meat's decent eating if you keep a few smaller ones from clean water. My local tip: throw a Texas-rigged worm along those submerged timber lines early morning. Let it sink slow and feel for that subtle tick - that's usually your bass picking it up.
Morone SaxatilisStriped bass are Texoma's marquee fish and the reason most folks book trips with me. These silver bruisers with dark horizontal stripes average 5-15 pounds but can push 20-plus. They're structure-oriented, holding around submerged humps, creek channels, and points in 15-40 feet of water. Early morning and evening are prime time, especially spring through fall when they're actively feeding. What makes stripers special is their raw power - they'll peel drag and make long runs that get your heart pumping. Plus they're fantastic eating with firm, white meat. They school up chasing shad, so when you find them, it's game on. Pro tip: watch your electronics for baitfish clouds and work live shad or large spoons just above them. When stripers are feeding, you'll see the shad getting nervous on the graph.
Morone ChrysopsWhite bass are schooling fish that make for fast action when you find them. These silver-sided fighters typically run 10-14 inches and pack a surprising punch for their size. They roam open water but love creek channels, points, and areas with current flow. Spring and fall are peak times when they chase shad near the surface - look for birds diving. What guests love is the nonstop action once you locate a school, plus they're some of the best eating fish in the lake with sweet, flaky meat. They hit small jigs, spinners, and live minnows hard. Here's the key: when you catch one, don't move the boat. Mark that spot and keep fishing because where there's one white bass, there's usually a whole school waiting underneath.
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