Family Fishing Charter on Lake of the Ozarks
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Familyfriendly 5hour morning charter with expert guide Jordan LeerAll fishing gear and bait provided for Channel Catfish targetingIntimate 2guest capacity ensures personalized instruction and attention
Looking for a morning on the water that the whole family can enjoy? Guide Jordan Leer knows how to make fishing fun for everyone, from excited kids getting their first bite to parents who want to relax and actually catch something. This 5-hour family fishing charter on Lake of the Ozarks is built around small groups—just you and one other family member—so everyone gets the attention they need to succeed on the water.
Jordan keeps things simple and stress-free, which is exactly what family fishing should be. You'll start early when the fish are most active, heading to protected coves and shallow areas where the action stays steady without big boat traffic to worry about. The setups are straightforward—no complicated rigs or advanced techniques required. Jordan handles all the prep work, from rigging lines to choosing the right bait for the conditions, so you can focus on enjoying time with your family. The boat stays in calmer sections of the lake where everyone feels comfortable, and there's always a backup plan if the fish aren't cooperating in one spot. All your tackle, bait, and gear come included, so just pack some drinks, snacks, and sunscreen for the morning.
Jordan uses proven setups that work well for beginners but still catch fish consistently. You'll likely be working with live bait rigs—minnows, worms, and cut bait depending on what the fish want that day. The tackle is sized right for the species you're targeting, heavy enough to handle bigger fish but not so heavy that smaller catches feel like dead weight. Most of the fishing happens in 10-20 feet of water around structure like fallen trees, rock piles, and drop-offs where fish naturally gather. Jordan knows the lake's seasonal patterns, so he'll position you where the fish are feeding rather than just hoping they show up. The boat is equipped with fish finders and all the essentials, but the real advantage is Jordan's local knowledge—he's been working these waters long enough to read conditions and adjust tactics on the fly.
Crappie are the bread and butter of family fishing trips on Lake of the Ozarks. These schooling fish hit consistently when you find them, and they're perfect for kids because they fight just enough to be exciting without being overwhelming. Spring and fall offer the best crappie action, when they move into shallow cover to spawn or feed heavily before winter. Most crappie here run 10-14 inches, with some bigger slabs mixed in if you're lucky. They're excellent eating fish, and Jordan can help you keep a mess for dinner if that's part of your plan.
White Bass provide some of the most reliable action on the lake, especially during their spring spawning runs when they stack up in huge schools. These fish are aggressive feeders that often hit live minnows or small jigs with authority. They typically run 12-16 inches and put up a solid fight for their size. Kids love white bass because they're active fish that often bite in quick succession once you locate a school. They're also forgiving—not too picky about presentation, which means more hookups for beginning anglers.
Striped Bass are the prize catch that can turn a good day into a great one. Lake of the Ozarks holds healthy populations of both pure stripers and hybrids, with fish ranging from schooling 3-5 pounders up to genuine trophy fish over 20 pounds. These fish are most active during low-light periods and cooler months, making early morning charters prime time for encountering them. When a striper hits, everyone on the boat knows it—they're powerful fish that make long runs and test your drag system. Even smaller stripers provide exciting fights that create lasting memories for family fishing trips.
Blue Catfish round out the target species list with their dependable nature and impressive size potential. Lake of the Ozarks blues average 5-15 pounds, but much larger fish cruise these waters for anglers willing to target them specifically. These fish bite year-round and aren't as weather-dependent as some species, making them perfect backup options when conditions aren't ideal for other fish. Blues hit cut bait, live bait, and even artificial lures, and they're known for their bulldogging fights that keep steady pressure on your rod. They're also excellent table fare, making them popular choices for families looking to bring home dinner.
This family fishing charter delivers exactly what most people want from a day on the water—relaxed fishing with real chances to catch fish, in a setting where everyone can participate and have fun. Jordan's approach takes the pressure off while keeping the action steady, and the small group size means your family gets personalized attention throughout the trip. The 5-hour timeframe gives you enough water time to really get into the fishing without wearing out younger anglers. Lake of the Ozarks offers world-class fishing opportunities, and this charter provides the perfect introduction for families who want to experience it together. Book your morning on the water and see why so many families make this an annual tradition.
This well-equipped motorboat makes family fishing on Lake of the Ozarks both comfortable and productive. The boat features dual Lowrance 93 sv units plus Livescope technology, so you'll easily spot fish below and around structure. A wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over productive spots without spooking the catfish. The GPS keeps you on course to the best fishing areas, while the spacious icebox holds plenty of drinks and snacks for your 5-hour morning trip. With room for just 2 guests, there's plenty of space to move around, cast lines, and enjoy quality time on the water. The fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools of Channel Catfish, making it perfect for families wanting a relaxed day of fishing with consistent action.
Ictalurus FurcatusBlue catfish are the gentle giants of Lake of the Ozarks, perfect for families wanting to catch something substantial. These slate-blue bruisers can reach 25-40 inches and provide steady, strong fights without being too overwhelming for kids. They hang out in deeper holes, creek channels, and muddy bottom areas, usually in 15-30 feet of water. You can catch them year-round, but summer nights are particularly productive. What families love is their dependable bite and excellent table fare - the meat is mild, flaky, and perfect for fish fries. They're opportunistic feeders that'll take cut bait, chicken liver, or fresh shad. The key difference from channel cats is their squared-off anal fin and that subtle dorsal hump. Here's my tip: let your bait sit on the bottom and be patient. Blues are methodical feeders, so give them time to find and commit to your bait before setting the hook.
Pomoxis NigromaculatusCrappie are some of the best panfish you'll find in Lake of the Ozarks. These silvery beauties typically run 8-12 inches and travel in schools, making them perfect for family trips. Look for them around submerged brush piles, fallen trees, and docks in 8-15 feet of water. Black crappie have random speckles while white crappie show distinct vertical bars. Spring is prime time when they move shallow to spawn, but they bite year-round if you know where to look. Kids love catching them because they fight just enough to be fun but won't snap light tackle. The meat is sweet and flaky - some of the best eating fish in the lake. My go-to tip: use a small jig under a bobber and work it slowly around cover. When you find one crappie, there's usually a whole school nearby.
Morone SaxatilisStriped bass are the trophy fish that make lasting memories on Lake of the Ozarks. These big, powerful fish with distinctive black stripes can reach 20-40 pounds and provide serious battles. They cruise deep main lake points, channel drops, and areas with current flow, especially near the dam. Early morning and evening are prime times, with spring and fall offering the most consistent action. What makes stripers special is their incredible fight - they'll make long runs and test your drag system. The meat is excellent too, with firm white fillets that grill perfectly. These fish are structure-oriented, so look for them near rocky points and ledges in 20-40 feet of water. My best advice: use live bait like gizzard shad on the bottom near structure. Be patient and keep your drag set right - when a big striper hits, it's game on.
Morone ChrysopsWhite bass are scrappy fighters that'll give everyone on board a thrill. These silver torpedoes average 10-14 inches and pack surprising punch for their size. They roam open water in schools, often following shad near points, creek channels, and along the main lake. Spring and fall are peak seasons when they're actively feeding, but summer evenings can be hot too. The dark stripes running down their sides make them easy to identify. What guests love most is their aggressive nature - they'll hit small spinners, jigs, or live minnows without much coaxing. Plus, they're excellent eating with firm white meat that fries up nice. Here's a local trick: when you mark a school on the fish finder, drop straight down with a small white or chartreuse jig. Work it fast with short hops - white bass like their food moving.
Truman Lake