4 HR Winter Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Target trophy-sized Striped Bass during prime winter fishing seasonDead stick artificial baits with live bait option availableSmall group experience with flexible start times for optimal conditions
Winter fishing doesn't get much better than this. Ford's Guide Service knows where the big stripers hang out when the water gets cold, and this 4-hour trip puts you right in the action. We're talking about a focused fishing experience that targets some serious bass – both white bass and the trophy striped bass that make your arms burn and your drag scream. This isn't a crowded boat situation either. We keep it intimate with just 2 anglers max, so you get personalized attention and plenty of room to work your lines. The winter months bring some of the best fishing of the year, and if you've never felt a big striper hit in cold water, you're in for something special.
We'll start this adventure with dead sticking artificial baits – a proven winter technique that drives these bass crazy when they're holding deep. The beauty of this approach is patience pays off big time. We'll position ourselves over prime structure where these fish cruise, and you'll learn to feel every subtle tap and bump on your line. If the bite slows down or you want to switch things up, we've got live bait ready to go. There's something about fresh bait in winter that can turn a slow day into a banner day real quick. We'll drift soft plastics through the best spots, and I'll show you exactly how to work these baits to trigger strikes. The flexible start times mean we can hit the water when conditions are prime – sometimes that's early morning, sometimes it's later when the fish start moving. Every day on the water is different, and that's what keeps this job exciting.
Dead sticking with artificials is an art form in winter fishing. We'll rig you up with the right soft plastics – usually something that mimics the baitfish these bass are keying on. The technique is all about letting the bait do the work while you stay ready for that telltale thump. Winter bass don't always slam baits like they do in warmer months, so you'll learn to detect those subtle bites that separate successful winter anglers from the rest. When we switch to live bait, it's game-changing. Fresh bait has a scent and action that artificials just can't match, especially when fish are finicky. We'll drift these baits along drop-offs, points, and structure where big fish like to ambush prey. The key is staying mobile – if one spot isn't producing, we move to the next honey hole. I've been fishing these waters long enough to know where the fish relocate based on weather, water temperature, and time of day. You'll get hands-on experience with rod positioning, line management, and reading your electronics to spot fish and structure.
White bass are schooling fish that travel in packs, and when you find them, you find them in numbers. These scrappy fighters typically run 1-3 pounds, but don't let their size fool you – they fight hard and make great table fare. White bass are aggressive feeders, especially in winter when they're putting on weight for the spawn. They'll hit both artificials and live bait with authority, and once you hook into a school, the action can be non-stop. The best part about targeting whites is they're not shy about biting, so they're perfect for building confidence and keeping your rod bent while we hunt for the bigger stripers. Striped bass are the real prize on this trip. These lake-run stripers can push 10, 15, even 20+ pounds, and they're pure muscle. Winter is prime time for trophy stripers because they're feeding heavily and schooled up in predictable areas. A big striper will test your drag, your arms, and your patience, but landing one is worth every second of the fight. These fish are smart and can be picky, which makes fooling a big one even more satisfying. They're known for making long runs and head-shaking jumps that'll get your heart pumping. The meat is excellent too – firm, white, and flaky when prepared right.
This 4-hour winter fishing adventure gives you everything you need for a top-rated fishing experience without eating up your whole day. You'll get expert guidance, proven techniques, and access to prime fishing spots that produce results. Whether you're new to winter fishing or you're a seasoned angler looking to dial in your cold-water game, this trip delivers. The intimate 2-person boat limit means you're not competing for space or attention – you get a personalized guide service that focuses on putting fish in the boat. Winter fishing can be some of the most rewarding fishing of the year, and Ford's Guide Service has the local knowledge to make it happen. The flexible scheduling works around your plans, and the option to switch between artificials and live bait keeps your options open based on what the fish want. Don't let winter keep you off the water – some of the biggest bass of the year are caught when most folks are sitting inside. Book your spot now and get ready to experience why winter fishing has such a devoted following among serious anglers.
Hit the water in style with our 2023 Blazer Bay 24' Center Console, powered by a robust 300HP Yamaha that'll get you to the fish fast at speeds up to 45 knots. This sleek bay boat cuts through winter waters like butter, getting you to those prime Striped Bass spots where the big ones are biting. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're working structure, while our GPS and fish finder combo helps locate schools and mark productive bottom. With room for up to 6 anglers, there's plenty of space to work your rods without getting tangled up. The center console design gives you 360-degree fishing access, perfect for dead sticking artificials or switching to live bait when the action heats up. Built tough for winter conditions, this boat handles chop with ease so you can focus on landing that trophy bass instead of fighting the ride.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the trophy fish that keep anglers coming back - these bruisers average 20-40 pounds but can hit 70. They're structure lovers, hanging around drop-offs, reefs, and shoreline cover in both salt and fresh water. Winter fishing can be prime time as they move into deeper areas and get more predictable. What sets them apart is that powerful fight combined with excellent table fare - sweet, meaty fillets that rival any gamefish. They're not super fast but they're strong, so expect a battle. These fish love live bait like herring or eels, but soft plastics work well too. Pro tip: find the baitfish schools and you'll find the stripers underneath. Birds diving or bait dimpling the surface are dead giveaways.
Morone ChrysopsWhite bass are scrappy fighters that typically run 10-12 inches and weigh up to a couple pounds, though bigger ones around 18 inches show up. These silver beauties with dark side stripes love big rivers, reservoirs, and creeks - usually hanging in moving water near structure. They're visual feeders, so they hit live minnows and worms hard, but small jigs work great too. Spring through fall gives you the best action when they school up and get aggressive. What makes them special is that fight - they're tough for their size and taste fantastic on the table. My tip: when you find a school, work fast with small white or black jigs. They travel together, so where there's one, there's usually a bunch more ready to bite.
Oklahoma City