Half Day Bass And Crappie Trip In Ridgeland
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Private 4hour morning trip targeting Largemouth Bass and CrappieLight tackle fishing on peaceful Ridgeland lakes starting 7:00 AMAccommodates up to 2 guests with all skill levels welcome
There's nothing quite like getting on the water early in the morning when the lakes around Ridgeland are glass-smooth and the fish are just starting to wake up. This 4-hour private fishing adventure kicks off at 7:00 AM, giving you and one other angler the chance to target two of Mississippi's most popular gamefish - Largemouth Bass and Crappie. We'll be fishing the pristine lakes that make this area famous among local anglers, using light tackle that keeps the fight fair and the action exciting. Whether you're looking to land your personal best bass or fill a cooler with tasty crappie, these waters have been producing consistent results for years. The peaceful setting makes it perfect for anglers who want to escape the crowds while still getting into some serious fish.
When you step aboard with Garrett's Fishing Guide Service, you're getting more than just a boat ride - you're tapping into years of local knowledge about these Ridgeland lakes. The clear, calm waters here are ideal for sight fishing when conditions are right, and the structure beneath the surface holds plenty of fish year-round. We'll start the morning by reading the water and checking areas where bass like to ambush prey, then transition to crappie spots as the day progresses. The beauty of this trip is the variety - one minute you might be working a topwater lure along a grass line for bass, the next you could be vertical jigging for a school of crappie suspended near a creek channel. The lakes stay relatively protected from wind, so even beginners can focus on learning techniques without fighting rough water. Expect a relaxed pace with plenty of coaching on reading fish finders, understanding seasonal patterns, and improving your casting accuracy.
We fish these lakes using light tackle setups that maximize the fight and give you a real connection to every fish. For bass, we'll typically use spinning rods with 10-12 pound test line, throwing everything from soft plastics on shaky heads to small crankbaits and spinnerbaits. The light line lets us get more bites in these clear waters, and trust me - when a 4-pound bass hits a small jig, you'll feel every head shake. Crappie fishing calls for even more finesse, with 6-8 pound test and jigs barely heavier than 1/16 ounce. We'll focus on vertical presentations around structure, using live minnows when they're biting tough or small jigs when they're aggressive. The key to success on these lakes is staying mobile and adjusting to what the fish want. Some days they'll slam anything you throw, other days you need to slow down and really work each piece of cover. I'll have you rigged with the right baits for current conditions, whether that's matching the hatch with realistic crawfish colors or going bold with bright chartreuse when the water's stained.
Largemouth Bass are the main attraction in these Ridgeland lakes, and for good reason. These fish have everything going for them - plenty of forage, good structure, and year-round fishing opportunities. Spring and fall are prime time when bass move shallow to feed heavily, but even summer mornings can produce explosive topwater action before the sun gets high. The average bass here runs 2-4 pounds, with plenty of fish pushing 5+ pounds for anglers who know where to look. What makes these bass special is their attitude - they fight hard in the clear water and aren't as pressured as fish in more popular destinations. You'll find them relating to everything from submerged timber to grass edges, and they're not shy about chasing a well-presented lure.
Crappie fishing in these lakes offers a completely different but equally rewarding experience. These fish school up around structure and can provide fast action once you locate them. Spring brings the spawning run when crappie move shallow and become very aggressive, but they bite year-round if you know their patterns. The average crappie here runs 10-12 inches with plenty of slabs pushing 14+ inches. They're excellent table fare, so you can take home a mess for the frying pan while releasing the bass to fight another day. Crappie require more finesse than bass - they have softer mouths and tend to bite lighter, so paying attention to your line and rod tip is crucial. When you find a school, though, you can often catch several before they move or shut down.
This half-day trip packs plenty of action into 4 hours without wearing you out, making it perfect for anglers who want quality time on the water without committing to a full day. The early start time puts you on the fish when they're most active, and you'll still have the afternoon free for other activities. With space for just 2 anglers, you get personalized attention and can fish at your own pace without feeling rushed. These Ridgeland lakes have been producing consistent catches for years, and the combination of bass and crappie keeps things interesting throughout the morning. Whether you're a local angler looking to learn new spots or visiting Mississippi for the first time, this trip gives you a real taste of what makes fishing here special. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your dates work before booking. The fish are waiting - now it's your turn to get out there and catch them.
Get ready to hit the water in the 2023 Nitro Bassmaster, a sleek 20-foot skiff built specifically for serious bass fishing. This beauty packs a powerful 250HP Mercury engine that'll get you to the hotspots fast and quiet when you need to sneak up on those finicky fish. With room for just 2 anglers, you'll have plenty of space to cast without tangling lines or bumping elbows. The onboard GPS keeps you on track to the best fishing holes, while the fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools of crappie and those trophy largemouth bass hiding in the structure below. Perfect for navigating Ridgeland's peaceful lakes, this boat's shallow draft design lets you access those hard-to-reach spots where the big ones like to hang out. Whether you're working a spinnerbait along the shoreline or dropping a jig into deep timber, you'll appreciate having a stable platform designed by anglers, for anglers.
Pomoxis NigromaculatusCrappie are the perfect light tackle fish - usually 7-12 inches and under a pound, but they make up for size with numbers and taste. We've got both black and white crappie in our lakes, and they school up around brush piles, fallen trees, and deeper structure. Spring spawning season is dynamite when water hits 62-68 degrees, but dawn and dusk fishing works year-round. What guests love is the steady action once you find a school, plus that sweet white meat that's hard to beat on the dinner table. They're less active during bright midday, so we focus on morning trips. Local trick: use a small jig under a bobber and fish it just above the brush tops. When crappie are biting, you can fill a cooler fast.
Micropterus SalmoidesThese green fighters are what make Mississippi bass fishing so addictive. Running 12-24 inches and 1-4 pounds on average, largemouth love our warm, weedy waters around fallen timber and grass beds. That massive mouth extends past their eyes, and they'll use it to crush anything from bluegill to frogs. Spring through fall are prime time, especially early morning when they're feeding shallow. What keeps guests coming back is that explosive strike and the way they jump and fight all the way to the boat. Around here, throw a red lure near cover - these bass are drawn to that color like a magnet. The meat's decent eating too, especially from clean water. They're ambush predators, so work your bait slow around structure and let them find it.
Mississippi