Full Day Paddlefish Trip at Keystone Lake
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Full 8hour guided trip targeting paddlefish and hybrid striped bassExpert Captain Marty provides quality gear and fishing techniquesComfortable 20foot boat accommodates up to 8 total guests
Captain Marty Battles knows Keystone Lake like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious fish during this 8-hour adventure. You'll be targeting Oklahoma's unique paddlefish along with hard-fighting hybrid striped bass from his comfortable 20-foot Lowe center console. Starting at 8 AM from the New Mannford Ramp, this full-day trip gives you plenty of time to work different spots, dial in your technique, and chase trophy-sized fish across one of Oklahoma's premier fishing destinations.
This isn't your typical bass fishing trip – Captain Marty specializes in going after paddlefish, which requires a completely different approach and mindset. You'll spend the morning learning the art of snagging, using heavy tackle and specific techniques that have been perfected over decades on Keystone Lake. The boat is equipped with quality gear, so you don't need to worry about bringing anything except your Oklahoma fishing license and a cooler for your catch. The trip accommodates two anglers comfortably, though you can add up to six additional guests if you're planning a group outing. Expect to cover a lot of water as Captain Marty moves between his proven honey holes, adjusting tactics based on conditions and fish activity.
Paddlefish fishing is all about snagging, and there's definitely an art to it that Captain Marty will teach you throughout the day. You'll be using heavy rods with strong reels, typically spooled with 50-80 pound test line to handle these prehistoric giants. The technique involves casting weighted treble hooks and working them through the water column where paddlefish are feeding. It takes patience and persistence, but when you connect with a 40-pound paddlefish, you'll understand why anglers travel from across the country for this experience. For the hybrid striped bass portion of the trip, you'll switch to more traditional fishing methods using live bait or lures, depending on what's working best that day. Captain Marty provides all tackle and will have backup gear ready in case something breaks during the fight.
Paddlefish are the real stars of this show – these ancient fish can live over 50 years and grow to impressive sizes, with many Keystone Lake specimens pushing 50-60 pounds or more. They're filter feeders with long, paddle-shaped rostrums, and they're only found in a handful of waterways across the Midwest. The best time to target them is during their spawning runs in spring and early summer when they move into shallower areas. What makes paddlefish so exciting isn't just their size – it's their raw power and the challenge of the snagging technique. When you hook one, it's like being tied to a freight train, and the fight can last 15-20 minutes with multiple runs that'll test your endurance.
Hybrid striped bass offer a different kind of excitement with their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights. These fish are crosses between white bass and striped bass, combining the best fighting characteristics of both species. They typically run 3-8 pounds in Keystone Lake, though larger specimens over 10 pounds are caught regularly. Hybrids are active year-round but really turn on during spring and fall when they school up and feed heavily on shad. They're known for their hard initial runs and tendency to jump when hooked, making them a blast on lighter tackle. Captain Marty knows where these schools congregate and will put you on steady action when conditions are right.
An 8-hour guided trip with Captain Marty gives you the best shot at experiencing everything Keystone Lake has to offer. You'll learn techniques that most weekend anglers never master, fish spots that only local guides know about, and have a real chance at landing trophy fish. The full-day format means you're not rushed – there's time to move if the fish aren't cooperating, try different techniques, and really understand what makes these species tick. Don't forget to grab your Oklahoma fishing license before the trip, and bring plenty of water and snacks since meals aren't included. This top-rated experience fills up quickly during prime season, so reach out to Gone Fishin Guide Service and secure your dates while Captain Marty still has openings on his calendar.
Captain Marty's 20-foot Lowe center console is built for serious paddlefish action on Keystone Lake. The 150 HP Mercury gets you to the hot spots fast, while the wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're working structure for those big paddlefish and hybrid stripers. The fish finder helps locate schools in deeper water, and the GPS marks your productive areas for return trips. With a livewell to keep your catch fresh and an onboard multimedia system, you'll stay comfortable during the full 8-hour day. The center console design gives everyone room to fish and fight those Oklahoma giants without getting tangled up.
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