Full Day Guided Fishing Trip In Ohio
Private Trip
River Fishing
Fullday multispecies fishing targets bass, carp, and catfishEight to ten hours of diverse fishing styles and techniquesDawn to sunset river adventure with River Jet Outfitters
Dawn patrol fishing at its finest. This isn't your typical half-day charter where you're back at the dock by noon wondering what else to do with your day. We're talking about a proper 8 to 10-hour guided adventure that lets you experience everything Ohio's rivers have to offer. From first light when the Smallmouth are hitting topwater baits to the evening bite when those big Catfish start moving shallow, this trip covers all the bases. River Jet Outfitters keeps it intimate with just 2 anglers max, so you're not fighting for space or competing with a crowd. Pack some snacks and drinks because we're going to make the most of every hour on the water.
The beauty of this multi-species approach is how we adapt to the river's rhythm throughout the day. We kick things off in the pre-dawn darkness, positioning ourselves in productive Smallmouth water just as the sun starts painting the horizon. These bronze backs are most active in low light, and there's nothing quite like watching your rod tip dance as a feisty Smallmouth grabs your lure in that magical morning hour. As the sun climbs higher and the surface action slows down, we shift gears completely. That's when we target Carp - and let me tell you, these aren't the sluggish bottom feeders some folks think they are. River Carp are absolute bulldozers that'll test your drag and make your arms burn. When evening approaches and the air cools, we're back to active presentations for whatever's biting, or we'll set up some catfish rigs and wait for those whisker fish to find our bait. The scenery alone is worth the trip, but combine that with steady action and variety, and you've got yourself a day worth remembering.
We run different setups throughout the day depending on what we're chasing. Morning Smallmouth calls for medium-action spinning gear loaded with 10-12 lb test, perfect for throwing crankbaits, spinnerbaits, or soft plastics around structure. When we switch to Carp, we beef things up with heavier rods and stronger line because these fish don't mess around. Circle hooks, corn, dough balls, or cut bait - whatever they're hitting that day. For Saugeye, we typically work jigs tipped with minnows or soft plastics along deeper channels and drop-offs. Evening catfish action means switching to sturdy rods with 20+ lb line, circle hooks, and fresh cut bait or prepared stink baits. The guide provides all tackle and knows exactly what the fish have been hitting lately. You just need to bring your fishing license, some food for the long day, and plenty of water. Ohio's rivers can be sneaky - what looks like a calm stretch might have a serious current, and what appears deep could be surprisingly shallow. That's why having a local guide who knows every hole, current break, and productive stretch makes all the difference.
The target list reads like a greatest hits of Ohio river fishing. Smallmouth Bass are the morning stars, typically running 12-16 inches with occasional giants pushing 18+ inches and 3-4 pounds. These fish fight way above their weight class, jumping and running with an attitude that keeps things exciting. Saugeye add another dimension - they're basically Walleye on steroids, hitting harder and fighting stronger than their lake-dwelling cousins. Most run 15-20 inches, but the big ones can stretch past 24 inches and provide some serious arm-burning action. Then there are the Striped Bass - when they're around, they make their presence known with explosive strikes and powerful runs that'll have you questioning your drag settings.
Common Carp deserve more respect than they get. These river warriors can exceed 20 pounds and provide some of the strongest fights you'll experience in freshwater. They're smart, powerful, and absolutely relentless once hooked. Many anglers come for the Bass and leave talking about the Carp. Flathead Catfish round out the lineup as the evening heavy hitters. These whiskered monsters can reach impressive sizes in Ohio's rivers, with 20+ pounders always a possibility. They're ambush predators that inhale baits and then use their bulk and the river current to their advantage. Each species requires different techniques, different mindsets, and different expectations - that's what makes this multi-species format so engaging.
This isn't a trip you want to sleep on, especially during prime season when the bite is hot and weather's cooperating. With only 2 spots available per trip, these dates fill up fast among serious anglers who understand the value of a full-day, multi-species adventure. River Jet Outfitters has built a reputation for putting clients on fish while providing the kind of local knowledge that makes the difference between a good day and a great day. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure you're committed to the date before booking. But honestly, if you're serious about experiencing the best of Ohio's river fishing scene, this trip delivers everything you're looking for and probably a few surprises you weren't expecting. The combination of dawn-to-dusk action, multiple species, and intimate group size creates the kind of fishing experience that has you planning your return trip before the day's even over.
You'll spend your day aboard our 2018 Fishrite Jet Boat, a reliable 23-footer powered by a strong 400HP Chevrolet engine that handles Ohio's rivers with ease. This motorboat cuts through the water smoothly while giving you and your fishing partner plenty of room to work your lines and land fish. The wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're sneaking up on those finicky smallmouth bass, while the GPS and fish finder help locate the best spots for saugeye and carp. Whether we're drifting for catfish at sunset or positioning for those hard-fighting carp in the afternoon heat, this boat's design lets you focus on what matters - putting fish in the boat. The spacious deck gives you room to cast, fight fish, and move around comfortably during our long day on the water.
Cyprinus CarpioCommon carp are the golden bulldozers of our waters - stocky, bronze-colored fighters averaging 15-25 pounds with barbels like whiskers on their lower jaw. They cruise shallow bays and slow sections, rooting around the bottom for food. Spring and fall are best when water hits 73-80°F and they school up aggressively. What guests love is the raw power - these fish will strip line and fight dirty for 20 minutes straight. They're not great eating, but the sport is addictive. Here's my tip: use corn or bread on a hair rig fished dead still on bottom. Don't move the rod once you cast - they spook easily from shiny gear or movement. When they pick it up, let them run before setting the hook hard.
Pylodictis OlivarisFlathead catfish are the bruisers of Ohio waters - olive-yellow monsters with that signature flat head and square tail. Most range 15-30 pounds, but we've seen them over 50 pounds and 4 feet long. They love deep pools in slow-moving rivers, hiding under logs and in muddy holes during the day. Summer evenings are prime time when they move shallow to hunt. What makes them special is the fight - pure power that'll test your gear - plus they're considered the best eating catfish with superior white meat. Unlike other cats, they want live bait that's still moving. My secret: use live bluegill or creek chubs on a drop line near deep cover. Set your drag loose and let them run with it before setting the hook.
Sander CanadensisSauger are the walleye's smaller cousin - bronze-olive colored fish with dark blotches instead of stripes. Most run 12-13 inches and about a pound, though you'll occasionally hook into something bigger. They're bottom dwellers that love muddy river water and deep holes, usually hanging 25-40 feet down during the day. March through May is prime time during spawn, but they bite year-round if you know where to look. Guests enjoy them because they're aggressive fighters despite their size, and the meat is excellent eating - real table fare. Here's the trick: they're light-sensitive, so fish early morning or evening. Use bright jigs bounced right on bottom in deeper holes. They'll often hit on the drop, so watch your line closely.
Micropterus DolomieuSmallmouth bass are the scrappy fighters of Ohio rivers - bronze-colored with those faint vertical bars that fade as they age. Most fish we catch run 12-18 inches and around 2-3 pounds, though the females get bigger. They love clear water with rocky bottoms and will go deeper in summer heat, staying around 10-15 feet. Spring and fall are prime time when they're active in shallow water during warm, bright days. Guests love them because pound-for-pound, they're the hardest fighting freshwater fish around - pure acrobats that'll jump and run. The meat's firm with a mild flavor too. Pro tip: early morning with a weightless soft plastic worked slow around rock piles is deadly effective. Let it hang there and twitch it - that drives them crazy.
Morone SaxatilisStriped bass in Ohio waters are usually landlocked fish that adapted well to freshwater after being introduced years back. Most run 20-40 pounds, with those distinctive dark stripes along their silver sides. They're structure-oriented fish - look for them around drop-offs, rocky areas, and moving water near shorelines. Spring and fall offer the best action when water temps hit that 55-68°F sweet spot. What guests love is the fight - these fish are strong swimmers that'll test your drag, plus they make excellent table fare with that sweet, flaky meat. My tip: fish early morning or late evening near current breaks with live bait like shad or herring. They can be picky, so match your bait to what they're feeding on that day.
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