Lake Fishing Oklahoma Beginners Charter
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
4hour private lake fishing charter for two guests maximumCaptain Mathew provides live bait techniques targeting Striped BassAll fishing equipment and tackle included with morning departure
Looking to get your feet wet in Oklahoma's fishing scene? This 4-hour private charter puts you and one buddy on some of the state's best lakes and rivers with Captain Mathew, who knows these waters like the back of his hand. We're talking early morning starts at 7 AM when the fish are hungry and the bite is hot. Perfect for folks who've never held a rod or want to sharpen their skills without the pressure of a crowded boat. You'll walk away with new techniques, probably a few fish stories, and maybe even dinner if the bass are cooperating.
Captain Mathew runs a laid-back operation that's all about getting you comfortable with the basics while actually catching fish. This isn't some rushed tourist trap - you've got four solid hours to learn proper live bait presentation, feel how different species fight, and understand what makes Oklahoma's lakes tick. The boat's equipped with quality rods and reels that won't fight you while you're learning, plus a tackle box full of proven baits that work in these waters. Mathew's got patience for days and won't make you feel dumb for asking questions. That's what separates a good guide from someone just trying to make a quick buck. You'll start with simple techniques that build confidence, then work up to more advanced presentations as the morning progresses.
We're talking real fishing here - live bait that gets fish excited and aggressive. Captain Mathew stocks fresh shad, worms, and whatever's working best that week. You'll learn proper hook placement so your bait stays lively longer, how to read your rod tip for subtle bites, and when to set the hook for a solid hookup. The rods are medium-action spinning setups that are forgiving for beginners but still have enough backbone for Oklahoma's bigger fish. Circle hooks help prevent gut-hooking fish, which is great for conservation and makes releasing easier. Mathew will show you how to work different depths, from shallow flats where white bass school up to deeper structure where stripers cruise. By the end of the trip, you'll understand why live bait often outfishes lures and how to keep your presentation natural even in current or wind.
Blue Catfish are the bruisers of Oklahoma waters, and when you hook into a good one, you'll know it immediately. These fish can push 20-30 pounds in the right lakes and fight like they're twice that size. Spring through fall is prime time, especially early morning when they're feeding aggressively in shallower water. They're bottom feeders with an incredible sense of smell, so fresh cut bait or live shad works magic. What makes them special is that steady, powerful pull - no crazy jumps, just pure muscle trying to get back to deep water. Beginners love them because the fight lasts long enough to really feel what you're dealing with, and the meat's excellent eating if you decide to keep a few.
White Bass might be smaller than their striped cousins, but they make up for it with pure attitude. These silver bullets travel in schools and when you find them, it's often one after another. They're most active during their spring spawning runs and again in fall when shad are schooling. Live bait works great, but they'll also hammer small jigs and spoons when they're feeding aggressively. The fight is fast and scrappy - lots of headshaking and quick runs. They're perfect for beginners because they bite readily, fight hard for their size, and you can usually catch multiples once you dial in the pattern.
Striped Bass are the crown jewel of Oklahoma fishing, and for good reason. These landlocked ocean fish can reach 15-20 pounds and fight like they're still in saltwater. They're most active in cooler months and during low-light periods, which is why that 7 AM start time is money. Stripers are structure-oriented and often suspend over deep water, following schools of shad. When you hook one on live bait, expect long runs and powerful headshakes that'll test your drag system. They're smart fish that can be picky, but when conditions are right and Captain Mathew puts you on them, it's some of the best freshwater fishing you'll find anywhere. The combination of size, fight, and the challenge of finding them makes every striper a trophy, regardless of size.
This top-rated beginner charter fills up fast, especially during prime fishing months when the bite is most consistent. Captain Mathew's patient teaching style and knowledge of Oklahoma's best fishing spots make this the perfect introduction to serious angling. You'll leave with real skills, confidence on the water, and probably plans for your next fishing trip. All gear's included, so just bring yourself, some snacks, and get ready to learn why so many people get hooked on fishing these productive Oklahoma waters. Remember that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your dates work before booking. But trust me - once you experience what these lakes have to offer with a guide who knows how to put you on fish, you'll understand why this charter stays booked solid.
Our 22-foot Fish Master center console is built for serious angling on Oklahoma's prime fishing waters. This 2001 boat packs a reliable 150hp Mercury engine that'll get you to the hot spots fast, while the wireless trolling motor keeps things quiet when you're working structure for those finicky Striped Bass. The GPS navigation system helps Captain Mathew find his favorite honey holes, and the fish finder shows exactly what's swimming below. With room for up to 5 anglers, there's plenty of deck space to fight fish and move around comfortably. The center console design gives you 360-degree fishing access - perfect for casting to schooling fish or working live bait along drop-offs where the big Paddlefish cruise. Whether you're learning to read sonar or perfecting your hookset, this boat's got the tools and space to make your morning on the water productive.
Ictalurus FurcatusBlue cats are the giants of Oklahoma's catfish world, averaging 25-46 inches and often hitting 80+ pounds. These slate-blue bruisers love deep holes and muddy bottoms in our lakes and rivers. They're opportunistic feeders that'll eat just about anything - crawfish, mussels, baitfish, you name it. Spring through fall gives you the best action when water temps warm up. What makes them special? They fight like freight trains and taste great on the table. Here's a local trick: use fresh-cut herring or shad on the bottom near creek channels where they stack up. Let it sit still - they're not chasing moving baits. The smell draws them in from way downstream.
Morone SaxatilisStripers are the heavy hitters in our Oklahoma lakes, running 20-40 pounds with some pushing 50+. These silver missiles with dark horizontal stripes love structure - rocky points, creek channels, and drop-offs where they ambush shad schools. Spring and fall are prime time when they're most active in cooler water. Early morning trips are gold because they feed aggressively before the sun gets high. What makes them special? They're powerful fighters that make long runs and jump, plus they're excellent eating. Here's my go-to method: find the thermocline in summer and fish live shad just above it. Watch your electronics for bait balls - that's where the stripers will be waiting underneath.
Morone ChrysopsWhite bass are Oklahoma's state fish for good reason - they're scrappy fighters that travel in schools and make excellent table fare. These silver-sided beauties typically run 10-12 inches, though some reach 18. You'll find them in open water and near points during spring spawn runs, then they head to deeper structure in summer. Early morning and evening are prime time when they're feeding on shad near the surface. What guests love most is when you find a school - the action can be non-stop. They hit hard for their size and taste sweet when fried up. Pro tip: when you see birds diving or baitfish jumping, get there fast with small white jigs or spoons. Work them just under the surface.
Oklahoma