Weekend Striped Bass Fishing on Lake Ouachita
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Weekend striped bass fishing with experienced Captain Vinney PigueAll fishing equipment and tackle provided for groups up to sixExpert guidance on Lake Ouachita's premier freshwater fishing watersCaptain Vinney Pigue knows Lake Ouachita like the back of his hand, and when you're looking to spend your weekend chasing some of Arkansas's finest striped bass, there's no better guide to have on your side. This weekend fishing trip puts you right in the action on one of the South's premier striper destinations, where crystal-clear water and abundant fish make for some seriously good times on the water. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet with striper fishing, Captain Vinney's got the experience and local knowledge to put you on fish and make your weekend count.
Your weekend starts early, which is exactly how you want it when the stripers are feeding. Captain Vinney picks his spots based on current conditions, water temperature, and where the baitfish are schooling up. Lake Ouachita's 40,000 acres give you plenty of room to work, but with Vinney's expertise, you're not just randomly casting around hoping for the best. He knows the structure, the drop-offs, and the seasonal patterns that keep these fish moving. The boat's equipped with everything you need – quality rods and reels that can handle the fight these stripers put up, plus a tackle box full of proven lures and baits. You'll want to pack your own lunch and drinks since you're spending the full day out there, and don't forget that Arkansas fishing license – it's required for everyone 16 and older. The boat handles up to six anglers comfortably, so bring your buddies or make some new friends who share your passion for chasing these silver rockets.
Striper fishing on Ouachita means adapting to what the fish are doing, and Captain Vinney's got the techniques dialed in for every situation. When the fish are suspended in deeper water, you might be trolling umbrella rigs or pulling Alabama rigs through the thermocline where the stripers like to hang out during the heat of the day. Early morning and late evening often bring surface action, and there's nothing quite like watching a 20-pound striper explode on a topwater plug in the low light. The captain provides medium-heavy to heavy action rods paired with quality reels spooled with 15 to 20-pound test line – enough backbone to handle a big fish but not so heavy that you lose the sport of the fight. Live bait fishing with shad is another productive method, especially when you can find schools of stripers feeding on the abundant gizzard shad that call Ouachita home. The key is reading the electronics, watching for bait schools and the arches below them that signal feeding fish. Captain Vinney's years on this lake mean he knows how to interpret what the fish finder is telling him and adjust tactics accordingly.
Striped bass are what put Lake Ouachita on the map for serious freshwater anglers, and for good reason. These fish average between 8 and 15 pounds, with plenty of 20-pounders mixed in and the occasional trophy pushing 30 pounds or more. Originally an oceangoing species, these landlocked stripers have adapted perfectly to Ouachita's deep, clear water and abundant forage base. They're most active during cooler parts of the day – early morning and evening – but can be caught throughout the day if you know where to look. Spring and fall offer the most consistent action as fish move shallow to feed, but summer fishing can be fantastic when you target the thermocline in deeper water. What makes stripers so addictive is their fighting ability – they make powerful runs, jump when hooked, and never give up easy. The fish are also excellent table fare, with firm, white meat that's perfect for the grill. Captain Vinney releases plenty of fish to keep the population healthy, but he's happy to help you keep a few for dinner within the state limits. These fish are smart and can be finicky, which is why having an experienced guide who understands their behavior patterns makes all the difference in your success rate.
Weekend spots with Captain Vinney fill up fast, especially during prime striper season, so don't wait around if you're serious about getting on the water. A non-refundable deposit locks in your date, and honestly, it's worth every penny when you consider the local knowledge and years of experience you're getting. Lake Ouachita's reputation as Arkansas's premier striper destination didn't happen by accident – the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission has done an outstanding job managing this fishery, and guides like Captain Vinney know how to make the most of what these waters offer. Whether you're looking to catch your first striper or add to your collection of fishing memories, this weekend trip delivers the kind of action that keeps anglers coming back year after year. The combination of beautiful scenery, clean water, and aggressive fish makes for the kind of weekend that reminds you why you love fishing in the first place.
Our 27-foot Bennington Triton is your ticket to serious striped bass action on Lake Ouachita. Powered by a 250HP Yamaha engine, this beauty cruises at 42 knots to get you to the hottest fishing spots fast. The spacious deck comfortably handles up to six anglers, giving everyone room to work their lines without getting tangled up. Built for stability, you'll stay steady even when the big stripers start hitting. The boat's design lets you fish from multiple angles - perfect for targeting those deep water schools that Lake Ouachita is famous for. Captain Vinney knows this lake inside and out, and this boat gets him exactly where he needs to be to put you on fish. Whether you're casting near the dam or working the deeper channels, you've got the platform to land Arkansas stripers in comfort.
Lake Ouachita