Half Day Bass & Redear Fishing on Lake Havasu
Get ready to fish one of Arizona's premier bass fisheries with Captain John Reddy, a top-rated guide who knows every productive cove, point, and structure on Lake Havasu. This 5-hour private charter targets four different species – largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, striped bass, and the legendary redear sunfish that have made this lake famous among serious anglers. Whether you're a weekend warrior looking to improve your technique or a seasoned angler chasing trophy fish, Captain John's hands-on instruction and intimate lake knowledge will put you on fish. You'll be fishing from his fully-loaded 21-foot Skeeter bass boat, equipped with the latest electronics and premium gear that gives you every advantage on the water.
What to Expect on the Water
Your day starts with Captain John breaking down the game plan based on current conditions, seasonal patterns, and what the fish have been doing lately. Lake Havasu's crystal-clear water and diverse structure create perfect habitat for multiple species, and John knows exactly where to find them. The boat is rigged with cutting-edge electronics including dual Humminbird Helix units with Down Imaging and Side Imaging, plus a Garmin ECHOMAP with Panoptix LiveScope that literally shows you fish swimming in real-time. This isn't just a fishing trip – it's a masterclass in reading water, understanding fish behavior, and using technology to your advantage. The Minn Kota Ultrex Quest trolling motor with Spot-Lock keeps you positioned perfectly over structure while you work your presentations, and the integrated GPS ensures you'll hit every productive spot without wasting time running around the lake.
Techniques That Produce
Captain John adapts his approach based on the season, conditions, and what species you're targeting most. During the prime redear season from March through May, you'll be sight-fishing spawning beds in shallow coves, dropping finesse presentations to fish you can actually see. For bass, the techniques vary from power fishing rocky points with crankbaits and jigs to finesse tactics around submerged timber and drop-offs. The boat's live bait well comes into play when targeting striped bass, especially during their feeding frenzies when shad are schooled up. John provides all rods, reels, tackle, and bait, but he's also happy to help you dial in your own gear if you prefer fishing with familiar equipment. The beauty of this trip is the variety – you might be throwing topwater at sunrise, flipping jigs into heavy cover mid-morning, then switching to live bait for stripers in the afternoon.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Largemouth bass are the bread and butter of Lake Havasu, with healthy populations that include some genuine giants. These fish relate to the lake's abundant structure – rocky points, submerged timber, and grass lines – and they're aggressive year-round thanks to the consistent warm weather and excellent forage base. Spring and fall produce the biggest numbers, but summer and winter fishing can yield trophy-sized fish for anglers willing to adjust their approach. What makes Havasu largemouth special is their average size and fighting ability in the clear, deep water.
Smallmouth bass in Lake Havasu are absolute bulldogs that fight way above their weight class. These bronze fighters prefer the rocky structure and deeper points, especially around the main channel and creek arms. They're most active in spring and fall when water temperatures are moderate, but they can be caught year-round by anglers who understand their seasonal movements. Havasu smallmouth are known for their acrobatic fights and their tendency to school up on specific pieces of structure, so when you find one, you've often found several.
Striped bass bring a completely different dimension to your fishing day. These open-water predators roam the lake following schools of shad, and when you find them feeding, the action can be absolutely electric. They're most active in cooler months and during low-light periods, but Captain John's electronics make it possible to locate and catch them throughout the day. Stripers in Havasu commonly run 3-10 pounds, with occasional fish pushing 20 pounds or more.
Redear sunfish are the real stars of this show, especially during their legendary spring spawn from March through May. Lake Havasu produces world-class redear that commonly exceed 2 pounds – absolute giants for this species. These fish are incredibly smart and spooky, requiring precise presentations and stealthy approaches. What makes them so special is their rarity in most waters and their incredible size in Havasu. Landing a 2-pound-plus redear is a legitimate trophy that most anglers never achieve, making this one of the most unique fishing opportunities in the Southwest.
Time to Book Your Spot
This customer-favorite trip fills up fast, especially during prime redear season when anglers travel from across the country to chase these giant sunfish. Captain John's combination of local expertise, premium equipment, and proven techniques gives you the best shot at experiencing everything Lake Havasu has to offer. Remember to grab your Arizona fishing license before the trip, and factor in the $100 fuel surcharge when planning your budget. With only 2 spots available per trip, you'll get personalized instruction and plenty of hands-on time with different techniques. Whether you're looking to check world-class redear off your bucket list or simply want to experience some of the best multi-species fishing in Arizona, this trip delivers the goods every time.
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Arizona
Target largemouth, smallmouth, striped bass, and redear sunfish species
