What to Expect
You bring a license. Mike brings the rest.
Everything people ask before they book, answered properly. If your question is not here, call or text — Mike would rather tell you than have you guess.
On the boat already
- All rods, reels, lures and tackle — bring your own if you'd rather
- Ice-cold water on board
- Fish cleaning, if you're keeping your catch
- Lunch on full-day trips
- The boat, the fuel, and 26 years of fishing experience
Bring with you
- Your Missouri fishing license — every angler needs one
- Weather-appropriate layers, and rain gear if it's wet
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Food, drinks, a few cold beers if you want them
- A cooler for your fish
We fish rain or shine. For lightning or heavy storms, we delay or reschedule.
Getting there
Where the day starts
Mike confirms which ramp when you book — it depends on where the fish are that week.
Shawnee Bend Ramp930 Wings Cir, Sunrise Beach · open in Google MapsPB2 Boat LaunchPublic Beach 2, Osage Beach · open in Google Maps
Get there 10 to 15 minutes before your start time.
Parking at both ramps is free.
Staying on the water? Mike can sometimes pick you up at your own dock instead. Ask when you book — it depends where you are on the lake.
Common questions
Everything people ask
Grouped by when it tends to come up — before you book, on the morning itself, and the money side.
Before you book
- I have never fished before. Is that a problem?
- No, and it is more common than you would think. Mike guides plenty of people whose last fishing trip was as a child, or never. He rigs the rods, tells you where to put the bait and takes the fish off the hook. You are not expected to know anything.
- Can I bring kids?
- Yes, and crappie trips in spring or fall are the ones to book for them. The bites come often enough to hold a child's attention, and the fish are light enough to reel in without help. Life jackets are on the boat.
- How many people can come?
- Two is the number the boat fishes best with, and that is what the rates cover. A third can be arranged for $75 — it is a tighter day with four people aboard, so ask rather than assume. Mike runs one boat, so a group of five or six takes two separate trips.
- What if we do not catch anything?
- Nobody can promise fish. What Mike can promise is that the boat goes to water that produced recently, and that when a spot stops producing you leave it. Blank days are rare and they are not for want of trying.
- Which fish should we go for?
- Crappie if you want numbers, an easy day and something for the table. Bass if you would rather work for a bigger fish. Tell Mike what you are after and he will point you at the right month for it.
On the day
- Do I need a fishing license?
- Yes. Every angler needs their own Missouri fishing license, and it is not included in the trip. You can buy one online in a couple of minutes before you come.
- What time should we get there?
- Ten to fifteen minutes before your start time, so you are on the water when you are meant to be. Trips usually start early, especially in summer when the first hours of light are the best of the day.
- What is on the boat already?
- Rods, reels, lures, jigs, bait, tackle and ice-cold water. You are welcome to bring your own gear if you would rather use it. Eight-hour trips usually include lunch.
- What should I bring?
- Your license, sunglasses, sunscreen and clothing for the weather — layers if it is cold, rain gear if it is wet. Food and drinks if you want them, and a cooler if you are taking fish home.
- Do we keep what we catch?
- That is up to you. Crappie are excellent eating and most people take some home. Bass usually go back. Mike will tell you what is legal to keep that day and cleans your fish before you leave.
Weather, booking and payment
- What happens if the weather is bad?
- You fish. Rain does not cancel a trip and often improves it. Lightning and heavy storms do — in that case Mike delays the start or moves you to another day, and you are not charged for it.
- How do I hold a date?
- Call, text or send the form and Mike will put you in the book. There is no deposit and nothing to pay up front. Spring dates go first and April books earlier than most people expect.
- Can I cancel?
- Yes, and there is nothing to forfeit. Just tell Mike as early as you can so he has a chance of filling the day. If weather makes it unsafe he will move you himself.
- How do I pay the balance?
- At the end of the trip. All major credit cards, Square, or cash.
Still wondering something?
Call or text. Mike answers his own phone, and he would rather talk it through than have you book something you are unsure about.