Give the gift of guided fishing

Experts available for most species

A guided fishing trip is sure to please when it’s unwrapped beside the Christmas tree.

A day on the water with an expert guide is sure to delight any angler from experienced to beginner. There are guide services for nearly all species of game fish at Beaver Lake, White River below Beaver Dam and beyond. Arrangements can be made for half-day or full day trips.

A bit of online research will turn up a long list of fishing guides, particularly at Beaver Lake. Many specialize in catching striped bass, which are the giants of the reservoir pushing weights of 30 to 40 pounds or heavier. Others are multispecies guides adept at catching crappie and walleye as well as stripers.

It’s a cinch to make this special gift happen. Simply contact the guide of your choice to discuss the details, such as when your loved one might want to fish, what equipment is provided, license requirements, cancellation policy and payment.

Guided fishing isn’t a cheap gift. A guided fishing trip costs around $400 for one or two people, plus tip. A half-day trip may cost less, but not much. Some guides can accommodate as many as five anglers at a higher price.

The fee gets your loved one the services of an expert guide who knows how to catch fish and where particular species roam on the lake or river at different times of year. Fishing is done from a comfortable boat and most guides provide all equipment including bait or lures. All the customer has to do is show up eager to fish.

Hiring a guide doesn’t come with a guarantee that fish will be caught, but guides will do their best to put fish in the boat hoping their clients will be repeat customers in years to come.

Winter is a prime season for catching striped bass at Beaver Lake. Crappie bite well in winter, as well as in spring and summer. Walleye bite best during the spawn in early spring and all through summer. Trout bite at the White River below Beaver, Table Rock or Bull Shoals dams any time of year.

A guided fishing trip is a gift anglers may never buy for themselves, one that comes with an enjoyable time on the water and memories that last a lifetime.