Ready to reel in some serious crappie action? Look no further than Skiatook Lake, where I'll show you the ropes on a top-notch guided fishing trip. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this adventure is tailor-made for a good time on the water. We'll use cutting-edge tech like Garmin LiveScope to put you on the fish, and I'll share all the tricks of the trade to make sure you're hauling in slabs left and right.
From the moment we launch, it's all about finding those honey holes where the crappie are stacked up. I've got the lake dialed in, so we'll waste no time getting to the action. We'll start with a quick rundown on using LiveScope - it's like having x-ray vision underwater, and once you see it in action, you'll be hooked. I provide all the gear you need, from rods and reels to the latest lures that crappie can't resist. All you need to bring is some grub and drinks to keep you fueled up for a day of non-stop fishing.
We'll cover a range of crappie-catching techniques that work in all conditions. From vertical jigging around submerged timber to casting towards the shoreline, I'll show you how to present your bait for maximum effect. We might even try some spider-rigging if the bite is tough. The key is adapting to what the fish want on any given day, and that's where my experience comes in handy. I'll teach you how to read the LiveScope, detect those subtle bites, and set the hook just right. By the end of the day, you'll be working that jig pole like a pro.
"This was my 3rd trip with Taylor. All 3 trips on different lakes and as usual Taylor did an excellent job. We were in fish from the time the boat came off of plane until we left! I highly recommend Taylor. He is a great guide and is a pleasure to fish with." - Russ
"Just had an amazing day fishing with Taylor of TJ Fishing! Taylor put us onto fish immediately after a little boat ride. We could have caught our limit but chose to keep what we could eat. Taylor was a great teacher on the live scope technique. I highly recommend using TJ Fishing" - Mark
"TJ is simply the best! Took my 2 boys, 7 & 11 yrs old, and he was great with them. Got them both catching fish in no time. Ended the day with nearly 100 fish and a bonus walleye!" - Daniel
Crappie are the bread and butter of Skiatook Lake, and for good reason. These feisty panfish are a blast to catch and even better to eat. We target both black and white crappie, which can grow to impressive sizes in these waters. In the spring, you can expect to find them shallow, often in just a few feet of water as they prepare to spawn. As summer heats up, we'll follow them out to deeper structure where they school up around brush piles and underwater points.
What makes crappie fishing so addictive is the way they hit - that distinctive 'thump' when they take your jig is something every angler lives for. And when you're on a hot bite, it's not uncommon to pull in fish after fish, sometimes two at a time if you're using a double jig rig. The average keeper size runs around 10-12 inches, but don't be surprised if we hook into some real slabs pushing 15 inches or more. Skiatook is known for producing some hefty crappie, and I know just where to find them.
Fishing Skiatook Lake isn't just about filling the livewell (though we'll do plenty of that). It's about the whole experience. Picture yourself on a crisp morning, the mist rising off the water as we idle out to our first spot. The anticipation builds as we mark the first school on the LiveScope. Then it's game on - the satisfying 'zip' of line peeling off the reel, the bend of the rod, and the splash of a fat crappie breaking the surface.
But it's more than just the fishing. It's about learning new skills, swapping stories, and enjoying the beauty of Oklahoma's outdoors. Skiatook's clear waters and scenic shorelines provide a backdrop that's hard to beat. And let's not forget the bragging rights you'll earn when you show off your catch to friends and family. Speaking of which, this trip is perfect for making memories with the kids - they fish free if they're 12 or under, and there's nothing like seeing a youngster's face light up when they reel in their first big one.
What makes fishing with TJ Fishing Co & Guide Service stand out? For starters, it's all about staying ahead of the curve. I'm constantly updating my techniques and gear to give you the best shot at a stellar day on the water. The Garmin LiveScope isn't just a fancy toy - it's a game-changer that lets us see fish in real-time, adjusting our presentation on the fly to trigger bites when other boats are coming up empty.
I also pride myself on being more than just a guide who puts you on fish. I'm here to teach, whether you're looking to pick up the basics or fine-tune your crappie fishing skills. Want to learn how to rig a jig? I've got you covered. Curious about how water temperature affects fish behavior? Let's talk about it. By the end of the day, you'll walk away with new knowledge that'll serve you well on future fishing trips.
And let's not forget the convenience factor. I provide all the gear, clean and bag your catch, and handle all the nitty-gritty details so you can focus on what matters - catching fish and having a great time. It's a hassle-free way to experience some of the best crappie fishing Oklahoma has to offer.
Crappie fishing on Skiatook Lake is a year-round affair, but knowing the patterns can really up your game. In early spring, we'll target pre-spawn crappie moving into the shallows. This is prime time for some of the biggest fish of the year. As we move into summer, we'll shift our focus to deeper water, using LiveScope to pinpoint schools holding on brush piles and creek channels.
Fall brings a feeding frenzy as crappie bulk up for winter, often producing fast action and full livewells. Even in the colder months, the bite stays strong - we just have to slow down our presentation and focus on the deeper haunts where crappie congregate. Each season brings its own challenges and rewards, and I'll make sure we're using the right tactics to make the most of whatever Mother Nature throws our way.
If you're itching to get out on Skiatook Lake and stack up some slabs, now's the time to lock in your date. Whether you're a solo angler looking to hone your skills or want to treat the family to a day they won't forget, I've got you covered. Remember, the base price is $325 for one person and $425 for two, with a max of three on board (though 1-2 is the sweet spot for the best experience).
Don't let another season slip by without experiencing the world-class crappie fishing Skiatook has to offer. Give me a shout, and let's get your trip on the books. Just be warned - once you've fished Skiatook with a pro, you might find yourself hooked for life. Looking forward to seeing you on the water!
December 27, 2024
Just had an amazing day fishing with Taylor of TJ Fishing! Taylor put us onto fish immediately after a little boat ride. We could have caught our limit but chose to keep what we could eat. Taylor was a great teacher on the live scope technique. I highly recommend using TJ Fishing
December 30, 2024
Taylor did a Great Job as always. On top of his Game and alot of fun. Looking forward to the next time.
March 10, 2025
Very knowledgeable and professional. Learned a lot.
July 6, 2025
We had an awesome time. TJ was great. We caught 74 fish by noon.
May 15, 2025
TJ is simply the best! Took my 2 boys, 7 & 11 yrs old, and he was great with them. Got them both catching fish in no time. Ended the day with nearly 100 fish and a bonus walleye!
March 15, 2025
It was a great day!! Caught fish all day. Learned alot about livescope and how to use. Very knowledgeable guide. One of the best I've been with.
April 17, 2025
TJ is very knowledgeable and super guide
April 17, 2025
Had a great day he took his time to show us the tricks of livescope. And we fill our 2 man limit with no problem, probably caught near a 100 fish I would recommend him to everyone Thanks for a fantastic Day
March 20, 2025
TJ is well experienced and a good teacher!!
January 17, 2025
TJ is very knowledgeable guide. Put us on fish all day long under very windy conditions. Two man limit in under 4 hours if you want to catch crappie he’s your man
May 20, 2025
Took my Wife and daughters to have a tour with TJ and they had a BLAST! They caught a TON of crappies! Very professional, knowledgeable and gives a great experience. Was punctual and informative. 10/10 would definitely recommend to all my friends and family
April 27, 2025
TJ was friendly, knowledgeable, and great with kids — he made the day fun and educational. We caught plenty of fish, learned new techniques, and enjoyed beautiful scenery. My son hasn’t stopped talking about it since! Highly recommend for a fun, family-friendly adventure.
May 27, 2025
We had a great trip w/ TJ on Skiatook today! From the time we got on the boat until he sent us on our way with the filets we had a blast! My son loves to fish and TJ was awesome showing and teaching him. We will definitely fish with him again and can’t recommend enough!
March 28, 2025
Had a great trip caught lots of fish! Will definitely go with TJ again.
June 29, 2025
Taylor is a very good guide I have been using him about 5 trips and l have learned something new everytime.
August 22, 2024
Crappie are a favorite among Skiatook Lake anglers for good reason. These feisty panfish typically range from 7-12 inches and put up a fun fight on light tackle. You'll find them hanging around brush piles, fallen trees, and other structure in 5-15 feet of water. Spring and fall are prime crappie seasons here, but we catch them year-round. Folks love targeting crappie for their tasty white meat and the challenge of finding schools. They're also great for introducing kids to fishing. Using live minnows or small jigs near cover is a reliable way to hook into them. One local tip: On sunny days, try slow-trolling with multiple rods to cover more water. We'll use LiveScope to pinpoint schools, then work different depths until we find the active fish. Whether you're after a mess for the fryer or just want steady action, crappie fishing on Skiatook is hard to beat.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 3
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 75
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 250
This was my 3rd trip with Taylor. All 3 trips on different lakes and as usual Taylor did an excellent job. We were in fish from the time the boat came off of plane until we left! I highly recommend Taylor. He is a great guide and is a pleasure to fish with.