Ready to reel in some slabs on one of Oklahoma's best crappie lakes? Join me, TJ, for a day of non-stop action on Skiatook Lake. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, I'll put you on the fish and show you the tricks of the trade. With top-notch gear and the latest LiveScope technology, we'll be finding those honey holes and filling the livewell in no time.
Picture this: You're out on Skiatook's crystal-clear waters, surrounded by rolling hills and timber-lined shores. The sun's just peeking over the horizon, and we're already marking fish on the LiveScope. That's when the fun begins. We'll be targeting crappie, those tasty panfish that put up a fight and make for some mighty fine eating. The base trip is set for one or two anglers, but we can squeeze in a third if needed. Just remember, the sweet spot is 1-2 folks for the best experience. At $325 for one or $425 for two, you're in for a full day of fishing, learning, and good old-fashioned fun.
Forget about lugging your tackle box – I've got you covered with all the gear you'll need. We're talking top-of-the-line rods, reels, and the hottest baits that Skiatook crappie can't resist. The real game-changer? Garmin LiveScope. This isn't your grandpa's fish finder. We're talking real-time, underwater video game-like views of the fish. You'll see them react to your bait, which means more hookups and less guesswork. We'll be using a mix of techniques – from vertical jigging to casting – depending on where the fish are holding and what they're in the mood for that day.
"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 speckled beauties are not only a blast to catch but also some of the best-tasting freshwater fish you'll ever sink your teeth into. In Skiatook, we're mainly after white crappie, which can grow up to 2 pounds or more. Spring is prime time when these fish move shallow to spawn, but don't worry – we catch 'em year-round. In the cooler months, we'll find them schooled up near brush piles and creek channels. The fight of a crappie might surprise you; they've got a knack for making those last-second dives just when you think you've got 'em in the bag. And when the bite is on, it's not uncommon to catch dozens in a single spot. It's fast-paced fishing that'll keep you on your toes and grinning from ear to ear.
Folks, it's not just about the fish – though that's a big part of it. It's about the experience. From the moment we push off from the dock, you're in for a day of laughs, learning, and making memories. I've had kids catch their first fish, watched buddies engage in friendly competition, and seen families bond over a shared love of the outdoors. Skiatook Lake itself is a gem, with its clear water and diverse structure. One minute we might be fishing deep brush piles, the next we're skirting the shoreline for spawning crappie. And let's not forget the bonus catches – it's not uncommon to hook into a chunky largemouth or a hard-fighting white bass while we're at it.
All you need to bring is your appetite for fishing (and maybe some snacks and drinks). I'll handle the rest – from rods and reels to bait and ice for the fish. Wear comfortable clothes and don't forget the sunscreen. We'll be out for a full day, typically from dawn to mid-afternoon, chasing those bites. At the end of the day, I'll clean and bag your catch, so you can head straight home to the frying pan. Just remember, while I can't control the fish, I can promise you a day full of effort, knowledge-sharing, and hopefully, a cooler full of crappie.
Ready to get in on the action? Don't let this opportunity slip through your fingers like a big ol' crappie. Whether you're looking to learn the ropes of LiveScope fishing, want to fill the freezer with some of the tastiest fillets around, or just need a day away from the grind, I've got you covered. Remember, spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons. And while I hate to mention it, that deposit is non-refundable – but trust me, once you're out on Skiatook with a rod in your hand, you won't be thinking about backing out. So what are you waiting for? Let's get your date locked in and start counting down to your day of world-class crappie fishing on Skiatook Lake. The fish are calling, and it's time to answer!
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
Incredible guide. Felt like we were with family (the good kind) by the end of the trip.
August 23, 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
Very knowledgeable and professional. Learned a lot.
July 6, 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
Always learning when fishing with TJ and he never disappoints. Thanks TJ! 5 stars
August 7, 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
Great time on the water with TJ today. He took great care of my grandson and left him with memories he will never forget. Highly recommend his guide service. Marc Montrose
August 13, 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
Crappies are game fish and the largest members of the Centrarchidae family. They are present in nature as Black Crappie (Poxomis nigromaculatus) or and White Crappie (Poxomis annularus). Both the species are similar to each other, apart from few distinctions. White crappie will have vertical bars running the length of their body, and black crappie will have no discernible pattern and will just be speckled, hence their nickname, “specks". White crappie has 5-6 spines, and black crappie has 7-8 spines. Anglers often differentiate the two by body shapeGrenade Lake, Mississippi, and Reel foot Lake are considered among giant crappie lakes.
Both the crappies have a similar habitat, though black crappie prefers clearer water than white crappie. These fishes can be found in rivers, lakes, and backwater pools swimming in shallow waters or hiding among bushes, vegetation, or other covers.
Crappie is native to Canada and the eastern States. It is a much-enjoyed game fish in North America and inhabits the Great Lakes, Hudson Bay, and the Mississippi River Basins.
Crappie can be 7-12 inches long and weigh about 0.5-1 pounds.
Crappie is known for its tasty and white meat.
Despite its name, crappie is an excellent source of nutrition, containing high amounts of protein and essential omega-3 fatty acids. Although it's not as popular as salmon or tuna, crappie can be a delicious addition to any healthy diet. They are known for their delicate taste and ease of preparation.
When cooked properly, crappie has a delicate flavor and flaky texture, making it perfect for grilling, frying, or baking. Moreover, because they are smaller fish than other common species, such as bass or catfish, the chances of mercury contamination in their flesh are much lower.
Crappie spawning season begins in early spring and summer when the water temperature is 62 F-68 F. Male builds the nest in soft or gravelly spots, the female lays the eggs, and the male guards the nest. Eggs take 2 to 5 days to hatch.
Depending on the age, Crappie victims consist of zooplankton, crustaceans, small fish, minnows, insects, gizzard or threadfin shads, and larvae of other game fishes.
Crappie is most active at dawn or dusk. Anglers recommend using live bait and properly sized hooks, not too small, not too large.
Spin fishing for crappie is a popular angling technique used for years. The use of small lures, such as crappie spinners or jigs along the bottom with light tackle, makes it possible to catch these elusive fish with ease. Crappie spinner fishing involves using a spinning rod and reel setup to cast the lure out into the water and retrieve it in a steady fashion.
When fishing for crappie with a spinner, it's essential to choose the right size and color of the lure. Smaller lures are more effective when targeting this species due to their smaller mouths. Additionally, selecting colors that mimic the natural prey of crappie can help increase your chances of catching them. It's also important to consider where you're casting your line when using spinners for crappie fishing.
Another popular technique is a bobber with a hook with live bait such as worms or small minnows. This is a proven method to catch crappie.
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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.