Ready for a full day of rod-bending action on legendary Lake Fork? Captain Russell's your go-to guide for hauling in slab crappie and whisker-faced catfish. Whether you're a seasoned angler or bringing the kids out for their first big catch, this trip's got you covered. We'll cruise the lake in a comfy, well-equipped boat, hitting all the honey holes where the fish are biting. With years of experience under his belt, Captain Russell knows exactly where to find the sweet spots and how to put you on the fish. So grab your hat and sunscreen – it's time to make some memories on one of Texas' top fishing lakes!
Your day starts bright and early as we launch from Lake Fork Marina. Captain Russell's 150HP rig is decked out with all the gear you need – from rods and reels to live wells for keeping your catch fresh. The boat's comfortable seating means you can focus on fishing, not fidgeting. As we cruise to the first spot, you'll get the lowdown on the day's game plan. Whether you're after crappie hiding in submerged timber or catfish prowling the depths, we've got the tactics dialed in. Don't worry if you're new to this – Captain Russell's got a knack for explaining techniques in a way that'll have you casting like a pro in no time. And hey, if you just want to kick back and let the guide do the work, that's cool too. It's your day on the water, after all!
When it comes to crappie fishing on Lake Fork, we've got a few tricks up our sleeves. We'll likely start by spider rigging – that's where we've got multiple poles set up off the front of the boat, allowing us to cover more water and find those schools of crappie. Once we're on 'em, we might switch to vertical jigging or slip-corking to really dial in the bite. For catfish, we'll often use stink bait or cut bait, letting it sink to the bottom where those whisker-fish are hanging out. Captain Russell's always tweaking his approach based on what the fish are doing that day, so you might learn some new techniques you've never tried before. And don't worry about bringing gear – we've got top-notch rods, reels, and tackle all ready to go. Just bring your game face and maybe a lucky hat!
"Friendly and knowledgeable, answered all my questions about crappie fishing. Was amazing with my four year old son and made sure he was involved as much as possible." - Karl
"Awesome trip. Russell Rollins is an exceptional guide and an exceptional person. Good times and great memories. We will be back to fish with him again soon. Thanks Russell!!" - Randy
"Captain Russell gave us a really memorable day on the water. We caught dozens of catfish from his honey holes and managed to bring a few crappie in on a fairly slow day. His boat is set up perfectly for up to 4 people. He's an amazing guide and clearly loves what he does. Would recommend he and his services to anyone looking to have an unforgettable day on the water!" - John
Crappie are the stars of the show on Lake Fork, and for good reason. These tasty panfish are known for their fight-to-size ratio and their delicious, flaky white meat. Spring is prime time for crappie, when they move into shallow water to spawn. That's when you can really load the boat with these silver-sided beauties. Lake Fork crappie often tip the scales at over 2 pounds, with the lake record sitting at a whopping 3.28 pounds. When you're reeling in a big slab, you'll feel that signature thump-thump as it fights all the way to the boat.
Catfish are the other heavy hitters in Lake Fork. We're talking about channel cats, blue cats, and the occasional flathead. These whiskered warriors can grow to impressive sizes, with 20-30 pounders not uncommon. Blue cats, in particular, can get massive – the lake record is over 71 pounds! Catfish are active year-round, but summer nights can be especially productive. There's nothing quite like the bend in your rod when a big cat takes the bait and starts peeling line. And let's not forget, these fish make for some mighty fine eating too!
Lake Fork isn't just another fishing hole – it's a world-class fishery that keeps anglers coming back year after year. The lake's structure is perfect for fish habitat, with plenty of submerged timber, points, and creek channels. This means there's always a new spot to explore and new techniques to try. Captain Russell's been guiding here for years, and he's still discovering new honey holes. Plus, the lake's catch-and-release ethic for big bass has helped maintain a healthy population of all species. Whether you're after a cooler full of eating-size crappie or the thrill of battling a monster catfish, Lake Fork delivers. And with Captain Russell at the helm, you're in for a day of fishing that'll have you planning your next trip before you even get back to the dock.
Alright, folks, let's get down to brass tacks. If you're itching to get out on Lake Fork and fill the boat with crappie and catfish, now's the time to lock in your date. Captain Russell's calendar fills up fast, especially during prime fishing seasons. Remember, this full-day trip is perfect for families, fishing buddies, or anyone looking to learn from a top-notch guide. You'll come away with not just a stringer of fish, but also new skills and memories that'll last a lifetime. So don't let this opportunity slip away like a big one off the hook – book your Lake Fork fishing charter today! Just keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable, so make sure your schedule is set before you pull the trigger. Get ready for a day of laughs, learning, and lots of fish – Lake Fork is calling, and Captain Russell's got the hot spots dialed in!
March 11, 2025
Awesome trip. Russell Rollins is an exceptional guide and an exceptional person. Good times and great memories. We will be back to fish with him again soon. Thanks Russell!!
April 17, 2025
Captain Russell gave us a really memorable day on the water. We caught dozens of catfish from his honey holes and managed to bring a few crappie in on a fairly slow day. His boat is set up perfectly for up to 4 people. He's an amazing guide and clearly loves what he does. Would recommend he and his services to anyone looking to have an unforgettable day on the water!
April 3, 2025
Crappie are a favorite among Lake Fork anglers, and for good reason. These tasty panfish typically run 7-12 inches long and put up a scrappy fight on light tackle. You'll find them hanging around brush piles, submerged timber, and weed edges 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 delicate, flaky meat and the fun of filling a cooler. They school up, so when you find one, you've often found a bunch. I like using small jigs or live minnows under a slip float - that's deadly effective. Here's a local tip: On sunny days, try fishing the shady side of structure. Crappie have sensitive eyes and often hold tight to cover when it's bright out. A slow, vertical presentation right in their face can trigger strikes when they're in that mood. Once you dial in the right depth and presentation, the action can be non-stop.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
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Horsepower per Engine: 150
Friendly and knowledgeable, answered all my questions about crappie fishing. Was amazing with my four year old son and made sure he was involved as much as possible.