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Looking to level up your freshwater game? This private two-day guided fishing trip with C&H Fishing Outfitters puts you on Missouri's most productive lakes with a captain who knows where the fish are biting. Whether you're just getting your feet wet or you've been fishing for years, this experience is built around improving your technique while putting fish in the boat. You'll spend two solid days targeting bass, catfish, trout, and panfish with quality gear and hands-on instruction that actually makes a difference. Perfect for solo anglers or fishing buddies who want to dial in their approach without the crowds.
This isn't your typical half-day charter where you're rushed through the basics. Over two full days, you'll work Missouri's top-rated lake systems with a guide who takes the time to explain why certain techniques work in specific conditions. Each morning starts with a game plan based on weather, water temp, and recent fish activity. You'll learn proper bait presentation, how to read structure on electronics, and when to switch up your approach. The beauty of a multi-day trip is building on what you learned yesterday – by day two, you're applying techniques with confidence instead of just following instructions. All rods, reels, and tackle are provided, so you can focus on fishing instead of gear management. The boat is rigged for comfort during long days, and with only two anglers max, you get personalized attention that's hard to find elsewhere.
Missouri lakes offer diverse fishing opportunities, and this trip covers the techniques that work best for each target species. For bass fishing, you'll learn both finesse and power fishing methods – from working soft plastics along rocky points to throwing spinnerbaits over submerged timber. Catfish techniques focus on bottom fishing with the right bait presentation and understanding how these fish move based on temperature and time of day. The guide will show you how to read your electronics to identify fish-holding structure, plus casting techniques that improve accuracy and reduce snags. You'll also pick up local knowledge that only comes from years on these waters – like which coves warm up first in spring or where the best deep-water structure lies. By the end of two days, you'll have a toolkit of proven methods that translate to better fishing trips on your own.
Striped Bass are the heavyweight fighters of Missouri lakes, and these fish put up a battle that'll test your drag system. They typically run 15-25 pounds in the top lakes, with some pushing into the 30+ range during peak season. Spring and fall are prime time when they're actively feeding in open water and around points. What makes stripers exciting is their aggressive strikes and long runs – when one hits, you know it immediately. They school up and feed cooperatively, so finding one often means finding several.
Smallmouth Bass are pound-for-pound some of the hardest fighting freshwater fish you'll encounter. Missouri's clear, rocky lakes are perfect smallmouth habitat, and these bronze backs average 2-4 pounds with occasional 5+ pounders mixed in. They're most active during cooler months and early morning periods, preferring rocky structure and drop-offs. Smallmouth are notorious for their aerial displays and multiple jumps, making every hookup a photo opportunity. Their aggressive nature and willingness to hit both lures and live bait makes them a customer favorite.
Channel Catfish are the workhorses of Missouri fishing, providing consistent action when other species are finicky. These whiskered fighters range from eating-size 2-5 pounders up to genuine trophies over 20 pounds. Summer nights are prime time, but they bite year-round if you know where to look. Channel cats are perfect for learning proper bottom fishing techniques, and their strong, steady fights make them exciting for anglers of all skill levels. Plus, they're excellent table fare when prepared right.
American Yellow Perch might be smaller than the other targets, but they make up for size with numbers and taste. These school fish typically run 8-12 inches in Missouri lakes, with occasional jumbo perch pushing 14+ inches. Late fall and winter are peak seasons when they group up in deeper water. Perch fishing teaches precision and finesse – they can be picky about bait presentation, making them perfect for honing your technique. When you locate a school, the action can be non-stop.
Bluegill are the gateway fish that keep many anglers coming back for more. Missouri lakes produce quality bluegill in the 8-10 inch range, with some true slabs exceeding a pound. Spring spawning season offers the most consistent action when they're concentrated in shallow areas. These scrappy panfish are perfect for practicing light-tackle techniques and teaching patience. Their willingness to bite and excellent table quality makes them a trip highlight, especially for families or new anglers building confidence.
Two days on Missouri's best lakes with expert instruction and quality gear – that's the kind of fishing experience that changes how you approach the sport. Whether you're looking to build foundational skills or add advanced techniques to your arsenal, this trip delivers real results you can use for years. The personalized attention and multi-day format means you'll actually retain what you learn, not just go through the motions. C&H Fishing Outfitters has built a reputation on putting clients on fish while teaching techniques that work. With only two spots available per trip, these fill up fast during prime seasons. Ready to take your freshwater fishing to the next level? Book your Missouri lakes adventure and see why anglers keep coming back for more.
Yellow perch are perfect fish for building confidence - they're aggressive biters and travel in schools, so when you find one, you'll usually catch several more. These golden fish with dark vertical stripes typically run 7-10 inches in our lakes. Look for them around weed beds, docks, and rocky shorelines in 8-15 feet of water. Spring and fall fishing is fantastic when they move shallow to feed. What guests love is the steady action and the fact that perch are some of the best-tasting fish in freshwater - sweet, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They school up in big numbers, sometimes 50+ fish together. Light tackle is key since they're not huge. Best tip: once you catch one, stay put and work that same spot thoroughly with small jigs or minnows - the rest of the school is usually right there.

Bluegill are the perfect species for learning proper fishing basics - they're aggressive, abundant, and found in every cove and shallow bay. These colorful panfish average 6-8 inches but can surprise you with 10+ inch slabs during spring spawning. You'll find them around shallow cover - fallen trees, weed beds, and dock pilings in 3-8 feet of water. Spring through early summer is prime time when they're bedding in the shallows. What makes them special is their scrappy fight on light tackle and their willingness to bite almost anything. They're also excellent table fare with sweet, white meat. Perfect for kids and beginners since they're not picky. My favorite technique: use a small bobber with a cricket or worm about 18 inches below, cast near any shallow cover, and watch that bobber dance.

Channel cats are some of the most reliable fish in our Missouri lakes, running anywhere from 2-15 pounds with the occasional 20+ pounder. These whiskered fighters love structure - fallen trees, creek bends, and deep holes where they hunt crawfish and baitfish. They're active year-round but really turn on during summer nights when the water warms up. What makes them fun is their stubborn, bulldogging fight and the fact that they're excellent eating. Their barbels help them find food by taste and smell, making them perfect for stink baits and cut bait. The key is using sharp hooks - their mouths are tough. My best tip: fish the deepest part of a creek channel right at dusk with fresh-cut shad on the bottom. That's money time for big channels.

Smallmouth bass are pound-for-pound the best fighters in Missouri's clear lakes. These bronze-backed beauties typically run 12-18 inches and love rocky structure - bluff walls, chunk rock banks, and gravel points. They're most active in spring and fall when water temps hit that 60-70 degree sweet spot. Summer finds them deeper, hugging ledges and drop-offs. What sets them apart is that aerial display when hooked - they'll jump and shake like crazy trying to throw your lure. The meat is firm and tasty if you decide to keep a few. Early morning and late evening are prime times. Here's a local trick: when fishing rocky banks, cast a tube jig right into the rocks and let it fall on a slack line - that's when most bites happen.

Stripers in Missouri lakes typically run 20-40 pounds and are some of the hardest fighting fish you'll encounter. Originally Atlantic coast fish, they've adapted perfectly to our reservoir systems. You'll find them around structure - submerged points, creek channels, and rock piles - usually staying in 15-30 feet of water during summer. Spring and fall are prime time when they chase shad in shallow coves. What makes them special is that powerful run when hooked - they'll strip line and test your drag like no other freshwater fish. The meat is sweet and flaky, similar to sea bass. My go-to tip: watch for diving birds working baitfish on the surface, then cast just outside the action with a white bucktail jig.

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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Mercury Optima
Maximum Cruising Speed: 20
Number of Engines: 2
Horsepower per Engine: 53