Hey there, anglers! Ready to chase some monster bass and slab crappie in Mississippi's best-kept secret fishing spots? Captain Garrett McWilliams here, and I'm itching to get you on the water for a 6-hour private fishing adventure you won't soon forget. We'll be hitting the lakes around Ridgeland, where the big ones are always biting. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting your feet wet, I've got the local knowledge and cutting-edge gear to put you on fish all day long.
We'll kick things off bright and early at 7:30 AM, when the fish are most active and the lakes are calm as glass. My state-of-the-art boat is decked out with live scope and active target technology, so we can see exactly where those lunkers are hiding. We'll be using light tackle techniques to target both largemouth bass and crappie, adapting our approach based on what's biting. I'll show you all my favorite honey holes and share tips and tricks I've picked up from years of guiding these waters. By the time we wrap up, you'll have a stringer full of fish and enough fish stories to last you till your next trip!
Alright, let's talk strategy. For bass, we might start the day throwing topwater lures like buzzbaits or poppers around lily pads and shoreline cover. As the sun gets higher, we'll switch to soft plastics or jigs, working them slowly through deeper structure. When it comes to crappie, we'll use ultralight rods and small jigs or minnows, either vertical jigging around brush piles or using slip bobbers to suspend our bait at just the right depth. With our live scope technology, we can actually see the fish react to our lures in real-time – it's like playing a video game, but way more exciting! Don't worry if you're new to these techniques; I'll walk you through everything step-by-step. By the end of the day, you'll be casting like a pro.
Folks, I've been guiding these waters for years, and let me tell you, there's something special about fishing in Ridgeland. Maybe it's the peaceful mornings with mist rising off the water, or the heart-pounding thrill when a big ol' bass slams your lure. Could be the satisfaction of learning new skills and seeing them pay off with a monster catch. Or maybe it's just the joy of spending a day on the water, away from the hustle and bustle, making memories with friends and family. Whatever brings you out here, I guarantee you'll leave with a smile on your face and a burning desire to come back for more.
Let's talk about what we're after on these trips. First up, the largemouth bass – the undisputed king of freshwater game fish. These bad boys can grow upwards of 10 pounds in our lakes, and they put up one heck of a fight. They're ambush predators, so we'll be targeting structure like fallen trees, weed edges, and deep drop-offs where they like to hide. Spring and fall are prime times for big bass, but we catch 'em year-round here.
Now, if you've never experienced the thrill of a crappie bite, you're in for a treat. These tasty panfish might not be as big as bass, but what they lack in size, they make up for in numbers and pure fun. We call 'em "slabs" when they get big, and for good reason – a 2-pounder is a real trophy. Crappie tend to school up, so when we find 'em, we can often catch a bunch in quick succession. They're especially active in the spring during their spawn, but fall can be dynamite too when they're fattening up for winter.
Listen, folks, I don't mean to brag, but these Ridgeland fishing trips are some of the best you'll find anywhere in Mississippi. Whether you're looking to catch your personal best bass, fill a cooler with tasty crappie, or just enjoy a relaxing day on the water, I've got you covered. Remember, we're limited to just two guests per trip to ensure you get the personalized attention you deserve. So don't wait – grab your fishing buddy and let's get your trip on the calendar. The big ones are out there waiting, and I can't wait to help you catch 'em. Give me a shout, and let's make some fishing memories that'll last a lifetime!
Crappie are one of our most popular panfish, usually 7-12 inches long and weighing up to a pound. You'll find these silvery speckled beauties hanging around brush piles, fallen trees, and dock pilings. They tend to school up, so if you catch one, there's likely more nearby. Spring is prime time as crappie move shallow to spawn, but fall can be red hot too. Locals love targeting them for their tasty white fillets - there's nothing better than a fresh crappie dinner. They're also great for introducing kids to fishing since they're eager biters. To catch more slabs, try slow-trolling small jigs or minnows around structure. My secret weapon is using light line and a slip bobber to present live bait at the perfect depth. Once you dial in the right spot and technique, it's not uncommon to land dozens in a day. Just remember to release the big ones to keep the population healthy for years to come.
Largemouth bass are the heavyweights of our local lakes, typically running 1-4 pounds but capable of topping 10. You'll find them lurking around submerged logs, weed beds, and drop-offs. These ambush predators have a mean streak - when they hit, hold on tight. Spring and fall are prime seasons as bass move shallow to feed. Summertime, try deeper structures early and late in the day. Folks love chasing largies for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights. There's nothing quite like seeing a big bass explode on a topwater lure at dawn. If you're after a trophy, I'd recommend throwing big swimbaits or jigs near cover during pre-spawn. Just be ready to muscle that fish away from snags. Whether you're a seasoned pro or first-timer, hooking into a chunky largemouth is always a thrill.
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 2
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 25
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 250