Lake Texoma Guided Striper Fishing Trip FAQs
Everything you need to know about striper fishing with Texoma Mike
Lake Texoma Guided Striper Fishing Trip FAQs
Everything you need to know about striper fishing with Texoma Mike
Find answers to frequently asked questions about Texoma Mike’s guided striper fishing charters on Lake Texoma. From best times of year to to fish for stripers, to booking and payment policies, what is provided, and what you need to bring, you’ll find that and everything else here. Of course, you can contact us by phone, text or email for these or any other questions. We look forward to your becoming a satisfied repeat customer soon!
- 1 General Info: About Lake & Stripers
- 2 Trip Length, Services, Guides
- 3 Booking, Payment, Cancels
- 4 What is provided; What I need
- 5 Special Occasions & Groups
- Cardinal Cove & Texoma Mike's Launch Point FAQs
- Texas & Oklahoma Fishing License FAQs
Striper fishing refers to fishing for striped bass, a popular game fish known for its fighting ability and delicious taste.
On Lake Texoma, the striped bass (striper) is the most important and popular game fish. This lake is even known as the “Striper Capital of the World” due to its thriving striped bass population and excellent fishing conditions.
Striper fishing on Lake Texoma is excellent throughout the year, but certain seasons offer better opportunities:
- Winter (November to February): Striper fishing slows down, but the fish are big and healthy. Deadsticking with artificial lures is a common technique during this time.
- Spring (March to May): As the water warms, shad move into shallower areas, followed by stripers. This is a great time for live-bait fishing and targeting pre-spawn fish.
- Summer (June to August): This is the busiest season, with fast and furious action. Drifting live-bait over structure and windblown points is effective.
- Fall (September to October): Stripers feed heavily in preparation for winter. Both live-bait and lures work well during this season.
Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner, Lake Texoma offers a variety of spots and seasons to enjoy the thrill of striper fishing. Happy fishing!
The bag limits for stripers on Lake Texoma are as follows: daily bag limit of 10 and possession limit of 20, with only 2 fish over 20 inches allowed per day.
Striped bass are generally the largest among these species, both in length and weight, making them a popular target for anglers seeking a big catch. Largemouth bass are also quite sizable and are known for their aggressive behavior. White bass, spotted bass, and smallmouth bass are smaller but still provide a good fight and are popular among anglers for their spirited battles.
Striped Bass (Striper):Average Length: 25 to 35 inches
Physical Characteristics: Two dorsal fins, silvery color with distinct horizontal stripes, two tooth patches on the tongue, sharp points on each gill cover.
Average Weight: 10 to 20 pounds
Maximum Size: Up to 60 inches and 80 to 100 pounds
Largemouth Bass:Average Length: 12 to 18 inches
Physical Characteristics: Single dorsal fin, greenish color with dark horizontal stripe, no tooth patches.
Average Weight: 2 to 4 pounds
Maximum Size: Up to 24 inches and 10 pounds
White (aka Sand) Bass:Average Length: 10 to 12 inches
Physical Characteristics: Single dorsal fin, silvery color with faint horizontal stripes, one tooth patch.
Average Weight: 1 to 2 pounds
Maximum Size: Up to 17 inches and 3 pounds
Spotted Bass:Average Length: 10 to 15 inches
Physical Characteristics: Single dorsal fin, greenish color with spots, no tooth patches.
Average Weight: 1 to 3 pounds
Maximum Size: Up to 24 inches and 10 pounds
Smallmouth Bass:Average Length: 12 to 18 inches
Physical Characteristics: Single dorsal fin, brownish color with vertical stripes, no tooth patches.
Average Weight: 1 to 4 pounds
Maximum Size: Up to 20 inches and 5 pounds
Lake Texoma is called the “Striper Capital of the World” for several compelling reasons:
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- Self-Sustaining Population: Lake Texoma has one of the best-documented natural spawning populations of striped bass in the country. This means that the striped bass in the lake reproduce naturally without the need for continuous stocking, which is a rare and significant achievement for an inland lake.
- Ideal Habitat: The lake spans approximately 89,000 surface acres, providing ample space and ideal conditions for striped bass to thrive. The presence of deep waters, abundant structure, and a healthy population of threadfin and gizzard shad (their primary food source) creates a perfect environment for stripers.
- Fishing Opportunities: Lake Texoma attracts millions of anglers each year due to its prolific striped bass population. The lake offers excellent fishing opportunities, with anglers often catching large numbers of stripers, including trophy-sized fish over 20 inches.
- Historical Success: The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation first stocked striped bass in Lake Texoma in the 1960s, and the first natural spawns were recorded in the 1970s. This long history of successful natural reproduction has solidified the lake’s reputation as a premier striper fishery.
These factors combined make Lake Texoma a world-class destination for striped bass fishing, earning it the well-deserved title of the “Striper Capital of the World.”
LEARN MORE
Get to Know Lake Texoma the Striper Capital of the World
Pictured above: One of my other guids and the cleaned and fileted results of another successful Lake Texoma guided striper fishing trip.
With over 20 years of experience, Texoma Mike’s owner/guide, Mike Keppinger, works to ensure the finest fishing experience for anglers of all skill levels! He can put you on the fish and he guarantee you’ll be itching to come back for more!
Services provided by Texoma Mike ensure that anglers of all skill levels can have a productive and enjoyable time fishing for stripers on Lake Texoma.
- Trip Length Our professional striper guides offer both half-day (3-5 hour) trips.
- Live Bait and Artificial Lures: Depending on the season and fishing conditions, guides may use live bait (such as shad) or artificial lures to attract stripers1.
- Fishing Gear: If you don’t have your own preferred fishing gear, we will provide all necessary equipment, including rods, reels, and tackle.
- Fishing Techniques: Our guides will teach you the appropriate various fishing techniques (taking into account the season, water temperature, weather, etc. These striper fishing techniques include deadsticking, trolling, casting, and jigging, and others, to help anglers catch more fish. LEARN MORE: Expert Techniques for Striper Fishing on Lake Texoma
- Boat and Safety Equipment: Texoma Mike provide a well-maintained boat equipped with safety gear, including life jackets and first aid kits.
- Fishing Licenses: You are responsible for bringing a valid fishing license. See the FAQ for “What is Provided, What I Need”.
- Cleaning and Filleting: Fish cleaning is included with your trip. We pride ourselves on being able to provide the best cleaning options available. Fish will be fileted, bagged and rinsed at the end of each trip. Be sure and leave some room in your cooler. On a good day it usually comes out to about a gallon bag of filets per limit of fish on both lakes. See the FAQ category for “What is Provided” for more information.
- Local Knowledge: Guides have extensive knowledge of the lake, including the best fishing spots, seasonal patterns, and striper behavior.
- Customized Trips: Guides can tailor trips to meet the needs of different groups, whether it’s a family outing, a corporate event, or a serious fishing expedition1.
- New tools for real-time ONLINE BOOKING are coming soon.
- Meanwhile, call/text 405-640-1193 or use our Contact form to email us.
- $450 for 1-3 anglers
- $150 for 4-6 anglers (per boat)
- Multiple boats available.
- There is no maximum of persons that you can book.
- There is a limit of six persons in your party per boat.
- We can provide the number of boats required for your family, group, or company outing.
- $150 Deposit Required to reserve the time upon confirmation of booking.
- Deposits are refundable when requested at least 7 days prior to scheduled booking.
- We take credit cards online or by phone for your deposit (or full amount if you wish to pay up-front).
- We take credit cards OR cash when you pay the balance the day of your trip, before you depart.
No other discounts are presently offered, other than the one child per boat who can fish free if under 12 years of age.
There is no way to predict your ultimate catch. Most of our fishing clients catch their limit between 3 to 5 hours ‘out’. You can look at the photos on our Facebook page or online web galleries and you’ll get a good idea how it generally works out! Lots of big ones too!
Texoma Mike’s Guarantee: You will catch fish, or your next trip is free!
Texoma Mike’s Gift Certificates make an ideal gift for birthdays, Father’s & Mothers Day, Valentine’s Day, any holiday, or just ‘because’. Treat someone special to an exciting striper fishing adventure on Lake Texoma.
- All your fishing gear, tackle and bait (you can bring your own gear if you wish)
- Water for everyone
- Life jackets and safety gear
All remembered their hats and almost all remembered their sunglasses!
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Ice chest and your own ice
- Snacks
- Drinks
- Camera (we’ll take pictures of you with your camera or smartphone.
- Wet Weather Clothing (depending on forecast)
- A Texoma Fishing License for the Lake, available at the local Pottsboro Stores.
You should dress appropriately for the weather and the conditions on the lake. Whatever the conditions, dress for comfort.
- Layered Clothing: Dress in layers to adjust to changing temperatures throughout the day. This is especially important during spring and fall when temperatures can vary significantly.
- Weather-Appropriate Gear: Wear weather-appropriate clothing, such as rain gear if there’s a chance of rain, and sun-protective clothing during sunny days.
- Footwear: Comfortable, non-slip shoes are recommended. Avoid sandals or flip-flops, as they may not provide adequate protection or grip on the boat.
- Hats and Sunglasses: A hat and sunglasses are essential for sun protection and reducing glare on the water.
- Sunscreen: Apply sunscreen to protect your skin from UV rays, even on cloudy days.
- Life Jackets: While guides typically provide life jackets, it’s important to wear them at all times for safety.
Texas generally requires a fishing license for anglers age 17 and older.
Texas residents age 65 and older may qualify for discounted senior licenses.
Oklahoma generally requires a fishing license for anglers age 18 and older.
Residents under age 18 are exempt from fishing license requirements.
Learn more about Texas & Oklahoma Lake Texoma Fishing Licenses
Above: A group from Kansas on a bachelor party excursion shows off the results of a day on Lake Texoma.
Texoma Mike’s Lake Texoma guided striper fishing services cater to a wide variety of groups and special occasions. We offer unique and memorable outdoor experiences that are a change of pace from the usual, and more importantly, get you outdoors and away from office desks and TV screens.
Here are some of the types of groups that frequently hire these services:
Types of Groups
Corporate and Company Events:
- Annual Parties and Picnics: Companies often book guided fishing trips for their annual gatherings, providing employees with a fun and relaxing day on the water.
- Team Building Events: Striper fishing is an excellent team-building activity, encouraging collaboration and camaraderie among colleagues.
Family Gatherings and Reunions:
- Family Reunions: Families looking to create lasting memories often choose guided fishing trips as a way to bond and enjoy the outdoors together.
- Special Celebrations: Birthdays, anniversaries, and other milestones are perfect occasions for a fishing adventure
Social Groups and Clubs:
- Church Groups: Many church groups find fishing trips to be a peaceful and enjoyable way to spend time together
- Fishing Clubs: Enthusiast groups and fishing clubs often book trips to experience the renowned striper fishing on Lake Texoma
Texoma Mike’s guided striper fishing services on Lake Texoma are a great way to celebrate special days and holidays:
- Birthdays and Anniversaries: A fishing trip can be a unique and exciting way to celebrate a birthday or anniversary, offering a memorable experience on the water.
- Bachelor and Bachelorette Parties: A fishing trip can be a unique and exciting way to celebrate a birthday or anniversary, offering a memorable experience on the water.
- Mother’s and Father’s Day: Treating parents to a day of fishing is a great way to show appreciation and spend quality time together.
- Valentine’s Day and Couples Outings: Couples looking for a romantic and adventurous outing can enjoy a day of fishing, creating special memories together.
- Major Holidays: Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day: These popular outdoor family days are perfect for a fishing trip, providing a fun and engaging activity for all ages.
How Guided Fishing Services Fit the Need
- Customized Experiences: Guides tailor trips to meet the specific needs and preferences of each group, ensuring a personalized and enjoyable experience.
- All-Inclusive Packages: Texoma Mike’s guided fishing services provide all necessary equipment, bait, and tackle, safety equipment, making it easy for participants to focus on having fun. We even filet and clean your catch. Hint: Don’t forget to bring a cooler with ice for the ride home with the ingredients for a striper dinner!
- Expert Guidance: Texoma Mike’s professional guides offer instruction and support, making the experience accessible and enjoyable for anglers of all skill levels. This is particularly important when demonstrating how to use the specific fishing technique used for your time on the lake. There are seven different fishing techniques used that maximize fishing success due to seasons, water temperature, and weather. We’ll show you how! Learn more about Expert Striper Fishing Techniques
- Convenient Location: Texoma Mike’s departure point for our groups and company outings is Cardinal Cove. Follow this link to learn about this ‘quieter place’ to begin your Lake Texoma fishing day, and why Mike lauches from there. Staying overnight or for the weekend, be sure to see nearby Cardinal Cove Lake Texoma lodging & group facilities information to help with your before and after-fishing overnight accommodation for you, your family or group, or your company outing.
Madill, Oklahoma Accommodations
Best Western Plus Sand Bass Inn & Suites
827 South First Street, Madill, Oklahoma 73446
Reservations: Call 1(800) 780-7234
View Complete Lodging Details
Google Driving Maplink | 16.7 Mi. to Texoma Mikes Dock
Ideal for Individual anglers, Couples, Families, Small fishing groups, Business travelers, and Multi-day Lake Texoma fishing trips.
Located at 827 South First Street in Madill, Oklahoma, the Best Western Plus Sand Bass Inn & Suites is one of the most popular lodging options for Lake Texoma visitors seeking comfortable accommodations within a short drive of Cardinal Cove and many of the lake’s premier fishing areas. The hotel offers a variety of guest room and suite options designed to accommodate individual anglers, couples, families, and larger fishing groups.
Guests can choose from traditional rooms featuring king or queen beds, as well as spacious suites that provide additional living space and sleeping capacity. Available room configurations typically include standard king rooms, double queen rooms, accessible accommodations, and larger suites with separate seating areas. Many rooms feature modern amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen televisions, workspaces, microwaves, mini-refrigerators, and coffee makers, making them ideal for both overnight fishing trips and extended Lake Texoma vacations.
Kingston, Oklahoma Accommodations
The Woods Lodging
11061 HWY 70, Kingston, OK 73439
Reservations: Call (580) 740-9343
View Complete Lodging Details
Google Driving Maplink | 14.2 Mi. to Texoma Mikes Dock
Ideal for Families, Fishing Groups, Multi-Family Vacations, Reunions, Corporate Retreats, Church Groups, Wedding Parties, Extended Stays, and Multi-Day Lake Texoma Fishing Trips.
Located in Kingston, Oklahoma, just minutes from Cardinal Cove and many of Lake Texoma’s most popular recreational areas, The Woods at Lake Texoma offers a unique lodging experience that combines the comfort of vacation homes with the amenities and atmosphere of a private resort community. Unlike traditional hotels, The Woods provides spacious accommodations designed for larger groups, extended stays, and visitors seeking a more relaxed and residential setting during their Lake Texoma getaway.
Guests can choose from a variety of accommodations that range from comfortable cottages and cabins to larger vacation homes capable of hosting families, fishing groups, reunions, and corporate retreats. Many units feature full kitchens, multiple bedrooms, living areas, outdoor gathering spaces, and other conveniences that make longer stays both comfortable and practical. The property also offers a variety of recreational amenities and open spaces that encourage guests to relax and enjoy their time away from home.
Texoma Mike provides guided fishing trips seven days a week, offering fishing trips year-round. We are available every day, including weekends and holiday, to accommodate your schedule. We fish holidays because when our customers are ‘off from work and heading to the lake’, we need to be ‘on’, so we can put you on them!
Our typical trip is between 3-5 hours. Actual length depends on how long it takes for you to catch your limit, and how long after that you are still catching the bigger fish.
Absolutely! Cleaning your catch is part of the comprehensive Lake Texoma guided fishing service we offer, and it’s included in the price of your trip. We take great pride in providing top-notch cleaning options to ensure your fish are prepared to the highest standards. At the end of each trip, your catch will be expertly filleted, thoroughly rinsed, and neatly bagged. We also make sure to remove the “red meat” for the best quality fillets.
Make sure to leave some room in your cooler because, on a good day, you can expect about a gallon bag of fillets per limit of fish. This means you’ll be taking home plenty of delicious, ready-to-cook striper fillets to enjoy.
We aim to make your fishing experience as enjoyable and hassle-free as possible, from the moment you cast your line to the time you head home with your fresh catch.
What does “Red-Meating” my striper catch while fileting mean?
- Red-meated fish (such as striped bass) have a noticeable red or dark-colored muscle tissue, often found along the lateral line of the fish. This tissue is rich in myoglobin, a protein that stores oxygen and gives the meat its red color
- In striped bass, this red meat can have a stronger flavor compared to the white meat, which is milder and more delicate.
Why This Matters
- Flavor Profile: The red meat of striped bass can be more flavorful and sometimes preferred by those who enjoy a stronger taste.
- Preparation: Some people choose to remove the red meat during filleting to achieve a milder flavor in their dishes. Our process of fileting provides the best of both worlds.
Cardinal Cove is generally quieter than some of Lake Texoma’s larger resort marinas and is popular with anglers seeking a more relaxed atmosphere.
Cardinal Cove is approximately 15-20 minutes from most Madill hotels, depending on traffic and the specific property.
Guests launching from Cardinal Cove on the Oklahoma side of Lake Texoma will find accommodations in nearby Madill and Kingston much more convenient that the drive around the lake to the Texas side!.
Yes. Lake Texoma offers cabins, vacation rentals, lake houses, and group accommodations suitable for families and fishing groups.
Yes. The Lake Texoma area offers hotels, vacation homes, cabins, and group facilities suitable for fishing clubs, family reunions, and corporate outings.
In most cases, no. Many anglers purchase a Lake Texoma fishing license, which allows fishing throughout the designated Lake Texoma license area without purchasing separate state licenses.
Learn more about Texas & Oklahoma Lake Texoma Fishing Licenses
Yes. Most visitors purchase their fishing license online before arriving at the lake.
Learn more about Texas & Oklahoma Lake Texoma Fishing Licenses
For anglers fishing exclusively on Lake Texoma, the Lake Texoma fishing license is typically the simplest option.
Learn more about Texas & Oklahoma Lake Texoma Fishing Licenses
You may need a standard Texas or Oklahoma fishing license depending on where you plan to fish.
Learn more about Texas & Oklahoma Lake Texoma Fishing Licenses
Yes. Purchasing your license in advance helps ensure a smooth start to your fishing trip.
Learn more about Texas & Oklahoma Lake Texoma Fishing Licenses
No. Guests are responsible for obtaining any required fishing licenses before their trip.
Learn more about Texas & Oklahoma Lake Texoma Fishing Licenses
Fishing regulations and licensing requirements may change periodically. We recommend verifying current information through Texas Parks & Wildlife or the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation before your trip.
Learn more about Texas & Oklahoma Lake Texoma Fishing Licenses
Click image to enlarge.
Even their eyes are smiling!
January 19, 2025
Spring Break, Memorial Day, Labor Day, any day, is a great day to bring your kids out to fish. Always remember to book early for these ‘family’ days as they get gone fast! Spend some time OUTSIDE with your child. The great outdoors in general, and Lake Texoma in particular is a great way to break your kids away from their computer screens and spend time where you can talk to each other face-to-face.
Click image to enlarge.
Bachelor Party from Kansas!!
Texoma Mike Update,August 12, 2023
“Big Fish Alert”: 9 person limit before it got hot! One of these guys is different than the others. Can you spot him? He is about to get married. This was a great group of young men from Kansas who celebrated his bachelor party with Texoma Mike Keppinger. Everyone had a blast! Shout out to Kyle Davis for the help.