What to Bring on a Guided Fishing Trip

The Short Answer

Keith provides every rod, every reel, every bait, and every piece of tackle you need. The boat is fully rigged. You show up with a few personal items and a Missouri fishing license and you are ready to fish. Most first time customers overthink this. Do not pack a duffel bag of gear. Pack light.

Below is the exact list Keith gives customers over the phone when they call the day before a trip. Follow it and you will be comfortable and prepared for a half or full day on Table Rock Lake or Lake Taneycomo.

Must Bring Items

A current Missouri fishing license. You can buy a daily, three day, or annual license online at mdc.mo.gov or at any Walmart, Bass Pro Shops Tracker Boat Center, or local marina. For trout on Lake Taneycomo you also need a trout permit. See our Missouri fishing license guide for full details.

A hat with a brim. The sun reflects off the water hard even in shoulder season. A billed cap or a wider brim hat both work.

Polarized sunglasses. They cut glare and let you see structure under the water. If you do not own a pair, bring any sunglasses. Keith has a spare on the boat if needed.

Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF. Apply before you leave the hotel. The lake sun reaches you even on cloudy days.

Snacks, drinks, and a water bottle. There is a cooler on the boat. Bring whatever you want to eat. A full day trip usually calls for a sandwich. A half day is fine with just drinks and a granola bar.

Clothing by Season

Spring and fall mornings start cold and warm up fast. Dress in layers. A light fleece over a t shirt with a wind breaker in a dry bag is a good setup. Long pants are more comfortable when you are sitting on a boat seat for hours.

Summer means shorts, a breathable long sleeve shirt, and real sun protection. A fishing shirt with UPF rating beats a cotton t shirt every time.

Winter trips demand real cold weather gear. A warm insulated jacket, gloves, and a beanie. Keith will warn you when a trip is going to be genuinely cold and you can decide whether to reschedule.

Closed toe shoes work best. Flip flops slide around on a wet deck. Sneakers or deck shoes are ideal.

What Keith Provides

All rods, reels, and line. Keith runs Lew's reels and high quality rods matched to each species and technique.

Every lure, jig, soft plastic, crankbait, and spoon you will need for the trip. The tackle box is fully stocked with proven Table Rock Lake baits.

Live bait when the species calls for it. Shiners for crappie, nightcrawlers and PowerBait for trout on Taneycomo.

A modern, fully rigged bass boat with electronics and a livewell. See the details on our About page.

Bottled water on the boat and a cooler. Twenty years of local knowledge included at no extra charge.

What to Leave at Home

Your own rod and tackle. Unless you have a specific rod you are attached to, leave it. Keith has better gear dialed in for Table Rock conditions.

A bulky tackle bag. There is no place to set it down and nothing in it that the boat does not already carry.

A cooler bigger than a six pack. The boat has coolers. A small personal soft sided cooler is plenty.

Booking and Deposit

A $75 refundable deposit holds your date. Keith accepts cash or Venmo for the balance on the day of the trip. Call (417) 693-0298 or fill out the form on our contact page to lock in your morning.

If you are staying at Bar M Resort or Shore Acres Resort, mention it when you book. Keith can often pick you up right at the dock so you never have to drive to a ramp.

Frequently Asked Questions