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Get ready for a jam-packed day of fishing action on Ohio's rivers with River Jet Outfitters. This full-day trip takes you on a whirlwind tour of the best fishing spots, targeting everything from hard-fighting smallmouth bass to monster catfish. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, our expert guides will put you on fish and show you the ropes of multi-species angling in the Buckeye State.
We kick things off at the crack of dawn, when the river's still shrouded in mist and the smallmouth are on the prowl. You'll start by tossing lures for these feisty fighters and their cousins, the saugeye. As the sun climbs and the water warms up, we'll switch gears and go after some of the biggest, baddest fish in the river: carp. Don't let anyone tell you these aren't "real" gamefish – hook into a 20-pounder in fast current, and you'll be singing a different tune! As evening rolls around, we'll cap off the day by setting up for catfish and seeing what other species might be biting. With 8-10 hours on the water, you'll get a true taste of Ohio's diverse fishery and probably catch more different kinds of fish than you ever have in a single day.
This trip is all about variety, so come ready to try a bunch of different techniques. For smallmouth and saugeye, we'll be casting crankbaits, soft plastics, and maybe even some topwater lures if conditions are right. When we switch to carp, it's time to break out the heavy gear. We'll set up with slip sinker rigs baited with corn, dough balls, or other carp favorites. For catfish, it's all about finding the deep holes and using cut bait or stink bait to tempt those whiskered giants. Our guides will provide all the gear and show you how to use it effectively, but feel free to bring your own favorite rod if you've got one. Just make sure it can handle fish up to 30 pounds – you never know when a monster blue cat might decide to crash the party!
Smallmouth Bass: Ohio's rivers are prime smallmouth country, and these bronze bombers put up a fight way out of proportion to their size. Look for them around rocky structure, current seams, and submerged logs. They'll smash topwater lures with reckless abandon, making for some of the most exciting fishing you'll ever experience. Peak season is usually late spring through early fall, but they can be caught year-round.
Saugeye: A hybrid between walleye and sauger, these toothy predators are stocked in many Ohio waterways and have developed self-sustaining populations in some rivers. They're most active in low light conditions, so early morning and evening are prime times. Saugeye love to hang out in current breaks and deep pools, waiting to ambush baitfish. Their flaky white meat makes them a favorite for the dinner table, too.
Common Carp: Often overlooked by anglers, carp are finally getting the respect they deserve as a sportfish. These golden giants can top 30 pounds in Ohio rivers, and they fight like freight trains when hooked. Carp fishing is as much about patience and strategy as it is about brute strength – you'll learn to read the water, look for feeding signs, and present baits in just the right spot. Summer is typically the best time for carp, when they're most active and feeding heavily.
Flathead Catfish: The apex predator of Ohio's rivers, flatheads are the stuff of angling legend. These ambush hunters can grow to truly massive sizes, with fish over 50 pounds not unheard of. Unlike their cousin the channel catfish, flatheads strongly prefer live bait or fresh cut bait. Catching one of these behemoths is often a battle of attrition, requiring strong gear and even stronger determination. They're most active at night, which is why we target them in the evening hours of our trip.
There's something special about fishing Ohio's rivers that keeps anglers coming back year after year. Maybe it's the chance to tangle with a variety of hard-fighting fish in a single day. Or perhaps it's the ever-changing nature of river fishing, where every trip brings new challenges and surprises. Our seasoned guides know these waters like the back of their hand, and they're always excited to share their knowledge with guests. Whether you're looking to learn new techniques, finally land that trophy fish, or just enjoy a day on the water with good company, this trip delivers. And let's be honest – there's nothing quite like the rush of feeling your rod double over and your drag start screaming, not knowing if you've hooked into a chunky smallmouth or a bulldozing carp.
If you're itching to experience the best multi-species fishing Ohio has to offer, don't wait to book your trip with River Jet Outfitters. Our full-day guided trips fill up fast, especially during peak season. Remember, we can only take two anglers per trip, ensuring you get plenty of one-on-one instruction and access to the hottest fishing spots. Whether you're a local looking to explore new waters or an out-of-stater wanting to see what Ohio fishing is all about, this trip is guaranteed to create lasting memories and probably a few fish stories to tell. Just be warned – once you experience the thrill of hooking into a river monster, you might find yourself planning your next trip before you even get off the water. So grab your fishing buddy, pack your sense of adventure, and let's hit the river for a day of non-stop action!
Common carp are the bulldozers of our waters, typically 5-20 pounds but can reach over 50 pounds. You'll find them in shallow, weedy areas of lakes and slow-moving rivers. They're most active in warm water, making late spring through early fall prime time. Carp are known for their powerful runs and stamina - hooking into one can feel like you're battling a submarine. While not prized for eating in the U.S., many anglers target them purely for the sport. They can be finicky, so patience and stealth are key. Try using corn, bread, or prepared carp baits near weed edges or muddy bottoms. Local tip: look for bubbles or mud clouds in shallow water - that's often carp rooting around for food. The challenge of outsmarting these wary fish and the potential for landing a real heavyweight keeps carp fishing addictive for many anglers.

Flathead catfish are the bruisers of our rivers, commonly 15-40 pounds but can top 100 pounds. You'll find them in deep pools, slow-moving rivers, and reservoirs, often tucked into submerged timber or rocky crevices. These ambush predators prefer live bait - try using bluegill or small carp to entice the big ones. Summer nights are prime time, as flatheads become more active after dark. Anglers love the challenge of battling these powerful fish, and their firm, white meat is considered some of the best eating among catfish. For a shot at a trophy, focus on deep holes near sharp bends in the river. Local tip: use heavy tackle and be patient - flatheads often take their time before committing to the bait. The thrill of potentially hooking into a massive river monster keeps flathead hunters coming back night after night.

Sauger are sleek predators, typically 12-20 inches and 1-3 pounds. You'll find them in deeper, murkier waters of rivers and reservoirs. They're bottom-dwellers, so focus your efforts 25-40 feet down near structure. Sauger are most active in low light, making dawn, dusk, and nighttime prime fishing hours. Spring and fall offer the best action as water temperatures cool. Anglers love sauger for their aggressive strikes and tasty, white flesh. They're often overlooked, which means less pressure and more opportunities for steady action. To improve your odds, try slow-trolling with bright jigs tipped with minnows along river channel edges. A local secret: target areas where tributaries enter the main river - sauger stack up in these spots to ambush baitfish.

Smallmouth bass pack a punch for their size, usually 2-6 pounds but scrappy fighters. You'll find them in clear, rocky areas of rivers and lakes. They love cooler water, so target them in deeper holes during summer heat. Spring and fall are prime seasons when they move shallow. Smallies are known for their acrobatic jumps and hard runs - they'll test your skills on light tackle. Their firm, white meat is delicious too. For a fun challenge, try topwater lures early morning or late evening when they're most active. Here's a local tip: in rivers, focus on current seams and eddies behind large boulders where smallmouth lurk waiting to ambush prey. The combination of scenic fishing spots and exciting action makes smallmouth a favorite for many anglers.

Striped bass are powerful fighters that'll give you a run for your money. These fish typically range from 20-40 pounds but can grow over 70 pounds in some areas. You'll find them near structures like reefs, sandbars, and drop-offs, often within yards of the shoreline. They prefer cooler water between 55-68°F, so spring and fall are prime seasons as they migrate along the coast. Stripers are popular for their aggressive strikes and excellent table fare - their meat is sweet and flaky. To up your odds, try fishing at dawn or dusk when they're most active. A local trick: use live bait like herring or eels to entice the bigger ones. The thrill of battling a big striper and potentially landing a trophy fish keeps anglers coming back year after year.

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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Chevrolet
Maximum Cruising Speed: 17
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 400