im new in the crappie game and would like to get together with a few friends and share a guided trip on Gvine or lewisville. I was wonderin who would be a good guide this time of year to learn the "basics" and also that wont put a big dent in my wallet! Im not looking to limit everyone out but would like to bring home a nice stringer and also learn a thing or 2. thanks for all you TFFers help on this!

Book in the summer or early fall. You'll likely have better success.

If you want to aggravate your guide, book in early spring. They really like the consistent weather during that time.


Honestly, you'll learn a lot more in those other seasons than you will right now.

see, ive always heard winter time crappie is the best time to target em. thanks for the info guys.

You can definitely catch fish in the winter. But if you're looking to learn a lot of different techniques, summer or fall would be a better season - in my very humble opinion.

I agree. Summer would be a better time for a guided trip.

I'm pretty new to the game too, but we're doing pretty well right now...and from what I've heard, Carey Thorn with texasoklahomafishingguide will give you info on how to catch crappie anywhere anytime...but like I said, I'm new to crappie and havn't had any summer fun yet.....sure can't imagine it being any better than now though! Just my $.02

Before booking talk to your guide about what your wanting to learn and tell him your expectations. Don't be afraid to ask what his expectations are for the time your booking. Many guides including us here at www.BigCrappie.com are glad to share how to find and catch fish. Learning to use your electronics and trolling motor are two of the most important things to learn about catching crappie this time of year. Find a guide that guides full time not just p/t if possible. Nothing beats time on the water and experience when it comes to consistently boating fish. Another thing to consider is just finding a good guide no matter the lake then using what youve learned on your home lake. The basic skills needed to find and catch crappie are the same no matter what lake your on. That's why you see the same guys posting up big numbers here on the forum no matter where they go.
Good luck finding a guide.

Check with Guy Skinner

+1. He or Benny Dabney that works with Guy will put you on fish. Ernest Paty would be a good man to call on Lewisville also.

I've gone out with both Guy and Ernst on CCL and now go with Chuck Rawlins. All three are great guides and will put you on some crappie. Since Guy and Ernst both work the lakes you are interested in, either would be a great choice. But, if you can come down to CCL, definately go with Chuck. His post above has his website and you should look at it before you decide.
Today would be good day to go. Actually, anyday that ends in y is a great day to go fishing. Trust me, I'll be on the lake today, thank God.
Okie Bob

I started to tell ya but figured you knew Guy isn't guiding anymore. I believe Benny is though.

Hi chickenfrie,

I'm pretty new to this, but Benny took me out on my first guide trip in July on Lewiville, and I thought he did a good job. I definitely learned more in the half day I spent with him than I had in the last year or so before that. I think he knows Grapevine pretty well, also.

chikenfrie, I'm just starting out with crappie also and would be interested in splitting a guide trip next summer on Lewisville and maybe Grapevine. Just give me a shout.

I still do trips to Lewisville, Gravevine ans Ray Roberts. If you guys are interested in a trip, give me a call. I remember Jake an his buddy. Thanks for the good words Jake.

I've been with Benny and Ernest and both are very good. I would suggest you get Ernest's Crappie 101 video no matter what you do.