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Ready for a fishing trip that'll have your kiddos hooked? Rusty Hook Charters is serving up a half-day white bass adventure that's perfect for young anglers and families looking to wet a line on Grapevine Lake. Captain Wendall Compton knows how to show folks a good time on the water, especially when it comes to introducing kids to the joys of fishing. This 4-hour trip is all about fun, learning, and reeling in some of the lake's feistiest residents – those scrappy white bass that'll keep your youngsters engaged from cast to catch.
Picture this: You and your mini-me (or two) climb aboard Cap'n Wendall's boat, ready for action. The lake's calm waters are perfect for little sea legs, and the scenery ain't too shabby either. Grapevine Lake's got a rep for being a white bass hotspot, which means your kids are in for some real fishing excitement. The Captain's got all the gear you need – rods, reels, bait, the works. He'll show your crew the ropes, from baiting hooks to setting the hook when those bass come a-knocking. And don't worry if your little ones have never fished before – this trip's designed to be newbie-friendly.
So what's the game plan once you're out on the water? Cap'n Wendall's got a few tricks up his sleeve to make sure everyone's having a blast. He'll likely start with some easy casting practice – nothing fancy, just getting the kiddos comfortable with the rod and reel. Then it's time to hunt down those white bass. The Captain might use fish finders to spot schools, or he might head to some of his secret spots where the bass like to hang out. You might try a bit of trolling, where you drag lures behind the boat, or some good old-fashioned still fishing with live bait. The goal is to keep it simple and fun, so your young'uns can focus on the thrill of the catch.
Let's talk about why white bass are the perfect catch for a family fishing day. These silver swimmers are like the life of the party in Grapevine Lake. They're not too big – usually around 10 to 14 inches – which makes them just right for little hands to handle. But don't let their size fool you; these fish fight like they're twice as big! White bass are known for their quick strikes and energetic runs, which means your kids will feel that exciting tug on the line without getting overwhelmed. Plus, they often swim in schools, so when you find 'em, you find a bunch. That means more catches, more smiles, and more "Look what I got!" moments for your budding anglers.
While white bass can be caught year-round in Grapevine Lake, they really put on a show during their spring spawn. From late February through April, these fish go on a feeding frenzy as they move into shallower waters. This is prime time for family fishing trips, as the action can be fast and furious. In the summer months, white bass tend to move deeper, but Cap'n Wendall knows just where to find them. He might take you to some underwater structures or use his fish-finding tech to locate schools. Fall can also be a great time, as the bass feed heavily to fatten up for winter. No matter when you book, the Captain will tailor the trip to give your kids the best shot at hooking into some fish.
Captain Wendall's trips are a hit with families, but don't just take our word for it. Here's what some happy anglers have to say:
"Our kids couldn't stop talking about the fish they caught. Captain Wendall was so patient and made sure everyone had a great time!" - Sarah M.
"Best family outing we've had in years. Even our teenager put down his phone and got into it!" - Tom L.
"Captain Wendall is a fish whisperer! He found the hot spots and helped my daughter catch her first fish ever." - Maria R.
A trip with Rusty Hook Charters isn't just about catching fish – it's about making memories. Cap'n Wendall's got a knack for turning a simple fishing trip into a full-on nature adventure. He'll point out local wildlife, share some lake history, and maybe even tell a tall fishing tale or two. Kids love learning about the ecosystem of the lake, and who knows, you might spot an eagle soaring overhead or see a turtle sunning on a log. It's the kind of hands-on outdoor education that sticks with kids long after the trip is over.
One of the best parts of this trip? You don't need to worry about bringing a thing – fishing-wise, that is. Cap'n Wendall's got all the gear covered, from rods and reels sized for kids to the latest in fish-finding technology. He uses light tackle that's easy for kids to handle, and he's always got a variety of bait and lures to see what the fish are biting on that day. All you need to bring is some snacks, drinks, sunscreen, and maybe a light jacket. Oh, and don't forget the camera – you're gonna want to capture those proud smiles when your little anglers land their catch!
Now, I know what you're thinking – is it safe for the kiddos? Absolutely. Safety's the top priority on any Rusty Hook Charters trip. The boat's equipped with all the necessary safety gear, including life jackets sized for children. Cap'n Wendall's a stickler for following all the boating and fishing regulations, and he'll make sure everyone on board knows the basics of boat safety before heading out. He's also got a keen eye on the weather and won't hesitate to reschedule if conditions aren't just right for a family outing.
So, are you ready to give your kids a taste of the fishing life? This half-day trip on Grapevine Lake is the perfect way to introduce them to the sport or build on their budding angler skills. With Captain Wendall's expert guidance, the excitement of catching white bass, and the beautiful setting of Grapevine Lake, it's bound to be a day your family won't forget. Spaces fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to book your spot. Give Rusty Hook Charters a call and get ready to create some reel-y great memories with your crew. Who knows – this might just be the start of a new family tradition!
Also known as Sand Bass or Silver Bass, the White Bass is a member of the Moronidae or Bass Family.
As its name suggests, the White Bass is primarily colored silvery-white to pale green. Its back is darker, but its belly and sides are white. The White Bass has narrow and dark stripes along the sides of its belly. It has rough scales that are distinctively big; it possesses two dorsal fins. Its body is compressed laterally.
To identify White Bass, look for a lateral line with around 51 to 60 scales. This species also has dorsal fins numbering 12 to 14; anal fin rays, 11 to 14; pectoral fin ray, 15 to 17; and 20 to 25 gill rakers. Another characteristic of the White Bass is its prominent tooth patch near the tip of its tongue.
As a carnivorous feeder, the White Bass has at least four favorite major diet options: the leptodora, daphnia, cyclopoid copepods, and calanoid copepods. White Bass are visual feeders who will readily bite any live bait especially minnows and worms.
The White Bass can measure up to 10 to 12 inches in length; some are even recorded to have reached 18 inches. Generally, they weigh up to 7 pounds.
The White Bass is very popular among recreational anglers; in fact, this is the fifth most favored species among licensed fishers from Texas.
Once you sight a school of White Bass, make sure to use spinners or spoons along the water surface to entice them. One other common method of luring them is by using bottom fishing at night; you can also utilize live bait.
You can use small jigs as artificial lures; a 1/8 ounce marabou jig should do the trick. For best results, use jigs that are black or white. If you go for soft plastic lures, try the tube bait, or a small jig head with a curly tail grub. One other lure you can utilize is a small jig packed with soft plastic swimbaits; you can have either the 1/8 or ¼ ounce jigs.
Be careful because White Bass are known to be aggressive fighters. However, this struggle may be worth it because of its exceptional taste.
Note that every state may have some regulations as to the size, length, and other factors related to capturing this fish.
The White Bass are fairly distributed in the US, especially in the Midwest. They are plenty around Lake Erie and Pennsylvania. Most of the White Bass population are native to Lake Poinsett, Detroit River, Arkansas River, the Great Lakes, and the Red River drainage. They also inhabit the lakes in Winnebago, Wisconsin and the rivers in Mississippi.
This species generally inhabits big rivers and shallow rivers, reservoirs, streams, and creeks. They are often found upstream where there are high densities.

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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 4
Manufacturer Name: Yamaha Engine
Maximum Cruising Speed: 40
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 200