Meet Guide Zach Mcclendon

Professional Lake Texoma Fishing Guide

Fishing has been the driving force in Zach McClendon's life since he was a child. Growing up with a fishing rod always within reach, he developed an early obsession with the water and the patterns of the fish beneath it. While no one in his family was a professional guide, they spent nearly every spare moment on the water, instilling in him a deep-seated respect for the sport and the environment. This lifelong commitment eventually led Zach to relocate to the shores of Lake Texoma specifically to turn his childhood dream of professional guiding into a reality.

Zach’s expertise is rooted in a genuine fascination with Lake Texoma’s unique ecosystem. He is a specialist in the lake's naturally reproducing striped bass—a rare phenomenon in the United States that requires a specific set of skills and local knowledge to master. By spending countless hours tracking schools across the flats and river ledges, Zach has developed an intuitive understanding of how these fish behave throughout the changing seasons. His approach is focused on sharing this knowledge with his guests, ensuring they don't just see results, but also gain a deeper appreciation for why these waters are so special.

Beyond his technical skill, Zach is known for his patient and helpful demeanor on the boat. He understands that for many guests, a day on Lake Texoma is a chance to relax and create lasting memories with family and friends. Whether he is teaching a young angler how to handle light tackle for the first time or helping a seasoned pro refine their live bait technique, Zach’s goal is to be a reliable and friendly presence on the water. His professional background in SEO and digital strategy outside of fishing further reflects his attention to detail and commitment to excellence in everything he does.

The Bigfoot Striper Vessel

Our charters are conducted aboard a 24ft Bay Hawk center console, a boat specifically chosen for its stability and versatility on Lake Texoma. Originally built in 2004 and fully restored in 2023, the vessel features a clean, modernized layout with plenty of room for up to eight passengers. Powered by a reliable 200HP Suzuki engine, it can reach cruising speeds of 42 knots, allowing us to move quickly between Lake Texoma fishing hotspots. The boat is fully equipped with advanced marine technology, including GPS, radar, a fishfinder, and a wireless trolling motor, ensuring we have every advantage when locating the day's target species. With a built-in live bait well and an ice box for your drinks and catch, the Bigfoot Striper vessel is a safe, high-performance platform designed for a comfortable day on the lake.

Bigfoot Stripers Available Trips

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Expertise & Attributes

10 Years of Experience

fishing Attributes

Master Guide

Nature / Wildlife Views

Freshwater Fishing

Live Bait

Good with New Anglers

Good with Families

Good with Kids

Gear & Equipment

Available Fishing Gear

Live Bait

Lures

Reels

Rods

Good to Knows

Everything You Need for a Successful Day on the Water

Trip Includes:

Professional Guidance: You’ll be fishing with Guide Zach McClendon, a professional fishing guide on Lake Texoma with years of experience patterns and hotspots.

Top-Tier Gear: We provide all the rods, reels, tackle, and lures needed to catch striped bass on Lake Texoma.

Live Bait: We use live bait striper fishing techniques for the majority of the year to maximize your catch rate (seasonal exceptions may apply in winter).

Catch Cleaning & Filleting: Don't worry about the mess. We provide free fish cleaning and skinning at the dock so your catch is ready to cook when you get home.

Safety Equipment: Our 24ft Bay Hawk is fully equipped with GPS, radar, and life jackets for both adults and children.

Refreshments: We provide a cooler with plenty of ice and bottled water for everyone on board.

What to Bring: Your Checklist

1. Fishing Licenses (Required)

Before we leave the dock, every person 17 or older must have a valid fishing license. Because we fish both the Texas and Oklahoma sides of the lake, we highly recommend the Lake Texoma Fishing Permit (Type 208). It costs approximately $12 and covers you on the entire lake for the calendar year.

2. Proper Clothing

Layer Up: It is often cooler on the water than on land, especially in the mornings. Bring a light jacket or windbreaker.

Footwear: Please wear non-marking, rubber-soled shoes (sneakers or deck shoes are perfect).

Rain Gear: If there is a chance of light rain, a poncho or waterproof jacket is a good idea.

3. Sun Protection

Even on cloudy days, the reflection off the water can cause sunburns. Bring:

Polarized sunglasses (helps you see into the water!)

Sunscreen (lotion is preferred over spray to keep the boat floor safe)

A hat or cap

4. Snacks & Drinks

While we provide water, feel free to bring your favorite sodas, sports drinks, or snacks. We have plenty of extra room in our ice box for your items.

5. A Way to Take Your Catch Home

We clean and bag your fish for you, but you will need a small cooler to keep in your vehicle for the ride home. (Please leave this cooler in your car during the trip to keep the boat deck clear).

DEPOSIT: A deposit is required for all bookings and will be applied at checkout

BALANCE: The remaining balance is due on the trip date as either Credit or Cash.

GUEST CANCELLATION: In the event that you must cancel your booking, you must do so 7 days prior to your trip date to receive a refund on your deposit. Rescheduling is encouraged and dependent on guide availability.

GUIDE CANCELLATION: In the rare event that your guide must cancel due to inclement weather, health, or equipment issues, you will have the option to reschedule your charter for a later date or receive a refund on your deposit.

TIPPING: Tips to your guide are greatly appreciated for your quality trip.

BOAT

Bigfoot

Boat Type: Motorboat (engine-powered)

Boat Guest Capacity: 8

Boat Length: 24

Manufacturer Name: Bay hawk

Model Year: 2004

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 200

Maximum Cruising Speed: 42

Boat Registration: Not Given

Features: GPS, Fish Finder, Radar, Wireless Trolling Motor, Ice-Box, First Mate, Livewell / Live Bait Tank