Guide trip 101: What to Expect on Your First White River Trout Fishing Guided Trip

Welcome to the Adventure!

Stepping out of your comfort zone and trying a guided fishing trip might seem a bit intimidating at first—but that's exactly why we're here. At Papa Bill's, our promise is simple: we guarantee a good time! 

Our expert guides are friendly, patient, and dedicated to making sure your experience is both fun and educational. We believe that fishing is not just about catching fish, but about enjoying nature, learning new skills, and creating lasting memories.

We enjoy showing you the river so you can see the beauty of it. This means that our approach is different than most of the guides on the river. Rather than dropping anchor and sitting in one spot for hours on end, we like to keep moving and fishing as we float. This allows you to really take it all in.

What to Expect on the Water

Personalized Guidance

• Expert Instruction: Our guides are experienced in teaching beginners the basics, from how to cast your line correctly to understanding the behavior of fish in the White River.
• Relaxed Pace: We tailor the trip to your comfort level. Whether you want to chat about fishing techniques or simply soak in the beautiful surroundings, our guides are there to support you.

Hands-On Learning

• Step-by-Step Demonstrations: Watch and learn as our guides demonstrate essential techniques before you try them yourself.
• Interactive Experience: Ask questions anytime. There’s no such thing as a silly question when you're learning something new!

What’s Included

• All Necessary Equipment: Price includes all bait, tackle, rods, reels, etc. No hidden fees! Bring your Arkansas fishing license & trout stamp, we provide everything else.
• Scenic Journey: Enjoy the natural beauty of the White River with it's abundant wildlife.
• A Fun-Filled Itinerary: Our trips are designed to mix learning with plenty of laughs and lighthearted moments.

Essential Tips for Your First Trip

Dress Comfortably

• Layer Up: Weather on the river can be cold in the mornings, even in the Summer time. Dress with layers that you can add or remove as needed. Our boats are big and have plenty of dry storage to put jackets and sweatshirts up and out of the way as needed.
• Hat and sunglasses: This is essential for a comfortable day on the water. Polarized sunglasses make your trip even more fun as you'll see those beautiful trout lurking below as we float on by. Sometimes you can even watch them chase down your bait or lure, which can be pretty exciting!

Bring the Right Essentials

• Sun Protection: Don’t forget sunscreen! 
• Light Snacks and Water: We always provide ice cold water but having a small snack and on hand might be a good idea to keep you energized.

Trip times

• Half Day: Usually from 8-12 or 7-11 on the hotter days
• Full Day: 7-3 is ideal but sometimes we'll do 8-4
• Afternoon / Evening trips:  These trips are flexible but can be 4-8pm in the Summer. Call for more info

Safety and Comfort First
Your safety is our top priority. From the moment you step on board, you’ll notice:

• Experienced Guides: With years of experience on the White River, our guides are well-versed in handling any and all water flows and unexpected situations, ensuring that you have a secure and worry-free experience.
• Clean & Comfortable boats: A clean, comfortable and clutter free boat is not only nice to fish out of, it's also safer! Our guides are meticulous at keeping things clean and organized so you don't have to worry about tripping over things. 

Making Memories, One Cast at a Time

At Papa Bill's, every trip is more than just a fishing excursion—it’s an opportunity to unwind, connect with nature, and bond with your partner over a shared new experience. Imagine the joy of catching your first fish together, surrounded by the serene beauty of the White River! With our guided trips, you’re not just learning to fish; you’re creating stories you’ll share for years to come.

Ready to Cast Your Line? If you're curious about exploring the White River and experiencing a day full of adventure, relaxation, and a few surprises along the way, we’d love to welcome you on board.

Ask about out lunch specials, designed to make your fishing adventure even more delightful!

For more details or to book your first guided trip, call us today at 479-477-0335
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Happy fishing, and remember—we guarantee a good time every step of the way!