The fish
Paddlefish. Spoonbill. Same fish, same story.
If you have never seen one come over the side of a boat, it is hard to describe. Long paddle-shaped snout, smooth grey body, and a fight that surprises almost everybody.
Call Billy — (918) 231-7600Two names, one fish
Around here you will hear both words used for the same fish. "Paddlefish" is the name on the regulations; "spoonbill" is what a lot of Oklahoma families have always called them. Use whichever one you like — Billy answers to both.
What the day actually looks like
Rods go out, the boat gets into position, and then there is a stretch of quiet water and conversation. When a rod loads up, everybody moves. Billy talks you through the fight, gets a hand on the fish, and makes sure the photo happens before anything else.
You do not need your own gear, and you do not need experience. The people who enjoy it most are usually the ones who arrived with no idea what to expect.
Licences and permits
Paddlefish rules in Oklahoma — permits, seasons and how fish must be handled — are set by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, and they change. Check the current pages before your trip rather than relying on what was true last year:
If anything on those pages is unclear for your situation, ask Billy when you call.
Availability
Your next fish story starts with a phone call.
Talk to Billy. Pick your day. Get on the water. Billy takes the calls himself, so you get straight answers about dates, lake conditions and what suits your group.
(918) 231-7600Call Billy — (918) 231-7600Prefer to write? Send an availability request and Billy will get back to you. A requested date is a preference — your trip is not reserved until Billy confirms it.