Catfish Fishing

About Outfitter

I'm Jerry Starkey, owner and operator of Starkey Outdoors. As a lifelong resident of Oklahoma I have spent my entire life pursuing fish & game in the great state of Oklahoma. Hunting and fishing is just who I am. I try to be as honest and dependable as they come. That's why I proudly placed my family name on my business.  After the service I went to work for American Airlines as an A&P Mechanic ​in Tulsa,Okla. I spent 20 years turning wrenches for them. The pay and stability was nice but it just wasn't my passion. My passion was the outdoors. In 2013 I took the bold move and left American to become a full time outdoor guide. A move I have never regretted. I'm so blessed to be able to share my passion and experiences with my friends, family, and the general public.  When you go on a trip with me, please be prepared to talk a lot, joke around some, and have a fun time. Sure, we will catch fish but guiding is more about entertainment. Be prepared to be entertained.

Experience Overview

Explore the abundance of blue catfish in Oologah Lake, my primary catfishing haven. While occasionally venturing to Lake Keystone or Ft. Gibson for cats, Oologah Lake remains my home base for targeting sizable blues. Winter proves particularly fruitful for trophy-sized catches, though blues can be reeled in throughout the year. Navigating their movements requires adaptability, often involving multiple sets to pinpoint their location. Referring to fish under 30 inches as "Box Fish" due to their placement in the live well, Oklahoma's daily limit is 15, with only one exceeding 30 inches. Reservoirs also host flathead and channel catfish, with flatheads favoring live bait and channels displaying diverse culinary preferences. Typically, both flatheads and channels are released, as blues are considered superior in taste. In a conservation-minded shift, I now release all the big ones. Recognizing the potential impact on the lake's trophy population, especially among guides, preserving the wisdom of older fish becomes paramount. By releasing these seasoned individuals, they can continue safeguarding nests and contribute to a sustainable fishing environment.

• Catfish
• Heavy tackle
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