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Lake Ray Hubbard Catfish: Shared Half-Day Trip
- Published Date: August 19, 2025
- Fishing
- Forney, TX
- $100 - $500 price range
- Updated Date: September 14, 2025
Summary
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Catfish Catches
Half-Day Catfish Bonanza on Lake Ray Hubbard
Ready for some serious catfish action? Hop aboard with Lead Slingers for a half-day shared charter on Lake Ray Hubbard that'll have you reeling in whiskered monsters in no time. Whether you're a seasoned catfish chaser or just looking to wet a line with the family, this trip's got something for everyone. We've got flexible start times to fit your schedule, and trust me, there's nothing like feeling that first big hit on your line as the sun rises over the lake.
Trip Overview
This ain't your average fishing trip, folks. We're talking about a four-hour catfish extravaganza on one of Texas' premier lakes. You'll be joining other fishing enthusiasts, which means you get all the perks of a guided trip without breaking the bank. We provide all the gear, bait, and know-how – you just need to show up ready to catch. And let me tell you, when these cats start biting, it's non-stop action. Once we hit our limit, we'll head back to clean your catch, so you can be the hero at your next fish fry.
What to Expect on the Water
Listen up, anglers – here's the nitty-gritty on how we'll be fishing. We use a mix of techniques depending on what the cats are doing that day. Sometimes we'll be drifting with cut bait, other times we might anchor up on a honey hole. We've got top-notch gear and electronics to put you on the fish, but there's still plenty of skill involved. You'll learn how to feel for that subtle bite and when to set the hook. And let me tell you, when a big blue cat decides to take your bait, you'd better hold on tight!
Why Anglers Keep Coming Back
Folks, I've been guiding on Ray Hubbard for years, and I'll let you in on a secret – it's not just about the fish. It's about the stories you'll tell, the laughs you'll share, and the memories you'll make. Kids light up when they reel in their first catfish, and even the most jaded anglers can't help but grin when a monster blue cat hits the deck. Plus, there's something special about being out on the water, away from the hustle and bustle. It's fishing therapy, pure and simple.
Species You'll Want to Hook
Channel Catfish: These are the bread and butter of our trips. Averaging 2-5 pounds, channel cats are scrappy fighters and excellent table fare. They love to hang around structure and will readily take cut bait or stink bait. In the spring and fall, we often find them in shallower water, while they head deeper during the hot summer months.
Blue Catfish: Now we're talking about the big boys. Blues can grow to massive sizes, with 20-30 pounders not uncommon and the potential for true giants over 50 pounds. These guys prefer deeper water and larger baits. They're most active in cooler weather, making fall and winter prime time for trophy hunting. When a big blue takes off, you'd better be ready for a fight!
Flathead Catfish: The elusive flathead is the prized catch for many catfish anglers. These predators can grow huge, often exceeding 40 pounds, and they put up an incredible fight. Flatheads prefer live bait and are most active at night. While we don't target them specifically on our half-day trips, hooking into one of these bruisers is always a possibility and a true trophy.
Top Catches This Season
Let me tell you, the catfish have been on fire lately. We've been consistently putting clients on good numbers of eating-size channel cats, with most folks limiting out. But it's the big blues that have been stealing the show. Just last week, we had a father-son duo tag-team a 38-pounder that had everyone on the boat hollering. And don't even get me started on the flathead action – we've had a few night trips that'll make your head spin. The key is knowing where to look and what they're biting on, and that's where our local knowledge comes in handy.
Time to Book Your Spot
Alright, folks, here's the deal – if you're itching to get out on Lake Ray Hubbard and tangle with some serious catfish, now's the time to lock in your trip. Remember, we need at least two people to make the trip happen, so grab a buddy or bring the whole family. Just don't forget your Texas fishing license and a cooler for your catch. We'll provide the water, the laughs, and the fish-finding expertise. So what are you waiting for? Let's get out there and make some catfish memories!
Learn more about the animals
Blue Catfish
Blue cats are the heavyweights of Lake Ray Hubbard. These brutes can top 50 pounds, with the lake record pushing 80. You'll find them in the deepest parts of the lake, often suspended over river channels. Blues feed aggressively in spring and fall when the water's around 70°F. They're opportunistic predators, so fresh cut bait is key - shad or skipjack work great. Anglers prize blues for the epic battles they put up. It's not uncommon to spend 20 minutes wrestling one of these monsters to the boat. To improve your odds, try drifting with multiple rods to cover more water. Blues have excellent table quality, especially the smaller ones. Just remember, it takes decades for these fish to reach trophy size, so consider releasing the big ones to fight another day.
Channel Catfish
Channel cats are a staple of Lake Ray Hubbard fishing. These whiskered bottom-feeders usually run 2-5 pounds, but 10-pounders aren't uncommon. Look for them in deeper holes and around structure like submerged logs. They'll bite year-round but really turn on when the water warms up in late spring. Channel cats put up a good fight and make excellent table fare. To land one, try fishing near the bottom with stinkbait, cut shad, or nightcrawlers. A longer rod (7'+) helps when you're working deeper water. One local trick: fish the windy shorelines after a storm - that's when the cats come in shallow to feed. Anglers love targeting channels for their accessibility and how readily they bite. Just watch out for those sharp fins when you're unhooking them!
Flathead Catfish
Flatheads are the apex predators of Ray Hubbard's catfish world. These ambush hunters can grow over 50 pounds and put up a fight like no other freshwater fish. You'll find them lurking around sunken timber, bridge pilings, and other structure. Unlike their cousins, flatheads strongly prefer live bait - big bluegills or shad are top choices. They're most active at night, so evening and pre-dawn fishing is often most productive. Spring and early summer are prime flathead seasons as they move shallow to spawn. Anglers target these bruisers for the thrill of the catch and their excellent eating quality. One local tip: use heavy tackle and fish patiently. It might take hours, but when a big flathead hits, you'll know it. Just be prepared for a battle royale - these fish don't give up easily!
