Get ready for a top-notch catfishing experience in the heart of Texas! This 5-hour guided trip is all about chasing down those monster catfish that'll make your arms ache and your stories legendary. We're talking serious trophy potential here, with a guarantee of double-digit beauties or you get another shot on the house. Whether you're a seasoned pro or bringing the kids along for their first big catch, this trip is tailored for maximum excitement and success on the water.
We kick things off early to beat the heat and catch those cats when they're most active. You'll be working with 9 drift/troll setups, giving us plenty of lines in the water to maximize our chances. The goal? Landing those 25+ pound whoppers that'll have you grinning from ear to ear. We're using top-of-the-line gear, including Pro Angler Tackle and Penn Reels, paired with a Garmin Solix 15 for pinpoint fish-finding. Bait-wise, we're going with the catfish trifecta: gizzard shad, sunfish, and carp. This isn't your average catfishing trip – we're pulling out all the stops to put you on the big ones.
We'll be mixing it up between drifting and trolling, two proven methods for targeting trophy cats. Drifting lets us cover a lot of water, presenting our baits to fish holding in different areas and depths. When we're trolling, we're actively hunting those big boys, dragging our baits through prime catfish territory. The Garmin Solix 15 with side imaging is a game-changer, letting us spot structure and fish that other anglers might miss. We'll adjust our tactics based on what the fish are doing, switching between day and night fishing techniques to keep the action hot. Don't worry if you're new to these methods – I'll walk you through every step, from bait selection to hook-setting.
Channel Catfish: These are often the most abundant catfish in Texas waters. They typically range from 2-4 pounds, but we're after the big guys – 10 pounds and up. Channel cats are known for their spotted sides and forked tails. They're aggressive feeders and put up a great fight, especially in current. Spring and early summer are prime times for trophy channels.
Blue Catfish: Now we're talking about the true giants of Texas catfish. Blues can grow to over 100 pounds, and they're the species most likely to give us our 25+ pound trophies. They prefer deeper water and strong current. Blues are most active in cooler months, but big ones can be caught year-round if you know where to look. When a big blue takes your bait, hold on tight – it's like trying to reel in a Volkswagen!
Flathead Catfish: Also known as yellow cats or mud cats, flatheads are ambush predators that love structure. They can grow huge, with 50+ pounders not uncommon in Texas waters. Flatheads prefer live bait and are most active at night. They're known for their broad, flat heads and mottled coloration. Landing a big flathead is a true test of an angler's skill – they fight like freight trains and love to wrap you around underwater obstacles.
This year has been red-hot for trophy cats. We've been consistently putting clients on 30+ pound blues, with a few topping the 50-pound mark. One group last month tangled with a flathead estimated at over 60 pounds – it straightened the hook after a 20-minute battle! Channel cats have been showing up in good numbers too, with several in the 15-20 pound class. The key has been finding those deep holes where the big boys like to hang out, then presenting our baits just right. With the patterns we're seeing, I'm confident we'll be putting some real monsters in the boat on your trip.
Folks come back for this trip because it's not just about fishing – it's about the thrill of the hunt for true giants. There's nothing quite like the moment when your rod doubles over and the drag starts screaming. You know there's a monster on the other end, and the next few minutes are pure adrenaline. Even seasoned anglers get the shakes when they see one of these bruisers come up beside the boat. And for the kids? Man, hooking into a big cat is something they'll be talking about for years. Plus, with our guarantee of double 25+ pounders or a free trip, you know we're committed to putting you on the fish of a lifetime.
Alright, let's get you out on the water and into some trophy catfish action! Remember to grab your Texas fishing license before the trip, and don't forget to pack some drinks and snacks – battling big cats works up an appetite. We've got room for up to 4 anglers, but the sweet spot is 2-3 for maximum comfort and fishing time. Whether you're a seasoned pro looking for a new challenge or want to introduce the kids to the thrill of big-game fishing, this trip is tailor-made for unforgettable memories. The catfish are biting, the weather's perfect, and we're ready to put you on some true Texas giants. Don't let another season slip by without crossing this adventure off your bucket list. Book now, and let's go wrangle some whiskerfish!
Blue cats are the giants of Texas catfish, often topping 50 pounds with some monsters pushing 100+. Look for them in large rivers and reservoirs, especially near deep channels and dropoffs. These opportunistic predators will eat just about anything, but fresh cut bait like shad or carp is your best bet. Blues are most active in cooler months, so fall through spring offers prime fishing. Anglers love targeting blues for their sheer size and powerful fights - hooking one feels like snagging a submarine! To land these bruisers, use heavy tackle and let your bait soak on the bottom. A local trick: fish the seams where shallow flats meet deep water, especially during low light. Blues often cruise these edges hunting for an easy meal. Just be ready when that rod doubles over - you're in for a battle!
Channel cats are a popular gamefish in Texas waters, typically weighing 10-20 pounds but can reach up to 50. They're often found in clear reservoirs and lakes, hanging out near structure or in deeper holes. These whiskered bottom-feeders use their sensitive barbels to hunt for food, making them suckers for stinkbait or cut bait. Anglers love targeting channels for their strong fight and tasty meat. Spring and fall are prime seasons when water temps are moderate. For best results, use a longer rod (7'+) with a sturdy backbone and sharp hooks to pierce their tough mouths. Let your bait sink to the bottom and be patient – channels like to investigate before committing. Once hooked, watch those fins! Their slick bodies and sharp spines can make handling tricky, so grip 'em firmly behind the gills.
Flatheads are the ambush predators of Texas catfish, known for their massive size and love of live bait. These "mud cats" can top 50 pounds, with some real monsters pushing 100. You'll find them lurking in deep pools of rivers and reservoirs, often nestled in woody cover or rock piles. Unlike other cats, flatheads strongly prefer live bait - bluegills or small carp work great. Summer nights are prime time, when these big boys come out to feed. Anglers target flatheads for their epic battles and excellent table fare. To land one, use stout tackle and patience. A local tip: find a deep hole with good structure, then present a lively bait right in their face. When a flathead takes, give it a moment to turn the bait before setting the hook. Once hooked, hang on tight - these fish fight like freight trains and won't give up easily!
Vehicle Guest Capacity: 10
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 45
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 150