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Texas Trophy Catfish: 25+ LB Monsters Guaranteed

  • Published Date: July 17, 2025
  • Fishing
  • Forney, TX
  • Updated Date: December 30, 2025

Summary

This 5-hour guided catfishing trip targets monster cats weighing 25+ pounds using 9 drift and troll setups on Texas waters. Your guide from Lead Slingers provides all professional tackle, Penn reels, and Garmin electronics to locate the big fish. You'll fish with live gizzard shad, sunfish, and carp for bait. The trip accommodates 2-4 anglers and welcomes kids and experienced fishermen alike. If you don't land double-digit trophy catfish over 25 pounds, you get another trip free. Just bring your Texas fishing license, drinks, and snacks. The guide recommends calling first to check if the fish are actively feeding before you book.
Texas Trophy Catfish: 25+ LB Monsters Guaranteed

Monster Catfish Action

Trophy Catfishing Adventure in Texas Waters

Looking for a real challenge on Texas waters? This 5-hour monster catfish hunt is designed for anglers who want to test their skills against some serious heavyweight champions. We're talking 25+ pound trophy cats that'll make your reel scream and give you stories to tell for years. Whether you're bringing the kids for their first taste of big fish action or you're a seasoned pro ready to tangle with Texas-sized catfish, this trip delivers the kind of fishing that keeps you coming back to the water.

What to Expect on the Water

We start early when these monster catfish are most active, using 9 drift and troll setups to maximize your chances at landing multiple trophy fish. The boat comes fully rigged with professional-grade Penn reels and pro angler tackle that can handle the fight these big cats put up. You'll need to bring your Texas fishing license, plus any drinks and snacks you want for the day. The setup accommodates 2-4 anglers, so it's perfect for a father-son trip, couple's adventure, or small group looking to experience some of the best catfishing Texas has to offer. The captain runs a guarantee on this trip - if you don't land double-digit trophy catfish over 25 pounds, you get another trip on the house. That's confidence in knowing where the big fish live and how to put you on them.

Gear Setup & Fishing Methods

The boat runs top-shelf electronics including a Garmin Solix 15 with side imaging technology that helps locate schools of baitfish and identify the structure where trophy catfish like to hang out. We use fresh bait that drives these big cats crazy - gizzard shad, sunfish, and carp that we source locally. The drift and troll approach lets us cover serious water and present baits naturally to fish holding in different zones. Multiple rod setups mean you can have several baits working at once, increasing your odds of connecting with that fish of a lifetime. The captain knows the productive areas and seasonal patterns, adjusting techniques based on current conditions. This isn't just dropping a line and hoping - it's strategic fishing that puts the odds in your favor when targeting these lake monsters.

Customer Stories

"You might see a previous comment of mine on here and i would like to say that through my frustrations and slight rudeness the captain contacted me and was able to clear some things up for me that made the sitauation make more sense than lack of communucation. He camnot see the booking info until the day before the charter, so it is suggested to call and talk to him about what is best to book on the list of options before booking. I didnt see and that was my fault. He has worked with me and made it right and i really appreciate it. I was dead wrong on my customer service comments, it is 10/10." - Taylor

Target Species Breakdown

Channel Catfish are the most common trophy species you'll encounter on this trip. These fighters typically run 15-40 pounds in Texas waters and are known for their aggressive strikes and bulldogging runs. They're most active during cooler months when water temperatures drop into that sweet 50-60 degree range. Channel cats love structure like submerged timber, rock piles, and drop-offs where they ambush prey. What makes them special is their willingness to hit big baits and their incredible stamina - a 25-pound channel cat will give you a workout that tests both your technique and your gear.

Blue Catfish represent the true giants of Texas waters, with specimens regularly exceeding 40 pounds and some monsters pushing 60+ pounds. These apex predators prefer deeper water and main lake areas with good current flow. Blues are known for their size potential and their preference for fresh, oily baits like gizzard shad. They're less common than channels but when you hook into a big blue, you know it immediately. The initial run is explosive, and they have the power to strip line even with a tight drag. Fall through early spring offers the best shot at trophy blues when they move into shallower areas to feed heavily before winter.

Flathead Catfish are the ultimate trophy for many catfish anglers because of their aggressive nature and impressive size. These ambush predators prefer live bait and are notorious for their bone-crushing bite and bulldogging fighting style. Flatheads are most active at night and during low-light periods, making early morning starts perfect for targeting them. They like cover - fallen trees, undercut banks, and rocky areas where they can hide and wait for prey. A 25+ pound flathead is a fish most anglers never experience, and the fight is unlike anything else in freshwater. They don't make long runs like blues, but they use their broad heads and powerful bodies to pull straight down, testing your drag and your patience.

Time to Book Your Spot

This trophy catfish experience offers something special - the chance to battle genuine monster fish in some of Texas's most productive waters. With professional equipment, local expertise, and a guarantee that backs up the captain's confidence, you're getting more than just a fishing trip. You're getting a shot at the kind of catfish that most anglers only dream about. The combination of multiple techniques, prime locations, and the right seasonal timing gives you the best odds of connecting with trophy fish. Remember to contact the guide before booking to make sure conditions are right for monster catfish action. When everything lines up - cool water temperatures, active fish, and the right weather patterns - this trip delivers the kind of fishing memories that last a lifetime.

Customer Reviews

Made It Right 10 10

quotes

You might see a previous comment of mine on here and i would like to say that through my frustrations and slight rudeness the captain contacted me and was able to clear some things up for me that made the sitauation make more sense than lack of communucation. He camnot see the booking info until the day before the charter, so it is suggested to call and talk to him about what is best to book on the list of options before booking. I didnt see and that was my fault. He has worked with me and made it right and i really appreciate it. I was dead wrong on my customer service comments, it is 10/10.

Read More
TW
Taylor Wolfe

October 12, 2025

Birthday Trip Ruined

quotes

I booked this trip for my sons birthday months ago. I had to reschedule dur to my sons arm surgery, which was kind of yall to accomodate. When i rescheduled it for this weeked it wad mentioned that this would be a better weekend since its better fishing when it is colder. This wad about 2 week ago. I get a text an hour before it is time to fish telling me it will not be possible to get the trophy fish because it isnt cold enough. And i messed up while booking and should have called before to see when the fish bite. I have a couple issues with this. #1 we have been in contact and rescheduled. If it was known then that the weather wasnt going to be cold enough, as i was told in text it needs to be 50-60 degrees out, why was the suggestion not madr to postpone it even further? and I have gone through the website as it is and went through the steps one would take to book the monster catfishing trip step by step and nowhere does it say to call before scheduling. It also mentions that if you book this trip and dont get a monster catfish you get a free trip. We booked a monster trip and was not told until 1 hour before it was time to leave that they wouldnt be able to catch what we paid for. And the best you can do is 100$ off another trip. They caught like 4 2 lb cat fish and alot of small ones. For more thab $300 that is absolutely crazy. And then to blame it on the customer when therr is nowhere on this site that it says to call and verify weather and how the fish are biting beforr you book the monster trip. It doesnt say it about any trip. My son waited for months for this as a big gift for his 15th birthday and it was very dissapointing for him to have one expection and have it changed an hour before he leaves on the boat. The worst customer service ive ever seen and we have bern on money fishing carters before. Someone obviously dropped the ball. I dont know who or how but it rrally was unnacceptable and ruined his fishing trip.

Read More
TW
Taylor Wolfe

October 12, 2025

Learn more about the animals

Blue Catfish

Blues are the giants we're really after on these trophy trips - they're the largest catfish species in North America, commonly hitting 25-45 pounds with some monsters pushing 80+ pounds. These slate-blue colored bruisers have a squared-off anal fin and slight underbite that sets them apart from channels. They love deep river channels, holes near tidal creeks, and muddy bottoms where they hunt everything from crawfish to baitfish. Blues are opportunistic predators that'll scavenge under feeding stripers. The fight is what gets people hooked - pure power and endurance. Summer and fall produce the best action when they're actively feeding. Here's the key: let your cut bait hit bottom and stay put. They won't chase moving bait, so patience pays off with these monsters.

Blue Catfish

Channel Catfish

Channel cats are the most common catfish we target, but don't let that fool you - these fish can reach 20-50 pounds and put up a solid fight. They've got those distinctive whiskers and a deeply forked tail, plus their bodies are covered in slime instead of scales. You'll find them in deeper holes and around structure in our reservoirs and lakes. They're omnivores that hunt by smell and taste, which is why stinkbait and cut shad work so well. What makes them great is they bite year-round, though summer nights are prime time. The meat is excellent eating too. Pro tip: use sharp treble hooks since their mouths are tough, and always wet your hands before handling - that slime coating protects them and helps with release.

Channel Catfish

Flathead Catfish

Flatheads are the predators of the catfish world and the best eating you'll find. These olive-colored giants with their distinctive flat heads can easily top 40-60 pounds, with some reaching over 100. Unlike other cats, they want live bait only - no dead stuff for these hunters. They lurk in deep pools, river channels, and around structure in slow-moving water. The fight is something else - pure bulldogging power that'll test your tackle. What really sets them apart is the meat quality - it's firm, white, and mild compared to other catfish. They're most active at night during warmer months. My go-to trick: use live bluegill or sunfish on a Carolina rig near deep structure. Keep that bait moving just enough to stay lively - flatheads want to see it struggle.

Flathead Catfish

About the Custom Build

Company vehicle

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 10

Manufacturer Name: Mercury

Maximum Cruising Speed: 45

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 150

Ready to chase some monster catfish in Texas waters? This 5-hour guided adventure targets trophy cats weighing 25+ pounds using 9 drift and troll setups. We hit the water early with pro-grade Penn reels and Garmin Solix 15 electronics to locate these beasts. Fresh gizzard shad, sunfish, and carp keep the big boys interested. Confident in our success - if we don't land double-digit trophy catfish, your next trip is completely free. Perfect for 2 anglers (up to 4 max), kids welcome alongside seasoned pros. Just bring your Texas license, drinks, and snacks. Day or night fishing available - contact your guide first to confirm the bite is on before booking your monster catfish hunt.
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Book a charter with Lead Slingers Outdoor Fishing Guide and be with a top-rated fishing guide in Forney, Texas! Experience the thrills of bow fishing and other kinds of charters offered by Captain Brandon Sargen today.

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Two wiper (hybrid striped bass) fish caught near Forney

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Striped Bass, Wiper, and White Bass caught in Forney

4 white bass and wiper fish caught in TX

3 striped bass and wiper (hybrid striped bass) fish caught in TX

Three people enjoying outdoor activities in Forney

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5 white bass fish caught in TX

Three anglers enjoying a fishing trip in TX

Three people enjoying outdoor activities in Forney

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