Home · Chad Ferguson Signature Series Catfish Rods

Gear · catfish rods · Whisker Seeker Tackle

Chad Ferguson Signature Series Catfish Rods.

Many of our clients used my prototype rods while I was testing and designing my own catfish rod. That work became the Chad Ferguson Signature Series from Whisker Seeker Tackle, built for the way we catch catfish every day on North Texas lakes.

Book a Trip Text 817·522·3804

By Chad Ferguson· first posted December 8, 2014 · updated 2026

Chad Ferguson Signature Series catfish rods from Whisker Seeker Tackle

01The story

Designed on the Guide Boat.

Over the course of a year, I fished prototype rods on guided trips almost every day, and a lot of you fished them with me. I wanted a rod that could handle a 50-pound blue catfish but still be fun with a 2-pound channel cat, one that would hold up to daily guide use, and one that clients of every experience level could fish comfortably.

I released the first model with Whisker Seeker Tackle in July 2014. We sold out of the first order much faster than expected and were out of stock for a while, but the rods came back and the line has kept growing since. Today I also help design gear and manage marketing for Whisker Seeker, and their tackle is the official tackle of North Texas Catfish Guide Service.

02Today's rod

The 7'6" Medium-Heavy FMJ2.

My primary rod today is the 7'6" medium-heavy Chad Ferguson FMJ2 casting rod. A 7'6" medium-heavy is one of the most versatile catfish rods you can own for fishing from a boat. It has enough backbone to turn a big blue catfish away from cover, enough length to make long casts and manage the fish at the boat, and enough flexibility in the tip to keep smaller catfish from tearing off.

I pair it with a Whisker Seeker Seeker 60 Pro baitcasting reel, 30 lb Whisker Seeker monofilament and a 60 lb monofilament leader. It's the same setup on every cut-bait rod in the boat, whether we're targeting eater-size blues or trophy fish.

03What matters

What Makes a Good Catfish Rod.

Backbone without stiffness. Catfish rods need power in the lower section to fight big fish, but a tip that loads up on the bite. Circle hooks work best when the fish can take the bait and turn before the rod pulls back, and a rod that's too stiff pulls the bait away.

Durability. Guide rods get dropped, stepped on, slammed into rod holders and fought with all day long. Every component has to hold up to that kind of use season after season.

Comfort. On a trophy trip, you may fight several big fish in a day. A balanced rod with a comfortable grip makes that a lot more fun, especially for kids and first-timers.

Versatility. The best rod is the one you can fish in the most situations. A 7'6" medium-heavy covers cut bait, anchoring, drifting and most of the catfishing you'll do on Texas lakes.

04Light tackle

A Second Rod for Channel Catfish.

For punch bait and other light-tackle fishing, I switch to a 7' medium-light Whisker Seeker Catfish & Carp spinning rod with a Whisker Seeker Elite 20 reel and 35 lb Whisker Seeker No Fade Braid. It makes average-size channel catfish a lot more fun to catch and is perfect for kids. See the full setups on our catfish gear page.

05Buying advice

Choosing a Catfish Rod for Texas Lakes.

If you're buying your first serious catfish rod, start with what you'll fish most. For anchoring or drifting cut bait for blue catfish on lakes like Eagle Mountain, Lewisville or Lake Worth, a 7'6" medium-heavy casting rod is the best all-around choice. If most of your fishing is for channel catfish with punch bait, a 7' medium-light spinning rod will be more fun and catch more fish.

Match the reel and line to the rod. A medium-heavy rod pairs well with a baitcaster spooled with 30 lb monofilament, while a medium-light spinning rod works best with braid. Buy the best rod you can afford, because a good rod will outlast several reels.

06Rod care

Taking Care of Your Rod.

A little care goes a long way. Rinse your rod and reel with fresh water after a trip, especially after fishing with punch bait or chum. Check your guides for nicks or cracks that can fray line, and replace worn line before it costs you a big fish. Store rods upright or in a rack, not bent in a truck bed, and use rod sleeves when you travel.

On the boat, keep rods in their holders until you're fighting a fish. Most broken rods happen when they're laid across a seat or deck and stepped on, not when they're fighting a catfish.

07On your trip

Fish the Same Rods on Your Trip.

Every guided trip with North Texas Catfish Guide Service uses the same Whisker Seeker rods and reels I design and fish every day, so you can try them on real fish before you buy. We provide all rods, reels, bait and tackle. Personal rods aren't permitted on the boat, because our equipment is maintained and set up for consistency.

If you want a rod of your own, you can order the Chad Ferguson Signature Series and the rest of the Whisker Seeker lineup online at whiskerseeker.com. Learn more about our sponsors and partners.

FAQ

Catfish Rod
Questions.

What is the Chad Ferguson Signature Series catfish rod?

Where can I buy a Chad Ferguson catfish rod?

What length and power is best for catfish?

What reel and line do you pair with the FMJ2?

Will I use Chad's rods on a guided trip?

Do you use a different rod for channel catfish?

Ready to fish?

Put the Rod to Work.

Fish the Chad Ferguson rods on a guided trip on Eagle Mountain Lake. All gear is included. Check open dates and book online.