Thank you for choosing North Texas Catfish Guide Service.
We operate a full-time, professionally managed guide service on Eagle Mountain Lake. With 436+ five-star reviews, our reputation has been built on preparation, consistency, and execution.
Because of demand — especially during spring, summer, and fall — many prime dates book weeks or months in advance. If you are planning around a specific weekend or holiday, early booking is strongly recommended.
Please review the information below carefully to ensure a smooth and professional experience.
For direct communication, text is best:
Chad Ferguson – 817-522-3804
chad@txcatfishguide.com
The North Texas Catfish Guide Experience
When you book with us, you are not booking a casual boat ride.
You are booking:
• A full-time professional guide
• Daily scouting and pattern tracking
• Professionally maintained equipment
• A private trip reserved exclusively for your group
• A conservation-driven operation
• A guide service with 436+ five-star reviews
Your trip begins long before you step on the boat.
We limit the number of trips to maintain quality and consistency. Once a date is booked, it is no longer available.
Payment & Pricing
Balance Due
The remaining balance (total cost minus deposit) is due in cash on the day of your trip.
If paying by credit card, a 5% processing fee will be added.
Cash keeps pricing streamlined and competitive.
Base Rate Structure
Our listed rate covers two guests.
Each additional guest is $100.
Every person who boards the boat is counted toward the total, regardless of age or participation.
Example
4-Person Half-Day Trip
$375 (base rate – 2 guests)
$100 (3rd guest)
$100 (4th guest)
Total: $575
Minus $100 deposit
Balance Due: $475 (cash)
Peak Demand Minimums
To maintain scheduling efficiency during high-demand periods:
• Saturdays & Sundays – 3-person minimum
• Spring Break, holidays & summer holiday weekends – 4-person minimum
These periods book fastest each year.
Full rates:
https://www.txcatfishguide.com/catfish-guide-rates/
Launch Location
Eagle Mountain Lake
Lakeview Marina
6600 Peden Rd
Fort Worth, TX 76179
Arrival Instructions
• Park in the upper right lot
• Leave a dash note: “Fishing with Chad”
• Do not park in trailer spaces
• Wait at the green picnic table in front of the marina store
• Do not go onto the docks until instructed
We depart promptly at scheduled start time.
Restrooms are typically open. Ice is available 24/7.
We fish other lakes only if arranged in advance.
Start Times & Communication
Start times adjust seasonally to maximize fishing conditions.
You will receive a confirmation text the evening prior with:
• Final start time
• Meeting confirmation
If you have not received a message by 7:00 PM, please text.
Arriving on time ensures you receive the full fishing window.
Trips are not extended for late arrivals.
Required Liability Waiver
Every guest must complete the liability waiver before boarding.
Each individual must submit their own waiver.
Incomplete waivers delay departure and reduce fishing time.
Waiver link:
https://www.txcatfishguide.com/liability-waiver/
Please send this link to your entire group ahead of time.
What to Bring
• Small cooler (must fit in a car floorboard)
• Drinks and snacks
• Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
• Valid Texas fishing license
• Cash for remaining balance
All bait, rods, reels, tackle, and equipment are provided.
Personal rods and gear are not permitted. Our equipment is professionally maintained and calibrated for consistency.
Fishing license:
https://tpwd.texas.gov/business/licenses/online_sales/
Items Not Permitted
• Personal rods or tackle
• Glass containers
• Sunflower seeds
• Bananas
• Alcohol
• Illegal substances
Conservation & Harvest Policy
We operate under a strict conservation standard.
All catfish over 5 lbs are released — no exceptions.
Legal fish under 5 lbs may be kept if desired. Please take only what you will use.
ALL FLATHEAD CATFISH ARE RELEASED REGARDLESS OF SIZE
Fish are professionally filleted. Custom cuts are not available.
Protecting the fishery ensures strong fishing for future clients and returning families.
Deposits & Rescheduling
Your deposit secures your private date and removes it from availability.
Once booked, we begin planning and scouting around your trip.
Because we operate at high seasonal demand, short-notice cancellations often leave dates unfilled.
Deposits are non-refundable unless we cancel for reasons other than weather.
Rescheduling:
• More than 15 days prior – deposit may be transferred to another date within the same calendar year
• Within 72 hours –
– $250 charge (weekdays)
– $350 charge (weekends)
Full cancellation terms are acknowledged at booking and can be found here.
Weather Policy
Weather decisions are made solely by North Texas Catfish Guide Service.
If conditions are safe, we fish — including cold, wind, rough water, or light rain.
Trips are canceled only for unsafe conditions such as lightning or severe storms.
Weather calls are typically made the evening before.
Equipment Responsibility
Guests are expected to follow instructions and keep rods secured in holders.
Replacement costs:
• $200 – Spinning combo
• $300 – Baitcast combo
Securing Future Dates
Many of our returning clients secure their next trip before leaving the dock.
Prime weekends, spring runs, and summer dates fill quickly — and once they’re booked, they’re gone.
If you already know you’ll want to fish again this season, reserving your next date before departure ensures availability and locks in your preferred timeframe.
Serious anglers plan ahead.
Gratuity
Gratuity is never required but is appreciated.
Industry standard for professional guides is 20–25% of the trip total.
Many guests choose to tip based on effort, professionalism, and overall experience.
Final Thoughts
With 436+ five-star reviews, our reputation has been built on preparation, professionalism, and consistency.
Fishing is dynamic. Some days are exceptional. Some require patience.
Every trip receives full effort and professional execution.
When you book with North Texas Catfish Guide Service, you are booking a dedicated, full-time operation with a proven track record.
We look forward to earning your review next.
Chad Ferguson
North Texas Catfish Guide Service
