What a Trophy Catfish Trip Is Really Like.
A trophy catfish trip is a chance to catch a blue catfish bigger than anything most people have ever seen in person.
A Different Kind of Fishing.
It’s also a different kind of fishing from our regular catfish trips. The pace is slower, the weather is often colder, and there may be long stretches without a bite.
We’re targeting a small percentage of truly big blue catfish. Some days we get several opportunities. Other days we may only get a few bites, and there are days when we don’t connect at all.
If you’re willing to be patient and you want a shot at a giant, this is the trip for you.
What Are We Fishing For?
Our trophy trips focus on big blue catfish, generally targeting fish in the 20- to 50-pound range, with the possibility of a bigger one.
A 20-pound blue is a heck of a fish. A 40- or 50-pounder is something most anglers will remember for a long time.
I’m Chad Ferguson, and I’ve guided catfish trips full time in North Texas since 1998. I’ve spent a lot of winters looking for these fish. We’ll use that experience, the conditions, and the electronics on the boat to give you the best opportunity I can.
There’s no way to promise a particular size or number of fish. That’s part of trophy fishing.
How Many Fish Will We Catch?
It depends on the day. We may catch several big fish, or we may spend hours searching and waiting for one opportunity.
On a trophy trip, two or three big fish can make a good day. There are also days when the fish don’t cooperate and we don’t land a trophy.
If your goal is steady bites and lots of fish, I recommend a regular catfish trip. You’ll still have a chance at a bigger fish, but our focus will be on action.
What Happens During a Trophy Trip?
We’ll meet at Lakeview Marina on Eagle Mountain Lake, northwest of Fort Worth. I’ll send the details before your trip, and we’ll text you the evening before with the final start time and meeting location.
Once we’re on the water, we may spend time looking and scanning before we put baits in the water. Finding the right fish is part of the trip. We’ll also move when conditions or what I’m seeing tell me we need to try somewhere else.
I provide the boat, rods, reels, bait, and tackle. I’ll handle the setup and explain what we’re doing. When a fish bites, I’ll walk you through the fight and help you bring it to the boat.
You don’t need to be an expert. You do need to be ready to wait for the right bite.
How Long Is a Trophy Trip?
I offer two trophy trip options:
Both give us an opportunity to catch big fish, but I strongly recommend the 6.5-hour trip. The extra time gives us more opportunity to scan, find fish, make moves, and wait for the right bite.
If you have questions about which trip to choose, text me before booking.
When Is Trophy Catfish Season?
Our dedicated trophy trips run from mid-November through February. December through February is generally our best window for targeting big blue catfish.
Winter weather is part of the experience. Cold, wind, and rough conditions often come with trophy season, and some of our best opportunities happen on days when most people would rather stay inside.
We also catch bigger blue catfish outside the trophy season. If you’re fishing with us in another season, a regular catfish trip gives you a chance at a bigger fish while we focus on catching numbers.
What Is the Weather Like?
Expect cold weather and prepare for wind. It often feels colder on the lake than it does on land, especially when the wind is blowing.
Bring more warm clothing than you think you’ll need:
- Heavy winter layers
- Windproof and waterproof outerwear
- A warm hat and gloves
- Insulated boots
- Extra layers you can put on or take off
If weather conditions are questionable, we typically decide whether to fish the evening before the trip. If conditions aren’t safe, we’ll reschedule. If you’re traveling from out of town and need an earlier decision, text me in advance so we can coordinate.
Are Trophy Trips Good for Kids?
I generally don’t recommend trophy trips for kids under 13. These trips require patience, focus, and the strength to fight a large fish, often in cold weather.
Even for kids 13 and older, the best fit is someone who’s really into fishing and understands there may be long stretches between bites.
For most families with younger kids, a regular catfish trip is a better choice. There’s more opportunity to keep everyone involved and enjoying the day.
How Many People Can Go?
Trophy trips are limited to four anglers, and I recommend three or fewer.
A smaller group keeps the boat quieter and gives everyone more room when a big fish is on the line. It also makes it easier for everyone to stay involved during the trip.
Do We Keep the Big Fish?
Every catfish over five pounds is photographed and released.
We’ll get pictures of your fish, and I can help take measurements if you’re interested in a replica mount. Then the fish goes back in the water.
If taking fish home is important to your group, ask me before booking. I’ll explain the options and help you choose the right trip.
What Should We Bring?
I provide the boat, bait, rods, reels, and tackle. You’ll need:
- A valid Texas fishing license for each angler age 17 or older
- Warm, weather-appropriate clothing
- Drinks and snacks
- A small cooler that fits in the floorboard of a car
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Motion-sickness medication if you need it
Please leave alcohol, glass bottles, sunflower seeds, and bananas at home.
I’ll send complete trip instructions after you book.
Where Do We Fish?
Most trophy trips take place on Eagle Mountain Lake, my home water. We meet at Lakeview Marina:
Lakeview Marina6600 Peden Road
Fort Worth, TX 76179
Lake Worth and Lake Lewisville may be available by request, depending on conditions and scheduling. If you have a particular lake in mind, text me before booking.
What Does a Trophy Trip Cost?
Trophy trips are available in 5-hour and 6.5-hour options. Rates cover the first two anglers, and each additional angler is $100. Weekend minimum charges apply.
You’ll find current rates and trip details on the rates page.
Is a Trophy Trip Right for Your Group?
A trophy trip is a good fit if you’re willing to trade fast action for a shot at a big blue catfish. You’re comfortable with cold weather, you understand there may be long waits, and you’re excited about the chance to catch one fish worth talking about for years.
If your group wants plenty of bites and fish coming over the side of the boat throughout the trip, let’s book a regular catfish trip instead.
Already booked a trophy trip and decided your group would prefer more action? Let me know at least 24 hours before the trip and we can switch to a regular catfish trip.
Not sure? Tell me who’s coming and what you want out of the day. I’ll help you choose.
Trophy Catfish Trip
FAQs.
A trophy catfish trip focuses on catching large blue catfish. We spend time finding and targeting big fish rather than trying to catch as many catfish as possible. The pace is slower than a regular catfish trip, and there may be long stretches between bites.
December through February is generally our best window for targeting trophy blue catfish. We offer dedicated trophy trips from mid-November through February, when cooler water helps us find and target big blues.
We generally target blue catfish in the 20- to 50-pound range, with the possibility of a bigger fish. The size and number of fish vary from day to day, and no particular fish is guaranteed.
There’s no set number. Two or three big fish can make a good day, but some trips produce more and others may not produce a trophy at all. Trophy fishing takes patience, and some days the big fish don’t cooperate.
Most of our trophy catfish trips take place on Eagle Mountain Lake, northwest of Fort Worth. Lake Worth and Lake Lewisville may be available by request, depending on conditions and scheduling. Text me before booking if you have a particular lake in mind.
No. Beginners are welcome, and I’ll explain what to do when a fish bites. You don’t need your own equipment, either. I provide the boat, rods, reels, bait, and tackle. The most important thing to bring is patience. Trophy trips are focused on big fish, so you should expect fewer bites than on a regular catfish trip.
I generally don’t recommend trophy trips for kids under 13. These trips require patience, focus, and the strength to fight a large fish, often in cold weather. For kids 13 and older, the trip is best suited to someone who enjoys fishing and understands the slower pace. For younger children and groups who want more action, I recommend a regular catfish trip or a family fishing trip.
A maximum of four anglers can go on a trophy trip. I recommend three or fewer so everyone has room to fish and move around the boat when a big fish is hooked.
I offer 5-hour and 6.5-hour trophy trips. Both provide an opportunity to catch big fish, but I strongly recommend the 6.5-hour trip. The extra time gives us more opportunity to find fish, make moves, and wait for a bite.
All catfish over five pounds are photographed and released. We’ll take pictures, and I can help measure your fish if you’re interested in a replica mount. If keeping fish is important to your group, text me before booking. I’ll explain your options.
Dress for cold and wind. Bring warm layers, windproof and waterproof outerwear, gloves, a hat, and insulated boots. Conditions on the lake often feel colder than they do on land, so bring extra layers.
If the weather is questionable, we typically decide whether to fish the evening before the trip. If conditions aren’t safe, we’ll reschedule. If you’re traveling from out of town and need an earlier decision, text me in advance so we can coordinate.
Choose a regular catfish trip if steady action and catching numbers are more important to your group. You’ll still have a chance at a bigger fish, but we’ll focus on keeping the rods busy. If you’ve already booked a trophy trip and decide you’d prefer a regular catfish trip, let me know at least 24 hours in advance.
You can check available dates and book online. If you have questions about the trip, your group, or which option is the best fit, text me at 817-522-3804.
Ready to Chase a Big Blue?
Bring your crew, dress for the weather, and come ready to fish. I’ll provide the boat, bait, gear, and game plan. Questions? Text Chad at 817-522-3804.