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Evening Catfish Noodling: 6-Hour Group Adventure
- Published Date: July 18, 2025
- Fishing
- Lockesburg, Arkansas, USA
- $575 - $2,400 price range
Summary
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Noodling in Action
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Proud and fearless catch
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Proud and fearless catch
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Proud and fearless catch
Evening Catfish Noodling: Group Adventure
Ready for a wild night on the water? Our 6-hour evening catfish noodling trip is perfect for groups looking to try their hand at this unique fishing technique. With room for up to seven guests, it's ideal for family reunions, bachelor parties, or just a bunch of friends wanting to make some unforgettable memories. We'll head out at 6 PM when the catfish are most active, giving you the best shot at landing a whopper.
What's Noodling All About?
If you've never been noodling before, you're in for a treat. This ain't your grandpa's rod and reel fishing - we're talking about using your bare hands to catch monster catfish. Don't worry, we provide all the gear you need, including special gloves to protect your hands. Your guide will show you the ropes and rotate everyone through the best spots so everyone gets a chance to feel the rush of a catfish latching onto their arm. It's as exciting as it sounds, and way more addictive than you'd think!
Noodling 101: Hands-On Action
Noodling is all about feeling your way through underwater hidey-holes where big catfish like to hang out. We'll wade into shallow areas of the lake, and you'll learn to use your feet and hands to locate promising spots. When you find a hole, you'll reach in (yep, that's where the term "noodling" comes from - your arm looks like a big noodle to the fish). If you're lucky, a catfish will latch onto your hand, and then it's game on! The real skill comes in controlling the fish and getting it to the surface. Don't be surprised if you end up in a full-on wrestling match with a 40-pounder!
Why Folks Can't Get Enough
There's something about noodling that keeps people coming back for more. Maybe it's the adrenaline rush of feeling a massive catfish grab your arm. Or the bragging rights that come with landing a huge fish using nothing but your bare hands. Whatever it is, our guests always leave with huge grins and even bigger stories to tell. Plus, with our expert guides showing you the ropes, even first-timers have a great shot at catching something impressive.
Catfish on the Menu
On our trips, you'll have the chance to tangle with three main types of catfish: Channel Cats, Blue Cats, and Flatheads. Each one offers a unique challenge and thrill.
Channel Catfish are often the easiest to catch for beginners. They typically weigh between 2-10 pounds, but we've seen some real bruisers pushing 30 pounds or more. These guys are known for their fight, so even a smaller one will give you a run for your money.
Blue Catfish are the giants of the catfish world. They can grow over 100 pounds, though most of the ones we catch are in the 20-50 pound range. Blues are strong swimmers and put up an epic battle. Landing one of these bad boys is a real accomplishment, even for experienced noodlers.
Flathead Catfish, also known as "mud cats," are the prized catch for many noodlers. They're not as common as channels or blues, but they grow big and fight hard. A 30-pound flathead is considered a trophy, and they can get much larger. These ambush predators often hide in the gnarliest underwater structure, making them a real challenge to locate and extract.
Time to Get Your Noodle On
If you're looking for a fishing trip that's way off the beaten path, our evening catfish noodling adventure is just the ticket. It's a chance to try something totally different, make some lasting memories, and maybe even land the biggest fish of your life - all with your bare hands! Spots fill up fast, especially for our evening trips, so don't wait to book. Grab your buddies, clear your schedule, and get ready for a night of splashing, laughing, and hopefully, some epic catfish wrangling. See you on the water!
Learn more about the species
Blue Catfish
Blue Catfish are the biggest catfish species in North America, often weighing 20-40 pounds but capable of topping 100 pounds. They prefer large rivers and reservoirs, typically hanging out in deep holes or near channel edges. Blues are aggressive predators, feeding on just about anything they can catch, including other fish. These slate-blue giants are most active in warmer months, especially at night. They put up a heck of a fight, making them a favorite among anglers looking for a challenge. Blues are also good eating, with firm, white meat that's less "muddy" tasting than some other catfish. To catch blues, use fresh cut bait like shad or herring. They have an excellent sense of smell, so the bloodier the bait, the better. Fish near the bottom in deeper water, especially around drop-offs or underwater structure. Here's a tip: if you're after trophy-sized blues, try using larger baits and heavier tackle. These big cats aren't afraid to go after a substantial meal.
Channel Catfish
Channel Catfish are a popular target, typically weighing 2-10 pounds but capable of reaching 20-30 pounds or more. You'll find them in lakes, rivers, and reservoirs, often near structure or in deeper holes. They're most active at night, making evening fishing trips ideal. Channel cats put up a good fight and are known for their tasty, mild-flavored meat. These whiskered fish have keen senses, especially taste and smell. They'll eat just about anything, from insects and small fish to plant matter. For bait, stinkbaits and cut bait work well, but don't overlook chicken liver or nightcrawlers. A longer rod, around 7 feet, gives you more options for presenting bait. When you hook one, be careful of their sharp spines. Channel cats thrive in warmer water, so summer and early fall are prime seasons. They're fun to catch year-round though. If you're having trouble locating them, try fishing near drop-offs or creek channels. And here's a local tip: after a good rain, fish the incoming streams where catfish gather to feed on washed-in food.
Flathead Catfish
Flathead Catfish, also called yellow cats or mud cats, are ambush predators that can grow massive. Adults typically range from 10-40 pounds, but monsters over 100 pounds aren't unheard of. They prefer slow-moving rivers and reservoirs, often hiding near logs, stumps, or in deep holes. Unlike other catfish, flatheads strongly prefer live bait. They're most active at night, especially during warm months. Anglers love targeting flatheads for their size, powerful fights, and excellent table fare. Their meat is considered some of the best among catfish species. To catch flatheads, use live bait like bluegill or bullheads. Fish near structure in deeper water, particularly at night. Heavy tackle is a must – these fish can really pull. Here's a local secret: try fishing the outside bends of rivers where deep holes form. Flatheads love to hunker down in these spots and ambush prey swimming by. Remember, flatheads grow slowly and can live over 20 years, so consider releasing the big ones to keep the population healthy. The medium-sized fish are best for eating anyway.
About the Cat Snatcher Noodling Guide
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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 8
Manufacturer Name: Mercury
Maximum Cruising Speed: 20
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 90
