Group Catfish Noodling: 6-Hour Evening Trip

Published Date: July 18, 2025
Fishing

Lockesburg, Arkansas, USA
$575 - $2,400 price range

Summary

This 6-hour evening catfish noodling trip is perfect for groups of up to six looking for a unique fishing experience. Starting at 6 PM, you'll head out to calm, catfish-rich waters with your guide from Cat Snatcher Noodling Guide. They'll provide all the gear and teach you the hands-on technique of catching catfish by hand. It's great for families or friends who want to try something different - no experience needed. You'll rotate through the best spots, giving everyone a chance to feel the rush of grabbing a catfish. The evening timing is ideal for both flathead and blue catfish activity. Your guide will be there every step of the way with safety support and one-on-one instruction. It's a laid-back but exciting way to spend an evening outdoors, challenging yourself and having fun with your group. Remember, deposits are non-refundable, so check the Trips & Rates page for details before booking.

Group Catfish Noodling: 6-Hour Evening Trip

Catfish Catches of the Night

Blue catfish caught while fishing in Lockesburg

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Four anglers enjoying a fishing trip in AR

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Evening Catfish Noodling: Group Thrill on the Water

Get ready for a wild night out on the water with our 6-hour evening catfish noodling trip. This ain't your grandpa's fishing – we're talking hand-to-fin combat with some of the biggest, meanest whisker-fish around. Perfect for groups of up to six looking to try something different, our expert guides will show you the ropes (or should we say, the holes) of this time-honored Southern tradition. Whether you're a seasoned noodler or a total newbie, we've got you covered. Just bring your sense of adventure, and maybe leave your fear of the dark at home.

What's the Deal with Noodling?

Noodling, or handfishing as some fancy folks call it, is all about getting up close and personal with catfish. We kick off at 6 PM, right when those big flatheads and blues start getting active. You'll wade into calm, shallow waters and use your bare hands to feel around underwater structures where catfish like to hang out. When you feel a bite, that's your cue to grab on and start the wrestling match. It's a rush like no other – part fishing, part mud wrestling, and 100% unforgettable. Our guides will be right there with you, showing you how it's done and making sure everyone stays safe while having a blast.

Gearing Up for the Grab

Don't sweat the equipment – we've got you covered from head to toe. You'll get fitted with gloves to protect your hands (those catfish can be ornery), and we recommend wearing old clothes you don't mind getting muddy. We'll provide life jackets and all the safety gear you need. The real "equipment" here is your own two hands and a healthy dose of gumption. We'll rotate through the best spots, giving everyone in your group plenty of chances to feel the thrill of the grab. And don't worry if you're not sure what you're doing at first – our guides will give you one-on-one coaching to help you nail the technique.

Species You'll Tangle With

Channel Catfish: These are the bread and butter of noodling. Typically weighing in at 2-4 pounds, channel cats are perfect for beginners to cut their teeth on. They're feisty but manageable, and you'll find them hiding out in smaller holes and crevices. Channel cats have a distintive forked tail and love to put up a good fight.

Blue Catfish: Now we're talking some serious fish. Blues can grow to monster sizes, with some topping 100 pounds. They're the bruisers of the catfish world, with broad, flat heads and a mean attitude to match. Noodling for blues is not for the faint of heart – when you slide your hand into a hole and feel that unmistakable chomp, you better be ready for a battle royal.

Flathead Catfish: These are the kings of the noodling world. Flatheads are ambush predators, often found lurking in deep holes or under submerged logs. They've got a wide, flat head (hence the name) and can grow to enormous sizes. Noodling a big flathead is like trying to pull a Volkswagen out of the mud – it takes skill, strength, and a whole lot of determination. But man, when you finally surface with one of these beasts, you'll have a story to tell for years.

Why Folks Keep Coming Back

There's something addictive about noodling that keeps people coming back for more. Maybe it's the adrenaline rush of feeling that first bite, or the satisfaction of hauling up a big cat with nothing but your bare hands. It's a chance to connect with nature in a way that's totally different from regular fishing. Plus, it's a great group activity – nothing brings people together quite like the shared experience of dunking your arms into murky water and hoping for the best. Our evening trips are especially popular, as the fading light adds an extra element of excitement (and let's be honest, a bit of spookiness) to the whole adventure.

Time to Get Your Feet Wet

If you're looking for a fishing trip that's off the beaten path, our evening catfish noodling adventure is just the ticket. It's perfect for groups of friends, family outings, or even team-building events (nothing says "trust fall" quite like helping your coworker wrestle a 40-pound catfish). Remember, spots fill up fast, especially during peak season, so don't wait to book. And keep in mind that deposits are non-refundable – but trust us, once you've felt the rush of noodling, you won't want to back out anyway. So gather your crew, summon your courage, and get ready for a night of muddy, fishy, unforgettable fun. The catfish are waiting – are you ready to reach out and grab 'em?

Learn more about the species

Blue Catfish

Blue catfish are the titans of North American catfish, commonly reaching 25-46 inches and 80+ pounds. You'll find them in large rivers and reservoirs, often hanging out near deep channels or dropoffs. They're opportunistic feeders, gobbling up everything from baitfish to mussels. Blues are active year-round but really turn on in spring and fall. Anglers target them for their hard-fighting nature and impressive size potential. There's always a chance at a true monster with blues. For bait, fresh cut fish works wonders - herring or shad are top choices. Let it sink to the bottom in likely holding areas. Here's a pro tip: bring leather gloves. Blues are strong, slimy, and can be a handful when you're trying to land one.

Channel Catfish

Flathead catfish are beasts, often reaching 3-4 feet and 100+ pounds. They love deep, slow-moving water with muddy bottoms. You'll find them lurking in pools, reservoirs, and river bends. These ambush predators have a taste for live bait - the wigglier, the better. Bluegill, perch, or even small catfish work great. Flatheads are most active at night, especially in summer. That's when we target them. Anglers love the challenge and the potential for a real trophy. Plus, many say flatheads have the best-tasting meat of any catfish. Here's a tip: When you feel a bite, be patient. Let the fish take the bait and turn before setting the hook. Flatheads have tough mouths, so a strong hookset is key. Bring heavy gear - these guys put up one heck of a fight!

Flathead Catfish

Channel cats are the most widespread catfish in North America, typically running 2-4 pounds but capable of reaching 20+. You'll find them in everything from small creeks to huge reservoirs. They prefer clearer water than other catfish and often hang around structure like logs or rocks. These fish feed heavily at night, especially during summer. That's prime time for catching them. Anglers enjoy targeting channels for their abundance, willingness to bite, and excellent eating quality. Channel cats have an incredible sense of smell. To take advantage, try using a stinky bait like chicken liver or prepared catfish dough. Here's a local trick: secure your bait with a small piece of sponge to keep it on the hook longer. It'll give those catfish more time to find your offering.

About the Cat Snatcher Noodling Guide

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 8

Manufacturer Name: Mercury

Maximum Cruising Speed: 20

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 90

As the sun starts to dip, you'll join a small group for an evening of catfish hand-fishing. Over six hours, your guide will take you to prime spots where flathead and blue catfish are most active. Whether you're new to this technique or have some experience, you'll get personalized coaching to improve your skills. It's a relaxed way to spend time outdoors with family or friends, trying something a bit different. You'll rotate through shallow areas, giving everyone a chance to feel for those whiskered fish beneath the surface. All the gear is provided, so you just need to bring your sense of adventure. The trip kicks off at 6 PM, perfect timing to enjoy the cooler evening hours on the water. It's an easygoing outing that still offers a fun challenge – just remember, those catfish can be slippery!

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