Guided Hand Fishing East Texas

Catfish Noodling Trips

About Your Guide

Chris Whitaker

Independent Guide
If you're ready to trade your rod and reel for a true hands-on adventure, Captain Chris is your guy. Specializing in catfish noodling trips across East Texas, Captain Chris offers a one-of-a-kind experience that’s equal parts adrenaline and tradition. Whether you're a seasoned hand grabber or trying it for the first time, Chris brings the know-how, patience, and excitement to make your trip unforgettable. With prime waters like Lake Fork and Lake Tawakoni as his playground, he’ll put you right where the action is—no rods, no bait, just you, the water, and some big East Texas catfish. Captain Chris’s passion for noodling and dedication to safety means you’ll walk away with an unforgettable story—and maybe even a trophy fish in hand.

About Your Guide

Chris Whitaker

Independent Guide
If you're ready to trade your rod and reel for a true hands-on adventure, Captain Chris is your guy. Specializing in catfish noodling trips across East Texas, Captain Chris offers a one-of-a-kind experience that’s equal parts adrenaline and tradition. Whether you're a seasoned hand grabber or trying it for the first time, Chris brings the know-how, patience, and excitement to make your trip unforgettable. With prime waters like Lake Fork and Lake Tawakoni as his playground, he’ll put you right where the action is—no rods, no bait, just you, the water, and some big East Texas catfish. Captain Chris’s passion for noodling and dedication to safety means you’ll walk away with an unforgettable story—and maybe even a trophy fish in hand.
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Catfish Noodling Trips

100% (6) 1 - 4 People 6 Hours From $500
Noodling Handfishing
Noodling Handfishing
Catfish Noodling Trips
Catfish Noodling Trips
Catfish Noodling Trips
Catfish Noodling Trips
Catfish Noodling Trips
Catfish Noodling Trips
Catfish Noodling Trips
Catfish Noodling Trips
Catfish Noodling Trips
Catfish Noodling Trips
Catfish Noodling Trips
Catfish Noodling Trips
Catfish Noodling Trips
Catfish Noodling Trips
Catfish Noodling Trips

About Your Trip

Water Type

Lake

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather

If you're ready to ditch the rods and reels and get hands-on with some of the biggest catfish Texas has to offer, Captain Chris has the ultimate adventure lined up for you. Starting May 1st, it’s officially noodling season—and there's no better place to dive into this wild and unforgettable experience than the rich waters of Lake Fork and Lake Tawakoni.

Captain Chris is a seasoned East Texas local who lives and breathes catfishing, and...

About Your Trip

If you're ready to ditch the rods and reels and get hands-on with some of the biggest catfish Texas has to offer, Captain Chris has the ultimate adventure lined up for you. Starting May 1st, it’s officially noodling season—and there's no better place to dive into this wild and unforgettable experience than the rich waters of Lake Fork and Lake Tawakoni.

Captain Chris is a seasoned East Texas local who lives and breathes catfishing, and
when it comes to noodling—also known as hand fishing—he’s the real deal. Whether you're brand new to the sport or a seasoned thrill-seeker looking to check off a bucket-list catch, Chris brings the know-how, safety-first mindset, and passion to guide you every step of the way.

Here’s how it works: You’ll climb aboard a restored 18’ G3 pontoon powered by a reliable 40 HP Yamaha engine, with room for up to 5 guests. From there, Captain Chris will take you to tried-and-true honey holes where giant flatheads and channel cats hole up in their underwater hideouts. You’ll feel the rush as you slide your hand into the murky water, reach into a catfish den, and hook a monster—with your bare hands. There’s nothing quite like the moment you grab hold and wrestle a river beast to the surface. It’s gritty, it’s primal, and it’s pure Texas.

Whether you’re noodling in the stump-laden waters of Lake Fork or the expansive shallows of Lake Tawakoni, Captain Chris knows the best spots and the right conditions to safely and successfully get you on fish. He provides all the gear and guidance you'll need, including protective gloves and thorough instruction before your first dive. Your safety is top priority—but the adventure is guaranteed.

This isn’t just fishing—it’s a full-on East Texas experience. If you're looking for a story you’ll be telling for years, book your noodling trip with Captain Chris starting May 1st, and come grab a catfish the way few ever dare to.
Amenities

Water Type

Lake

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Tackle

All rods, reels, and tackle are included.

Beer

Feel free to enjoy responsibly, but please no glass.

Location

This guide can be flexible with the departure location.

Weather

You won’t lose your deposit if the trip is canceled due to weather

Flexible Cancelation

This trip can be canceled up to 14 days before the trip.

Waders

Wader rentals are not available.

Fish Cleaning

No cleaning service provided.

Boat Restroom

No, this boat does not have a bathroom on board.

Live Bait

Live bait is not used on this trip.

Kid Friendly

This trip is not suited for small children.

Disability Friendly

This trip is not suited for those with disabilities.

Lunch

Please provide your own food / snacks.

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About Your Boat

Boat photo for Catfish Noodling Trips
Boat Type
Pontoon
Boat Manufacturer
Pontoon
Year Built
2004
Boat Length
18'

About Your Boat

Boat Type
Pontoon
Boat Manufacturer
Pontoon
Year Built
2004
Boat Length
18'
Boat Restroom
No
Total Horsepower
40
Number of Engines
1
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Recent Reviews of Guided Hand Fishing East Texas

5.0
based on 3 reviews

Andres

Verified Review

The kids and I had a blast! Chris was really great at teaching all of us what to do and what to look for. He was also great at easing my kids into it and making them feel comfortable. They couldn't stop talking about it and they all want to do it again. It was a really great experience! We caught plenty of fish!

Andres

Verified Review

The kids and I had a blast! Chris was really great at teaching all of us what to do and what to look for. He was also great at easing my kids into it and making them feel comfortable. They couldn't stop talking about it and they all want to do it again. It was a really great experience! We caught plenty of fish!
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Larry

Verified Review

it was a great trip Chris did a great job exceeded all expectations would definitely recommend him to anyone else

Larry

Verified Review

it was a great trip Chris did a great job exceeded all expectations would definitely recommend him to anyone else
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Shane

Verified Review

Very knowledgeable, awesome guide. Enjoyed hanging with him and catching som3 big blues

Shane

Verified Review

Very knowledgeable, awesome guide. Enjoyed hanging with him and catching som3 big blues
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Potential Target Species

Color-coded seasonality below is based on .
  • Get it while it's HOT!
  • This species is in play.
  • You might get lucky (as long as things are in-season).
  • Couldn't tell ya! (no data)

Technique

Type of Fishing

Recent Fishing Reports

Early July 2026
/
Mid June 2026
Some great noodling trips as of late!
/
Early June 2026
It has been awesome for our catfish noodling trips. Come trade the rod and reel for hand to hand combat!
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Guided Hand Fishing East Texas Photo Gallery

Catfish Noodling Trips
March 26th, 2025
Grand Saline, Texas
Catfish Noodling Trips
March 26th, 2025
Grand Saline, Texas
Catfish Noodling Trips
March 26th, 2025
Grand Saline, Texas
Catfish Noodling Trips
March 26th, 2025
Grand Saline, Texas
Catfish Noodling Trips
March 26th, 2025
Grand Saline, Texas
Catfish Noodling Trips
March 26th, 2025
Grand Saline, Texas
Catfish Noodling Trips
March 26th, 2025
Grand Saline, Texas
Catfish Noodling Trips
March 26th, 2025
Grand Saline, Texas
Catfish Noodling Trips
March 26th, 2025
Grand Saline, Texas
Catfish Noodling Trips
March 26th, 2025
Grand Saline, Texas
Catfish Noodling Trips
March 26th, 2025
Grand Saline, Texas
Catfish Noodling Trips
March 10th, 2025
Grand Saline, Texas
Catfish Noodling Trips
March 10th, 2025
Grand Saline, Texas
Catfish Noodling Trips
March 10th, 2025
Grand Saline, Texas
Catfish Noodling Trips
March 26th, 2025
Grand Saline, Texas
Catfish Noodling Trips
March 26th, 2025
Grand Saline, Texas
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