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You're in good hands

Book your trip with confidence — We only work with the best local guides that know where to put you on fish.

About Your Trip

Water Type

River

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Weather

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

About Your Trip

If battling true freshwater giants sounds like your kind of adventure, this Flathead Catfish trip belongs on your bucket list. Captain Matt has spent years targeting these powerful predators on the Susquehanna River and has built a reputation as a successful tournament catfish angler with multiple top-10 season finishes.

The Susquehanna is home to massive Flathead Catfish, with fish over 50 pounds a real possibility. These hard-fighting river monsters deliver unforgettable battles, making every hookup an adrenaline-filled experience. Captain Matt knows where these fish live and how to give you the best opportunity to connect with one.

You'll fish aboard his 18' Crestliner 1870 river jet boat, perfectly suited for navigating the Susquehanna's changing conditions. All rods, reels, and tackle are included, so simply bring your Pennsylvania fishing license, sunglasses, non-spray sunscreen, bottled water, snacks, and weather-appropriate clothing.

Every trip is conducted on a catch-and-release basis to protect this outstanding fishery and ensure these trophy Flatheads continue thriving for years to come. If you're ready to test yourself against one of freshwater's toughest fish, Captain Matt is ready to show you what the "Susky Magic" is all about.

Amenities

Water Type

River

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Tackle

All rods, reels, and tackle are included.

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.

Kid Friendly

This trip can cater to small children.

Flexible Cancelation

This trip can be canceled up to 7 days before the trip.

Fish Cleaning

No cleaning service provided.

Beer

No beer allowed.

Boat Restroom

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

Live Bait

Live bait is not used on this trip.

Disability Friendly

This trip is not suited for those with disabilities.

Lunch

Please provide your own food / snacks.

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Pricing Matrix

	5 hours	7 hours	10 hours
1 Person	$450.00	$550.00	$650.00
2 People	$450.00	$550.00	$650.00
3 People	$450.00	$550.00	$650.00

Pay 15% of the price as a deposit today, with the balance due on the day of the trip.

About Your Guide

Matt W.

Independent Guide

Talkative

Laid-back

Instructional

Beginner Oriented

Comfortable

Quality

About Your Guide

Matt W.

Independent Guide

Captain Matt's path to becoming a fishing guide has been anything but ordinary. After growing up fishing the Chesapeake Bay and waterways across Maryland, he spent two decades building a career as a chef before deciding to pursue the dream that had been calling him all along. Since 2010, he's dedicated countless hours to mastering Pennsylvania's legendary Susquehanna River, developing a deep understanding of its world-class Smallmouth Bass and trophy Flathead Catfish fisheries.

A consistent top tournament catfish angler since 2015, Captain Matt combines competitive experience with a genuine passion for teaching anglers of every skill level. Whether you're chasing hard-fighting bronzebacks or hoping to battle a river monster flathead topping 50 pounds, he'll tailor the trip to your goals while sharing the knowledge he's gained through years of dedication. Bring the family, enjoy one of Pennsylvania's premier fisheries, and experience the "Susky Magic" for yourself aboard his 18' Crestliner jet boat.

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Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?

Depends on what species ;)

If you were cooking for all your friends what would you cook?

Steamed Blue Crabs!

Rapid Fire Guide Q & A

What’s the biggest fish you’ve caught?

Depends on what species ;)

If you were cooking for all your friends what would you cook?

Steamed Blue Crabs!

What’s your favorite band?

Tool

What’s your favorite movie?

Contact- Jodie Foster

What’s your favorite sports team?

Ravens

What’s your drink of choice?

Grapefruit Crush

What was your last halloween costume?

Pirate

What do you want for Christmas this year?

A bigger house

How did you get started guiding?

Water is in my blood! Long story

What makes you different from other guides?

If you want a good time, I’m your guy

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Start Location & Lodging Options

Your guide can be flexible with your start location.

You can work with your guide after booking to set a more specific start location in the area.

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Areas Fished

Susquehanna River

About Your Boat

Boat photo for Flathead Catfish Fishing Trip

Boat Type: Utility Boat
Boat Manufacturer: Crestliner
Year Built: 2022
Boat Length: 18'

About Your Boat

Boat Type: Utility Boat
Boat Manufacturer: Crestliner
Year Built: 2022
Boat Length: 18'
Boat Restroom: No
Engine Manufacturer: Mercury
Total Horsepower: 115
Number of Engines: 1
Additional Amenities: GPS, Fishfinder

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Trip Details & Amenities

Water Type

River

Skill Levels

Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Tackle

All rods, reels, and tackle are included.

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.

Kid Friendly

This trip can cater to small children.

Flexible Cancelation

This trip can be canceled up to 7 days before the trip.

Fish Cleaning

No cleaning service provided.

Beer

No beer allowed.

Boat Restroom

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

Live Bait

Live bait is not used on this trip.

Disability Friendly

This trip is not suited for those with disabilities.

Lunch

Please provide your own food / snacks.

Target Species

Color-coded seasonality below is based on .

View Full Species Seasonality Chart »

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)

Techniques

Light Tackle Fishing

Everything Else to Know

Everything is included, but we also recommend bringing sunglasses, sunscreen, weather-appropriate clothing, and anything else you might want on the trip.

You'll need to buy a fishing license before getting out there. Find out more about licenses here.

We use a cashless autopay system. We'll send you a boarding pass, and on the day of the trip, your guide will scan your boarding pass to automatically transfer the remaining balance. The only cash needed is to tip your guide (we recommend 20%).

Cancel for free up to 7 days before the trip and receive credit back to your account. Cancelling within 7 of the trip will forfeit your deposit to the guide. Day-of cancellations and no-shows will be charged the full balance of the trip to their card.

In the event of inclement weather you'll be covered by out 100% Weather Guarantee and will not lose your deposit.

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First Time Booking with Us?

Captain Experiences is home to thousands of quality, vetted fishing, hunting, and other outdoor sports guides across the US and beyond. Our mission is to Unlock the Outdoors by making it quick and easy to book the trip of a lifetime every time with our Damn Good Guides.

We vet our guides and only partner with the best of the best. Our guides do their very best to keep you safe, show you a great time, and send you home with a memorable experience shared with family and friends.

Once you've paid your deposit at checkout, we'll send you a QR Code boarding pass. Just show your guide your boarding pass on the day of the trip, they'll scan it, the remaining balance will transfer automatically, and you'll be all set to get out there. Just make sure you bring a cash tip for the guide!

In the event of inclement weather, our guides will check the conditions and make the final call on whether its safe to go on the trip. If they decide the trip needs to be postponed, we'll work closely with you to reschedule or provide a credit for the full deposit, which can be applied to any of our trips in the US and beyond.

Each trip's price is determined by the guide and reflects all associated costs. A significant factor in pricing is often the type of boat and the corresponding fuel expenses. Additional costs may include leases, marina or slip fees, and the expenses involved in providing and maintaining the necessary gear for your trip.

After booking your trip, we'll connect you directly with your guide to discuss additional details. In the meantime, our team is here to answer any questions via email, text, or phone.