Chasin’ Cats guide Jimmi Brown shows off a trophy-sized channel
catfish caught in central Iowa. Photo courtesy of Jimmi Brown
Guide of the Month: Jimmi Brown, Chasin Cats
by Capt. Richard Simms
Jimmi Brown, owner/guide of Chasin’ Cats in Iowa, says, “My passion for fishing started at an early age while tagging along with my grandparents catching bullheads and carp in southwest Iowa. My focus quickly turned to channel cats, and they have been my target species ever since.”
He began tournament fishing in 1993, he says, “with great success” and has continued to support his local catfishing clubs every year since he turned professional and took over Chasin’ Cats in 2021.
He fishes throughout central Iowa, southeast of Des Moines, often on Saylorville Lake and Lake Red Rock.
He is a full-time guide and continues targeting catfish even in the winter under the ice.
Channel catfish and flatheads are his primary targets. He says sizes range from eater-sized channel cats up to 20 pounds and flatheads up to 50 pounds. In Iowa, creel limits allow anglers to keep eight catfish per day on most lakes. However, on some lakes, including Saylorville and Red Rock, anglers are allowed 15 catfish per day.
Brown says, “Limits are attainable, depending on the body of water we are fishing.”
He says he will fish for numbers of fish, or he can concentrate on targeting trophy fish, depending on what the client prefers. As for success rates, he says, “My Five-Star rating speaks for itself. Every trip is successful.”
His trip rates are $400 for a five-hour trip for up to two anglers, $475 for three anglers. Additional hours are $75 per hour. He requests a $100 deposit to reserve dates. All equipment, tackle, bait and fuel is included during the trip. Clients are responsible for purchasing the required fishing license. One-day licenses are $10.50 for Iowa residents and $12 for non-residents.
He encourages catch and release for all catches over 10 pounds. He will clean fish clients catch, under 10 pounds, for an additional $25.
He uses a variety of techniques depending upon the location and the season. Early spring is anchor fishing. Late spring through the fall is trolling or drifting in lakes or sometimes bumping in rivers.
Brown is proud to be a Pro Staff member with Whisker Seeker Tackle.
“I use everything they offer for targeting catfish,” he said. “MulTbar rod racks and Fishbite rod holders. Shad is my preferred bait, but I also use creek chubs, bluegills and crappie.”
He fishes out of a 2014 Lund Tyee 1900 and can accommodate up to five anglers.
“However, for corporate trips, I can bring additional vessels to accommodate them,” he said.
Brown prides himself on sharing catfishing experiences with all skill levels.
“I truly love teaching other anglers, young and old, the sport of catfishing,” he said, “whether it’s their first ever boat ride, first-ever catch or them setting their new personal bests. I am thankful they choose Chasin’ Cats to give them these opportunities.”
If you’re a professional, licensed catfish guide and you’re not already included on our “Find a Guide” page, e-mail CatfishNOW.com Editor Keith Sutton for information how you can get listed (for free) and someday be featured as our “Guide of the Month.
(From Chattanooga, Tenn., author Capt. Richard Simms is owner of Scenic City Fishing Charters, Inc. He has been a catfish guide on the Tennessee River for 20 years. He began his outdoor career as a Tennessee game warden, later choosing journalism (and guiding) as his chosen profession. You can contact him at Richard@ScenicCityFishing.com or connect with him on his Facebook page.)
