On the Mississippi River, Capt. David Magness says a mixed bag
is always a possibility, but he mostly catches blue cats.
(Photos courtesy Capt. David Magness, Cat’n Aroun’ Guide Service)
Capt. David Magness Finds Catfish and Peace on the Mighty Mississippi
By Capt. Richard Simms
For Capt. David Magness, owner of Cat’n Aroun’ Guide Service on the Mississippi River, blue catfish are the primary target, although flatheads and channel cats also get their share of attention. Based out of Memphis, Tennessee, he says typical catches include blue cats weighing 8 to 20 pounds, but much larger trophy cats are always a possibility. Capt. Magness says big blues up to, or even exceeding, 60 pounds are realistic prospects.
Capt. Magness said, however, catfishing on the Mississippi River is about much more than catching fish. After nine years as a professional catfish guide, Capt. Magness has learned that the mighty Mississippi has a way of teaching its own lessons.
“Catfishing teaches us patience, but that ole river teaches us peace,” Capt. Magness says.
Capt. Magness operates his guide business on a part-time basis, scheduling trips around weekends, holidays and vacation days. But when he is on the water, he is fully prepared to put his clients on fish.
A U.S. Coast Guard-licensed captain, Capt. Magness works out of a 26-foot SeaArk Pro Guide powered by a 250-horsepower Suzuki, large enough to accommodate as many as six anglers.
He launches at several locations depending on the trip, including Mud Island in Memphis, Tunica River Park in Robinsonville, Mississippi and Helena River Park in Helena, Arkansas.
He offers 6- to 7-hour trips for $575 for up to three people. You can add up to three additional people costing $100 each. However, up to two children, 14 and under, can fish for free. The price includes the boat, fuel, bait, tackle and all safety equipment. Customers are responsible for their fishing licenses, food, drinks, sunscreen and appropriate clothing.
A $100 deposit is required to reserve a date. If weather or river conditions force cancellation, customers can choose either to have their deposit refunded or move the trip to another date. There are no extra fees, and while gratuities are never expected, Capt. Magness says they are certainly appreciated.
There isn’t necessarily a “typical” day. Depending on the season and conditions, five to 10 fish might be caught during a trip. On the right day, however, that number can climb to 40. Capt. Magness lets his customers decide whether they want to concentrate on quality or quantity.
He says, however, “Most customers want both.”
To try and make that happen, Capt. Magness employs several techniques, including casting and waiting, vertical suspending and drifting. Controlled drifting or “bumping” is one of his favorite methods, although it can be demanding for anglers who aren’t accustomed to the technique.
His tackle reflects the same attention to detail. He uses B’n’M rods, Boss Kat hooks, Shimano and Okuma reels, Humminbird electronics and a Minn Kota trolling motor. He also builds his own leaders and rigs, tailoring his tackle to the demands of Mississippi River catfishing.
The Mississippi produces catfish year-round, and Capt. Magness believes anglers should never overlook winter fishing. He says some of his best opportunities for trophy fish come when the temperatures drop.
He practices CPR (catch, photograph and release) on trophy catfish, however clients are welcome to keep catfish under 12 pounds each.
There are no fish-cleaning facilities on the river, so cleaning isn’t normally part of the trip. But he says if customers make arrangements beforehand, he will clean a few fish for a donation.
Of course on the Mississippi River, another fish often makes a dramatic appearance. Some of Capt. Magness’ favorite moments come when he eases his boat into an area where Asian carp are “jumpin’.” Unsuspecting customers suddenly find themselves surrounded by flying carp, with the occasional fish even landing inside the boat.
Here’s an example of what that can look like from the author:
For Capt. Magness, those moments, along with the trophy cats, the changing river and the time spent outdoors, are what make guiding special.
(From Chattanooga, Tennessee, 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.)
