Blue skies, blue water and a big blue cat equal a big smile from Allie, one of Ferguson’s clients.
Guide of the Month: Chad Ferguson – North Texas Catfish Guide Service by Capt. Richard Simms
Photos courtesy of Chad Ferguson
For nearly three decades, Chad Ferguson has built a reputation as one of Texas’ most experienced and respected professional catfish guides. As owner of North Texas Catfish Guide Service, Ferguson said he spends an average of 300 days a year on the water, introducing anglers of all skill levels to some of the best catfishing the Lone Star State has to offer.
While Eagle Mountain Lake near Fort Worth serves as his home water, Ferguson also guides on Lake Worth, Lake Lewisville, Grapevine Lake, Ray Roberts, Benbrook Lake, Bridgeport Reservoir and the Brazos River during various times of the year. His full-time commitment to guiding allows him to stay on top of changing seasonal patterns and consistently put clients on fish.
Ferguson targets all three major catfish species and tailors every trip to the season and his clients’ goals. During peak channel and blue catfish seasons, he said catching 50 to 100 fish during a four-hour trip is not uncommon. Fall and winter often shift the focus toward trophy blue catfish, with legitimate opportunities to catch fish exceeding 50 pounds.
Rather than relying on a single presentation, Ferguson adapts to daily conditions. Although anchor fishing remains his preferred technique whenever possible, he chooses whatever approach gives clients the greatest chance for success.
One policy that surprises some newcomers is his request that clients leave their own rods and tackle at home. Ferguson said that in nearly 30 years of guiding, he has never had a client bring equipment properly matched to the day’s fishing conditions. He said using carefully selected, guide-quality gear eliminates unnecessary problems and helps maximize success.
Families, children and beginners make up a large portion of Ferguson’s clientele, and teaching newcomers remains one of his favorite parts of the job. That passion is reflected in more than 475 five-star Google reviews. He said even his slowest trip during 2025 produced 37 catfish, a testament to both his preparation and the productivity of North Texas waters.
Safety and professionalism are always priorities. Ferguson is fully licensed and insured, maintains CPR and First Aid certifications, and brings the experience of a former paramedic to every trip. Whether guiding first-time anglers or seasoned fishermen, he emphasizes creating a safe, enjoyable day on the water.
His custom-rigged SeaArk Pro Guide boat is designed specifically for catfishing and accommodates up to six anglers. Larger groups can be handled through multi-boat arrangements. Every trip includes premium Whisker Seeker Tackle rods, reels, terminal tackle, bait, fuel and fish cleaning, allowing clients to simply arrive with a valid Texas fishing license, appropriate clothing and whatever food and drinks they wish to
Conservation also plays an important role in his operation. Ferguson cleans and packages every fish clients choose to keep, but he releases all catfish weighing more than five pounds and practices 100-percent catch-and-release for flathead catfish.
After guiding thousands of anglers, including professional athletes, musicians and actors, Ferguson said the most memorable trips aren’t necessarily the ones with giant fish. Instead, it’s watching a child catch a first fish or seeing a family share an unforgettable day together that keeps him excited to launch the boat each morning. Those moments, he said, are still the greatest reward after nearly 30 years of professional guiding.
(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.)
