Capt. Trent Thomasson says he often targets eater-sized cats if clients prefer,
but Lake Wylie also produces good numbers of trophy-sized cats for folks
who want to “size up.” (Photo courtesy Capt. Trent Thomasson)
Guide of the Month: Trent Thomasson – Wylie Guide Charters
by Capt. Richard Simms
Capt. Trent Thomasson with Wylie Guide Charters admits he is still relatively new to the guiding game. But that doesn’t mean he is new to the catching catfish game.
“I got my captains license three years ago,” said Capt. Thomasson. “But before that I was an avid catfisherman and tournament angler for twenty or thirty years.”
Capt. Thomasson fishes Lake Wylie on the border of North and South Carolina near Charlotte, NC.
He fishes out of a 22-foot, center console BayScout. He said two clients is the most comfortable, three isn’t a problem but if asked, he can accommodate four or even five people.
He guides part-time and does either 4-hour or 6-hour catfishing trips.
He said, however, “I am happy to accommodate any special length of time that a customer might need or want.”
The 4-hour trip is $350 for up to two people. It costs $425 for up to two people for a 6-hour trip. Additional anglers are $50 each.
“Gratuities are purely up to the customer,” he said. “If you had a good time and felt like I worked hard to put you on the fish – then it is most appreciated should you decide to leave a tip.”
The NC/SC border splits Lake Wylie in half and unfortunately is one of the few border lakes that does not recognize the bordering state’s license on the water.
“The short-term licenses for both North and South Carolina are pretty reasonable so I encourage customers to have both so that we aren’t restricted to one area,” he said. But if they only have one state license and don’t want to buy another, we can stay within bounds of that state and usually make it work.”
Like most guides, Capt. Thomasson provides all tackle, bait and safety gear. He says anglers just need to dress for the occasion and bring their preferred snacks and drinks.
He said he generally does not ask for a deposit to reserve a date and is flexible in regard to weather cancellations.
“Folks charter a fishing guide service because they want to have fun, catch fish and spend some time on the water,” he said. “If the weather is bad that could spoil a good time and memory, I’m good with rescheduling. Building a client base and providing customers with good memories is what I care most about.”
He said every trip is special. But he recalls one trip in particular from 2025.
“The fellow who paid for and arranged the trip was probably in his 40’s. His buddy, however, was 72 and had never been fishing before in his life,” explained Capt. Thomasson. “They brought a cooler to take some home for a fish fry. We filled that cooler up and then some! The look and smiles on the older gentleman’s face reeling in some nice blues made it an especially terrific day.”
Lake Wylie is home to all three species of catfish, however, blue cats are what he catches mostly. Fish range in size from eaters up to 30 and 40 pounds which “aren’t that uncommon,” said Capt. Thomasson. “The cold months don’t typically produce the numbers that spring does, but it seems the bigger fish every year get caught during the cold months.”
There is no current to speak of in Lake Wylie so Capt. Thomasson spends most of his time vertical drifting, aided by his trolling motor.
“Doing this I can also give my customers some light rods with jigs or minnows to keep them busy between take downs with perch or crappie,” he said. “But personally I like ‘sitting and waiting’ (anchored) on a bite if I know I’m in a good spot or hole where I suspect big fish might be.”
He prefers using his own equipment but is okay with a customer bringing a rod if they insist. He baits most often with perch, bluegill, or shad (gizzard & threadfin) and chicken.
He defers to anglers’ preference in targeting numbers or trophy fish.
“Depending on the time of year – drifting will normally produce more catfish, but if I’m confident a certain hole is holding some big cats – I throw that option in,” he said. “Everybody likes big fish but keeping customers busy with bent rods is important.”
He practices catch and release, particularly with fish over 20 pounds.
“However, I have no issue with someone wanting to keep some for a fish fry,” he said. “Catfish are delicious and there is something special about eating your own catch.”
Learn more about Wylie Guide Charters on the website or on the Facebook page.
If you’re a professional catfishing guide and you’re not already listed on the CatfishNOW “Find a Guide” web page, send an e-mail to Editor Keith Sutton at catfishdude@sbcglobal.net. He’ll provide you with all the information you need to get your free listing.
(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.)
