Morning Lake Ray Hubbard Catfish Drift Trip
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Early morning catfish drift fishing on Lake Ray HubbardCaptain provides all tackle and equipment for three guestsProfessional guided trip targeting channel catfish using drift techniques
Picture yourself casting lines at sunrise on one of Texas's top catfish waters, with the morning mist still hanging over Lake Ray Hubbard. This 4-hour drift fishing charter starts at 7:00 AM sharp from the Rowlett marina, giving you prime time on the water when the cats are most active. Captain William has been running these waters for years, and he knows exactly where to find those channel cats that'll put a serious bend in your rod. You'll be fishing from a spacious 21-foot Yamaha that can handle three anglers comfortably, with plenty of room to spread out and work your rigs without getting tangled up with your buddies.
This isn't your typical bank fishing experience – we're talking about covering serious water to find where the fish are biting. Captain William runs a professional operation that focuses on drift fishing techniques, which means you'll be moving with the current and wind to present your bait naturally to suspended catfish. The early morning departure time isn't just about beating the heat; it's when Lake Ray Hubbard's catfish are most cooperative, especially during those golden hours right after sunrise. You'll hit multiple spots across the lake, from deeper channels to productive flats where cats come up to feed. The captain provides all the gear you need – quality rods, reels, tackle, and fresh bait – so you can focus on fishing instead of worrying about whether you brought the right setup. Just remember to grab your Texas fishing license before you head out, along with some snacks and sun protection for the later part of the trip.
Drift fishing is an art form that lets you cover more water than anchoring up in one spot, and Captain William has perfected this technique on Lake Ray Hubbard. You'll be using specialized catfish rigs designed to keep your bait in the strike zone as the boat drifts naturally with wind and current. The key is maintaining contact with your bait while letting it move naturally through the water column where catfish are cruising. We're talking about using circle hooks, slip sinkers, and live bait or cut bait depending on what's working that particular morning. The captain adjusts the drift speed using the trolling motor, keeping you in productive water longer and giving your baits maximum exposure to hungry cats. This method is perfect for beginners because it's more forgiving than bottom fishing – you don't need to worry about getting snagged on structure, and the fish often hook themselves as they swim off with the bait. Even experienced anglers appreciate how drift fishing lets you explore different depths and cover more territory in a single trip.
Channel catfish are the stars of Lake Ray Hubbard, and for good reason – these fighters are abundant, aggressive, and they'll give you a battle you won't forget. Most channels in Hubbard run between 2 to 8 pounds, with plenty of opportunities to land fish in the 5-pound range that'll test your drag system. These cats are most active during the cooler parts of the day, which is why that early morning start time is so crucial. Channel cats in this lake feed heavily on shad, crawfish, and other baitfish, making them perfect targets for drift fishing techniques. What makes them so exciting to catch is their initial run when they feel the hook – they'll peel line and make multiple surges before you can get them to the boat. Spring through early fall are peak times, but even winter months can produce solid catches when you find them in deeper water. The best part about targeting channels is their consistency; when you find a school, you can often catch multiple fish from the same area.
Don't be surprised if you hook into some bonus species while targeting cats. Lake Ray Hubbard also holds white bass, hybrid stripers, and largemouth bass that will readily hit catfish baits. The white bass run in schools and can provide fast action when you locate them, typically weighing 1 to 3 pounds and fighting way above their weight class. Hybrid stripers are the wildcards – these powerful fish can reach 8 pounds or more and will absolutely smoke your drag when they hit. They're not as predictable as channels, but when conditions are right, they'll move shallow to feed and provide some of the most exciting fishing the lake has to offer. Largemouth bass occasionally show up on catfish rigs, especially around structure and cover areas. While they're not the primary target, landing a 4-pound bass on catfish tackle makes for a pleasant surprise and adds variety to your morning on the water.
This top-rated morning charter fills up fast, especially during prime catfish season when Lake Ray Hubbard's fishing is at its peak. Captain William's combination of local knowledge, quality equipment, and proven drift fishing techniques makes this trip a customer favorite among both novice and experienced anglers. The 4-hour timeframe gives you plenty of opportunity to learn the techniques, catch fish, and enjoy the peaceful morning atmosphere on one of Texas's most productive catfish waters. With space for up to three anglers, it's perfect for a small group looking for a personalized fishing experience without the crowds you'll find on larger boats. Whether you're new to catfish fishing or you're looking to improve your drift fishing skills, this world-class charter service delivers the kind of hands-on instruction and productive fishing that keeps customers coming back season after season. Don't wait – morning slots book up quickly, and you don't want to miss your chance to experience some of the best catfish action Lake Ray Hubbard has to offer.
Your catfish adventure starts aboard this reliable 21-foot Yamaha jet boat, perfect for drifting the productive waters of Lake Ray Hubbard. Built in 2012 with twin 110HP Yamaha engines, this compact speed boat comfortably handles up to 4 anglers while cruising at 17 knots to reach the best catfish spots around Rowlett. The onboard fish finder helps locate schools holding in deeper water, while GPS navigation ensures we hit multiple productive areas during your 4-hour morning trip. Keep your catch fresh in the built-in icebox, and enjoy tunes on the multimedia system between bites. This setup gives you plenty of room to fight those Lake Ray Hubbard channels while Captain William guides you through proven drift techniques across the lake's prime fishing zones.
Lake Ray Hubbard