Private 4 Hour Evening Fishing Trip
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Fourhour evening fishing trip on Old Hickory LakeTarget Blue Cats and Channel Cats with provided gearAccommodates up to three guests with expert captain guidance
There's something special about hitting Old Hickory Lake when the sun starts dipping low and the workday stress melts away. This 4-hour evening fishing adventure with Nashville Kats Fishing is your ticket to some serious catfish action, whether you're chasing a wall-hanger Blue Cat or filling the cooler with sweet-eating Channel Cats. Your captain knows these waters like the back of their hand and will put you on fish based on what's biting that day. We've got you covered with all the gear, so just bring yourself and get ready to bend some rods.
Old Hickory Lake transforms as evening approaches, and that's when the catfish really start moving. This top-rated trip accommodates up to 3 anglers, making it perfect for a small group of friends or family looking to unwind after a long day. Your experienced captain will meet you at the boat ramp and get you set up with everything you need—rods, reels, tackle, and bait are all provided. The evening bite on Old Hickory is legendary among local anglers, and there's good reason for that. As the water temperature cools and boat traffic dies down, catfish become more active and aggressive. You'll be fishing prime structure and channels where these whiskered fighters like to patrol, and your guide will adjust tactics throughout the trip based on what the fish are telling us. Don't worry if you're new to catfishing—your captain will walk you through everything from rigging to fighting fish, and experienced anglers will appreciate the local knowledge and access to productive spots that might take years to find on your own.
Catfishing on Old Hickory requires the right approach, and that's where having a seasoned guide makes all the difference. We'll primarily be using circle hooks with fresh cut bait—usually skipjack herring or shad—which drives catfish absolutely crazy. Depending on conditions and what species we're targeting, your captain might set you up with anything from lighter spinning gear for Channel Cats to heavy baitcasting setups for the big Blues. The technique is all about reading the water and putting bait where the fish are feeding. We'll anchor up on structure like ledges, creek channels, and drop-offs where catfish ambush prey. Your guide will show you how to feel the subtle taps and runs that signal a catfish has picked up your bait, and when to set the hook for a solid connection. The boat is equipped with quality electronics to locate fish and structure, plus comfortable seating so you can relax between bites. Rod holders keep your baits in the strike zone while you enjoy the peaceful evening atmosphere, but don't get too comfortable—when the bite turns on, it can get hectic fast with multiple rods going off at once.
Channel Catfish are the bread and butter of Old Hickory Lake, and for good reason—they're abundant, fight hard, and taste fantastic on the dinner table. These spunky fish typically range from 2 to 8 pounds in these waters, though bigger ones are always possible. Channel Cats are most active during low-light periods, making evening trips perfect timing. They're aggressive feeders and will often hit bait with authority, giving you that satisfying rod-bending fight. What makes Channel Cats special is their willingness to bite and their incredible table fare—many anglers consider them the best-eating freshwater fish around. They're also great for beginners since they're less finicky than other species and provide steady action throughout the evening.
Blue Catfish are the giants of Old Hickory Lake and the reason many trophy hunters make the trip here. These monsters can exceed 30 pounds and provide fights that will test your endurance and your equipment. Blues are structure-oriented fish that patrol deep channels and ledges, often holding in areas with current and plenty of baitfish. They're more selective feeders than Channel Cats, but when a big Blue decides to eat, you'll know it immediately. The initial run can strip line off your reel in seconds, and the sustained fight that follows is what catfish legends are made of. Evening hours are prime time for Blues as they move shallow to feed, bringing these deep-water warriors within reach of our targeted approach.
Flathead Catfish are the ambush predators of the catfish world and arguably the most challenging to catch consistently. These solitary hunters prefer live bait and structure like fallen trees, rocky areas, and undercut banks where they can lay in wait for unsuspecting prey. Flatheads in Old Hickory can reach impressive sizes, with fish over 20 pounds being caught regularly by anglers who know how to target them. They're most active at night, making evening trips your best shot at connecting with one of these elusive fighters. What makes Flatheads special is their predatory nature—they're not scavengers like other catfish species, so catching one requires a different approach and a bit more patience. When you hook into a good Flathead, the fight is explosive and determined, often involving multiple runs toward cover.
This world-class evening fishing experience on Old Hickory Lake delivers exactly what every catfish angler is looking for—great fishing, expert guidance, and the chance to land something memorable. Whether you're a beginner wanting to learn the ropes or an experienced angler seeking local knowledge and productive waters, this trip offers the perfect combination of relaxation and fish-catching potential. Your captain's expertise takes the guesswork out of finding fish, and with all gear provided, you can focus on what matters most—enjoying the fight and maybe taking home dinner. Old Hickory Lake's evening catfish bite is a customer favorite for good reason, and spots fill up quickly during peak season. The 4-hour timeframe gives you plenty of opportunity to get into fish without feeling rushed, and the small group size ensures personalized attention from your guide. Don't let another evening slip by wondering what might be biting—reserve your spot with Nashville Kats
Step aboard our 2023 SeaArk Procat240 for an evening chase after Old Hickory's finest catfish. This modern motorboat cuts through the water smoothly while the built-in fish finder helps us locate schools lurking in the deeper channels. The GPS navigation system ensures we hit all the productive spots where trophy Blue Cats cruise and Channel Cats gather for dinner. With room for three anglers, there's plenty of space to spread out and work different depths without tangling lines. The boat's stable platform makes it easy to handle hard-fighting cats when they decide to make their run. Whether you're targeting monster Blues in the timber or working the flats for a mess of eating-size Channels, this rig gets you there efficiently and keeps you fishing comfortably until sunset. Perfect setup for serious catfish hunting on one of Tennessee's premier fishing lakes.
Ictalurus FurcatusBlues are the lake's ultimate trophy fish - these monsters can push 30-50 pounds and fight like freight trains. They patrol the deeper channels and drop-offs, typically in 15-35 feet of water near the dam and main river channels. Unlike their smaller cousins, blues are aggressive predators that feed heavily on shad and skipjack herring. Evening trips are prime time when they move shallow to hunt. The fight is what hooks most anglers - these fish make long, powerful runs and don't give up easy. Fresh cut shad is your best bet, and bigger baits often mean bigger fish. Here's the key: fish your baits right on the bottom in the deepest water you can find, and be ready for a battle when that rod doubles over.
Ictalurus PunctatusChannel cats are Old Hickory's bread and butter - reliable fighters that average 2-5 pounds, though we regularly see 10-15 pounders that'll test your drag. These slippery customers love hanging around submerged timber and rocky ledges in 8-20 feet of water. They're most active during low-light periods, making our evening trips perfect timing. What makes channels special is their excellent table fare - firm, flaky white meat that's hard to beat. They use those whiskers to hunt by smell and taste, so stinkbait and cut shad work best. Pro tip: let your bait sit still on the bottom for a minute after casting - channels are cautious feeders and need time to investigate before committing to the bite.
Pylodictis OlivarisFlatheads are the lake's apex predators - solitary hunters that can exceed 40 pounds and prefer live, struggling bait. These olive-colored giants stake out deep holes, undercut banks, and fallen timber in 10-25 feet of water. They're most active at night and during evening hours when they ambush prey. What sets flatheads apart is their superior eating quality - firm, sweet meat that's prized by those who know catfish. They're picky eaters that want live bluegill, shad, or even small channel cats. The fight is intense but different - more of a bulldogging battle than long runs. My local trick: find a deep hole with good cover and fish live bait right on the structure. These fish don't move far, so patience pays off when you find the right spot.
Old Hickory, TN