Providing Anglers with a One-of-a-Kind Fishing Experience

By Captain Phillip Loughlin 

My Favorite Experience as a Fishing Guide and Unforgettable Fishing Memory

Since I have been in the water for over forty years, I believe it was my fate to end up as a fishing guide, helping my fellow anglers to experience a one-of-a-kind fishing adventure with my charter, Katfish Kayak and Fishing Adventures. A fishing charter looked like a perfect way to share my passion for fishing and the water with seasoned anglers and people just starting their love of fishing. I would cast a line in any water I could access, as long as I had a hook and string. I will always be grateful that I was given a chance to live and cherish life near the Atlantic Ocean. Interested anglers who want to brave the waters of the great Atlantic Ocean are welcome to visit our Facebook page for more information. You can also book a trip with us at Katfish Kayak and Fishing Charter. Hampstead's proximity to the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean makes fishing popular among locals and tourists. Whether you're up for a genuine challenge or a relaxing fishing trip on these waters, North Carolina has a lot in store.

I think that, without a doubt, my favorite trips involve young clients. I think their excitement and enthusiasm infect me, and it's always great to see them learning more about fishing techniques, knowing the different kinds of fish species, and understanding a little bit of biology and ecology along the way. I have always been a teacher at heart, and fishing allows me to teach other people something fun and valuable. Honestly, as far as picking a favorite, it would be a challenge. I sometimes ask myself about my most favored guide experience. Was it when I looked back from the helm to see that my client's 10-year-old son had taken a couple of frozen minnows out of the bait box and had them marching around on the transom? For over six hours of challenging angling, that kid never seemed to get bored or lose his positive attitude. Sometimes, I wonder if that favored memory was when an adorable young lady walked up to one of the four rods. She points at it and says, "This one." Just as a fish would strike on that line, I can recall she did it so many times in a row that I began calling her "Fish Witch" for the rest of the fishing trip. With my years of experience, I can tell I can take good care of my clients and let them experience extraordinary fishing adventures. I have been fishing for as long as I can remember, starting as a toddler, and I never stopped doing it. My experiences anchor me as I take every client out on the ocean. Every fishing trips I take with my clients are special to me. I am very much willing to share his knowledge with everyone. Seeing my fishing charter be part of another angler's fishing trip is overwhelming.

My other memorable fishing experience as a guide is when I get someone their first big saltwater fish, a giant king mackerel, or even a good-sized shark. Fishing folks are invariably surprised at the strength of some of these fish species. When I hand them the rod, you see a look in their eyes, and they register just what they’ve tied into. I like it so much because it reminds me of how much I take for granted and how blessed I am to be able to do this for most of my life. I wouldn’t say I’m worn out, but I don’t always get that excited about a 15-pound king or a 4-foot blacktip shark. But the moment I see a client light up, I feel the excitement. I am experiencing the excitement of angling massive gamefish all over again. 

Aside from my unforgettable experience as a guide, I also have my favorite and treasured winning moments. I fish in one king mackerel tournament with my brother and cousin every year. It has become an annual tradition, and we don’t go into it with the expectation of winning the big purse or prize. For us, it is just a chance to hang out together without the pressure of trying to ensure a client is catching a fish, and simultaneously, it lets me put in the focused effort it takes too many large king mackerel jumping not far from the inlet. Most tournament boats head well offshore, but after seeing these fish close in, I decided to give it a shot. We had a big fish on the line within an hour on the first morning. We captured a 38.6 lb king, which was enough to win the single-engine class of the tournament. It was the sixth largest fish in the fishing tournament overall.

As I said, Katfish Kayak and Fishing Adventures is based in Topsail Beach in North Carolina, where fishing tournaments are booming. Topsail Beach and Hampstead have been deemed true southern gems due to miles of coastline and easy access to the Atlantic Ocean. The Topsail Inshore Challenge weigh-in is held annually in Hampstead at Sloop Point Boat Storage. The goal of the competition is for anglers to land two red drum that weigh the most in one day—prizes in the competition range from more than $15,000 in cash to other amounts. The biggest red drum and finest oyster toadfish or lizardfish are recognized with prizes and trophies. There are additional prizes for successful junior, female, and senior anglers. The fundraiser supports Wilmington Elks' efforts to help veterans and create drug-free, healthy neighborhoods for kids.

Clients who want to experience a fishing trip with Katfish Kayak and Fishing Adventures do not need to worry about what they will need, such as baits, rods, and other fishing gear. All they need to do is bring themselves and enjoy the rest of the fishing trip. As the captain, I can take you to those fishing locations you always wanted to fish and explore, which are just too far to paddle to. We also offer a unique service where anglers can bring their kayak and fishing gear, board Katfish Kayak and Fishing Adventures’ charter boat, and let the fishing crew get them where they want to hook some gamefish. Customized kayak fishing trips are only open for experienced kayak anglers as they are unguided trips.

I encourage clients to explore the waters around Hampstead with us, Katfish Kayak and Fishing Adventures, for a world-class sport fishing adventure. Discover this area's fishing locations and hunt various species while experiencing the breathtaking natural scenery. You can discover more information on our website if you want to know more about our charter and adventure offerings. You may learn more about our days at sea on our Facebook page, where we highlight some of our voyages. Together, we'll uncover the diversity of this region of the East Coast, whether inshore, nearshore, or offshore, depending on where the fish are at any given time of year.