SouthernCats Guide Service 

5.0
(5 reviews)
 802-A Wilson Street Northwest, Decatur, AL 35601, United States–

SouthernCats Guide Service 

Decatur, AL, United States
–
21 ft
6
5.0
(5 reviews)

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Make some memories in Florence, Decatur, Huntsville, or Guntersville area and go fishing with SouthernCats Guide Service.

Catfish, and more can be found in these waters, depending on the time of year.

You'll target your catch with top notch gear provided by your captain.

Families who love fishing together will be glad to know that kids are welcome aboard! Be sure to ask if child-sized life vests are available, otherwise you should bring your own. Snacks are also a good idea to ward off any mid-trip fatigue!

You'll be casting lines from a 21' Aluminum fishing with capacity for 8 passengers. It comes with all the essentials. What's more, this vessel is wheelchair accessible.

You'll find rods, reels, and tackle waiting for you.

Before coming aboard, you'll need to buy a local fishing license for everyone in your group. This information is usually available online, or you can ask the captain. Some species may be off limits or require a special tag, so make sure you know what to expect.

It's never a bad idea to bring sunblock (non-spray), sunglasses, and bottled water.

SouthernCats Guide Service will make it easy for you to go fishing. So, how about booking that trip?

Make some memories in Florence, Decatur, Huntsville, or Guntersville area and go fishing with SouthernCats Guide Service.

Catfish, and more can be found in these waters, depending on the time of year.

You'll target your catch with top notch gear provided by your captain.

Families who love fishing together will be glad to know that kids are welcome aboard! Be sure to ask if child-sized life vests are available, otherwise you should bring your own. Snacks are also a good idea to ward off any mid-trip fatigue!

You'll be casting lines from a 21' Aluminum fishing with capacity for 8 passengers. It comes with all the essentials. What's more, this vessel is wheelchair accessible.

You'll find rods, reels, and tackle waiting for you.

Before coming aboard, you'll need to buy a local fishing license for everyone in your group. This information is usually available online, or you can ask the captain. Some species may be off limits or require a special tag, so make sure you know what to expect.

It's never a bad idea to bring sunblock (non-spray), sunglasses, and bottled water.

SouthernCats Guide Service will make it easy for you to go fishing. So, how about booking that trip?

SouthernCats Guide Service
Charter Operator
SouthernCats Guide Service
20 years of experience
ID & credentials verified
responds within an hour

Select date to see availability

Trip date:
Group Size:
November 2026
SuMoTuWeThFrSa
Group Size
2 adults • 0 children
Change
4 Hour Trip
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
4 hour trip starts at 8:00 AM
Catfish
US $450
Entire boat: up to 3 people
Night Trip 5hr
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
5 hour trip multiple starting times (4:00 PM, 5:00 PM, 6:00 PM)
Catfish
US $500
Entire boat: up to 3 people
6 Hour Trip
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
6 hour trip starts at 8:00 AM
Catfish
US $550
Entire boat: up to 3 people
8 Hour Trip
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
8 hour trip starts at 8:00 AM
Catfish
US $650
Entire boat: up to 3 people
Night Trip 9hr
FREE Cancellation 7 days notice
9 hour trip multiple starting times (4:00 PM, 5:00 PM, 6:00 PM)
Catfish
US $700
Entire boat: up to 3 people

Customer reviews

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Rating

5.0
5 reviews
5.0
Boat & equipment
5.0
Captain & crew
5.0
Fishing Experience

Anglers' gallery (18)

Reviews (5)

  • Paul Bischoff
    Paul Bischoff
    us
    Colorado, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    Get ready to get bent

    4 Hour Trip on July 29, 2026 • 2 adults

    Ths trip was spontaneous decision and very glad we decided to go. My wife and I had the best time ever on a fishing trip by far. Captain Mike was wonderful and very knowledgeable. I cant say your trip would be as good as ours but I can say that if you want eating size catfish your chances our 99% of having your rod bent. My wife and I boated over 30 cat's. Let me say that again, We Boated Ovet 30 CAT'S in 4 Hours. Our Biggest Cat was 34 Pounds. we caught several cats between 15 and mid 20's. Honestly, if you want a great time and a hole lot of fun Catching head shakes, We wold go with no one else than Captain Mike. well maybe his son lol 😆

  • Casey England
    Casey England
    Repeat angler
    us
    Texas, US
    Member since 2022
    2 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    3 PBs in one trip!

    4 Hour Trip on July 14, 2026 • 4 adults

    We had an amazing experience with Southern Cats Guide! From the moment we got on the boat, everything was professional, organized, and focused on making sure we had a great day. The fishing was outstanding—we landed blue cats weighing 50 pounds, 43 pounds, and 40 pounds, and 15 pounds. Captain Mike was knowledgeable, patient, and worked hard to find fish for us. Beyond the incredible catches, it was such a relaxing and enjoyable day on the water. Whether you’re an experienced angler or just looking for a fun family adventure, this is the trip to book. If you’re visiting Alabama and want an unforgettable catfishing experience, we highly recommend Southern Cats Guide. We’ll definitely be back the next time we’re in the area! ⭐ 5 stars all the way! 🎣

  • Alexander Dignan
    Alexander Dignan
    Repeat angler
    us
    Georgia, US
    Member since 2026
    3 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Greatest freshwater trip I’ve had!

    4 Hour Trip on July 30, 2026 • 2 adults

    Took my girlfriends little brother and he had the greatest time and I had lots of fun as well. We caught some real monsters! We even caught a gar!

  • Josh Noland
    Josh Noland
    us
    Florida, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    great trip highly recommend!

    4 Hour Trip on August 2, 2026 • 3 adults • 1 child

    Great trip whether you are a first time angler or experienced i would recommend this trip to everyone! We caught ALOT of big fish!

  • Chad Mead
    Chad Mead
    us
    Pennsylvania, US
    Member since 2023
    5.0
    Verified

    big catfish

    6 Hour Trip on July 31, 2026 • 2 adults

    Captain Mike was great and put us on a lot of big blue cats

FAQs about SouthernCats Guide Service

SouthernCats Guide Service offers the following trips to customers:
  • US $450 per group, additional US $100 per person after 3 guests - 4 Hour Trip (4 hours)
  • US $500 per group, additional US $100 per person after 3 guests - Night Trip 5hr (5 hours)
  • US $500 per group, additional US $100 per person after 3 guests - Night Trip 5hr - 5:00 PM (5 hours)
  • US $500 per group, additional US $100 per person after 3 guests - Night Trip 5hr - 6:00 PM (5 hours)
  • US $550 per group, additional US $100 per person after 3 guests - 6 Hour Trip (6 hours)
  • US $650 per group, additional US $100 per person after 3 guests - 8 Hour Trip (8 hours)
  • US $700 per group, additional US $100 per person after 3 guests - Night Trip 9hr (9 hours)
  • US $700 per group, additional US $100 per person after 3 guests - Night Trip 9hr - 5:00 PM (9 hours)
  • US $700 per group, additional US $100 per person after 3 guests - Night Trip 9hr - 6:00 PM (9 hours)
When you book a trip with SouthernCats Guide Service, you can expect the following amenities onboard:
  • GPS
  • Fishfinder
  • Live bait well
  • Wireless trolling motor
  • Ice box
Trips booked with SouthernCats Guide Service include:
  • Rods, reels & tackle
  • Live bait (At times we will bait fish but typically we have bait caught before you board. If you request to bait fish with us it is included into the trip. Some days we will take 20-30 minutes to get fresh bait while fishing for the target species at the same time. )
SouthernCats Guide Service offers the following types of fishing:
  • River fishing (We the Tennessee River in North Alabama. Pickwick, Wilson, Wheeler, and Guntersville. We do travel to the Mississippi on Occasion and are willing to try your waterway if within reason. )
  • Lake fishing
SouthernCats Guide Service offers the following fishing techniques:
  • Light tackle
  • Heavy tackle
Top targeted fish species with SouthernCats Guide Service include:
  • Catfish

Your operator

SouthernCats Guide Service
SouthernCats Guide Service
Decatur, Alabama, United States
ID & license verified
5 Customer reviews
Typical response within an hour
Member since June 2026
Captain Mike Mitchell, the driving force behind SouthernCats Guide Service, is not just a fishing guide; he's your seasoned partner for conquering the Tennessee River's trophy catfish. With over a decade of experience and a U.S. Coast Guard license backing his expertise, Captain Mike has been leading catfishing expeditions for 11 years, ensuring safety and success on every trip. His remarkable achievements have earned him recognition in numerous national magazines and online articles, including a featured story on ESPN Outdoors. Captain Mike's passion for catfishing has taken him to the national stage, where he's made appearances on popular TV shows such as G3 Sportsman and Catfish Crazy. His knowledge, dedication, and knack for reeling in those Big Ol' Bluecats make him the go-to expert for catfishing enthusiasts seeking thrilling adventures on the Tennessee River.
Our Team
Jackson M.
Jackson M.
Captain
SouthernCats Guide Service
SouthernCats Guide Service
Fully verified
5
reviews
2026
member since
~1h
response
Captain Mike Mitchell, the driving force behind SouthernCats Guide Service, is not just a fishing guide; he's your seasoned partner for conquering the Tennessee River's trophy catfish. With over a decade of experience and a U.S. Coast Guard license backing his expertise, Captain Mike has been leading catfishing expeditions for 11 years, ensuring safety and success on every trip. His remarkable achievements have earned him recognition in numerous national magazines and online articles, including a featured story on ESPN Outdoors. Captain Mike's passion for catfishing has taken him to the national stage, where he's made appearances on popular TV shows such as G3 Sportsman and Catfish Crazy. His knowledge, dedication, and knack for reeling in those Big Ol' Bluecats make him the go-to expert for catfishing enthusiasts seeking thrilling adventures on the Tennessee River.
The crew
Jackson M.
Jackson M.
Captain

The fish you can target

Catfish
Catfish
Catfish
Catfish

Real catches by this captain

  • A young angler proudly holding a large catfish while fishing on a river, showcasing a successful catch during a family outing.
    Josh N.
    Josh N.
    Great trip whether you are a first time angler or experienced i would recommend this trip to everyone! We caught ALOT of big fish!
  • Angler proudly displaying a large catfish while fishing on a lake, showcasing a successful catch during an evening trip.
    Chad M.
    Chad M.
    Captain Mike was great and put us on a lot of big blue cats
  • Young angler holding a large catfish aboard a boat during a nighttime fishing trip.
    Fish 1
    Longnose Gar
    Alexander D.
    Alexander D.
    Took my girlfriends little brother and he had the greatest time and I had lots of fun as well. We caught some real monsters! We even caught a gar!
  • Angler aboard a boat proudly holding a large catfish over calm coastal water.
    Paul B.
    Paul B.
    Ths trip was spontaneous decision and very glad we decided to go. My wife and I had the best time ever on a fishing trip by far. Captain Mike was wonderful and very knowledgeable. I cant say your trip would be as good as ours but I can say that if you want eating size catfish your chances our 99% of having your rod bent. My wife and I boated over 30 cat's. Let me say that again, We Boated Ovet 30 CAT'S in 4 Hours. Our Biggest Cat was 34 Pounds. we caught several cats between 15 and mid 20's. Honestly, if you want a great time and a hole lot of fun Catching head shakes, We wold go with no one else than Captain Mike. well maybe his son lol 😆
  • Adult angler holding a massive 50-pound blue catfish aboard a fishing boat in Alabama.
    Casey E.
    Casey E.
    We had an amazing experience with Southern Cats Guide! From the moment we got on the boat, everything was professional, organized, and focused on making sure we had a great day. The fishing was outstanding—we landed blue cats weighing 50 pounds, 43 pounds, and 40 pounds, and 15 pounds. Captain Mike was knowledgeable, patient, and worked hard to find fish for us. Beyond the incredible catches, it was such a relaxing and enjoyable day on the water. Whether you’re an experienced angler or just looking for a fun family adventure, this is the trip to book. If you’re visiting Alabama and want an unforgettable catfishing experience, we highly recommend Southern Cats Guide. We’ll definitely be back the next time we’re in the area! ⭐ 5 stars all the way! 🎣

What is the boat like?

Boat image
Boat category
Skiffs and flats boats
Capacity
6 persons
Boat length
21 ft
Year built
2025
Boat manufacturer
Excel Boats
Boat type
Aluminum fishing
Engine model
Yamaha
Powered by
1 x 300HP
Max cruising speed
40 knots

What kind of fishing will you do?

River Fishing
Lake Fishing

Which fishing techniques you can try

Light Tackle
Heavy Tackle

Which amenities are available onboard

GPS
Fishfinder
Live bait well
Wireless trolling motor
Ice box
What's included in the trip price
Rods, reels & tackle
Live bait
At times we will bait fish but typically we have bait caught before you board. If you request to bait fish with us it is included into the trip. Some days we will take 20-30 minutes to get fresh bait while fishing for the target species at the same time.

How cancellations work

Free cancellation up to 7 days prior to trip
You can cancel or modify your booking up to 7 days before the trip date, free of charge. If you cancel or modify your booking later, or fail to show up, you'll forfeit 100% of what you've paid.
More details

What the listing policies are

Pickup agreed upon reservation
Transfer to/from departure site may be available and included in price depending on your location and distance from the dock.
Child friendly
We welcome all ages and really enjoy teaching kids the ins and outs of fishing. We take time with each client both experienced and novice to teach you and make sure you can tackle anything that swims in our waterways.
You keep catch
Catch and release allowed
Disabled accessible

How you can pay

Book with 25% deposit, pay rest to captain
When the captain confirms your trip, FishingBooker charges your credit card a 25% deposit to guarantee your reservation.
The remaining balance is to be paid directly to the charter operator on or prior to your trip date in one of the following payment methods:
 Cash
 PayPal
 Checks
 Bank transfer

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