Hopecauthen Freebird
Hopecauthen Freebird
us
Indiana, US
Member since 2026
3.3
Verified

Not what was expected

Special 4 hours trip for Hopecauthen Freebird2 adults

We struggled to get the captain to reply to messages to book. The captain was talkative at the start of the morning but as the day went on and we weren’t catching any fish-he became very quiet which made it all the less enjoyable since we only caught one fish each. I originally asked to specialize in smallmouth bass but he didn’t seem to know much more about catching them than I did. At the end of the day, the Captain said “well I can say this was my worst day out ever”. We get that he can’t make the fish bite, but I had my own boat in town-I could have done what we did out in my own boat and saved the $155.00

Response from Captain

Randy, thank you for your feedback. I’m sorry your trip didn’t meet your expectations. Unfortunately, that day was one of the toughest fishing days we’ve experienced all season. I spoke with several other guides and local anglers afterward, and they all reported the same slow conditions. As guides, we can control our effort, equipment, and commitment to our clients, but we can’t control whether the fish decide to bite. I’m also sorry if I became quieter as the day went on. My focus was on trying everything I could to find fish and make the trip successful. Looking back, I understand how that may have affected your experience, and I appreciate you bringing it to my attention. We truly value every client and always strive to provide the best experience possible, even on difficult days. I appreciate you giving Halligan Outdoors Guide Service the opportunity, and I wish you the best on the water.

Compare similar fishing charters

Current
Halligan Outdoors Guide Service
4.7
(5)
21 ft
Group size 1 - 4
1 - 4
Fish 1
Fish 2
+7
4 hour trip • 4 persons
US $250

Rating

4.7
5 reviews
4.8
Boat & Equipment
4.6
Captain & Crew
4.6
Fishing Experience

All reviews (5)

Showing 15 of 5 reviews
  • Ben Broughton
    Ben Broughton
    Repeat angler
    us
    Illinois, US
    Member since 2023
    3 trips
    5.0
    Verified
    NEW

    We had a great day fishing with James

    4 Hr – Fishing Trip2 adults

    James was awesome! easy to communicate with, on time, & put us on fish all day. He even filleted our keepers! Ill be booking with him again.

    Response from Captain

    Ben, thank you so much for the awesome review! It was a pleasure having you out on the water. I’m glad we were able to stay on fish all day and send you home with some fresh fillets! 🎣 I really appreciate you choosing Halligan Outdoors Guide Service, and I’m already looking forward to getting you back out for another trip. Thanks again, Ben, and welcome to the Halligan Outdoors family! — James Halligan Outdoors Guide Service Open the door to the outdoors. 🎣

  • Kyle Nott
    Kyle Nott
    us
    Illinois, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    great Experience

    6 Hour – Fishing Trip5 adults2 children

    caught enough to eat then switched up to bow fishing! great experience!

  • Stuart Souders
    Stuart Souders
    Repeat angler
    us
    Illinois, US
    Member since 2023
    5 trips
    5.0
    Verified

    Very enjoyable!

    4 Hr – Fishing Trip6 adults

    Nice accommodations trip very successful!

    Reported Catch
    Yellow Perch
    Bluegill
  • Lennie Doetch
    Lennie Doetch
    us
    Illinois, US
    Member since 2026
    5.0
    Verified

    James is great !! fun trip

    4 Hr – Fishing Trip2 adults
  • Hopecauthen Freebird
    Hopecauthen Freebird
    us
    Indiana, US
    Member since 2026
    3.3
    Verified

    Not what was expected

    Special 4 hours trip for Hopecauthen Freebird2 adults

    We struggled to get the captain to reply to messages to book. The captain was talkative at the start of the morning but as the day went on and we weren’t catching any fish-he became very quiet which made it all the less enjoyable since we only caught one fish each. I originally asked to specialize in smallmouth bass but he didn’t seem to know much more about catching them than I did. At the end of the day, the Captain said “well I can say this was my worst day out ever”. We get that he can’t make the fish bite, but I had my own boat in town-I could have done what we did out in my own boat and saved the $155.00

    Response from Captain

    Randy, thank you for your feedback. I’m sorry your trip didn’t meet your expectations. Unfortunately, that day was one of the toughest fishing days we’ve experienced all season. I spoke with several other guides and local anglers afterward, and they all reported the same slow conditions. As guides, we can control our effort, equipment, and commitment to our clients, but we can’t control whether the fish decide to bite. I’m also sorry if I became quieter as the day went on. My focus was on trying everything I could to find fish and make the trip successful. Looking back, I understand how that may have affected your experience, and I appreciate you bringing it to my attention. We truly value every client and always strive to provide the best experience possible, even on difficult days. I appreciate you giving Halligan Outdoors Guide Service the opportunity, and I wish you the best on the water.