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Captain Merlyn knows Milford Lake like the back of his hand, and he's ready to put you on some serious catfish and walleye action. This 6-hour private trip aboard his SeaArk Pro Cat 240 gives you plenty of time to work the productive spots where big blues and flatheads like to hang out. Whether you're bringing the kids for their first real fishing adventure or you're a seasoned angler looking to put some meat in the cooler, this top-rated experience delivers the goods. You'll launch either at 8 AM or 1 PM, and with all gear provided, you just need to bring your appetite for fishing and a valid Kansas license.
Milford Lake stretches over 15,000 acres, making it Kansas's largest reservoir and a catfish paradise. Captain Merlyn has spent years mapping out the underwater structure, timber piles, and creek channels where these whiskered giants love to patrol. The SeaArk Pro Cat 240 is built for comfort and stability, giving you a solid platform to work from whether you're fighting a 20-pound flathead or teaching your youngster how to set the hook. This isn't some rushed trip where you barely get your line wet – six hours means you can really settle in, try different techniques, and give those fish time to find your bait. The seasonal walleye bite adds another dimension, especially during spring and fall when these silver bullets are actively feeding in the shallows and along drop-offs.
Captain Merlyn comes loaded with everything you need – rods, reels, tackle, and fresh bait that Kansas catfish can't resist. For blue catfish, you'll be using cut bait and prepared baits fished on the bottom in deeper water near submerged timber and creek channels. Flathead fishing is a whole different game – live bait presented near structure where these ambush predators like to wait for an easy meal. When targeting walleye, the approach shifts to jigs, live minnows, and crawler harnesses worked along rocky points and wind-blown shores. The captain provides friendly instruction throughout the trip, so don't worry if you're new to catfishing or walleye techniques. He'll show you how to detect those subtle bites, proper hook-setting timing, and safe fish handling. The boat's electronics help locate schools of baitfish and promising structure, but it's Captain Merlyn's local knowledge that puts you on the fish consistently.
Blue catfish are the workhorses of Milford Lake, and these customer favorites fight like freight trains once they feel the hook. Most blues you'll encounter run 3 to 8 pounds, perfect for the dinner table, but don't be surprised if you tie into a 15 or 20-pounder that tests your drag system. They're most active during warmer months but can be caught year-round in the deeper holes and main lake points. Blues are aggressive feeders and will hit cut shad, chicken liver, and prepared baits with enthusiasm. What makes them special is their willingness to bite and their excellent table fare – firm, white meat that's perfect for frying or grilling.
Flathead catfish are the apex predators of Kansas lakes, and landing one is always a highlight of any trip. These yellow-bellied bruisers prefer live bait and structure, growing much larger than their blue cousins. A 10-pound flathead is a nice fish, but 20 to 30-pounders swim in Milford's depths. Summer nights are prime time for flatheads, but day trips can produce when you work the right cover with lively bluegill or small channel cats. They're ambush hunters that rely on surprise rather than speed, so presentation is key. The fight is different too – less running, more bulldogging power that tests your patience and tackle. Many anglers consider them the best-eating catfish species, with sweet, flaky meat that rivals any restaurant fish.
White catfish might be the smaller cousins in this family, but they make up for size with numbers and attitude. These scrappy fighters typically run 1 to 4 pounds and are perfect for anglers who like steady action. They're opportunistic feeders that will hit everything from worms to cut bait, making them ideal targets for beginners and kids. Spring and early summer offer the best white catfish action as they move into shallower water to spawn. They're also excellent eating fish with mild, sweet meat that even non-fish eaters usually enjoy. Don't overlook these feisty fighters – they'll keep your rod bent while you wait for their bigger relatives to find your bait.
This world-class catfishing experience on Milford Lake offers everything you need for a successful day on the water. Captain Merlyn's local expertise, quality equipment, and patient instruction create the perfect environment for landing trophy catfish and seasonal walleye. With only 2 guests per trip, you get personalized attention and plenty of room to fish comfortably. The 6-hour format gives you real value – enough time to work multiple spots, try different techniques, and build those fishing memories that last a lifetime. Don't let another season pass without experiencing what many consider the best catfish trip in Kansas. Contact Blue Catter's Guide Service today and secure your date for this renowned fishing adventure.
Blue catfish are the giants of North American catfish, averaging 25-46 inches and often hitting 80+ pounds here on Milford Lake. These slate-blue bruisers have a squared-off anal fin and 30-36 fin rays that help distinguish them from channel cats. They're opportunistic predators that'll eat crawfish, mussels, frogs, and just about anything else they can find. You'll often spot them scavenging under feeding striped bass schools. Blues prefer deep holes with muddy bottoms near tidal areas, though they handle various water conditions well. Their size and fighting power make them a favorite target - there's nothing quite like hooking into a 50-pound blue. Fresh cut bait like herring or sardine works best since the blood attracts them through their barbels. Pro tip: bring heavy leather gloves - these slimy giants will put up a serious fight and you need good grip to land them safely.

Flathead catfish are the second-largest North American freshwater catfish, regularly hitting 3-4 feet and over 100 pounds. Their olive-colored bodies with black spots and distinctive flat heads make them easy to identify, plus their tails are barely forked compared to other cats. What sets flatheads apart is they want live bait - no dead stuff for these predators. They hunt bluegill, perch, even other catfish in Milford Lake's deep pools and slow-moving areas. The meat quality is superior to other catfish, which makes them highly sought after. They prefer deep, muddy water with good structure like fallen trees or rock piles. Summer evenings are prime time when they move shallow to feed. Bring heavy tackle - 50-pound test minimum since these fish fight hard. Local trick: hook live bluegill through the back dorsal area and fish near submerged timber in 15-25 feet of water where they ambush prey.

White catfish are the smallest of the North American catfish family, usually running half a pound to 2 pounds, though we occasionally see 10-pounders that really get folks excited. They're blue-gray on top with white chin barbels that give them their name. Unlike other cats, they don't have that black spot at the base of their dorsal fin. These bottom feeders love muddy areas where they hunt aquatic insects and small fish. While they're most active at dusk, you can catch them throughout the day on Milford Lake. They prefer sluggish water around 82 degrees and tolerate low oxygen better than most fish. White cats are considered rare by many anglers, making them a special catch. Fresh worms, shrimp, or chicken liver work great as bait. My tip: let your bait float just off the bottom rather than sitting in the sand - they'll detect it easier that way.

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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 7
Manufacturer Name: Suzuki
Maximum Cruising Speed: 45
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 200