The Company
The Company
We are a fully licensed and insured catfishing guide service that focuses mainly on catching trophy bluecats around the Alton, Illinois and St. Louis, Missouri area. We cover waters from the lower Missouri River to the upper Mississippi River. These very waters have produced past world-record catfish.
At Midwest Trophy Cats, we strive to
We are a fully licensed and insured catfishing guide service that focuses mainly on catching trophy bluecats around the Alton, Illinois and St. Louis, Missouri area. We cover waters from the lower Missouri River to the upper Mississippi River. These very waters have produced past world-record catfish.
At Midwest Trophy Cats, we strive to provide our clients with the best fishing experience possible. We are dedicated to providing exceptional customer service and ensuring that every client has a safe and enjoyable trip. Our mission is to create memories that will last a lifetime.
The Captain
The Company
Capt. Jason Bigcat Mathenia has over 30 years of boating/fishing experience. His fishing peers gave him the nickname BigCat for 2 reasons. First, his size, and second, he can usually bring in the big fish. He started entering catfish tournaments in the early 2000s and has traveled the US fishing in them. In 2019 he decided to get his capt
Capt. Jason Bigcat Mathenia has over 30 years of boating/fishing experience. His fishing peers gave him the nickname BigCat for 2 reasons. First, his size, and second, he can usually bring in the big fish. He started entering catfish tournaments in the early 2000s and has traveled the US fishing in them. In 2019 he decided to get his captain's license to share with others the techniques he has learned and his love of the sport. With the help of his wife, Jaimie, he started his catfishing guide service in the St. Louis area.
The Boat and Gear
MTC fishes out of a 24-foot SeaArk ProCat 240 with a Suzuki 250HP outboard motor. Four deluxe captain chairs. Bimini top and windshield. In winter months, we put up a half enclosure and run the newly installed diesel heater. We all know how that St. Louis weather can be! There are rod holders throughout the boat. Life jackets, throw-out f
MTC fishes out of a 24-foot SeaArk ProCat 240 with a Suzuki 250HP outboard motor. Four deluxe captain chairs. Bimini top and windshield. In winter months, we put up a half enclosure and run the newly installed diesel heater. We all know how that St. Louis weather can be! There are rod holders throughout the boat. Life jackets, throw-out flotation device, CB radio, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, am/fm stereo with Bluetooth capability. This boat is coast guard approved and can handle that Mighty Mississippi River!
We will provide all the gear you will use during your trip. Curious about what type of fishing rod is used? You will fish using an 8 foot river rod from Chase'N Outdoors with a Penn reel. These rods are sturdy and can handle the bend from the weight of the catfish and the pull of the rivers strong current. A question I always hear is, what is the best bait to use on the river? I use fresh cut shad, mooneye, or skipjack using a circle or J style hook.
The Trip
We offer catfishing trips to cater to all skill levels. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking for a challenge or a beginner looking to learn the basics, we've got you covered. This is your trip and we will do our best to help ensure you get out of the trip what you want to achieve. We are the only catfishing guide in the St. Louis are
We offer catfishing trips to cater to all skill levels. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking for a challenge or a beginner looking to learn the basics, we've got you covered. This is your trip and we will do our best to help ensure you get out of the trip what you want to achieve. We are the only catfishing guide in the St. Louis area that will share our fishing knowledge. So be sure you let us know what you would like to focus on during your trip. If you have a certain area you would like to fish in or have a specific time frame you need to stay in, we will do our best to accomadate that.
Make sure to bring your fishing license (preferably a Missouri license), camera, drinks (non-alcohol), snacks, sunscreen (non-sprayable), and weather-appropriate attire.
We practice CPR (catch/picture/release) on all catfish over 10 lbs. In addition, we follow all conservation regulations on all waters we fish.
The Rates
The Rates
A $100 deposit is required at booking to hold the date of your trip. Please see our policy at the bottom of the page if you have questions regarding cancelations.
Capt Jason will call you the day before your trip to go over all information on where to meet and what time to be there, and answer any questions that you might have. If you hav
A $100 deposit is required at booking to hold the date of your trip. Please see our policy at the bottom of the page if you have questions regarding cancelations.
Capt Jason will call you the day before your trip to go over all information on where to meet and what time to be there, and answer any questions that you might have. If you have a start time preferance, please let us know and we will do everything we can to accomodate you.
The Merch
The Rates
Every client that books a trip with Midwest Trophy Catfish Guide Service will receive an MTC T-shirt. Color and sizes may vary. Adult size only. Please let us know what size you will need when booking.
We have ball caps for sale. Contact us if interested!
Our Partners
