Catfish Radio with Luke Clayton & Friends Podcast

Catfish Radio Podcast Show Notes: April 11th Segment 1: Campfire Talk and Outdoor Rendezvous Host Luke Clayton and his co-hosts recap their recent successful outdoor rendezvous at the Top Rail Cowboy Church in Greenville, Texas. The crew shares details of a fantastic camp cookout featuring snow-white blue catfish, which was expertly filleted by "Mr. Whitetail" using his signature skinning knife and fried alongside thin-sliced potato chips. The gathering felt like a family reunion with plenty of live entertainment from musical guests, including Samuel Old, Marshall Allen Bailey, Cowgirl Janie, and Philip Farmer's blues band. Luke shares a fascinating story about Jeff Rice crafting a functional turkey friction call out of a giant freshwater mussel shell and a piece of hardwood. The segment wraps up with a reminder about the upcoming DSC Oklahoma chapter event in Oklahoma City and the DSC Foundation Gala in the summer. Segment 2: Fishing Adventures in Saskatchewan Luke shifts the focus to fly-in fishing adventures in the pristine waters of Northern Saskatchewan, Canada. He recommends the Tourism Saskatchewan website as a perfect starting point for anyone looking to plan a trip, offering resources for everything from do-it-yourself camps to full-service lodges. A DIY trip for five days can be very affordable, providing a cabin, boat, and motor, while allowing anglers to do their own cooking and fish cleaning. Luke recounts the thrill of catching massive northern pike, including a memorable 51-inch pike that hammered a flashing spoon in about three feet of water. The segment also highlights the deep indigenous hunting culture of the region, featuring a story about a First Nations gentleman who hunted moose and caribou with a traditional bow. Segment 3: Crappie Fishing with Chris Webb Cedar Creek Lake crappie guide Chris Webb joins the show to discuss the spring crappie spawn. Chris explains that the fish are currently in various stages, meaning anglers can find them anywhere from 15 feet deep on brush piles to just a foot of water in the creeks. Wind conditions heavily dictate the fishing strategy; on calmer days, Chris prefers shooting docks, while windy days are better spent picking fish off deeper brush tops. When it comes to bait, Chris uses jigs for about 80 to 85 percent of the year, reserving live minnows primarily for the heat of the summer when the crappie become more finicky. Listeners looking to book a trip can reach out to Chris Webb's Guide Service to get in on the excellent spring crappie, sand bass, and hybrid action. Segment 4: Wild Game Cooking Tips In the final segment, Luke puts on his camp cook hat to share his top tips for preparing wild pork and wild turkey. For wild hogs, Luke suggests passing on the smelly older boars and targeting younger, fatter hogs for the best tasting meat. He details his method for slow-smoking wild pork backstraps injected with butter and spices, wrapping them in foil, and finishing them in a crockpot for incredibly tender pulled pork. Luke then addresses wild turkey, urging hunters not to throw away the legs and thighs, which are often discarded due to their tough feather bones. By heavily seasoning the dark turkey meat, wrapping it tightly in foil with bacon and olive oil, and steaming it in a smoker for a few hours, the meat falls right off the bone and makes fantastic wild turkey fajitas.

Show Summary: Join Luke Clayton and his good friend Larry Weishuhn around the campfire for a packed April 4th episode of Outdoors with Luke Clayton and Friends! This week, the guys recap the massively successful 7th Annual Outdoor Rendezvous, share a wild story about a 200-pound boar hunt, and discuss upcoming events like the DSC Summer Expo. Later in the show, Luke sits down with Mike Colarusso to highlight the exciting renovations and fishing tournaments happening at the newly named Crockett Lakefront RV Resort and Marina on Houston County Lake. Segment 1: Campfire Talk & The Outdoor Rendezvous The episode kicks off with introductions from Larry Weishuhn and David Fox. Luke and Larry recap the 7th Annual Outdoor Rendezvous in Greenville, noting that a surprisingly cool 70-degree day made for perfect campfire weather instead of the predicted 80-85 degree heat. The gathering brought together 300-400 people for live music, fried fish, and Luke's slow-cooked smoked barbecue. The hosts discuss their TV show A Sportsman's Life (available on YouTube and CarbonTV), mentioning Larry's recent hunt in England for fanged "vampire deer". Luke teases a story about a recent hog hunt with his CVA .223 and ATN Thor Mini 6 thermal scope, where excitement led to him backing his truck into a tree and losing a mirror. Segment 2: Slow-Cooked Wild Hog & The DSC Summer Expo Luke finishes his hunting story, detailing the harvest of a mature, 200-pound wild boar with razor-sharp tusks. To ensure the meat was tender, Luke slow-cooked the backstraps and hams overnight in a crockpot with jalapeños and garlic, serving the pulled pork at the rendezvous. The conversation shifts to the Dallas Safari Club (DSC) Summer Expo, taking place July 23-26 at the Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine, Texas. Larry and Luke encourage listeners to attend the massive four-day conservation and hunter advocacy event, which will feature over 400 booths. Segment 3: Houston County Lake with Mike Colarusso Luke welcomes Mike Colarusso, owner of the former Crockett Family Resort on Houston County Lake. Mike details the property's transition to the Crockett Lakefront RV Resort and Marina, highlighting major renovations like a brand-new event center, upgraded pools, and Wi-Fi. The resort is leaning heavily into kayak fishing tournaments, with a $10,000 prize up for grabs for catching a state record white bass. Mike shares the exciting news that a massive, potential state-record white bass was recently caught right off their dock. Segment 4: Thank You's & Texas Fishing Reports Luke uses the extra time in the final segment to thank long-time show partners, including Larry Weishuhn and the rural land refinancing team at Green Lending. Special appreciation is given to the Top Rail Cowboy Church in Greenville, Texas, for hosting the Outdoor Rendezvous and putting on an excellent fish fry. Luke provides a quick fishing report, noting that the channel catfish are currently biting hard on soured grain and punch bait at Lake Tawakoni. The episode wraps up with a reminder about the excellent crappie fishing at Houston County Lake and a shoutout to the growing popularity of airguns. Episode Sponsors & Links Stealth Vision: High-quality, 34mm tube hunting optics headquartered in Crockett, Texas (stealthvision.com). Dallas Safari Club (DSC): Learn more about the upcoming Summer Expo at biggame.org. Ultramatic Feeders: A one-stop shop for hunting blinds and game feeders (ultramaticfeeders.com). Smokin' Tex: Heavy-duty electric smokers built to last (https://www.google.com/search?q=smokingtex.com). Platinum Cadillac and Chevrolet: Check them out in Terrell, Texas. CVA: Makers of top-tier muzzleloaders and centerfire rifles (cva.com). Dash for Cash Pawn Shop: Located at 133 Hall St. in Seagoville, Texas, known for fair prices and friendly service. Green Lending: Contact Jack and Corey for rural land and home refinancing (greenlending.com). Pyramyd Air: The leading source for all things airgun related (pyramydair.com).

Segment 1: Outdoor Rendezvous and Choctaw Hunting Lodge Host Luke Clayton and guest Larry Weishuhn discuss the annual Outdoor Rendezvous taking place on March 28th at the Top Rail Cowboy Church in Greenville, Texas. The event features live music, chuckwagons, booths, a Dallas Safari Club presentation, and a fish fry utilizing freshly caught blue catfish. They also discuss Larry's recent experiences at the Choctaw Hunting Lodge, including using Stealth Vision optics and the lodge's expansive 40,000-acre property. Segment 2: Blast from the Past with Bill Dance This segment features a classic interview with legendary angler Bill Dance recorded at a boat ramp. Dance explains the science behind using slow-moving baits for big bass, emphasizing "selective feeding" where fish weigh the energy required to catch prey against its nutritional value. They also discuss the importance of establishing a proper rhythm and utilizing extended pauses when topwater fishing to trigger strikes from mature fish. Segment 3: Catfishing on Lake Tawakoni with Tony Pennebaker Luke speaks with guide Tony Pennebaker about the transition from trophy blue catfish season to "eater" catfish season on Lake Tawakoni. Pennebaker notes that fish are currently being caught in six to nine feet of water, though they will soon move to shallower depths of two to three feet. He shares his current setup, which includes using six to seven rods, 6/0 or 7/0 hooks on Santee rigs, and fresh cut shad or perch for bait. Segment 4: International Big Game Hunting with Matt Burgess International hunting guide Matt Burgess recounts his recent trips, including a combination hunt for Marco Polo sheep and Ibex at 15,000 feet on the Afghanistan-Tajikistan border. Burgess describes witnessing camel caravans on the historic Silk Road and discusses the use of Toyota Land Cruisers in Tajikistan versus horseback in Kazakhstan. He also previews an upcoming polar bear hunt where hunters will travel by dog sled and camp on the ice to pursue mature bears weighing up to 1,500 pounds.

Segment 1: Campfire Talk & Hunting in England Host Luke Clayton and guest Larry Weishuhn discuss Larry's recent hunting trip to Suffolk County, England. Larry details his experience hunting two unique, primitive deer species: the Chinese water deer and the Muntjac. He explains that the Chinese water deer lacks antlers entirely but features elongated upper canines, or fangs, that protrude heavily. The Muntjac is described as a small, prehistoric-looking invasive species that weighs about 30 pounds and possesses tall pedicles, short antlers, and fangs. Segment 2: Historic English Estates & Deer with Fangs Larry shares details about their lodging at the Waveney House Hotel in Beccles, a historic structure built in 1540. They discuss the history of fallow deer in Europe, noting that the Romans historically introduced herds of them to new areas to provide a food source for their soldiers and settlers. The segment highlights the profound contrast between modern hunting and the deep history embedded in hunting on 500-year-old English estates that feature centuries-old castles. Segment 3: Dallas Safari Club (DSC) Larry discusses his deep involvement with the Dallas Safari Club (DSC) and the DSC Foundation, detailing their dedication to wildlife conservation. He explains the rapid growth of the DSC chapter system, which currently includes around 30 chapters globally. Larry outlines the organization's fundraising model, explaining that 75% of funds raised stay with the local chapter, 20% goes to the DSC Foundation, and 5% supports the primary DSC organization. Segment 4: Striper Fishing with Bill Carey Luke speaks with Bill Carey of Striper Express about the current fishing conditions on Lake Texoma. Bill highlights a recent trend of catching "Magnum" white bass (sand bass), with many of the fish weighing up to three pounds. He shares his highly successful technique of using three-inch sea shad lures on half-ounce jigs in shallow, five-foot water to "match the hatch" of the current baitfish.

Segment 1 – Campfire Talk Luke Clayton opens the show with his familiar “Campfire Talk” with Mr. Whitetail, Larry Weishuhn, talking about hunting in England, the upcoming annual outdoor event in late March and more great outdoor fun talk about hunting and wildlife! Segment 2 – Guide Chris Webb of Creek Crappie In this segment, Luke visits with fishing guide Chris Webb of Creek Crappie, who specializes in crappie fishing in the creeks and tributaries feeding major reservoirs. Chris explains how rising spring temperatures push crappie into shallow creek systems where they stage before spawning. He shares techniques for locating active fish, including using electronics to identify structure and focusing on brush piles, timber, and creek bends. Chris also discusses productive bait presentations and how anglers can take advantage of these predictable seasonal movements to enjoy some excellent crappie fishing. Segment 3 – Chris Webb Continued Luke continues the conversation with Chris Webb, diving deeper into crappie tactics and seasonal patterns. Chris talks about how water clarity, current flow, and baitfish activity influence where crappie hold in creek systems. He offers practical advice on selecting jigs, adjusting colors based on water conditions, and working cover methodically to find active fish. Chris also shares stories from guiding trips and explains how anglers of all experience levels can enjoy success during the spring crappie run by focusing on the right locations and maintaining a patient approach. Segment 4 – Luke’s Funny Campfire Stories To wrap up the show, Luke shares a few humorous and memorable stories from his years in the outdoors. From unexpected mishaps on fishing trips to funny moments involving fellow anglers and guides, Luke reminds listeners that the outdoor lifestyle is about more than just catching fish—it’s about the experiences and memories made along the way. His lighthearted storytelling brings the show to a close with a reminder that sometimes the best part of a day on the water is simply the laughter shared with friends.

Catfish Radio – March 7th Episode Summary Host: Luke Clayton Guests: Larry Weishuhn, Pastor Charlie Nassar, and Brayden Castillo Episode Overview: Join Luke Clayton for another action-packed episode covering everything from international big game to local honey holes. Whether you are gearing up for the spring turkey season, looking for a family-friendly outdoor event, or wanting to fill your cooler with Sabine River white bass, this episode has you covered. Segment Breakdown & Key Takeaways Segment 1: Campfire Talk – International Hunts & Upcoming Events Hunting in England: Larry Weishuhn joins Luke to share the unique experience of hunting Muntjac and Chinese Water Deer around historic English castles. Hog Hunting Locally: Luke recaps a recent successful hog hunt at the Friendswood Ranch in Red River County using a CVA SR-80 scout rifle. DSC Foundation Gala: Mark your calendars for the upcoming DSC Foundation Gala happening July 23-25 in Grapevine, Texas. Segment 2: The 7th Annual Outdoor Rendezvous * Community Gathering: Pastor Charlie Nassar from the Top Rail Cowboy Church in Greenville, Texas, stops by to discuss the 7th Annual Outdoor Rendezvous happening on March 28th. Free Family Fun: This free event features vendor booths, Dutch oven cooking, hunting dogs, and live music from Marshall Allen Bailey and Cowgirl Janey. Segment 3: Sabine River White Bass on Kayaks The Bite is On: Brayden Castillo of Stick and Scales Bowfishing details the incredible white bass action happening on the Sabine River north of Greenville. Tackle & Tactics: Brayden recommends launching a kayak and throwing a 1/8 oz Road Runner paired with a Bobby Garland Chartreuse paddle tail to land limits of 13-to-14-inch fish. Preparation: Luke and Brayden share practical advice on how to correctly trim the red meat off white bass fillets so they fry up tasting just as clean as crappie. Segment 4: 45 Years of Spring Turkey Hunting Season Prep: With spring turkey season just around the corner, Luke reflects on 45 years of chasing gobblers. The Golden Rule: Luke shares his biggest piece of advice for new hunters: patience kills more turkeys than anything else. Classic Stories: Enjoy a nostalgic story about Luke’s time hunting and counting turkeys with legendary outdoor writer Bob Hood. Featured Sponsors: Support the brands that support the outdoors: Platinum Cadillac Chevrolet, Choctaw Hunting Lodge, Pyramid Air, Ultramatic Feeders, Smokin' Tex Electric Smokers, CVA, Stealth Vision, Hornady, and the Dash for Cash Pawn Shop.

Catfish Radio – February 28th Show Notes Join Luke Clayton and friends for an action-packed episode featuring hunting adventures, spring fishing strategies, and a legendary musical guest. Segment 1: Campfire Talk & International Hunting Luke is joined by his long-time friend Larry Weishuhn for their weekly "Campfire Talk". Larry shares highlights from the Dallas Safari Club Convention and discusses his upcoming trip to England on March 1st to hunt unique species like the Chinese Water Deer (known for its long fangs instead of antlers) and Muntjac. The Rendezvous: Luke and Larry invite everyone to the 7th Annual Outdoor Rendezvous in Greenville, TX, on March 28th. Expect live music, campfire cooking, and plenty of storytelling. Segment 2: Spring Bass Patterns on Lake Fork Luke checks in with veteran guide Dennis Canada to discuss transition patterns as March approaches. Water Temps & Wind: Dennis emphasizes that even a 4-5 degree difference in water temperature can drastically change fish activity. He advises targeting the northern, shallower ends of the lake which warm up faster in the afternoon sun. Lure Selection: Early March is prime time for jerkbaits, glide baits, and chatterbaits on secondary points as big bass begin to move shallow. Pro Tip: Don’t fear the wind! Wind stirs up plankton and pushes baitfish toward the banks, creating ideal feeding conditions for lunkers. Segment 3: The Art of Jug Line Fishing Luke and Jeff Rice recap a successful trip to Donnie Rice’s private lake, where they caught a haul of blue catfish using modern "jug lines". Modern Gear: Instead of old glass milk jugs, they use swimming pool noodles with PVC pipe cores. Strategy: They use cut bait and set lines to drift with the wind across the lake. Jeff notes the importance of checking lines frequently, as big catfish can often pull the noodles completely underwater. Where to Watch: You can see the footage of this trip on A Sportsman’s Life on YouTube or CarbonTV.com. Segment 4: Bluegrass Legend Larry Sparks In this special segment, Luke interviews the iconic Larry Sparks, a pioneer in Bluegrass music. Musical Journey: Larry reflects on his 63-year career, starting at age six when he earned five dollars for singing in church. He discusses his time playing lead guitar for the Stanley Brothers in the mid-60s before launching his own solo career. Philosophy: Larry credits his success to keeping his music natural and "becoming the song". He maintains a hands-on approach to his business, managing his own bookings and social media. Sponsors mentioned in this episode: Pyramid Air Smokin Tex Electric Smokers Stealth Vision Optics Ultramatic Feeders CVA Muzzleloaders Choctaw Hunting Lodge

Show Notes: Outdoors with Luke Clayton and Friends In this episode, Luke is joined by legendary outdoorsman Larry Weishuhn, guide Chris Webb, and wildlife management expert Samuel Old. They cover everything from high-end hunting gear and predator behavior to the current crappie "run" in Texas creeks. Segment 1: Conventions and Conservation Luke catches up with Larry Weishuhn following his trip to the Dallas Safari Club (DSC) convention in Atlanta. Event Highlights: Larry discusses the success of the DSC convention and invites listeners to the upcoming DSC Foundation Gala in Grapevine, Texas (July 23-25). Industry Partners: Shoutouts to Hornady Ammunition, Stealth Vision hunting optics, and Taurus/Rossi firearms. Deer Management: With the MLDP (Managed Lands Deer Permit) season ending in late February, Larry explains the importance of supplemental nutrition (protein and energy) and controlled burns to rejuvenate habitat for deer and other wildlife. Segment 2 & 3: Predator Control and Wildlife Behavior Samuel Old joins from Virginia to discuss the vital role of predator management in maintaining healthy turkey and deer populations. Raccoon Pressures: Samuel highlights how hungry raccoons are major threats to turkey nests, especially as they emerge from the winter cold. Coyote Tactics: Samuel and Luke share observations of coyotes working in teams to pick off feral piglets from sounders. Bobcat Stealth: Samuel recounts trail cam footage of bobcats successfully hunting turkeys in the snow, noting they are the "magnum" of predators. Craig’s Creek Shady Rest: Samuel mentions his Airbnb property in Virginia, which offers a serene getaway for those looking to enjoy the outdoors. Segment 4: Hooked on Creek Crappie Guide Chris Webb provides a red-hot fishing report for Cedar Creek Lake. The Creek Run: Crappie are currently moving into shallow creeks to spawn. Many fish caught recently are already 90% spawned out. Strategic Location: Look for clean, sandy bottoms in the big "S" turns of the creeks, specifically in pockets of water 3 to 4 feet deep. Technique: Chris recommends a 3-inch Redneck Rubber jig (Bone Meal/White and Chartreuse) fished under a float. Cast it out, let it sit for 10-20 seconds, and use a "bump and move" retrieve. Contact: Reach Chris Webb at 903-275-3253 or find Chris Webb’s Guide Service on Facebook. Featured Sponsors Stealth Vision: High-end hunting optics featuring 34mm tubes for superior light transmission. Pyramid Air: Your one-stop shop for everything airgun related, plus archery and outdoor gear. CVA: Makers of top-tier muzzleloaders and centerfire rifles. Dash for Cash Pawn Shop: Located in Seagoville, TX, offering great prices on a variety of gear. Cotton Gin Restaurant: A must-visit in Crandall, TX, for the best chicken fried steak in East Texas.

Show Highlights 1. DSC Convention and Squirrel Hunting DSC Convention: Luke and Larry kicked off the show discussing the recent Dallas Safari Club (DSC) convention in Atlanta, noting it was a massive success that raised significant funds for wildlife conservation. Cotton Ranch Hunt: The duo recounted a recent squirrel hunt at the Cotton Ranch in Kaufman County with Donnie Lynch and his prize-winning squirrel dog, "Stubby" (a mountain feist/rat terrier mix). Weather Conditions: The hunt took place right after an ice storm; the weather was cold and windy, keeping the squirrels in their dens, so the hunting was tough. Campfire Cooking: Larry shared his technique for grilling crispy chicken thighs over red-hot coals. Luke shared a humorous story about improvising a breading for fried chicken using crushed Triscuits, saltines, and Doritos because they had no flour at the camp. 2. The Truth About "Coydogs" Guest: Steven Ziggler from The Hunting News. The Myth: Steven discussed the controversial topic of "Coydogs" (coyote-dog hybrids). He explained that while they can breed in captivity, there is zero documented proof of F1 (first-generation) hybrids occurring in the wild, despite a standing $1,500 reward for such proof. The Science: The lack of wild hybrids is likely due to breeding cycles; dogs breed twice a year, while coyotes only breed once, and their mating rituals differ significantly. Most animals identified as "coydogs" are usually just color phases of coyotes or dogs. 3. Hunting Consulting Guest: Wade Derby of Crosshair Consulting. Services: Wade explained his role as a consultant who vets outfitters personally to help clients book hunting trips worldwide, from Africa to Saskatchewan. Advice: He advised hunters to plan ahead, noting that tags for species like antelope in Wyoming and New Mexico often require entering draws early in the year. 4. Trinity River Fishing Report Guest: David Cox of Palmetto Guide Service. White Bass Run: David reported excellent fishing on the Trinity River above Lake Livingston. Despite recent weather, the river is currently low, clear, and lacking strong current. The Catch: They are catching "magnum" white bass (sand bass) in the 2lb range. David recommends trolling deep (25–30 feet) with larger baits like 3/4 oz Rat-L-Traps to target these bigger spawning fish. 5. Sponsors and Mentions Stealth Vision: Dr. John McCall’s optics. Ultramatic Feeders: Hunting blinds and feeders. Smokin' Tex: Electric smokers. Pyramid Air: Air guns and accessories. Choctaw Hunting Lodge: Southeast Oklahoma hunting destination. Here is the summary of each segment for the February 14, 2026, show notes: Segment 1: Campfire Talk & Squirrel Hunting DSC Convention: Luke Clayton and Larry Weishuhn discuss the recent Dallas Safari Club convention in Atlanta, noting the large crowds and successful fundraising for wildlife conservation. Cotton Ranch Squirrel Hunt: The hosts recount a squirrel hunt at the Cotton Ranch in Kaufman County with Donnie Lynch and his champion dog, "Stubby." Luke notes that despite the dog's skill, the squirrels stayed denned up due to the freezing weather following a recent ice storm. Campfire Cooking: Larry shares his technique for grilling crispy chicken thighs over hot coals. Luke shares a story about improvising a breading for fried chicken using crushed Triscuits, Saltines, and Doritos because they forgot the flour. Segment 2: The Myth of the "Coydog" Guest: Steven Ziggler from The Hunting News. F1 Hybrids in the Wild: Steven discusses the lack of scientific evidence for first-generation (F1) coyote-dog hybrids in the wild. He mentions a standing $1,500 reward for genetic proof of a wild F1 hybrid that has never been claimed. Breeding Cycles: The absence of wild hybrids is largely due to mismatched breeding cycles (dogs breed twice a year, coyotes once) and behavioral differences, as coyotes typically view dogs as threats or food rather than mates. Misidentification: Steven explains that most animals identified as "coydogs" are actually color phases of coyotes or domestic dog mixes like German Shepherds or Huskies. Segment 3: Hunting Consulting with Wade Derby Guest: Wade Derby of Crosshair Consulting. Consulting Services: Wade explains his role as a consultant who connects hunters with vetted outfitters worldwide. He emphasizes that he personally visits locations—from Africa to Saskatchewan—to ensure quality experiences. Booking Advice: Wade advises hunters to plan trips well in advance, particularly for species like antelope in Wyoming and New Mexico, where tag draws occur early in the year. He notes that now is the time to finalize plans for fall hunts. Segment 4: Trinity River White Bass Report Guest: David Cox of Palmetto Guide Service. River Conditions: David reports that the Trinity River above Lake Livingston is currently low, clear, and lacking strong current due to recent freezing weather and low rainfall. Magnum Sand Bass: Despite the slow current, they are cat