Catfish Radio with Luke Clayton & Friends Podcast

Welcome to the August 8th edition of Catfish Radio, airing alongside Outdoors with Luke Clayton and Friends. In this episode, hosts Luke Clayton and Larry Weishuhn bring you a packed hour of outdoor talk, covering mid-summer crappie fishing, wild hog hunting history, and essential updates for the upcoming white-tailed deer season.

🎣 Segment Breakdown

• DSC Expo & Deer Season Prep: Larry Weishuhn recaps his visit to the Dallas Safari Club Summer Expo and the DSC Foundation Gala. He highlights Steve Hornady winning the prestigious Legacy Award. Larry also provides a timely wildlife update, noting that white-tailed deer antler development is currently peaking and will harden over the next two weeks.

• Cedar Creek Lake Crappie Fishing: Guide Chris Webb joins the show to share his highly effective summer crappie pattern. Chris recommends hitting the water right at sunrise and targeting active fish on brush piles in 6 to 16 feet of water. His top tactic right now is "dead sticking" live minnows, keeping the bait completely still until the fish bites.

• Feral Hog Trapping: Anthony Chew introduces listeners to the PIG Hog Trap system. He explains how this portable, UV-resistant netting trap allows for continuous catches without a traditional gate. Hogs simply root under the netting to enter, making it a highly effective tool for capturing entire sounders at once.

• Wild Hog Hunting Nostalgia: Luke Clayton reflects on his long history of hunting wild hogs, dating back to the 1970s in Red River County. He shares the story of harvesting a 100-pound Choctaw Mulefoot hog at the Choctaw Hunting Lodge in southeast Oklahoma. The unique catch was recently turned into a beautiful custom mount by Joe Parker of All American Taxidermy.

 Lake Texoma Striper Fishing with Bill Carey

Topwater Tactics: Guide Bill Carey discusses the thrill of early morning topwater schooling action for striper bass on Lake Texoma. He emphasizes the importance of patience, advising anglers to wait for the fish to pull back before setting the hook.

Harvesting and Rules: Carey highlights the abundance of "box fish" (stripers under 20 inches) and the catch-and-release regulations for larger fish to preserve the breeding stock.

Cooking Catch: The segment concludes with Carey’s personal recipe for blackened striper, which utilizes Backwoods blackening seasoning, butter, dry basil, and garlic powder in a dry skillet.

️ DSC Expo, Agara Coffee, & Dispatch Hunts

Expo Recap: Co-host Larry Weishuhn recaps the Dallas Safari Club (DSC) Summer Expo, specifically celebrating Steve Hornady receiving the prestigious Legacy Award.

Healthy Coffee & Upcoming Seasons: The conversation shifts to the health benefits of Agara Coffee with Bobby Winfrey, followed by excitement for the upcoming September dove season and tips for smoking wild turkey breast.

Global Hunts: Weishuhn highlights Matt Burgess and Dispatch Hunts, praising their premier worldwide guided hunts and their custom line of signature outdoor knives.

 Mid-Summer White-Tailed Deer Scouting

Antler Development: Larry Weishuhn pivots to the importance of late-summer deer scouting, explaining how bucks' antlers begin to harden and form points as the season approaches.

Trail Cameras: He emphasizes getting out to hunting leases early to track bachelor herds with trail cameras, giving hunters a head start before the fall bow and MLD seasons kick off.

  Outdoor Gear & Pond Management

Optics and Feeders: The hosts highlight top-tier hunting gear, including Stealth Vision optics and Ultramatic Feeders for game management.

Meat Processing: Luke Clayton shares his 15-year positive experience using Smokin Tex electric smokers for wild game.

 

CATFISH RADIO - JULY 25TH PODCAST EDITION

Segment 1: Hog Trapping Innovations with Anthony Tew

• Topic: Effective and accessible wild hog control for landowners.

• Guest: Anthony Tew, co-owner of a hog trap company (thepighogtrap.com).

• Key Takeaways:

  • Anthony discusses his company's user-friendly, shippable hog traps made from heavy-duty, baseball-style netting.

  • The traps feature a massive 60-foot diameter, catching entire sounders at once without harming non-target animals like deer.

  • The system is highly accessible; a single person can easily set it up in about 30 minutes using standard T-posts and ground anchors.

Segment 2: Canada's "Pigloos" and Wild Boars

• Topic: The history and challenges of hunting feral hogs in Canada.

• Guest: Brad Fenson, Canadian outdoor writer and wildlife biologist.

• Key Takeaways:

  • Brad explains the origins of Canada's wild pigs, which are hybrids of escaped European boars (imported in the 1990s) and domestic feral hogs.

  • These highly intelligent animals survive harsh Canadian winters by building burrowed nests in cattails and forests, affectionately referred to as "pigloos."

  • Despite eradication efforts and bounties, their learned behavior and adaptability make them incredibly challenging to hunt.

Segment 3: Northern Pike Fishing and Camp Cooking

• Topic: Big game fishing in Saskatchewan and wild game culinary skills.

• Guest: Brad Fenson (Continuing).

• Key Takeaways:

  • The conversation shifts to a recent fishing trip at Cree River Lodge in Saskatchewan, highlighted by an impressive story of catching a 50-inch Northern Pike in shallow water.

  • Luke and Brad discuss traditional Canadian shore lunches and Brad’s expertise as a camp chef, covering techniques for cooking and canning wild game and fish.

Segment 4: The DSC Summer Show and Event Updates

• Topic: Upcoming outdoor events and hunting opportunities.

• Guests: Larry Weishuhn (Mr. Whitetail) and an introduction by producer Dustin Vaughn Warncke.

• Key Takeaways:

  • Luke and Larry talk about the Dallas Safari Club (DSC) Summer Show happening July 25th at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Center, featuring major exhibitors and auctions.

  • The segment highlights hunting opportunities and booking services through Dispatch Hunts.

  • The hosts share a casual conversation over Agara Coffee, highlighting its unique cognitive benefits for outdoor enthusiasts.

Featured Sponsors Mentioned Across Segments:

• Outdoor Gear & Firearms: Pyramid Air, CVA Muzzleloaders, Stealth Vision Optics.

• Hunting & Wildlife Management: Ultramatic Feeders, Choctaw Hunting Lodge, Dispatch Hunts.

• Lifestyle & Auto: Smokin Tex Electric Smokers, Platinum Cadillac Chevrolet, Dash for Cash Pawn Shop, Agara Coffee.

Catfish Radio – July 17th Podcast Summary

Host: Luke Clayton Guests: Larry Weishuhn & Jeff "Crypto Hulk" Stewart Show Highlights: Celebrating 20 years of Catfish Radio, preparing for the upcoming deer season, and sharing expert culinary tips for feral hog.

Show Overview & Announcements

• 20-Year Anniversary: Luke Clayton and producer Dustin Vaughn Warncke kick off the episode by celebrating two decades of broadcasting Catfish Radio.

• Upcoming Outdoor Events: Larry Weishuhn breaks down his time at the Texas Wildlife Association convention and previews the upcoming DSC Summer Expo and Foundation Gala.

• Agara Coffee: Larry shares his latest obsession with Agara Coffee, joking that its special blend has been doing wonders for his memory and focus out in the field.

Segment 1: Deer Season Prep & Crossbow Hunting

• Antler Biology: The hosts discuss the approaching deer season, noting that trail cameras show bucks currently in bachelor herds. They dive into the biology of antler growth and how rising testosterone levels cause bucks to shed—and often eat—their own velvet for energy conservation.

• Crossbow Mechanics: Luke highlights his positive experiences with his new 10-Point crossbow, noting how its advanced design takes the hassle out of cocking and decocking compared to older models.

• Black Bear Hunt: Larry reveals he is gearing up for a black bear hunt at the Choctaw Hunting Lodge, where he plans to put his 10-Point crossbow to the test.

• Season Kickoff: The team reminds listeners that early deer seasons are right around the corner, with South Carolina’s low country opening as early as August 15th.

Segment 2: Feral Hog Management & Wild Game Cooking

• Hog Eradication Work: Jeff "Crypto Hulk" Stewart joins the program to share insights from his feral hog eradication efforts helping East Texas landowners protect their pastures and hay meadows.

• Select Table Fare: Jeff and Luke debunk myths about wild pork, explaining that it is naturally leaner, redder, and richer in flavor than store-bought pork due to their active lifestyle. They recommend targeting younger boars under 125 pounds or young gilts for optimal flavor.

• Dutch Oven Pulled Pork: Jeff walks through his preferred recipe: smoking cubed wild pork in beef broth inside a Dutch oven on a pellet grill using mesquite pellets, garlic, onion, and cilantro for perfect taco meat.

• Chili & Pork Schnitzel: The crew shares their favorite ways to stretch wild game, including smoked hog chili using Wicks Fowler mix, smoked hog shoulder rubbed in real butter, and a wild pork schnitzel tenderized using a lactic-acid-rich buttermilk soak before being fried in lard.

• Cookbook Resource: Jeff highlights his text, Texas Jack's Wild Game and Venison Cookbook, for listeners looking to expand their wild game kitchen repertoire.

Featured Destinations & Sponsors

• Choctaw Hunting Lodge: Highlighted as a premier Southeast Oklahoma destination for trophy white-tailed deer, eastern turkey, and wild hog hunting.

• Sponsor Acknowledgments: Show notes credit Stealth Vision optics, CVA muzzleloaders and centerfire rifles, Pyramid Air, Dash for Cash Pawn Shop, Smokin Tex electric smokers, Ultramatic Feeders, and Platinum Cadillac/Chevrolet in Terrell, Texas.

Catfish Radio with Luke Clayton

July 11, 2026

Segment 1: The TWA Convention & Classic Hunting Rifles

Luke kicks things off with his good friend and wildlife legend, Larry Weishuhn. The two dive into some great hunting talk, starting with the 41st Texas Wildlife Association convention at the JW Marriott in San Antonio.

• Grand Auction Highlights: Up for grabs this year is a beautifully engraved 300 Savage Model 99 and Larry's iconic Brown Western hat (which once fetched $5,000 at auction!). Bidding is available via onlinehuntingauctions.com.

• Dusting Off the Classics: Luke and Larry reminisce about taking old rifles back into the woods. They discuss legendary firearms like the Winchester Model 94, Model 95, and Savage 99.

• Gunsmith Shoutout: A special mention goes to Mr. Chapman, a talented gunsmith in Buffalo, Texas, who revived an old 1957 Winchester Model 88 (.243) originally owned by Larry's father-in-law, Ed Potter.

Segment 3: Precision Optics & More Classic Firearms

Larry Weishuhn returns to talk about taking your shooting accuracy to the next level.

• Stealth Vision Optics: Larry highlights Stealth Vision scopes, developed by Dr. John McCall in Crockett, Texas. These optics feature robust 34mm tubes and a specialized green light anti-cant system that ensures you are perfectly leveled before you pull the trigger.

• Old Guns Continued: The nostalgia continues as Larry and Luke swap stories about the .405 Winchester (Teddy Roosevelt’s go-to), the versatile 7x57mm Mauser, and Dub Wallace’s classic .32-20.

Segment 3: Reeling in Big Channel Cats at Lake Fork

Luke shifts gears from the woods to the water, bringing on David Hanson, a veteran guide who has been fishing Lake Fork for over a quarter of a century.

• The Catch: David breaks down how to target chunky channel catfish. While average catches run 1.5 to 6 pounds, lucky anglers can reel in monsters up to 17 pounds.

• Current Tactics: The catfish are currently holding in 8 to 18 feet of water. David recommends getting out at daylight and waiting for them in shallower 8 to 10-foot baited holes.

• The Rig: Use a straight-down rig with 30-pound braid and a cheap, highly sensitive rod. Stick to a #6 treble hook—anything over a #4 is too big, and a smaller, cheaper hook will easily bend out if you get hung up on a log.

🔪 David's Catfish Fillet Pro-Tip: Channel catfish have a distinct yellow streak of fat running down their spine. You must trim this fat line out of the meat before cooking to ensure a clean, perfect flavor.

 

Segment 4: Luke's Camp Kitchen & Special Deals

Nothing caps off a day of hunting or fishing quite like a great camp meal. Luke shares two of his favorite easy-to-make recipes for the outdoors.

Luke's Camp Baked Beans

• Prep: Heat olive oil or bacon grease in a heavy cast-iron skillet.

• Sauté: Add one medium chopped onion, 2 seeded and chopped jalapeños, and 5 to 6 cloves of minced garlic. Cook until translucent.

• Combine: Pour in a cheap can of baked beans. Stir in dark brown sugar and your favorite BBQ sauce to taste.

• Simmer: Toss in sliced smoked venison or pork sausage links and let the whole skillet simmer for 20 minutes.

Wild Venison Stir-Fry

• Marinate: Thinly slice venison ham steak or backstrap. Marinate it in a mix of soy sauce and Kikkoman stir-fry sauce for 24 hours.

• Cook: Fire up the skillet and stir-fry the meat with chopped broccoli, carrots, celery, and jalapeños.

• Serve: Toss in some peanuts or cashews for crunch, and serve hot over a bed of Jasmine rice.

SEGMENT 1: 
Campfire Talk with Larry Weishuhn and Luke Clayton
Luke and Larry gather around the virtual campfire to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday and the enduring value of conservation organizations like the Texas Wildlife Association and the Dallas Safari Club. 
They reflect on recent outdoor activities, including a relaxing trip to a 25-acre private lake owned by the Cotton family in Kaufman County. Armed with light tackle and fly rods, the group enjoyed catching a plentiful haul of trophy sunfish and brim, which they later filleted with an electric knife and cooked for a traditional fish fry. The discussion also touches on local wildlife observations around the property, noting that trail cameras are capturing active fawns and bucks with rapidly developing antlers as the summer progresses.

SEGMENT 2: 
TONY PARKER TALKS ABOUT COOPER LAKE HYBRID STRIPERS
Tony Parker joins the show to discuss the current state of fishing at Cooper Lake, specifically comparing today's conditions to the fishery from over a decade ago. He explains that while a severe drought and a subsequent winter shad kill years ago negatively impacted the hybrid striper population, the lake has bounced back remarkably well, with anglers now consistently catching their limits. Parker notes that the hybrids are currently biting best in the intense midday heat, and he is having great success using strictly artificial baits like slabs and soft plastics rather than live bait. He also shares a surprising recent anecdote about catching a six-and-a-half-pound full-blood striper on the lake—a species that has never been officially stocked in Cooper Lake—which he promptly turned into fresh fillets.

SEGMENT 3: 
CAPT. BILL CAREY with Striper Express Guide Service & LAKE TEXOMA STRIPERS
Captain Bill Carey provides a detailed report on the summer striper fishing patterns on Lake Texoma. He highlights a highly active early morning topwater bite that usually begins around dawn and lasts for a solid hour and a half, heavily recommending Berkley "Chopo" baits or Whopper Ploppers to draw the fish to the surface along areas like Striper Alley. As the morning progresses and the topwater action cools off, Carey advises anglers to switch their tactics to dropping slabs for stripers that have moved to deeper water. He also shares promising data from recent net surveys, pointing out that over a quarter of the stripers in the lake are currently measuring twenty inches or larger, and reminds listeners that the generous 10 fish limit allows for two of those larger catches per person.

SEGMENT 4:
LUKE TALKS ABOUT OLD DAYS OF DEER HUNTING

Taking advantage of some extra time at the end of the broadcast, Luke Clayton offers a solo reflection on the dramatic ways Texas deer hunting has evolved since his youth. He recounts fond memories of his very first deer camp experience at Crook's Camp in Red River County when he was just eleven years old in 1961. Clayton also shares a story from his twenties about a highly affordable three-day hunt in Llano County, where he successfully harvested a goat-horn spike from seventy-one yards using a classic Model 94 rifle. Contrasting the relative scarcity of deer during his childhood in Northeast Texas with the thriving populations seen today in places like Kaufman County, he concludes by urging the younger generation of hunters to slow down and appreciate the entirety of the hunting experience—especially small game hunting—rather than becoming singularly focused on trophy bucks.

Learn more about the show at CatfishRadio.org and be sure to follow Luke Clayton on Facebook!

JUNE 27th, 2026 Show

Segment 1: Catfish Coubion Recipe

Host Luke Clayton kicks off the show by sharing a traditional wild game recipe and connecting with local Texas businesses.

• Discussion: Luke shares a detailed, step-by-step recipe for Catfish Coubion (court bouillon), a classic Cajun tomato-based fish soup. He recounts learning the dish 30 years ago from his friend Nate, owner of Nate's Seafood. The recipe utilizes prime blue catfish pieces cooked alongside the "Holy Trinity" of Cajun vegetables (onions, celery, and bell peppers), a quick 10-minute olive oil and flour roux, chicken or seafood stock, tomato paste, chopped tomatoes, bay leaves, and Cajun seasoning. To keep the fish from breaking apart, it is added at the very end to gently poach off the heat for 15–20 minutes. It is served over white rice with file seasoning, a squeeze of lemon, and toasted garlic bread.

• Sponsors:

  • CVA Muzzleloaders & Centerfire Rifles (cva.com)

  • Dash for Cash Pawn Shop (Seagoville, TX)

Segment 2: Outdoor Destination Spotlight

This segment focuses on premier hunting locations and managing target species in the loaded game countries of the Ark-La-Tex and Oklahoma regions.

• Discussion: Luke highlights the Choctaw Hunting Lodge in Southeast Oklahoma as one of his favorite outdoor travel destinations. Located on thousands of acres of Choctaw tribal land, the lodge features premium facilities and offers highly productive trophy deer hunting, wild hog hunting, and exotic game packages. Luke notes that it stands out as one of the closest and most viable opportunities for Texas hunters looking to successfully harvest an Eastern turkey.

• Sponsors:

  • Choctaw Hunting Lodge (choctawhuntinglodge.com)

Segment 3: Campfire Talk & Anniversary Celebration

Co-hosts Luke Clayton and Larry Weishuhn come together to look back on the history of the show and look forward to major regional conservation events.

• Discussion: Luke and Larry celebrate the 20th anniversary of Catfish Radio, laughing about their humble beginnings recording early "Campfire Talk" segments using an old desk telephone. Larry previews the upcoming Texas Wildlife Association (TWA) Convention at the JW Marriott in San Antonio, where he will be auctioning off a personal custom Western hat for wildlife conservation. They also discuss the upcoming Dallas Safari Club (DSC) Summer Expo and Foundation Gala in Grapevine, Texas, announcing that industry leader Steve Hornady of Hornady Ammunition will be receiving the prestigious DSC Foundation Legacy Award.

• Sponsors:

  • Pyramid Air

  • CVA Muzzleloaders & CVA Cascade Centerfire Rifles

  • Smokin Tex Electric Smokers

  • ATM Thermal Scopes & Monoculars

  • The Choctaw Hunting Lodge

  • Butcher Packer Supply

  • The Dallas Safari Club (biggame.org)

  • Saskatchewan Department of Tourism

  • Hornady Ammunition

  • Stealth Vision

  • Taurus

Segment 4: Upcoming Hunts & Wild Game Cooking Plans

The final segment covers technical hunting strategies, game management, and details for a major upcoming wild game dinner.

• Discussion: Luke and Larry share plans for a summer scouting trip on the Oklahoma side of Lake Texoma to prepare for the upcoming deer season. Luke details his preparation strategy for a special Dallas Safari Club event on September 17th at the DSC headquarters, where he will be pit-cooking chopped wild pork (blended with domestic pork shoulders for optimal fat content and seasoned with fresh garlic, jalapeños, and brown sugar) alongside Steve Hornady’s bison burgers. Finally, Luke highlights a highly effective bowhunting strategy: using an airboat with guide JC McCullah to traverse the rocky shallow stretches of the Red River, allowing hunters to access remote, undisturbed state lands holding trophy white-tailed deer.

• Sponsors:

  • Stealth Vision Optics (stealthvision.com)

  • Ultramatic Feeders (ultramaticfeeders.com)

  • Smokin Tex Electric Smokers (smokingtex.com)

  • Green Lending (greenlending.com)

Catfish Radio Show Notes – June 20

Segment 1: High-Quality Optics & Upcoming Conservation Events

Luke Clayton and Larry Weishuhn kick off the hour talking about the value of investing in high-quality glass for your rifles.

• Scope Investments: Larry emphasizes that spending a bit more on a premium scope—such as those produced by Stealth Vision—is a worthwhile investment for long-term accuracy and durability in the field.

• Sighting In & Practice: The guys discuss the benefits of custom turret systems and long-range shooting, sharing stories from dialing in their rifles at the range.

• Summer Conventions: Mark your calendars for upcoming events, including the Texas Wildlife Association convention and the DSC Summer Show happening July 23rd through the 26th at the Gaylord Texan.

Segment 2: A Virginia Outdoor Getaway with Samuel Old

Samuel Old joins the show to share details about his newly renovated outdoor retreat in Virginia.

• Craig Creek Shady Rest: Samuel details this beautiful, over-100-year-old property that was formerly a boys' camp, located right on the banks of Craig Creek.

• Activities: The property is a wildlife lover's paradise where guests can cast a line directly off the back deck, hike, and view abundant wildlife, including deer, bear, and turkeys.

• Booking: Listeners can find more information, see pictures of the remodel, and reach out to book a stay via the "Craig Creek Shady Rest" Facebook page.

Segment 3: Summer Crappie Fishing Tactics with Chris Webb

Guide Chris Webb stops by to talk about beating the heat and catching crappie on Cedar Creek Lake.

• Detecting the Bite: Chris explains that summer crappie often have a very soft bite, making it crucial to feel for the rod "loading up" rather than waiting for a hard, aggressive tug.

• Summer Patterns: The key to success is adjusting to the time of day; Chris recommends targeting brush piles and laydowns in 10 to 12 feet of water during the cooler mornings, then moving out to the 15 to 20-foot range as the sun gets high.

• Bait & Technique: Using live minnows with a slow, steady, and smooth presentation is the absolute best ticket for getting these lethargic summer fish to commit.

Segment 4: Crossbow Hunting Prep with Larry Weishuhn

Larry returns to close out the show, and the conversation shifts to the growing popularity and utility of crossbows.

• Ease of Use: Larry shares his experiences shooting a 10-Point crossbow, noting how modern features like the slide cocking mechanism make them highly accessible and fun for hunters of all ages.

• Sighting In: The guys discuss the process of dialing in a crossbow, with Larry explaining how he zeroes in dead-on at 20 yards before stepping back to practice his groups at 30 and 40 yards.

• Fall Prep: They wrap up the hour by looking ahead to upcoming fall hunts, including planned trips to Oklahoma and the Choctaw Nation where their crossbows will definitely be put to good use.