About this trip:

Hand-grabbing, hogging, noodling.... whatever you decide to call it, get ready to dive into a seriously adrenaline-rushing adventure as we bring holed-up catfish to the lake's surface using only our gloved hands. We'll discover muscles we've never worked, hold our breath longer than thought possible, and experience triumph as we sling massive catfish over our shoulders for a picture before setting them free. This sense of accomplishment is unmatched! Our guides create a safe, beginner-friendly space to learn about catching flathead catfish without the use of a traditional fishing pole.

What You’ll Need:

A freshwater fishing license— A 3-day license for $15.50 (non-resident). You can purchase them at exploremoreil.com

Trip Itinerary:

Friday, July 11:

• 5 PM: Arrive at the Airbnb located in Benton, Illinois (10 minutes from the boat launch). Carpool to dinner and get to know your new weekend adventure friends.

• After dinner, enjoy some downtime at the Airbnb and prepare for tomorrow's trip.

Saturday, July 12:

• 8 AM: Meet your guides at the boat launch and begin noodling! We will be getting in and out of the water frequently as we boat around to various predestined hole locations.

• Pack a cooler of snacks, drinks, and lunch for the day. Alcohol is allowed in moderation, but there will be no toleration of unsafe behavior.

• 3 PM: We will fish until between 1-3 PM. We will then clean up at the Airbnb and go to dinner. There are also local boutiques, thrift shops, a coffee shop and a tattoo shop just minutes away.

Sunday, July 13:

• 8 AM: We’ll repeat the same schedule—another full day of noodling and soaking up the sun on Rend Lake.

• 3 PM: Once we finish up for the day, we can shower at the Airbnb and grab one last dinner in town. We can choose to check out at this time or rest for a third night before traveling back home.

Generally speaking we will find mainly flathead catfish in the guide-made and maintained holes. After spawning, the female will deposit eggs in these holes and the male will guard the nest, or "hole up." These are large, powerful fish that will "bite" when an unknown species enters their hole. Lucky for us, their mouths feel like rough sandpaper! Flathead catfish can grow up to 120 lbs, though most of the fish we will be encountering are in the range of 15-60 lbs. It is not uncommon to find more than one catfish in a hole!

How do I know that only catfish are in these holes?

Unfortunately it's not possible to guarantee catfish will be the only lifeform in the holes (snakes and turtles can't read), but the man-made holes don't cater to the comfort of these other creatures. Catfish don't require an "air pocket" where they rest, while these other critters do. The holes are 55-gallon barrels completely submerged in water, making them a perfect hangout spot for flathead catfish and annoyingly uncomfortable for these other lake-dwellers.

Can I keep the fish I catch?

All catfish are released by the end of the trip. While a fish fry is arguably one of the best ways to spend a summer weekend, this trip focuses on the preservation of Rend Lake's healthy flathead population. By releasing our fish (after taking epic pictures), we are doing our part to ensure years of productive noodling trips for everyone.

The lodging accommodations that are included in your trip are always tailored to women looking for a welcoming and spacious atmosphere to foster friendships! Our cozy accommodations offer ample room to relax and unwind, featuring large common areas where you can connect with fellow guests.  When selecting a space, we prioritize spaces that create a serene escape, complemented by shared amenities that encourage camaraderie and comfort. You’ll find well-maintained shared bedrooms and bathrooms, ensuring a pleasant experience for everyone. Please note that during this trip, you may need to share a bed / bedroom with another participant. We appreciate your understanding as this helps foster a sense of camaraderie and community among all attendees. Feel free to socialize in the kitchen and living areas or enjoy the fresh air outside. Whether you’re joining us for a quick weekend getaway or an extended stay, we strive to choose an environment that nurtures a sense of community while providing all the comforts of home. Embrace the chance to make new friends and create lasting memories during this unique experience! Once you connect with your trip coordinator, they will share more specific details about your lodging accommodations.

Yes, we know this part might seem a bit tedious, but it’s important! We kindly ask that everyone who registers for a trip visits the FAQs and Policy page on our website. If you sign up for a trip without reviewing this information, it’s your responsibility. There’s a wealth of valuable information there that could influence your decision. Please make sure to check out all the FAQs and Policies on our website before signing up for a trip with us. Thank you!

We want to ensure that every trip with Her Wilderness is enjoyable and memorable, but we acknowledge that sometimes things don’t go as planned. Mother Nature has a significant impact on our outdoor adventures, so we encourage you to approach each trip with a positive attitude and a "go with the flow" mindset. If this feels unreasonable to you, we kindly ask that you reconsider registering for our events. Weather can be unpredictable, affecting activities like hiking, hunting, and fishing, and our top priority is always your safety. For instance, if your trip is focused on duck hunting but our guide believes a goose hunt is more feasible, we will follow their expert recommendation. If this kind of flexibility is not something you're comfortable with, we encourage you to think twice about joining us. We expect all participants to maintain a positive attitude, regardless of the circumstances. Many of our trips have faced changes, cancellations, or rescheduling, yet the understanding and adaptability of the group have made all the difference that still allows for an incredible experience! We take pride in creating fun experiences, even in challenging situations. Please be aware that our trips may involve sharing accommodations with others, unpredictable weather that could impact planned activities, limited bathroom facilities for larger groups, and the possibility of not harvesting the specific animal you hoped for. These are real scenarios that can arise, and while we’ll do our best to minimize issues, they can happen. We strive to maintain a drama-free and stress-free environment. If any participant brings negativity or drama, they will be asked to leave without a refund and will not be allowed to return. Our goal is to ensure that everyone feels comfortable and valued, so we ask for your cooperation in keeping a cool, calm, and collected attitude throughout the trip. We truly appreciate each of our customers and are committed to providing the best possible experience for all participants. Thank you for understanding, and we look forward to creating unforgettable memories together!  

We’re thrilled to announce a new booking and payment system aimed at enhancing your experience! Starting October 1, 2024, all trip registrations will be processed through WeTravel. Once you register, you’ll receive a confirmation email via the WeTravel platform. Your trip coordinator will then reach out with detailed information about your adventure and schedule two virtual video meetings for all trip attendees. The coordinator will share their email and other contact information with you at their discretion, so please respect their boundaries and contact them only through the provided information. A quick reminder: personal social media profiles are not the best way to reach out to your coordinator. During the virtual meetings, hosted on Google Meet, you’ll discuss important details such as packing lists, travel plans, and more. To ensure smooth communication, please register with a valid email address that you check regularly. If you have any questions or need assistance regarding the trip, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at questions@herwilderness.co. We look forward to making your experience exceptional!