Catfish Equipment and Gear

Kansas anglers need to be aware that big changes have taken effect in regards to the blue catfish regulations they must follow. (Photo by Sam Stukel, USFWS) New Kansas Blue Cat Rule Now in Effect Source: Kansas Dept. of Wildlife and Parks A new statewide fishing regulation aimed at managing blue catfish populations in Kansas […]

The Power-Pole VISION Courtesy of Power-Pole For catfish anglers seeking to elevate their on-the-water experience, Power-Pole introduces the VISION Marine Infotainment Center, a cutting-edge touchscreen system that seamlessly integrates advanced boating control with entertainment features. Available in 7-inch and 12-inch models, the VISION system offers wireless operation of all Power-Pole products, providing Total Boat Control [...]

Using Off Shore Planer Boards With Marshall Hughey When it comes to spreading out baits and increasing the odds for catching some trophy catfish, pro angler Marshall Hughey of Wetumpka, Alabama knows how to make planer boards earn their keep. In this month’s gear column, we’re featuring two quick-hit videos with Hughey showing how he [...]

Boss Kat Sinker Slides & Knot Protectors By Keith “Catfish” Sutton When it comes to catfishing, little details in your terminal tackle can make a big difference. Two often-overlooked components—sinker slides and knot protectors—can help you build better rigs that are more sensitive, more adaptable and less prone to failure. Boss Kat offers both in [...]

Driftmaster Rod Holders owner David Baynard announced that the company’s Pro Series Rod Holders will soon be available in a bright neon yellow color that’s favored by many catfish anglers.   Driftmaster Debuts Bold New Yellow Rod Holders By Keith “Catfish” Sutton The recent CatfishNOW/CrappieNOW Media Camp in Millbrook, Alabama, served as a hub for […]

Catfish Basics #178, Octopus vs. Circle Hooks Story and photo by Keith “Catfish” Sutton One of our readers, Dan Huckabee, reached out to us recently with a great question. It’s the type of inquiry that’s perfect to discuss in our monthly Catfish Basics column. QUESTION: I started fishing for cats using a Gamakatsu 5/0 circle […]

There are many scenic spots to catfish along Interstate 40, including the fishing pier at Arkansas’ Lake Dardanelle State Park. (credit: Ark. Dept. of Parks & Tourism)   Catfishing I-40 By Keith “Catfish” Sutton Roadside Whiskerfish Hotspots Across America I’ve logged thousands of miles on Interstate 40 over the years, traveling from its start near […]

You might be tempted to turn a big apple snail (pictured here) or its look-alike cousin the mystery snail into escargot, but eating one of these invasive gastropods could cause serious illness. (Keith Sutton photo) Help Stop the Spread of Invasive Snails Source: Georgia Dept. of Natural Resources Invasive snails found in Georgia can cause […]

B’n’M Redesigns Its Silver Cat Magnum Rods By Keith “Catfish” Sutton Thanks to their unparalleled sensitivity, strong backbone and casual fisherman’s price, B’n’M’s original Silver Cat Magnum rods quickly became bestsellers in the company’s line of tournament-level, heavy-duty catfish poles. These 10-foot, carbon fiber composite blend rods were manufactured with a wrapped nylon-cord grip, ceramic [...]

Gafftopsail catfish often show up in state agency surveys of shallow-water species. The fish are opportunistic and feed on live or dead items from the top of the water column to the bottom. (Credit La. Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries)     Gafftopsail Catfish: Saltwater Bad Boys Are Fun in a Pinch by Alan Clemons […]

One Angler’s Trash Fish Just Might Be Another’s Treasure by Debbie Hanson Once a member of the “trash can slam,” the feisty sail cat is enjoying a new level of respect.   If gafftopsail catfish could talk, they’d likely borrow late comedian Rodney Dangerfield’s catchphrase, “I don’t get no respect!” Historically, saltwater cats have rarely […]

Anietra Hamper and paleontologist Jean-Pierre Cavigelli and Tyler Greenfield, Tate Geological Museum Collections Assistant, searching for fossils on Casper Mountain. (Submitted Photo)   Fish Finds: Uncovering the Origins of the Catfish Family Tree by Anietra Hamper How evolutionary biologists are using nearly 50-million-year-old fossils for insight into the origins and evolution of catfish.   Staring […]

I mostly fish the Ohio and Kentucky Rivers. Anglers should not overlook shallow water areas on sunny days in March and April. The sun will warm up the shallow water quicker and even a few degrees difference in water temp can make a huge difference. I have observed that the bait will generally move to […]

Editor’s Note: As an avid tournament angler Mackenzie DelRosso has learned the importance of understanding catfish behavior at different times of the year. He applies that knowledge to the tournaments he fishes. He also understands that there are no better anglers to learn from than the ones he competes against. He offered this tip as […]

by Jim Behnken, Western Program Director, C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation  At CAST for kids, EVERYONE wins! The C.A.S.T. for Kids foundation works with community volunteers to provide days of fishing for children with special needs. C.A.S.T. Is an acronym for “Catch A Special Thrill.” The catfish of all varieties provide “thrills” at a large majority […]

Spreading angling education and promoting the growth of fishing and boating.   An important milestone in aquatic education took place July 28, 2018, in Indianapolis, Indiana, at Fort Benjamin Harrison State Park. Fishing’s Future, a national 501(c)(3) organization, celebrated and recognize its 1,000,000th participant attending an angling education Family Fish Camp. Fishing’s Future was founded […]

by Ron Presley The catfish birthday bash conspiracy. It all started for Nick as a casual conversation between him and his mom, Megan. They decided it would be fun to go bowling and go out to eat dinner on his birthday. When the date rolled around Megan woke Nick at 8:00 am with the pretense […]

by Ron Presley The key words are fun, simple, and educate.   It is a known characteristic of the sport of catfishing that family is often included on the shoreline and in the boat. Social media posts, tournament weigh-ins, and dockside conversations confirm the observations because they often include kids. Importantly, for the sport, it’s […]