Anglers at Family and Community Program ponds are certain to enjoy
larger-than-normal size stockings of channel and blue catfish provided
by Baxter Land Company’s catfish farms. Photo courtesy of AGFC
Catfish Kids: Monster Cats Make a Splash in Arkansas Ponds
By Keith “Catfish” Sutton
If you’ve been thinking about taking your kids fishing this summer, now’s the time to go, and Arkansas’ family and community fishing ponds are the places to be. Thanks to a whopper of a donation from Baxter Land Company Fish Farm, more than 20,000 pounds of big catfish were stocked the week of June 18 in community fishing holes across the state.
These aren’t your average catfish, either. We’re talking fish that weigh 5 to 45 pounds—big enough to give any young angler the fight of their life!
“We don’t get to stock fish this big very often,” said Jason Miller, Assistant Chief of Fisheries at the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. “Our hatcheries usually produce cats that are under 2 pounds. This is a rare treat and a whole lot of fun for families.”
These supersized fish came from the farm of Dick Baxter, named Arkansas Catfish Farmer of the Year by The Catfish Institute in 2023. He donated them with one thing in mind: getting more kids hooked on fishing.
“I’d love to be there when a kid hooks into that 45-pounder,” Baxter said. “They’ll never forget it.”
Bank Fishing Heaven
Best of all, most of the Family and Community Fishing Program (FCFP) ponds are bank fishing friendly. So, no boat? No problem! Grab a folding chair, pack a cooler and bring your favorite fishing buddy. Whether it’s your son, daughter, niece, nephew or neighbor, these waters are tailor-made for making memories.
“We get calls and pictures every time these big fish go in,” said Clint Coleman, Assistant FCFP Coordinator. “People love it. Just remember to bring a dip net. These fish will test your gear!”
How to Catch a Big One
Want a better shot at hooking one of these behemoths? Follow these tips from the man who raised them:
- Use 20-pound-test line rigged with a 3/0 circle hook
- Suspend your bait about a foot under a bobber
- Set your reel’s drag loose and let the fish run
“It’s simple,” Baxter said. “Just bring a kid, set up at one of these ponds, and get ready to smile.”
To find a stocked pond near you and see the latest updates, visit agfc.com/familyfishing.
