Catfish Connections – July 2023

 A Celebration of Women Who Love Catfishing

During a recent visit to Tennessee’s Reelfoot Lake, some friends and I were talking about the people who had introduced us to the world of fishing.

“My father let me start fishing with him when I was just six or seven,” one of the guys said. “We fished mostly for panfish, but we liked to eat catfish, too, so channel cats and flatheads were our targets sometimes, especially in summer when we’d go out at night.”

“My dad didn’t care much for fishing; he was more of a hunter,” another friend shared. “But his brother, my Uncle James, loved fishing for catfish. He was the first person who took me fishing and the first to teach me all the basics like tying knots, spooling reels and catching baits.”

As the conversation unfolded, I often felt left out because I grew up in a single parent household with no male figures around.

“My father left us when I was just a toddler,” I told the group. “And his brother lived 1,000 miles away. My mother was focused on work and attending college, so she didn’t have much time for fishing. Instead, it was my grandmother, my mom’s mother, who introduced my sister and me to fishing. We would dig worms in the backyard or gather catalpa worms from the trees next door. Then, she would load us into her little Ford Falcon with some cane poles sticking out the window and a cooler full of soft drinks, and we would head to one of the local ponds where friendly neighbors allowed us to fish.”

“Funny you should say that because my grandmother introduced me to fishing, too,” said my friend Brad.

“Mine, too,” echoed Billy.

“Me as well,” chimed in Jim.

As it turns out, grandmothers and mothers were the primary mentors for six of the 10 men in our conversation. This realization reassured me that I wasn’t alone, as women—not men—had introduced most of us to the joy of fishing.

Catfishing often is perceived as a male-dominated sport, but this story highlights the increasing number of women and girls who have embraced the thrill of catfishing as well. In recognition of this, we make a conscious effort to include stories about female catfish anglers whenever possible. Moreover, every July, we dedicate an entire issue of CatfishNOW to celebrating the accomplishments of female anglers. Their stories are just as thrilling, informative and unforgettable as those shared by their male counterparts.

Have you ever taken any ladies catfishing with you? Your wife, maybe, or a daughter? A granddaughter or perhaps a special friend or neighbor? If not, maybe it’s time you did. Catfishing is a sport that can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of gender or age. The stories featured in this issue serve as a testament to that fact.

Wishing you all tight lines and memorable fishing experiences.

I’ll see you downstream.

Keith “Catfish” Sutton, Editor