Captivating Adventures Chasing Trophy Catfish
In the realm of angling, few pursuits offer the sheer excitement and enduring memories that come with pursuing trophy-sized catfish. Chasing these whiskered giants isn’t merely a pastime; it’s an adventure that promises many unforgettable experiences. That is why this entire issue of CatfishNOW is overflowing with tips and tactics you can use in the pursuit of your own personal-best blue cat, flathead or channel cat.
Picture yourself standing on the banks of a winding river, the sun dipping below the horizon, casting a warm glow upon the water’s surface. Your heart races as you cast your line, knowing that beneath the depths, a true behemoth could be lurking. The powerful tug of a trophy catfish on the line is a heart-pounding sensation that ignites the spirit of every angler.
How to Catch Your Personal-Best Blue Cat
John Jamison (left) and Kevin Parks had their hands full after winning a Twisted Cat Outdoors tournament July 22 on the Mississippi River. (courtesy of Twisted Cat Outdoors) Tips for Catching the Catfish of a Lifetime By Brent Frazee Giant blue cats don’t come easily, but experts offer advice on how to increase your […]
Finding and Catching Trophy Channel Cats
2021 produced a great trophy bite on the Red River of the North and being in the right place made all the difference. Cody Fahrmann just wanted a 20-pound channel cat. This was one of five on that day. Fish Where the Fish Are by Brad Durick There’s a saying: 80 percent of the fish [...]
Hoping for a Heavyweight
Veteran catfish guide Mike Mitchell (on right) rigs up with stout tackle and big baits for monsters, such as this 88-pound blue cat caught on the Tennessee River. (courtesy of Mike Mitchell) Tips for Targeting and Catching Record Catfish By Alan Clemons Top guides provide insights on putting giants in the boat. If […]
Electronics by Wiegmann
A toolbar running across the top of the screen allows anglers to quickly interface with the trolling motor or other devices in the boat. (Photo by Brad Wiegmann) Do You Have Total Boat Control? By Brad Wiegmann Stand-alone marine electronic units are a thing of the past. The drive for total boat control […]
Catfish Basics #159— Tips for Titans with Capt. Mike Mitchell
Tennessee River fishing guide Mike Mitchell (left) knows all the tricks necessary to put his clients on trophy-class catfish Capt. Mike Mitchell of Russellville, Alabama has established himself as one of the country’s top guides for trophy blue and flathead catfish. Through his business, SouthernCats Guide Service, he helps people target the fish of […]
Catfish Gear #68
Driftmaster rod holders will hold your rod securely, within reach, and release the rod the instant you set the hook. All the company’s products are made in the U.S. and have a lifetime warranty against breakage. Driftmaster, For the Way You Fish By Keith “Catfish” Sutton Rod holders and trolling systems made in the […]
Books for Little Catfish Catchers
New Kids’ Books Feature Catfish By Keith Sutton Valuable lessons for young children are at the heart of two colorful new books. Two recently released children’s books are sure to be loved by all youngsters, but especially by those who enjoy fishing. “Whiskers’ Wonder-Filled Day at Nana’s Pond” features Whiskers, a young catfish, and […]
Check Before You Eat
A report just out from the Oklahoma DEQ contains important information that can help you make safe, informed choices about consuming fish caught in lakes throughout the state. Mercury Levels Unsafe in Some Oklahoma Fish By Keith “Catfish” Sutton Oklahoma’s Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) recently released a report examining fish in all Sooner […]
Watch for Orange Tags on Blue Catfish
A tagged blue catfish caught in July 2023 for the Satilla tagging study. Reporting information about tags and tagged fish can help biologists learn more about the impacts these predators could be having on the river’s ecosystem. (courtesy of Georgia DNR) Reap Rewards for Returning Blue Cat Tags Source: Georgia Department of Natural Resources […]
Carrying on a Legacy of Catfishing
Whether he’s helping guide other anglers or fishing a big catfish tournament with his dad Mike (on right), Jackson Mitchell (left) of Russellville, Alabama always has a big smile on his face that shows how much he loves catfishing. (courtesy of Jackson Mitchell) Why We Catfish: A Guest Editorial by Jackson Mitchell Like Father, […]
CFN How-to Video, September 2023
Join B’n’M Pro Staffer Rodney Crimm as he shows how you can use sinker slides to allow quickly changing your weights for different fishing applications.
