Advanced at Catfishing

Page From the Past: The Fisherman’s Patience By Izaak Walton The patience required of anglers has been celebrated—and lamented—in countless tales. One such story comes from The Complete Angler by Izaak Walton, a classic text first published in 1653. Walton’s work has been cherished for centuries, not only for its fishing advice but also for […]

Some fishing products are just better than others. Listen as Boss Kat’s Ron Stallings explains why the features on Boss Kat sabiki rigs will help you put more fresh catfish bait in your boat than other brands.

Kimberly Feltner proudly displays the blue cat that set a new length record for the species in West Virginia. (courtesy of WVDNR)   Giant Blue Cat Sets New Record Source: West Virginia Division of Natural Resources Indiana angler Kimberly Feltner subdued the big cat. The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) has reported that […]

During the past two decades, the Texas Freshwater Fish Stamp has helped fund the production of more than half a billion fish, including catfish, for stocking in Lone Star State waters.   Freshwater Fish Stamp Celebrates 20th Anniversary Source: Texas Parks & Wildlife Department Texas stamp has greatly enhanced conservation efforts and hatchery improvements. For […]

Catfish of all sizes make a kid happy; you don’t have to catch big fish or even lots of fish; just have fun doing it. Mentoring Matters Story and Photos by Coy Lee Payne   I was blessed in my youth to have two adult fishing mentors who shared their love of the sport with […]

Page From the Past: South America’s Piraiba By Theodore Roosevelt In his book Through the Brazilian Wilderness, published in 1914, former president Theodore Roosevelt described the massive piraiba catfish of South America. The Tupi-Gurani Indians gave this leviathan its common name, which means “mother of all fish.” That appellation is appropriate, for the piraiba is […]

B’n’M Poles pro staffer Brad Box of Caledonia, Mississippi explains the importance of high-quality electronics to catfish anglers, especially when tournament fishing. Tips he shares can help you be a better angler.

WDFW fisheries biologist Marc Petersen holds up an 8-pound channel catfish caught in Roses Lake in Chelan County. (courtesy of WDFW)   Washington Revives Channel Cat Stocking Program Source: Washington Dept. of Fish and Wildlife Catfish are becoming increasingly popular in the Pacific Northwest. Non-native channel catfish now swim in at least 45 lakes, ponds […]

Officials say suspects sold thousands of pounds of catfish illegally. (Photo courtesy of KFW Law Enforcement) Cracking Down on Catfish Trafficking Source: Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Law Enforcement Multi-State investigation uncovers illegal commercial catfishing operations. A multi-agency investigation has led to charges against nine individuals allegedly involved in an illegal commercial catfishing operation that spanned […]

Guide Dieter Melhorn said big catfish are caught when using tactics that allow him to fish how he needs to fish. Catfishing Urban Lakes Story and Photos by Terry Madewell Excellent catfishing opportunities exist even on highly urbanized waters with high non-fishing recreational activity, but they require creative tactics to succeed.   Fishing lakes or rivers […]

Page From the Past: Mississippi River Fishing As told by Bluegrass Storyteller Chuck Larkin In the 1980s, Chuck Larkin hosted the WPBA-TV variety show “Tonight at Ferlinghetti’s,” a PBS music series taped in front of a live studio audience.  He died in 2003 at the age of 71, but not before becoming one of the […]

CFN How-to Video—Catching Skipjacks With a Sabiki Rig with Rodney Crimm For the best catfishing action, anglers need fresh bait, and nothing beats fresh skipjack herring. You’ll have more skipjacks to fish with if you use a sabiki rig that entices these baitfish with several small jig-like lures. In this video, B’n’M Poles pro staffer […]

South Carolina cat man Benji Brown with a hefty blue cat caught in Lake Moultrie, one of the famed Santee Cooper lakes, on a rainy August day. (Photo by Terry Madewell) Why We Catfish: A Guest Editorial with Benji Brown  Written by Terry Madewell For Benji Brown of Spartanburg South Carolina, catfishing is not merely […]

KDWP Commissioners Approve New Blue Catfish Regulation Source: Kansas Dept. of Wildlife and Parks New harvest limits aim to balance fisheries and enhance angler opportunities. Commissioners with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) approved a new blue catfish harvest regulation for Clinton, El Dorado, Elk City, Glen Elder, John Redmond and Melvern reservoirs […]

Big catfish are caught via drifting or by anchor-fishing tactics.   Anchoring or Drift Fishing: Which is Best for You? Story and photos by Terry Madewell Catfish are caught in excellent numbers using drifting or anchor-fishing tactics. For best results, pick the right tactic for the conditions being fished and your personal style. Catfishing techniques […]

How could anyone not love a smile like this? Seeing reactions like this let’s you know it’s a great guide trip.   A Guide to Hiring a Catfish Guide Story and photos by Brad Durick Hiring a guide can be a great way to have a fun, educational and productive fishing trip without the headaches […]

Page From the Past: The Sorrows of the Fisherman By Charles Heber Clark   Charles Heber Clark, though almost forgotten today, was a very successful humorist of the last half of the 1800s. “Out of the Hurly-Burly,” which he published in 1874 under the pen name Max Adeler, was his most successful work, selling upwards […]

When you’re hoping to catch some small catfish for dinner, few baits work better than chicken liver. Keeping liver on a hook can be tough, though. This soft bait has a tendency to fly off when cast. That won’t happen, though, if you use this simple tip from Capt. David Magness with Cat’n Aroun’ Guide […]

The author’s son Jake with a nice blue cat caught in Maryland’s Patuxent River. The smile on this youngster’s face tells you he has not a worry in the world as he enjoys fishing with his dad.   Why We Catfish: A Guest Editorial Story and photo by Brad Hierstetter The challenges life throws at […]

John Tyler Rutherford (left) and his father are all smiles as they pose for the camera with John’s 46.7-pound state-record channel catfish, one of the biggest caught anywhere in North America in recent years. (Photo courtesy of WVDNR)   Channel Cat Record Tops 46 Pounds West Virginia DNR Gigantic channel cat establishes new West Virginia […]

Return Fish Tags for Rewards Georgia DNR Georgia DNR continues study of invasive blue catfish.   For the second year in a row, Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division researchers are conducting a blue catfish tagging project on the Satilla River and need your help.  Fisheries managers hope this study will allow them […]

What’s New for Catfish Anglers in 2024? Story and photos by: Joe Jellison, Fishing Guide, Scenic City Fishing Charters Here’s a sneak peak at the best new catfish gear from ICAST. ICAST is considered to be the world’s largest expo where fishing companies, anglers and social-media influencers can all network under one roof. It’s a [...]

Amber, a client of the author, holding a large channel catfish in new waters during a fairly aggressive time. This fish was caught on an outside bend in the ON current seam.   Channel Catfish Tactics: Breaking Down New Water Story and photos by Brad Durick Breaking down rivers for channel cats is easier than […]

Professional guide Chris Simpson has used stinkbaits effectively for many years on multiple lakes.   Stinkbaits for Channel Catfish Story and photos by Terry Madewell Channel catfish can be caught on a variety of baits, but stinkbaits are highly productive, providing fast-paced action for these pugnacious catfish.      The first time I dipped a […]

Page From the Past: A Protest In Volume 89 of the British periodical Punch, dated August 1, 1885, we find published this poetic objection to the proposed introduction of catfish into English waters. The author of the poem was not named, and despite his valiant attempt to prevent the spread of whiskerfish in European waters, […]

CFN How-to Video—Using a Drift Sock with Rodney Crimm The action of a drift sock dragging in the water can help keep your boat straight or moving in the intended direction when drift fishing for catfish. It also helps to slow your boat to an ideal speed as it’s drifting across the water. B’n’M Poles […]

Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission fish culturist Andy Severns prepares to stock blue catfish fingerlings into the Ohio River near Point State Park in Pittsburgh. (Courtesy of Penn. Fish & Boat Comm.)   Pennsylvania to Restore Ohio River Basin Blues By Keith “Catfish” Sutton A fish considered highly invasive in the Chesapeake Bay now swims […]

Bumping was developed by anglers on the Mississippi River like fishing guide James Patterson of Bartlett, Tenn. who shows a nice blue cat caught using the technique.   3 Top Tactics for Summer Catfish by Keith “Catfish” Sutton When summer catfishing gets tough, having some offbeat tactics in your bag of tricks can help assure […]

Spending her youth fishing with family prepared Lindsey Brown to enter the world of competitive catfishing.   Women Who Catfish: Lindsey Brown Story and Photos by Terry Madewell Lindsey Brown is fully committed to catfishing, not only for the competition of tournaments or fishing for fun, but for the camaraderie of the catfishing community.   Growing […]

B’n’M Poles pro staffer Brad Box of Caledonia, Mississippi explains the concept of catfish CPR (catch, picture, release) and tells why tournament anglers believe it’s important to practice it every time they’re on the water.

  Page From the Past: excerpt from “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” By Mark Twain One of the most-read pieces of catfishing literature would certainly have to be the following paragraph from Mark Twain’s American classic, “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.” Is it true or just something Twain made up? We will never know for […]

The Cats Incredible Tournament draws teams from up and down the Red River Valley from Manitoba to Fargo, and teams from Nebraska, Missouri and Arkansas.   Cats Incredible Catfish Tournament 2024 This competition brings the community together and builds sportsmanship among the competitors. It truly is a one-of-a-kind memorable event. The 37th Annual Cats Incredible […]

The catfish reared at the Women’s Correctional Center in Lusk reached weights around three pounds before they were stocked in community fisheries.   More Catfish for Wyoming Anglers Wyoming Game & Fish Department Game and Fish collaborates with Women’s Correctional Center to stock community fisheries with catfish. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD) partnered […]

Guide Rodger Taylor said having a plan for night fishing helps him put big catfish in the boat. This one bit on the first set-up before he got all his rigs set.   Catfishing After Dark Story and Photos By Terry Madewell Catfish move to the shallows to feed at night. Fishermen with a good […]

Catfish guide David Magness of Hernando, Mississippi displays a blue cat of a size typically caught in Ross Barnett Reservoir. Bigger catfish swim here but are much less common than eating-size fish such as this.   Discover Ridgeland & The Rez Story and Photos By CatfishNOW Editor Keith Sutton One of the South’s Top Travel […]

Special thanks to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for allowing us to share this video featuring fisheries specialist Tony Sindt. In it, Sindt teaches how to properly catch and release large fish like flathead catfish. Being properly equipped and understanding how to handle a large fish is critical to enhancing the fish’s chances for […]

Page From the Past: Catfish Catching Squirrels By Daniel Mallory   It was in 1842 that Daniel Mallory wrote “Short stories and reminiscences of the last fifty years,” a two-volume collection of tales about the places he visited and the eccentric characters he met while traveling around the Mississippi River Valley almost 200 years ago. […]

Thousands of channel catfish will be stocked in urban and suburban lakes around Texas this spring and summer.   Texas’ Neighborhood Lakes Get Catfish Source: Texas Parks & Wildlife Department 18 lakes around the state provide great opportunities for reeling in cats. Spring has arrived and that means catfish angling is back at Texas Parks […]

A day these boys will never forget! 105-pound blue catfish caught March 16 at the Kerr Lake MaddKatters tournament.   Boys Win Tournament With 105.1-pound Catfish Shared by Tommy Ruffin Giant blue anchored a solid limit of fish. We love a good catfish story, especially when it involves youngsters, and this one sent by our […]

Wild western scenes: a narrative of adventures in the western wilderness By John Beauchamp Jones   John Beauchamp Jones (1810–1866) was a novelist, literary editor and political journalist whose books were very popular during the mid-19th century. During the Civil War, he served as a senior clerk in the Confederate War Department and is today […]

Lucas Rudloff (left) and Capt. Grant Nisbet, owner of Catching Ozarks Guide Service, with the monster blue cat they caught in Lake of the Ozarks this March.   Why We Catfish: A Guest Editorial by Grant Nisbit Monster blue cat a surprise catch on Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks. Here at CatfishNOW.com, we love hearing […]

Arizona’s Fat Cat Challenge encourages catch-and-release of the biggest and oldest individual fish in waters managed by the state Game & Fish Department.   Fat Cat Challenge Source: Arizona Game and Fish Department Ready to catch a little fame and glory? The Arizona Game and Fish Department encourages anglers to participate in the Arizona Fat […]

Whether anglers are looking to stuff their cooler with Maryland fresh seafood or compete for prize money, angling for blue catfish can be rewarding. Competitive angling for invasive species also helps promote a healthier ecosystem in Maryland waters. (Credit: Keith Sutton)   Catfish Competitions Benefit the Chesapeake Source: Maryland Department of Natural Resources Maryland catfish […]

This photo shows the record-breaking catfish caught by nine-year-old Jaxon Yoakum who fittingly wore a T-shirt that read, “Sheeesh.”   Kid Catches Whopper Lone Star Blue Cat Source: Texas Parks & Wildlife Young Texas angler lands a blue cat bigger than he is. Those of you who have had the experience of landing a blue […]

“When the Bull-Heads Bite.” By Francis H. Buzzacott Francis Buzzacott, aka “The Colonel,” was a well-known explorer, outdoorsman and author in the early 20th century. His many accomplishments included serving as a member of the British South African Expedition, 1878-9; the Antarctic Expedition, 1879-81; Voyage to the Arctic, 1881-4; the Spanish-American War Campaign, 1898; and [...]

Angela Dixon of Chidester, Arkansas with her 3-pound, 9-ounce record brown bullhead from Lower White Oak Lake.   Two for the Books Sources: Arkansas Game & Fish Commission, International Game Fish Association A pair of whopper catfish have established new record-book benchmarks.   Incoming news reports this month tell of two impressive catfish that will [...]

Haylee and Logan Applegate caught 50-pound catfish from Lake Conway in Arkansas within days of one another.   Rebuilding a Legendary Flathead Lake By Keith “Catfish” Sutton Arkansas’ Lake Conway is about to undergo an extensive five-year renovation   For decades now, I’ve told anyone who would listen that Arkansas’ Lake Conway is one of […]

Cary Winchester (right) and partner Harold Dodd proudly display the 108-pound blue cat Winchester caught to establish a new record for the largest catfish ever weighed in a tournament.   CAT-aclysm in Memphis: A Tournament to Remember By Keith “Catfish” Sutton   “Move over Elvis, a couple of new kings are in town!” That was […]

The Miller catfishing Tournament Team with a couple of big blues from Badin Lake in North Carolina.   Becoming a Catfish Tournament Fisherman by Terry Madewell Fishermen who want to test their catfishing skills can begin fishing tournaments, but a plan of action before beginning can help them reach their goals.     So, you want […]

The Cumberland Catfish As told by Robert Wolfender In their book “Folklore from the Working Folk of America” (1973), authors T.P. Coffin and Henig Cohen share a catfish tale given to them by Robert Wolfender of Etowah, Tennessee.  The year was 1945. Wolfender has just finished catfishing on the Cumberland River, and as he carries […]

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has launched a statewide campaign to teach citizens about the impact of blue and flathead catfish and encourage anglers to remove these invasive species from local waters. (credit: Keith Sutton)     Feds Deny Blue Catfish Disaster Declaration Request Source: Maryland Department of Natural Resources Anglers are encouraged to […]

The little Scioto madtom has not been documented since 1957 and was recently declared extinct by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. (credit: Dave Neely, Ohio DNR)   Scioto Madtom Declared Extinct Source: Ohio Dept. of Natural Resources A fish so tiny with such a restricted range might seem unimportant in the grand scheme of […]

Cody Mullennix, left, caught this 121.5-pound former world-record blue cat in 2004 while fishing in Lake Texoma, one of the Lone Star State’s top destinations for trophy whiskerfish.   3 Hot Lakes for Texas Catfish By Keith “Catfish” Sutton For great catfishing in the Lone Star State, the trio of reservoirs described here are hard […]

Rance Bore-‘em By James Robinson, aka George Killikrankie Kauphy Welcome to our new magazine section, Page From the Past, where we will periodically share with you timeless stories that celebrate the mystique of catfish and the captivating adventures of those who seek them. Here, we’ll uncover tales that span generations, transporting you to waters teeming […]

Michael John Drake of St. Albans, WV broke his state’s record for the heaviest blue catfish with this nearly 70-pound catch, officials announced. (courtesy of West Virginia DNR)   Ohio River Blue Cat Establishes New WV Record Source: West Virginia Department of Natural Resources Anglers keep reeling in monsters while fishing Mountain State waters.   […]

Were it to be introduced into North American waters, the wels catfish could have devastating impacts on native fish and ecosystems. Guarding Ontario’s Waters Preventing the Potential Invasion of Wels Catfish Source: Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry   In 2012, the government of Ontario, Canada developed the Ontario Invasive Species Strategic Plan to […]

Guiding the next generation: A father patiently teaches his young son how to fish.   At What Age Can Children Begin Fishing? By Keith “Catfish” Sutton Proper preparation is the key to starting youngsters out right.   Fishing has been a cherished pastime for generations. Introducing children to this age-old activity is a wonderful way […]

ACA Catfish Challenge Proves to Be a Big Hit Source: American Catfishing Association Evolving from a simple idea among friends, the ACA Catfish Challenge has mushroomed into a platform embraced by the catfishing community.   Last month, the American Catfishing Association, in collaboration with co-creators Alex Nagy, director of Twisted Cat Outdoors, along with co-creator […]

ACA Debuts Live One-on-One Catfish Challenge Broadcast Source: American Catfishing Association Thousands of viewers watched live as catfishing experts Alex Nagy and Bryan St. Ama battled it out on the water.   It started out as a concept among friends and quickly grew into one of the most exciting social media broadcasts the sport of […]

Report Delaware River Blue Cats & Drum Source: Pennsylvania Fishing and Boating Commission   The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) is alerting anglers that two species of fish that are non-native to the lower Delaware River basin, blue catfish and freshwater drum, are being detected in increasing numbers within those waters. Blue catfish have […]

Done right, catfishing can be a fun and memorable experience for the whole family. (credit: courtesy of G3 Boats)     Making Memories: Tips for Catfishing Adventures With Kids By Keith “Catfish” Sutton Dive into the world of family fun and fishing with these expert tips for unforgettable catfishing experiences alongside your children.   Introducing […]

(courtesy of Sydney McBroom/Delaware DNR)   Yet Another Delaware State-Record Blue Cat Source: Delaware Department of Natural Resources The Nanticoke River has given up its third record blue cat in less than two years.   If it’s starting to sound like a broken record, that’s exactly what it is. For the second time in less […]

Georgia biologists ask anglers to avoid moving or releasing flathead catfish into waterbodies where they aren’t typically found. (Keith Sutton photo)   Non-Native Flatheads Turn Up in Georgia River Source: Georgia Department of Natural Resources These big predators can wreak havoc on ecosystems where releases allow them to thrive outside their native range.   Wildlife […]

Kids’ behaviors often mimic those of the adults who take them fishing. Knowing that, we should always strive to influence children in positive ways. (Photo by Jeff Samsel)   The Power of Positive Influence By Keith “Catfish” Sutton Wise adults spend time teaching the next generation not just how to catch fish, but also how […]

Chris Andrews’ night-time fishing trip with friends on the Nanticoke River netted him a state-record 48-pound, 7-ounce blue catfish that eclipsed a Delaware record for the species that lasted less than a year.   Blue Cat Sets New Delaware State Record Source: Delaware Department of Natural Resources A big Nanticoke River blue cat caught by […]

Invasive carp ID signs will be installed at all public boat ramps along the Tennessee River this fall.   New Invasive Carps Signs at Tennessee River Ramps Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Boaters and anglers asked to report sightings/harvests.   The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) is expanding its awareness […]

Matt “CatMatt” Jones believes teaching children how to fish can help them grow into responsible adults. As chair of the 2024 Catfish Academy for Kids, he’s seeking donations of rods and reels, or money, so each youngster can go home with everything he or she needs to start catfishing.     Donations Needed for Children’s […]

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 […]

Those of you learning the basics of catfishing would do well to look back at the tactics shared by the anglers of yesteryear. As we embrace modern techniques and technology, it’s wise not to overlook the wealth of timeless knowledge left by those who came before us. Our ancestors’ profound wisdom, creativity and innovation form […]

It’s that time of year when catfishing gets tough. Female catfish are laying their eggs in underwater cavities, males are guarding the eggs and fry, and, as a result, anglers are finding it hard to coax fish to bite. What should you do when you confront this situation? Mississippi catfishermen Joey Pounders and Jay Gallop, […]

Guide Jordan Leer uses a colorful Demon Dragon line floater to keep his hook baited with cut shad off the bottom where it is more visible to hungry blue catfish.     Shad Tracker By Brent Frazee Missouri guide uses his electronics to locate the blue cat’s food.   Jordan Leer stared at the screen […]

Lock on, fish on with the new MEGA LIVE Imaging TargetLock with a push of a button.  (Brad Wiegmann Photo)   It’s Going to Cost You $$$  by Brad Wiegmann Technology can be expensive.   Ready, set, spend! If you are like so many other anglers caught up in having the best and newest sonar […]

Catch More Flatheads Using Your Sonar/GPS Unit by Brad Wiegmann It’s a fact. Anglers have been catching flatheads long before any of them put a sonar unit on the boat. Your great grandfather didn’t use a sonar unit and still caught plenty, even some big flatheads.   Today’s flathead catfish anglers are benefiting from advanced […]

Fishing with professional guide Capt. Ty Konkle in the Tennessee River Gorge, Brain Cabe and his son, Woody, recently EACH caught blue catfish weighing more than 100 pounds in one day. To capture any 100-pound-plus catfish is a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence. To catch two in one day defies all odds. (Photos: Capt. Ty Konkle)   Lightning […]

When fishing rivers, it’s important for catfish anglers to understand movement patterns of the fish they seek. Big blue cats like this Missouri River fish may migrate hundreds of miles as seasons change, making them difficult to pinpoint. (Keith Sutton photo)   Catching Fall Catfish on the Move by Keith “Catfish” Sutton Studying the migration […]

The author lifts a big Surubim catfish that grabbed his 7-inch, hard plastic minnowbait.   “The Painted Catfish of South America” by Larry Larsen The most beautiful catfish in South America are formidable, resemble a painted canvas, and readily strike lures!   My partner and I were taking a break from casting in the 95-degree […]

by Brad Durick My catfish tournament, its unique format, and things that pop up. Putting on a great catfish tournament is not as easy as many think. Just finding a date and throwing together a group of anglers is not a real tournament. A real tournament is a well thought out, well-oiled machine. To truly […]

by Ron Presley Winter tournaments continue to grow in popularity. The First Annual Reindeer Catfish Games took place out of Lexington Riverfront Park, Lexington, Missouri on December 8. 2018. As the name implies, a Second Annual tournament should follow. In fact, that is exactly what Alex Nagy and Tim Berger have planned. Nagy is the […]

by Brad Durick Making bad days not as bad Catfishing is a sport where anglers of all levels try to accomplish the same objective. They are out to catch fish, and usually the biggest fish they can. Over the past few years research has been conducted on how weather and water conditions affect catfish. The […]

MRM ANGLER ROUNDUP – 2017 The 2017 Mississippi River Monsters tournament in Memphis will feature prominent anglers and tournament teams in a series of catfish seminars. The Friday afternoon event promises to provide more catfishing information in four hours than an individual could accumulate in years of fishing on their own. One of the distinguishing […]