Article Library

CFN How to Video with Michael Haney—Using Planer Boards for Suspended Summer Catfish

During July, the water temperature in many lakes is such that catfish leave their usual bottom haunts and feed on suspended schools of shad. B’n’M Poles pro staff member Michael Haney says this is a good time to suspend baits beneath planer boards, a tactic that can increase your catch rate significantly.

Guide of the Month: Zac Bernier—Nodak Charters

Kayla Stewart brought her three youngsters fishing with Capt. Bernier. Initially the bite was slow and the kids complained about being bored— until this monster hit. The 21-pound channel cat was the biggest Capt. Bernier had seen that season.     Guide of the Month: Zac Bernier—Nodak Charters by Capt. Richard Simms Photos courtesy of […]

Just Out! Terry Madewell’s “Minnow Bucket Memories”

Just Out! Terry Madewell’s “Minnow Bucket Memories” By Keith “Catfish” Sutton   For more than 50 years, Terry Madewell has built a respected career writing about hunting, fishing and the outdoors. Most readers know him for his practical how-to/where-to stories—where to fish, how to catch more catfish, how to outsmart a gobbler or how to […]

Take Kids Fishing Day Hooks Wisconsin Families

At the Madison Area Take Kids Fishing day, many youths got to fish for the first time, and approximately 45 union volunteers were available to assist. (Photo courtesy of Union Sportsmen’s Alliance)   Take Kids Fishing Day Hooks Wisconsin Families Source: Union Sportsmen’s Alliance On a Saturday that began with rain forecasts, Wisconsin families instead […]

Catfish Gear: Power-Pole MOVE ZR: Built to Hunt Fish Without Spooking Them

Catfish Gear: Power-Pole MOVE ZR:  Built to Hunt Fish Without Spooking Them   When you’re fishing, boat control isn’t just helpful. It’s everything. Whether you’re working a breakline, holding on a brushpile or staying locked in on a group of fish you just marked, precision and consistency make the difference between a slow day and [...]

Catfish Basics: Mountain Stream Catfish Story and photo by Keith “Catfish” Sutton

Catfish Basics: Mountain Stream Catfish Story and photo by Keith “Catfish” Sutton   When most catfish anglers picture their next trip, they imagine muddy rivers, sprawling reservoirs and backwater holes buzzing with mosquitoes. Few think about cool, clear mountain streams. That’s a mistake. Across much of the country, mountain streams support surprisingly healthy catfish populations. […]

One of a Kind: Discovering the Hidden Gems of Oxford, Mississippi By Kyleigh Touro

The exterior of Wonderbird Spirits welcomes visitors to one of America’s only grain-to-glass gin distilleries, where Mississippi Delta rice is transformed into award-winning handcrafted gin. (Kyleigh Touro photo)   One of a Kind: Discovering the Hidden Gems of Oxford, Mississippi By Kyleigh Touro   When people think of Oxford, Mississippi, they often picture the historic […]

River Rumors: Record Cats Making Headlines By Keith “Catfish” Sutton

From left: Michael Ramey and his friends Tyler McCoy and Mark Taylor with Ramey’s West Virginia state-record blue cat. (courtesy of West Virginia DNR)   River Rumors: Record Cats Making Headlines By Keith “Catfish” Sutton   Seems like catfish just keep getting bigger, with new state records making the news almost weekly. Consider, for example, […]

The Unsung Partners of Catfish Guides By Capt. Richard Simms

She doesn’t make a habit of it, but Kylene Booher does occasionally hit the water with her husband for trophy catfish on the Tennessee River. (Photo by Capt. Sam Simons)   The Unsung Partners of Catfish Guides By Capt. Richard Simms Every angler has dreamed about it at some point. Imagine spending your days on […]

Raised on the Water: Jill Bruce’s Lifelong Love of Catfishing

Jill Bruce said catfishing is special, but she loves fishing for all species of fish.   Raised on the Water: Jill Bruce’s Lifelong Love of Catfishing Story and photos by Terry Madewell Jill Bruce’s love for catfishing and for fishing for any species was planted with deep roots in her youth, and that love has […]

It Just Takes One By Anietra Hamper

Laurie Emerson embraces the quiet rhythm of kayak fishing along one of Florida’s winding waterways. It Just Takes One By Anietra Hamper Photos courtesy of Laurie Emerson A Woman’s Accidental Catch Becomes Her Pathway to a Passion Laurie Emerson is a passionate angler who fishes for nearly every species in any location with any methods […]

CFN How-to Video with David Magness—Preparing Skipjacks for Bait

The number of ways an angler can prepare skipjacks for bait is almost endless. In this video, our resident bait expert, Capt. David Magness, walks viewers through proven techniques for preparing skipjack, including how to cut different sections for specific situations, maintain freshness and present bait effectively. His step-by-step advice is designed to help anglers […]