Article Library

Sedrick Neinhuis holding the 4.45-pound state-record gizzard shad he caught April 22 in Michigan’s Grand River.   River Rumors: That’s One Big Catfish Bait! By Keith “Catfish” Sutton Photos courtesy of Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources   Most catfish anglers have used gizzard shad for live or cut-bait at one time or another. But very […]

Channel catfish are stocked in waters across Arkansas by the state Game and Fish Commission, creating more opportunities for anglers of all ages to get in on the action. (AGFC photo)   Catfish Kids: Arkansas Hatcheries Stocking Catfish Statewide Source: Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Warm days and long afternoons are back, and the Arkansas […]

Catfish Gear: Tattle Flag Tips By Nick DeShano, COO, Off Shore Tackle Using the Off Shore Tackle OR12 Side-Planer with a spring-loaded Tattle Flag system is an excellent way to spread lines and detect light strikes when catfishing. This setup is highly effective for trolling or drifting along flats, river edges and ledges, allowing you […]

Freshly caught bait like this skipjack herring will often outfish frozen or commercial baits by a significant margin. Catfish Basics: The Bait Equation Story and photo by Keith “Catfish” Sutton Fresh bait + proper presentation = big cats. That’s the bait equation. Without fresh bait (either live or freshly killed), you might find it difficult […]

Justin Hodge with his 73.6-pound Florida state-record blue catfish. (Credit: MyFWC Florida Fish & Wildlife) New Florida Blue Cat Record By Keith “Catfish” Sutton A giant blue catfish pulled from Florida’s Suwannee River earlier this year has officially rewritten the Sunshine State record book. Florida angler Justin Hodge boated the massive fish February 21 while […]

Chicken breast, Jell-o and garlic powder, a surprising bait combination that will often catch catfish, no just in a pinch but anytime other baits run short   From Fresh to Frozen: Winning the Catfish Bait Game Story and photos by Brad Durick In the world of catfishing there is one challenge that stands out universally […]

When Danny King (right) uses his stinkbait, there often are catfish headed for the frying pan. The Bait Stinks, But the Fishing Doesn’t By Brent Frazee Photos courtesy of Danny King What stinks? Well, if you’re fishing with Danny King, you know it has to be the bait he uses. King, a 76-year-old Texas “good […]

Like most catfishermen, Al Rogers often wonders whether or not using the right bait is the key to catching catfish, or whether the only thing that matters is putting any bait in the right place. BTW, this big blue was caught fishing with a chunk of chicken breast straight from the grocery store meat counter. […]

In May and June, catfish often gather on long stretches of riprap (rocks covering banks to aid erosion control) to gorge on shad, crawfish and other forage animals. B’n’M Poles pro staff member Michael Haney explains how to catch these “catfish on the rocks.”

Capt. Trent Thomasson says he often targets eater-sized cats if clients prefer, but Lake Wylie also produces good numbers of trophy-sized cats for folks who want to “size up.” (Photo courtesy Capt. Trent Thomasson)   Guide of the Month: Trent Thomasson – Wylie Guide Charters by Capt. Richard Simms   Capt. Trent Thomasson with Wylie […]

Big river catfish like this don’t come easy, and in western Pennsylvania, new regulations could help keep more of them swimming for years to come.   River Rumors: Big Changes Brewing in Pennsylvania By Keith “Catfish” Sutton If you fish the rivers around Pittsburgh—or know somebody who does—you might want to pay attention to what’s […]

Programs like the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund help keep access points like this open, safe and ready for anglers across the country.   Catfish Conservation: Key Funding Source for Catfish Waters Faces Renewal Story and photo by Keith “Catfish” Sutton If you’ve ever launched a boat at a well-built ramp, fished from […]