CFN How-to Video with Keith “Catfish” Sutton—Don’t Forget to Set Your Drag
A properly set drag can make the difference between landing a big catfish and watching it swim away. In our latest how-to video, CatfishNOW editor Keith Sutton explains why setting the drag on your fishing reel is so important and how the right adjustment allows a fish to take line without breaking your line or […]
Guide of the Month: Billy Clabough – Tennessee River Valley Guide Service
Capt. Billy Clabough loves to take kids of all ages fishing, but kids under 16 years old fish for free on his charter trips. Guide of the Month: Billy Clabough – Tennessee River Valley Guide Service by Capt. Richard Simms Photos courtesy of Capt. Billy Clabough Sometimes life’s biggest setbacks become its greatest […]
River Rumors: Three Generations, One Record Catfish
Tyler Harmon and his 4-year-old son, Walker, pose with the 72.75-pound blue catfish that set a new West Virginia catch-and-release state record on the Ohio River. For three generations of the Harmon family, it was a fishing memory they’ll never forget. (Photo courtesy of Tyler Harmon) River Rumors: Three Generations, One Record Catfish By Keith […]
Catfish Conservation: Black Blotches on Bullheads: Should Catfish Anglers Be Concerned?
About a third of brown bullhead catfish in Lake Memphremagog, which spans the Quebec-Vermont border, have black spots and lumps. A new study shows these are a kind of contagious cancer. (Photo Courtesy of Vermont Fish & Wildlife) Catfish Conservation: Black Blotches on Bullheads: Should Catfish Anglers Be Concerned? By Keith “Catfish” Sutton […]
Catfish Gear: Driftmaster No-Drill Rod Holders
Catfish Gear: Driftmaster No-Drill Rod Holders By Keith “Catfish” Sutton When you’re chasing big catfish, good rod holders aren’t just convenient accessories. They’re an important part of the fishing system. Whether you’re anchored over a deep river hole, drifting a flathead rig along a bank or suspending live bait over deep structure, you need […]
Catfish Basics: Bankfishing Tips
Catfish Basics: Bankfishing Tips Story and photo by Keith “Catfish” Sutton Bankfishing is one of the simplest and most accessible ways to catch catfish. You don’t need an expensive boat or a truckload of equipment. You need a good location, the right presentation and a willingness to move when the fish aren’t cooperating. Pick the […]
Rigging a Catfish Boat
The author’s Kingfisher guide boat on the water and working. Durick runs eight rods at a time for customers, with everything in it’s place to facilitate efficient fishing. Rigging a Catfish Boat Story and photos by Brad Durick There is no wrong way to rig your new or new-to-you boat. There are ways to […]
Technology for Finding and Catching Trophy Catfish
Today’s electronics give catfish anglers an unprecedented look at underwater structure and fish. But as experienced anglers know, the real test comes when that technology helps put a catfish in the boat. Technology for Finding and Catching Trophy Catfish By Rodney Crimm Finding where trophy catfish hide and feed is the first step in […]
What’s Hot from ICAST 2026
What’s Hot from ICAST 2026 By Capt. Richard Simms The annual show of the International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades, better known as ICAST, wrapped up July in Orlando, Florida. It is known as the largest fishing tackle show in the world, typically featuring every new fishing product made, so far anyway. While there weren’t [...]
Young Anglers: Ready to Catch a Big Cat?
Some kids dream about catching a monster catfish. At the Big Cat Youth Fishing Tournament, those dreams just might come true. Young Anglers: Ready to Catch a Big Cat? Source: Alabama Wildlife Federation August is National Catfish Month, and young anglers in Alabama have a chance to prove their fishing skills in the […]
CFN How-to Video with Keith “Catfish” Sutton—SPAM: A Grocery Store Bait That’s Hard to Beat
SPAM, the canned meat product introduced by Hormel Foods Corporation in 1937, may not be the first catfish bait that comes to mind when you have to shop at your local grocery. But this kitchen staple, made from ground pork shoulder and ham, exudes an aroma and flavor whiskerfish love. It has even been used […]
Guide of the Month: Chad Ferguson – North Texas Catfish Guide Service
Blue skies, blue water and a big blue cat equal a big smile from Allie, one of Ferguson’s clients. Guide of the Month: Chad Ferguson – North Texas Catfish Guide Service by Capt. Richard Simms Photos courtesy of Chad Ferguson For nearly three decades, Chad Ferguson has built a reputation as one of […]
