
PUBLISHER
Dan Dannenmueller
EDITOR
Keith “Catfish” Sutton
SR. WRITER
Ron Presley
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Matt Mullikin
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Alan Clemons
Brad Durick
Brent Frazee
Michael Giles
Anietra Hamper
Terry Madewell
Ron Presley
Richard Simms
Keith Sutton
Wes Littlefield
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Email: info@catfishnow.com
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Cover Photo Credit
Arkansas angler Alex Hinson caught this mess of eating-size channel cats in a farm pond on a freezing-cold day in January. Winter catfishing can be excellent despite common misconceptions. (Photo by Keith “Catfish” Sutton)
Catfishing’s Bright Horizon
By Keith “Catfish” Sutton, Editor
As we step into January 2025, I’m proud to say this marks the beginning of my third year as editor of CatfishNOW. Reflecting on the journey so far, I’m filled with gratitude and excitement for what’s ahead. The sport of catfishing has experienced remarkable growth during my tenure, and it’s been a privilege to document and contribute to this evolution.
One of my greatest pleasures has been working with an incredible group of writers. These talented individuals—men and women from throughout the country—bring unparalleled expertise and passion to every article, ensuring our readers stay informed and inspired. They are not just journalists but seasoned anglers who know the intricacies of catfishing from first-hand experience. Their deep connection to the sport adds authenticity and depth to every story they tell.
Conservation has been a priority in every issue, with stories that emphasize the importance of protecting our fisheries for future generations. Additionally, the news stories we generate for the magazine and social media keep readers up to date on the latest developments in the sport, from groundbreaking techniques to tournament results.
The growth in catfishing participation has been phenomenal. Each year, more anglers are drawn to the challenge of catching big catfish. This shift has been fueled by advancements like forward-facing sonar, which allows anglers to pinpoint the largest fish with incredible precision, and the increasing popularity of catfish tournaments, which showcase the thrill of the sport. The results speak for themselves: we’re seeing more trophy catfish than ever before, with numerous 100-pound-plus giants making headlines. It’s a testament to the skill and dedication of today’s anglers.
Our audience has evolved alongside the sport. Anglers today are better educated about catfish than ever before. Not long ago, catfish were often dismissed as “trash fish,” but that perception has dramatically changed. Readers now understand that catfish grow bigger, fight harder and are more widely distributed than most other sportfish. This shift in perspective is a victory for the entire catfishing community and a testament to the power of education and advocacy.
Looking ahead, I’m excited about the continued growth of CatfishNOW. Our goal remains the same: to deliver up-to-the-minute news and engaging stories that celebrate the sport we all love. I also hope our readers will help spread the word about this free publication, encouraging more anglers to join our growing community of subscribers. Together, we can ensure that CatfishNOW remains a valuable resource for anglers of all experience levels.
On a personal note, serving as editor of this magazine has been a dream come true. For a guy like me, who has been writing about catfishing for 50 years, this role represents the culmination of a lifetime of passion and dedication. Catfishing has given me so much over the years, and it’s an honor to give back by sharing stories that inform, inspire and unite our community.
As we embark on another year, I want to thank you—our readers—for your continued support. Your enthusiasm and love for the sport are what drive us to keep improving and innovating. Here’s to a fantastic year of tight lines, big fish and unforgettable memories on the water.
I’ll see you downstream.
Keith “Catfish” Sutton, Editor