The Bonds of Catfishing

By Keith “Catfish” Sutton, Editor

Spring is on the horizon, and with it comes the excitement of new adventures on the water. March is a special time for catfish anglers. The days grow longer, the fish grow more active, and the camaraderie that makes this sport so special is on full display.

That sense of connection—between anglers, between past and present, between simple traditions and evolving techniques—is woven throughout this issue of CatfishNOW. Whether it’s two Vietnam veterans rekindling a friendship decades after their service, the time-tested wisdom of keeping things simple on the water or the ever-evolving pursuit of giant blues with the right bait, this month’s stories remind us that catfishing is about much more than just the fish. It’s about the people and the moments that make every trip worthwhile.

One of my favorite aspects of this sport is its ability to bring people together. Whether it’s a father and daughter sharing their first night-fishing experience, a group of tournament anglers swapping stories at weigh-in or two old friends reunited through a shared passion, catfishing has a way of bridging generations and backgrounds. That’s something to celebrate.

Of course, none of us would be here without the knowledge and dedication of those who have come before us. Advances in gear, like those we highlight in our monthly gear section, continue to make us better anglers, but the core of great catfishing remains unchanged—understanding the fish, respecting the water and passing down what we’ve learned.

As the season picks up, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on the connections that make catfishing meaningful to you. Maybe it’s the memories of a mentor who first showed you how to bait a hook, or the anticipation of teaching a young angler the thrill of a rod bending under the weight of a big fish. Whatever it may be, those bonds are what keep us coming back, year after year.

I hope this issue inspires you to get out there, reconnect with old fishing buddies or perhaps make new ones. Tight lines, good company and unforgettable moments—that’s what catfishing is all about.

I’ll see you downstream.

Keith “Catfish” Sutton, Editor