Tools of the Trade

The September issue of CatfishNOW is all about getting more from your time on the water. Whether you’re looking for new gear, using electronics to locate trophy catfish or outfitting your boat for greater efficiency, the right tools can make a big difference.

Our three feature stories each approach catfishing from a different angle, but they share a common theme: knowledge and preparation can help you become a better angler.

Richard Simms takes us to ICAST 2026 for a look at some of the newest products coming to the fishing market. ICAST is always an exciting place for anglers because it offers a glimpse at the equipment and technology that may soon find its way into our boats and tackle boxes. Not every new product will be a must-have, but there are always innovations worth watching. Richard’s report highlights some of the products that caught his attention and could benefit catfish anglers.

Rodney Crimm’s story, “Technology for Finding & Catching Trophy Cats,” focuses on one of the most important advances in modern catfishing: electronics. Today’s depthfinders do much more than tell us how deep the water is. Sonar, down imaging and side imaging can help anglers understand what’s happening beneath and around the boat. Used properly, these tools can help locate structure, identify potential fish-holding areas and develop a better understanding of the water you’re fishing.

Then Brad Durick turns his attention to the boat itself with “Tips for Rigging a Catfish Boat.” A well-equipped catfishing boat doesn’t have to be loaded with every gadget available. It needs to be set up to suit the way you fish. Rod storage, seating, electronics, anchor systems and other equipment all have a place, but the goal is to create a boat that works for you rather than one that simply looks impressive.

That’s an important lesson for all of us. New technology and equipment are great, but owning the latest gear doesn’t automatically make us better anglers. Knowing how to use what we have is what really matters.

As catfishing continues to evolve, the boats we fish from, the electronics we use and the tackle we carry will continue to change. But the fundamentals remain the same: find the fish, present the bait properly and be ready when that big cat decides to bite.

I hope you’ll spend some time with this month’s stories. You may find a new product worth considering, discover a better way to use your electronics or pick up an idea that makes your own boat more functional.

Most important, I hope something in this issue helps you catch more catfish.

Now, let’s get on the water!

Keith “Catfish” Sutton, Editor