Dive Into September!

By Keith “Catfish” Sutton, Editor

Welcome to the September edition of CatfishNOW! As the waters begin to cool and a touch of fall is in the air, we’ve got a fantastic lineup of content that’s sure to inspire and educate every catfish enthusiast.

First up, we take you to the historic Mississippi River Monsters event at Vicksburg, where the largest payout in tournament catfishing history was awarded last month. In Catfishing’s Biggest Check, Ron Presley recounts the exciting moment when Jason Masingale, Daryl Masingale and David Coughlin took home the first-place prize of $100,000. This win is a testament to their skill, determination and a bit of good fortune—proving that big rewards come to those who pursue their passion with everything they’ve got.

For those of you looking to sharpen your skills without relying on modern technology, Brad Hierstetter’s article, Finding Active Catfish Without Electronics, offers invaluable tips. With so many variables influencing catfish behavior, understanding how to locate active fish using natural indicators is crucial. Brad’s practical advice will help you master the art of reading rivers and lakes to find catfish-attracting structure and cover.

If you’ve ever considered fishing with the services of a guide, you won’t want to miss A Guide to Hiring a Catfish Guide by Capt. Brad Durick. With 17 years of guiding experience, Capt. Brad shares his expertise on how to select the right guide for your needs, ensuring that your next guided trip is both educational and enjoyable.

The age-old debate of anchoring versus drift fishing is explored in Terry Madewell’s Anchoring or Drift Fishing: Which is Best for You?. Whether you’re new to the sport or a seasoned pro, Terry breaks down the pros and cons of each method, helping you decide which technique suits your fishing style best.

In addition to these feature articles, we’re excited to share some important updates: Channel catfish stocking is back in Washington State after a decade-long hiatus, new blue cat regulations are in place in Kansas, and we’ve got a must-see sabiki-rig tips video with master catman Rodney Crimm. Plus, check out the latest electronics for 2024 in Brad Wiegmann’s column to stay ahead of the curve in your catfishing adventures.

Thank you for being part of our CatfishNOW community. Whether you’re on the water or planning your next trip, we hope this issue helps you catch more catfish and create lasting memories.

Hook ‘em! I’ll see you downstream.

Keith “Catfish” Sutton, Editor