Personal Bests
During the last week in March and on April Fools’ Day, my wife Sue and I fished the first National Crappie League, Division 1 tournament on Weiss Lake in Alabama. Although we were using Garmin Live technologies, a large flathead catfish separated from the bottom and hit my bait. It was game on.
My 14-foot B’n’M Pro Staff trolling rod and 10-pound Gamma line were straining from this large beast. Surge after surge, I thought I was going to lose it. But the fishing gods were on my side, and, after trying to fit this 20-pound-plus flathead in our Monster crappie net several times, I landed it in the boat. I have included a picture so you can actually see this big fish. It was my personal best flathead catfish as I don’t normally pursue them.
So, if you are a professional catfish angler, you will say, OK, that really isn’t a massive fish in comparison to some who catch them much, much bigger than this. But to me, this personal best was a big, fun happening.
Flathead Baits
Catching flatheads consistently requires the right bait placed precisely on target. Flathead Catfish Bait Strategy By Terry Madewell Deploying the right bait, in the right size, is only part of the solution for consistently catching big flatheads. Presentation of the bait to a specific target is crucial. Marshal Hughey is a 43-year-old catfish angler […]
Dead or Alive?
This channel catfish is a perfect example of using three- to four-day-old cut-bait that was packed in ice. On this day, older bait was preferred over that prepared just a day before. Why Aged Cut-Baits May Catch More Catfish by Brad Durick Bait is the biggest challenge for catfish anglers, but is live bait […]
Weird Baits
Why would one put a piece of soap on a hook and use it for catfish bait? Because it works, that’s why. Some types of soap have been used to attract catfish for more than a century. 6 Nearly Forgotten Catfish Baits You Should Try by Keith “Catfish” Sutton They may seem strange, but […]
Electronics by Wiegmann
This diagram shows the coverage area of 2D sonar, down imaging sonar and side imaging sonar. (Photo courtesy of Humminbird Electronics) Understanding Sonar Beams and Cones by Brad Wiegmann Did you know traditional sonar cones are round, unlike the elongated beams of down and side imaging? Anglers often think that sonar beams and […]
Catch of the Day
Congratulations to 9-year old Maggy Sojourner on a new Junior Waterbody record with her 26-pound-plus blue catfish from Lake Granbury, Texas. (Credit Texas Parks & Wildlife) Big Catch for Small Girl Courtesy of Texas Parks & Wildlife Nine-year-old girl breaks a record with her catch of the day. That’s quite a catch! Nine-year-old Maggy […]
Catfish Gear #63
The T-6200 Troll King with twin mounting stems on each end is the strongest trolling system Driftmaster makes. Driftmaster T-6200 Troll King By Keith “Catfish” Sutton These top-quality American-made trolling racks get the job done when you need secure support for your tackle. Today’s catfish anglers often target fish that may weigh 50 pounds […]
Catfish, Snakeheads Prompt Disaster Declaration Request
Populations of invasive blue catfish, flathead catfish and snakeheads in Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries continue growing, prompting Maryland’s governor to call for a federal disaster declaration. Md. Governor Calls For Blue Catfish Disaster Declaration by Keith “Catfish” Sutton Maryland seeks federal assistance to combat invasive catfish threatening Chesapeake Bay’s commercial fishing industry. […]
Channel Cat Stockings Hit 10-Year Milestone
Grab your fishing pole! The Indiana DNR is stocking urban lakes statewide with hard-hitting, good-eating channel catfish. (public domain image, credit Laura Cobin) Celebrating a Decade of Urban Catfishing by Keith “Catfish” Sutton Fun-to-catch channel cats are available at city lakes throughout Indiana. This month, we want to say congratulations to the folks […]
Coming Full Circle as an Angler
Fishing guide Brad Durick slides the net under a dandy Red River channel cat for a client. Why We Catfish: A Guest Editorial by Capt. Brad Durick Being the net man has its perks. Being given the opportunity to write this got me reflecting back on my catfishing career. I just finished my […]
CFN How to Video with Keith “Catfish” Sutton — Try Pier Fishing
Public fishing piers provide safe, convenient locations where you can take the whole family catfishing. Pack a picnic lunch, outfit your children with life jackets to avoid any unforeseen mishaps, then share the fun. Most piers are handicapped accessible, too. In this video, editor Keith Sutton tells how to find piers to fish from where […]
Catfish Basics #154—Early Spring Catfishing with Chris Souders
Early spring is one of my favorite times of the year. Everywhere you look, you see signs of new life, and with each day, you get a small glimpse of warmer weather ahead. Now, catfish are seeking warmer waters and sustainable food sources to prepare themselves for the upcoming spawn. What does this mean for […]
