Catfish NOW – April 2026

Pond Catfishing

Pond catfishing can be just as exciting as fishing at any major lake or river. The fish in ponds may not grow to 100 pounds, but a 10-pound channel catfish can really give you chills when hooked up.

Recently, Sue and I fished our small lake, and it was game on for the channel cats while we were panfishing. Within minutes, Sue hooked up, and the loud squeal of the drag while that 8-pound channel screamed out into the lake was very exciting. I had to instruct Sue to tighten the drag before the scrappy fish ran the reel out of line. The B’n’M rod was bent double, the Gamma Fishing line was singing as it cut through the water, and the Tru-Turn hook performed perfectly.

Just because they are in a pond does not mean the fish are not powerful. It is astonishing how quickly they can generate speed and power.

Roughly 15 minutes later, I hooked one of the bigger giants, which was just about three feet long and very wide. The hook came out after a five-minute fight, but the fun had already begun. Not only are they fun, but they are good eating, too.

Catfishing Versatility Improves Success by Terry Madewell

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Catfish Culture in Tennessee: Home of the World’s Biggest Fish Fry By Anietra Hamper

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Go With the Flow for More Catfish Story and photos by Capt. Richard Simms

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Catfish Basics: What to Do When Catfish Won’t Bite By Keith “Catfish” Sutton

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Catfish Kids: Maryland To Host 55 Youth Fishing Rodeos Source: Maryland Dept. of Natural Resources

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Catfish Gear: Driftmaster Solves a Common Rod Holder Problem By Keith Sutton

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Invasive Black Carp Reported in Oklahoma

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Sampling Shows Healthy Catfish Population in E.V. Spence Reservoir Source: Texas Parks & Wildlife

Some catfish caught during sampling efforts in E.V. Spence Reservoir were kept so they could be aged. Blue cats averaged eight years old, while channel cats averaged four. (Texas Parks & Wildlife photo)   Sampling Shows Healthy Catfish Population in E.V. Spence Reservoir Source: Texas Parks & Wildlife   Great news for Lone Star catfish […]

Guide of the Month: Brad Durick – Red River Channel Cats by Capt. Richard Simms

Rob Horken from East Grand Forks, Minnesota holds his personal best channel cat caught October 2025. This new PB came after more than 65 years of fishing the Red River. Guide of the Month: Brad Durick – Red River Channel Cats by Capt. Richard Simms Photos courtesy of Capt. Brad Durick As a frequent provider […]

CFN How-to Video with Joey Pounders—How to Hook a Shad

Does it really matter how you hook a shad bait? Yes, it does, and the amount of current present where you are fishing could help you determine which way is best. Catfish pro Joey Pounders of Caledonia, Mississippi explains in this video.