Celebrating Women in Catfishing
Every July, CatfishNOW pauses to shine a spotlight on a group of anglers who continue to shape the future of our sport in meaningful ways: women who love catfishing.
My own catfishing journey began with a woman. When I was a boy, my grandmother often gathered younger members of our family and took us to her favorite fishing holes to bank fish for channel catfish. Those outings weren’t about trophies or bragging rights. They were about spending time together, enjoying the outdoors and bringing home fish that would later become delicious family meals. Looking back now, I realize she wasn’t just teaching us how to catch catfish. She was passing along traditions, values and a love for the outdoors that would influence me for the rest of my life.
In one sense, dedicating an issue to women in catfishing seems unnecessary. Fish don’t care who’s holding the rod. Catfish don’t discriminate between men and women, young and old, beginners and experts. Success on the water still comes down to the same timeless ingredients—knowledge, preparation, patience, persistence and a little luck.
Yet in another sense, this annual issue remains as important as ever.
Details Matter for Big Blues
Anglers targeting big blue catfish must adapt to changing seasons and daily conditions. Details Matter for Big Blues Story and photos by Terry Madewell Catfish are complex creatures and a favorite target of anglers everywhere because they’re often caught in large numbers and trophy sizes. One of the favored species for tournament and recreational […]
Blues on the Move
Fisheries biologists with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources are in the process of collecting blue catfish so they can equip these cats with transmitters to monitor their movements along the Ohio River. Blues on the Move By Richard Hines Photos courtesy of the Ohio DNR Sitting around the dock or at your […]
The Tennessee River: A Catfish Factory Backed by Science
After battling this 65-pound trophy blue cat on the Tennessee River’s Chickamauga Lake, Krista Slager had an excellent understanding of why the area is considered by many to be a “catfish factory.” The Tennessee River: A Catfish Factory Backed by Science Story and photos by Capt. Richard Simms We live in a world of […]
Catfish Basics: Keeping Bait Fresh in Summer Heat
Night crawlers stay lively longer when kept cool and shaded. A simple Styrofoam container helps protect bait from summer heat and can make a big difference during a long day on the water, especially when you keep it inside a shaded cooler or tacklebox compartment. Catfish Basics: Keeping Bait Fresh in Summer Heat Story […]
Catfish Gear: B’n’M Poles’ Freedom Series Rods
Catfish Gear: B’n’M Poles’ Freedom Series Rods Subtitle: Recognizing the sacrifices of our military veterans Freedom is preserved by those few who are willing to sacrifice everything to protect it. At B’n’M Poles, every employee is a veteran or the family member of a veteran, and the company’s new line of Freedom Rods was […]
Special Report Provides Fishing Insights
Fishing remains one of America’s favorite outdoor pastimes, but a new report reveals some surprising trends that could shape the future of the sport. Special Report Provides Fishing Insights Source: American Sportfishing Association/FTR Industry News The American Sportfishing Association (ASA) recently announced the results of the 2026 Special Report on Fishing. In total, […]
River Rumors: Alabama Tourism Launches New Catfish Trail
The Alabama Catfish Trail kicked off in style with branded hats, T-shirts and patches celebrating the state’s newest tourism attraction. The trail connects more than 50 destinations showcasing Alabama’s deep catfish roots. River Rumors: Alabama Tourism Launches New Catfish Trail Source: Alabama Tourism In June, the Alabama Tourism Department unveiled the Alabama Catfish Trail, […]
Guide of the Month: Chad Ferguson – North Texas Catfish Guide Service
Blue skies, blue water and a big blue cat equal a big smile from Allie, one of Ferguson’s clients. Guide of the Month: Chad Ferguson – North Texas Catfish Guide Service by Capt. Richard Simms Photos courtesy of Chad Ferguson For nearly three decades, Chad Ferguson has built a reputation as one of […]
CFN How-to Video with Keith “Catfish” Sutton—SPAM: A Grocery Store Bait That’s Hard to Beat
SPAM, the canned meat product introduced by Hormel Foods Corporation in 1937, may not be the first catfish bait that comes to mind when you have to shop at your local grocery. But this kitchen staple, made from ground pork shoulder and ham, exudes an aroma and flavor whiskerfish love. It has even been used […]
