Building the Right Pond Fishing Environment for Catfish
Six years ago, my wife Sue and I purchased our forever property, and it included an older pond/lake that originally was a channel catfish and bluegill pond. It was not cared for by the previous owner, so it had little structure and malnourished catfish and bluegills.
In the first year, we lowered the pond some and did some excavation work. We also placed numerous types of Mossback Fish Habitat structures, introduced river gravel in strategic locations and stocked minnows, hybrid bluegills, crappie and a few bass.
The excavation work was to deepen and enlarge the pond to almost two acres. Years of muck were removed as pond had been used as a water source for racking horses. Shorelines were restored, and the high-water drain replaced.
The controversy over pay lakes continues by Anietra Hamper
Author Anietra Hamper shows an impressive blue catfish caught in the Ohio River. Photo by Anietra Hamper The Status Of The Pay Lakes Controversy by Anietra Hamper Where the issue stands after more than 20 years of discussion Though the controversy over pay lakes is not a new one, the issue continues to evolve as […]
Changing Lives Through Catfishing By Brent Frazee
Guide Mackenzie DelRosso (left) celebrated with stroke victim Brad Katt after the disabled angler reeled in a healthy blue catfish. Changing Lives Through Catfishing By Brent Frazee Mackenzie DelRosso remembers scanning the crowd during weigh-ins for major catfish tournaments he competed in and always seeing spectators in wheelchairs. That piqued his curiosity. He wondered, “What […]
That Darn Dam Fishing Story and photos by Richard Hines
An angler patiently waits for a catfish to bite on the Big Sandy River near Fort Gay, West Virginia. Sometimes the days can get long, so smart anglers bring along a folding chair to sit in. That Darn Dam Fishing Story and photos by Richard Hines I recently saw an 1890s photo of people […]
Alabama’s Jackson Lake Island: A Hidden Gem for Anglers and Families Photos and Story by Keith Sutton
Jackson Lake and Jackson Lake Island provided the perfect locale for a fishing day with local youngsters during CrappieNOW’s 2025 media camp. Alabama’s Jackson Lake Island: A Hidden Gem for Anglers and Families Photos and Story by Keith Sutton CrappieNOW editor Richard Simms shoots photos while walking through the Town of Spectre, part of [...]
Almost 10-Foot Catfish Caught in Poland Source: Polska Akademia Wędkarska
Anglers Krzysztof Pyra and Adrian Gontarz (front) and friends pose with the massive wels catfish they caught in Poland’s Rybnik Reservoir. The giant catfish stretched 292 cm or almost 10 feet long. (courtesy of Polska Akademia Wędkarska) Almost 10-Foot Catfish Caught in Poland Source: Polska Akademia Wędkarska Two anglers from the Polska Akademia Wędkarska (Polish […]
Catfish Basics: Telling Blue Cats from Channel Cats Story and photos by Keith “Catfish” Sutton
A straight-edged anal fin, shaped much like an old-fashioned barber’s comb, helps identify this as a blue catfish. Catfish Basics: Telling Blue Cats from Channel Cats Story and photos by Keith “Catfish” Sutton Many anglers have trouble telling blue catfish and channel catfish apart, and it’s easy to see why. These close cousins share a […]
When Flatheads Become Invaders By Keith “Catfish” Sutton
Flatheads grow fast in the Susquehanna River system, attain large body sizes and can eat a variety of prey. Because adult flatheads have few natural predators, they can exert strong control over the ecosystem. Credit: Sam Stukel, USFWS When Flatheads Become Invaders By Keith “Catfish” Sutton A Cautionary Tale From the Susquehanna Flathead catfish […]
Winter Fun for Catfish Kids By Keith “Catfish” Sutton
Winter is a great time to spend an evening outdoors with kids gazing at the stars. Photo by Scottdale Ariz. CVB Winter Fun for Catfish Kids By Keith “Catfish” Sutton Spring, summer and fall offer endless chances for outdoor fun. Fishing, swimming, camping, hiking, boating—you can fill every warm day with something exciting. Winter, […]
Boss Kat BK72Z Big Boss Super Circle Hooks By Keith “Catfish” Sutton
Boss Kat BK72Z Big Boss Super Circle Hooks By Keith “Catfish” Sutton When you’re chasing monster cats, not just any hook will do. You need strength, sharpness and a design that holds up under brutal pressure. Boss Kat’s BK72Z Big Boss Super Circle Hooks deliver all that and more. Built from 80-carbon steel with super-heavy […]
105-Pound Blue Catfish Sets New Iowa Mark By Keith “Catfish” Sutton
The Iowa DNR says this blue catfish caught by George Thompson on October 12 this year is the largest of its kind ever to be recorded in Iowa. Photo courtesy of Iowa DNR 105-Pound Blue Catfish Sets New Iowa Mark By Keith “Catfish” Sutton The fight lasted more than half an hour. The powerful […]
Why We Catfish: It’s a Way of Life By Alex Welter
Author Alex Welter with a hefty flathead catfish caught in the upper Mississippi River, a stream he started fishing when he was just a youngster. Why We Catfish: It’s a Way of Life By Alex Welter Growing up on the banks of the Mississippi River—right where it meets the Wisconsin River near Prairie du […]
CFN How-to Video with Joey Pounders—Safely Handling a Catfish
Catfish pro Joey Pounders of Caledonia, Mississippi shows a simple, foolproof way to hold a catfish without getting finned. In this quick tip, he explains where to place your hands and how to control the fish safely from hookset to release. Perfect advice for anglers of all skill levels.
