Catfishing’s Bright Horizon
By Keith “Catfish” Sutton, Editor
As we step into January 2025, I’m proud to say this marks the beginning of my third year as editor of CatfishNOW. Reflecting on the journey so far, I’m filled with gratitude and excitement for what’s ahead. The sport of catfishing has experienced remarkable growth during my tenure, and it’s been a privilege to document and contribute to this evolution.
One of my greatest pleasures has been working with an incredible group of writers. These talented individuals—men and women from throughout the country—bring unparalleled expertise and passion to every article, ensuring our readers stay informed and inspired. They are not just journalists but seasoned anglers who know the intricacies of catfishing from first-hand experience. Their deep connection to the sport adds authenticity and depth to every story they tell.
Cattin’ Around the Tennessee River By Terry Madewell
Jackson and Mike Mitchell with part of a tournament-winning catch of 3 catfish weighing 171 pounds on Wilson Lake. Photos courtesy of Mike and Jackson Mitchell Cattin’ Around the Tennessee River By Terry Madewell Becoming a catfishing guide was in Jackson Mitchell’s genetic core as a youngster, He just didn’t know it at first. Like […]
Cool Cats By Brent Frazee
Joe Bragg’s guide clients, even families with young ones, learn that blue catfish will bite in the cold of winter. Photo courtesy of Joe Bragg. Cool Cats By Brent Frazee Bundle up. Big blue catfish still provide hot fishing in frigid weather. When people ask guide Joe Bragg if blue catfish will bite in the […]
Should I Hire a Guide? by Brad Durick
Twin brothers, Terry and Larry, with a matched double. Terry was given a guided catfish trip for his retirement. Should I Hire a Guide? by Brad Durick There are many reasons to hire a guide. Two of the most important considerations are time and money invested into a trip. You enjoy fishing on the […]
Popsicle Pond Cats by Keith “Catfish” Sutton
Many catfish fans confine their fishing activity to warm months, but it’s easy to load a stringer with good-eating channel cats when fishing farm ponds on cold winter days. Popsicle Pond Cats by Keith “Catfish” Sutton How channel catfish stay active and keep anglers hooked in the coldest months. Do catfish contain antifreeze? That […]
Catfish Basics #173, Dragging Baits with Chad Mayfield
Catfish Basics #173, Dragging Baits with Chad Mayfield Dragging baits is one of my favorite methods of fishing, and I don’t really change anything no matter what season it is. Instead, I let the fish tell me how they want it presented to them. I always start out holding my speed at 0.5 mph. If […]
Catfish Gear #84: Try Driftmaster Rod Holders: Built for Serious Anglers
Driftmaster rod holders are made to keep your rods and reels secure until catfish takes your bait. Try Driftmaster Rod Holders: Built for Serious Anglers Unmatched durability and versatility, crafted in the USA with a lifetime guarantee. Driftmaster rod holders and trolling systems are designed to transform your fishing experience. These innovative products […]
New Hope for Mekong Giant Catfish
Scientists, officials and fishermen released this 300-pound Mekong giant catfish back into Cambodia’s Mekong River on December 10, 2024 after it was tagged. (Credit: Chhut Chheana/USAID Wonders of the Mekong) New Hope for Mekong Giant Catfish Source: Wonders of the Mekong Strict fishing regulations help bring back these incredible fish. Six critically endangered […]
Young Angler’s Catch Breaks Long-Held Record
Daniel Wegener of Fort Totten, North Dakota, holds up a stringer with the 4-pound, 9-ounce bullhead he caught Sept. 27, 2024, on Devils Lake. The bullhead is the new North Dakota state record for the species. (Joy Wegener photo from NDGFD) Young Angler’s Catch Breaks Long-Held Record Bullhead benchmark now at 4 pounds, 9 […]
Double Record Catch
Lucas Barnett is all smiles after landing a channel catfish that established a new Idaho catch-and-release record. (courtesy of Idaho Fish & Game) Double Record Catch Source: Idaho Fish & Game Two Idaho catfish records were broken less than three weeks apart by the same angler. According to a December 19th news release from the […]
Page from the Past: Catfish Campfire Chronicles
Page from the Past: Catfish Campfire Chronicles From Scribner’s Monthly, May 1878 In the May 1878 issue of Scribner’s Monthly, a magazine popular from 1870 through 1881, a lively tale recounts a camping adventure and an unforgettable catfish catch. The story brims with humor, excitement and a touch of marital teamwork as the narrator and […]
CFN How-to Video with Keith “Catfish” Sutton
CFN How-to Video—Understanding Catfish Senses (Part 1, Whiskers and the Sense of Taste) If you want to catch more catfish, it’s important to understand how these sportfish use their keen senses of taste, smell, sight and hearing to locate and eat prey animals and other foodstuffs. In Part 1 of this four-part video series, CatfishNOW […]
