A New Year on the Water
January always feels like a fresh page. The calendar flips, the holidays fade, and even though winter still has a firm grip on much of the country, most catfish anglers I know are already looking ahead. We’re checking gear, replaying moments from last season and quietly setting goals for the year to come. The fishing year may start in the cold, but for catfish anglers, it never really stops.
This time of year is about preparation as much as it is anticipation. Boats may be parked and ramps quieter than usual, but tackleboxes are getting reorganized, rods are being rerigged, and plans are being made. Winter gives us the chance to slow down just enough to think about how we want the upcoming season to look. Maybe it’s fishing new water, improving a technique that’s given you trouble or simply making more time to be on the water than you did last year.
Crazy Colored Catfish by Capt. Richard Simms
Capt. Richard Simms, his guide partners and friends have been catching a surprising number of piebald blue catfish from the Tennessee River near Chattanooga, Tennessee. These are just a few of the piebald fish they've seen captured in the last three years. (Photo compilation courtesy Richard Simms) Crazy Colored Catfish by Capt. Richard Simms [...]
Why I Love Winter Catfishing Story and photos by Terry Madewell
A cold winter morning can be lonely, but thanks to winter fishing, the author just added a couple of new friends to his boat. Why I Love Winter Catfishing Story and photos by Terry Madewell Cold weather invigorates catfish and fishermen, and some exceptional fishing opportunities occur during winter. Here’s one angler’s reason for a […]
Catfish Cover Works By Brent Frazee
An angler puts together a MossBack Fish Habitat tree before sinking it to attract gamefish. Photo courtesy of MossBack Fish Habitat Catfish Cover Works By Brent Frazee Mossback Fish Habitat may be fake, but catfish don’t care. Dan Dannenmueller remembers the moment he became convinced that artificial fish habitat could attract more than just […]
Cold-Water Catfishing Basics Story and photo by Keith “Catfish” Sutton
Channel and blue catfish stay active throughout winter. Savvy anglers who dress for cold weather and visit prime waters can expect to catch several even during the season’s coldest days. Cold-Water Catfishing Basics Story and photo by Keith “Catfish” Sutton For many anglers, winter signals the end of catfishing season. Cold air, chilly water […]
Off Shore Tackle’s OR37 SST Pro Mag Planer
Off Shore Tackle’s SST Pro Mag Planer Boards are designed to pull more weight than any other planer board on the market today. Off Shore Tackle’s OR37 SST Pro Mag Planer Source: Off Shore Tackle Off Shore Tackle Company offers a variety of planer boards, but the OR37 SST Pro Mag Planer is the […]
Iowa River Restoration Project
Removal of Steamboat Rock Dam on the Iowa River will mitigate the safety hazard of the dam, restore fish passage, improve fish habitat throughout the river and reduce the risk of flooding at Pine Ridge Park. Credit: courtesy of Iowa Whitewater Coalition Iowa River Restoration Project Source: Iowa Dept. of Natural Resources The sounds of […]
Looking Back at an Impressive Record
Alexandra Hall with her 63-pound record-setting blue catfish, caught in the James River in Virginia in December 2022. Photo courtesy of IGFA Looking Back at an Impressive Record Source: IGFA A recent post on the International Game Fish Association’s Facebook page provided a fun reminder of a great winter catfish catch three years ago. Alexandra […]
Guide of the Month: Matt “Catmatt” Jones by Capt. Richard Simms
Matt ‘Catmatt” Jones specializes in seeking trophy flatheads on Illinois’ Rock River. He has retired from full-time guiding, but continues part time and is one of those rare guides who offer guaranteed success. Photo courtesy Matt “Catmatt” Jones Guide of the Month: Matt “Catmatt” Jones by Capt. Richard Simms (Editor’s Note: This month marks […]
CFN How-to Video—Sinker Slides & Knot Protectors
Catfish guide Capt. David Magness breaks down two small pieces of terminal tackle that can make a big difference on the water: sinker slides and knot protectors. In this quick how-to, Magness explains what they do, when to use them and how they help improve bait presentation while protecting your knots from wear and damage. […]
