The Evolution of Kayak Catfishing
By Keith “Catfish” Sutton, Editor
In the ever-evolving world of fishing, there’s a silent revolution happening on the waterways: the exponential growth of kayak catfishing. What was once a niche pursuit has transformed into a thriving community of anglers propelled by a deep connection to nature, a thirst for adventure and the sheer thrill of the chase. That’s why much of this issue of CatfishNOW will focus on this unique sport, with feature articles by one of our newest writers, Wes Littlefield, himself an ardent kayak fisherman, and by long-time contributor Brent Frazee, who shares the stories of two kayakers whose passion is pursuing big blue cats.
Kayak Catfishing: Big Water vs Skinny Water Story and photos by Wes Littlefield
The author’s kayak catfishing setup is a Nucanoe Unlimited rigged with a trolling motor, depthfinder and safety flag. Kayak Catfishing: Big Water vs. Skinny Water Story and photos by Wes Littlefield Location and technique strategies for kayak catfishing in reservoirs versus rivers. Catfishing runs through my veins. I swear my dad’s grandpa was part catfish. […]
Small Boat Big Catfish By Brent Frazee
Chris Hartmann had his hands full when he landed this big blue cat from his kayak on Milford Lake in northeast Kansas. (courtesy of Chris Hartmann) Small Boat, Big Catfish By Brent Frazee Kayakers use paddle power to reach trophy blue cats. Chris Hartmann and Tad Tweady aren’t exactly camouflaged when they paddle their […]
Fishing Okatibbee Story and photos by Michael O. Giles
Sonny Russell displays a fish he caught in the rocks at Okatibbee’s Upper Lake Causeway. Small eating-size cats like this comprise most of the catch for anglers fishing the riprap here. Fishing Okatibbee Story and photos by Michael O. Giles Catching catfish on the rocks. Sonny Russell and Kenny Wayne Snowden launched their boat […]
Bank-Fishing Tips Story and photos by Keith “Catfish” Sutton
Lack of a boat shouldn’t hinder your catfishing efforts too much. With the right tackle and tactics, you can fish from the bank and still expect to catch plenty of whiskerfish, including some trophy-size catches. Bank-Fishing Tips Story and photos by Keith “Catfish” Sutton No boat? No problem. You can still catch plenty of […]
Fish Finders You Can Afford Story and photos by Brad Wiegmann
Lowrance has released their new line of Eagle electronics designed with features commonly found in high-end marine electronics. Fish Finders You Can Afford Story and photos by Brad Wiegmann Entry-level fish finders often have some of the same features as flagship models. You don’t have to spend a small fortune to rig out your […]
Catfish Basics #166—Understanding Catfish Senses with Keith “Catfish” Sutton
Catfish have excellent senses of sight and smell, their whiskers and skin are covered with sensitive taste buds, and while they have no external ears, specialized body structures allow them to hear quite well. Catfish Basics #166—Understanding Catfish Senses with Keith “Catfish” Sutton All catfish anglers should be aware of the amazing sensory […]
Catfish Gear #76
Off Shore Tackle’s Mini Planer Board plays a key role in catching the skipjack baits used by longtime catfish angler Doc Lange of Springfield, Ohio. Catch Skipjacks Using Off Shore Tackle’s Mini Planer Boards Courtesy of Off Shore Tackle Planer boards can help you catch more catfish bait. If you’re among the many catfish […]
Boys Win Tournament With 105.1-pound Catfish Shared by Tommy Ruffin
A day these boys will never forget! 105-pound blue catfish caught March 16 at the Kerr Lake MaddKatters tournament. Boys Win Tournament With 105.1-pound Catfish Shared by Tommy Ruffin Giant blue anchored a solid limit of fish. We love a good catfish story, especially when it involves youngsters, and this one sent by our […]
Texas’ Neighborhood Lakes Get Catfish Source: Texas Parks & Wildlife Department
Thousands of channel catfish will be stocked in urban and suburban lakes around Texas this spring and summer. Texas’ Neighborhood Lakes Get Catfish Source: Texas Parks & Wildlife Department 18 lakes around the state provide great opportunities for reeling in cats. Spring has arrived and that means catfish angling is back at Texas Parks […]
Page From the Past: Catfish Catching Squirrels By Daniel Mallory
Page From the Past: Catfish Catching Squirrels By Daniel Mallory It was in 1842 that Daniel Mallory wrote “Short stories and reminiscences of the last fifty years,” a two-volume collection of tales about the places he visited and the eccentric characters he met while traveling around the Mississippi River Valley almost 200 years ago. […]
CFN How-to Video with Fisheries Specialist Tony Sindt
Special thanks to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for allowing us to share this video featuring fisheries specialist Tony Sindt. In it, Sindt teaches how to properly catch and release large fish like flathead catfish. Being properly equipped and understanding how to handle a large fish is critical to enhancing the fish’s chances for […]
