May Means It’s Time
By Keith “Catfish” Sutton, Editor
There’s something about May that makes a catfish angler’s heart beat a little faster. Maybe it’s the warmth creeping back into the air, the greening of the trees or the way the lakes and rivers seem to come alive again. Maybe it’s the memories—of years past, of big fish and good meals and lazy days on the water. Whatever the reason, one thing is for sure: for many folks, May means it’s finally time to go catfishing.
Don’t Forget the Dip Bait Story and photos by Jeffrey Miller
The author’s daughter Maia likes fishing dip bait, as she doesn’t have to cut up bloody bait. The circle hook makes it easy to hook the cats. Don’t Forget the Dip Bait Story and photos by Jeffrey Miller Smelly dip baits may wrinkle noses, but they are proven channel cat getters. There are some […]
Tailwater Catfishing A-to-Z Story and photos by Capt. Richard Simms
Aaron and Vivian Hurley learned firsthand that the sometimes-swift tailwater areas below Tennessee River dams can be outstanding locations to target big blue catfish. Tailwater Catfishing A-to-Z Story and photos by Capt. Richard Simms We were drifting along in the current immediately downstream from Chickamauga Dam on the Tennessee River. It’s a routine pattern—run […]
Prespawn Catfish Tactics Story and Photos by Terry Madewell
Fast action in prespawn conditions is typical; Rodger Taylor fights a fat blue as Don Hardy hefts one he just boated. Prespawn Catfish Tactics Story and Photos by Terry Madewell Prespawn catfishing can be the sizzle before the spawn fizzle. Get your CatfishNOW. Catfish are reasonably predictable fish regarding habits, cover and foods […]
The Stink That Brings the Bite Story and photos by Keith “Catfish” Sutton
Old-school stinkbait meets big whiskers: Asafoetida, the legendary “devil’s dung,” might just be the smelliest (and most effective) catfish bait you’ve never tried. The Stink That Brings the Bite Story and photos by Keith “Catfish” Sutton Catching catfish with asafoetida. Decades ago, embarrassed children often went to school wearing little cotton pouches on strings […]
Catfish Basics #177, Where to Find Pond Catfish Story and photo by Keith “Catfish” Sutton
Small ponds can yield big results—if you know how to find the best catfish hiding spots. Catfish Basics #177, Where to Find Pond Catfish Story and photo by Keith “Catfish” Sutton If you want to catch more catfish in small lakes or farm ponds, it pays to understand how these whiskered fish use pond features […]
B’n’M Redesigns Its Silver Cat Magnum Rods By Keith “Catfish” Sutton
B’n’M Redesigns Its Silver Cat Magnum Rods By Keith “Catfish” Sutton Thanks to their unparalleled sensitivity, strong backbone and casual fisherman’s price, B’n’M’s original Silver Cat Magnum rods quickly became bestsellers in the company’s line of tournament-level, heavy-duty catfish poles. These 10-foot, carbon fiber composite blend rods were manufactured with a wrapped nylon-cord grip, ceramic [...]
Help Stop the Spread of Invasive Snails Source: Georgia Dept. of Natural Resources
You might be tempted to turn a big apple snail (pictured here) or its look-alike cousin the mystery snail into escargot, but eating one of these invasive gastropods could cause serious illness. (Keith Sutton photo) Help Stop the Spread of Invasive Snails Source: Georgia Dept. of Natural Resources Invasive snails found in Georgia can cause […]
Spring Stockings Bring Big Catfishing Opportunities By Keith “Catfish” Sutton
Spring catfish stockings in Texas and Arizona community waters bring exciting urban fishing opportunities for anglers of all ages. (credit: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service) Spring Stockings Bring Big Catfishing Opportunities By Keith “Catfish” Sutton Anglers in Texas and Arizona have reason to celebrate this spring as both states are kicking off catfish stocking […]
Page From the Past: Catfish Courtship and River Rivalry By Robert P. Tristram Coffin
Page From the Past: Catfish Courtship and River Rivalry By Robert P. Tristram Coffin In this lighthearted poem from 1943, Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Robert P. Tristram Coffin imagines a romantic rendezvous between two river catfish—one from the mighty Mississippi and one from the bold Ohio. First published in Primer for America, the piece playfully pits […]
CFN How-to Video with Brad Box—Prepping Skipjack Cut-Baits
CFN How-to Video with Brad Box—Prepping Skipjack Cut-Baits B’n’M Poles pro staffer Brad Box of Caledonia, Mississippi knows that skipjacks are some of the best baits you can use to entice catfish of all sizes. In this video, he shows novice anglers ways of properly preparing a skipjack for the hook, whether you’re chasing big […]
