Catfish NOW – November 2023

Catfishing Adventures with the Next Generation

By Keith “Catfish” Sutton

We are thrilled to welcome you to a special edition of CatfishNOW dedicated entirely to family-oriented catfishing adventures. In this issue, we celebrate the bonds forged on the water, generation after generation, as parents pass down the timeless art of angling to their children.

At CatfishNOW, we recognize the invaluable role that fishing plays in creating lasting memories and fostering strong family connections. Whether it’s a weekend excursion to a local pond or a grand adventure on a sprawling river, the shared experiences on the water hold a special place in our hearts.

In this issue, we turn the spotlight on those moments of pure joy, discovery and learning that happen when we introduce the next generation to the world of catfishing. Terry Madewell will teach you how to “Fish Like a Girl,” and Alan Clemons talks about great baits you and your kids can make at home. Brent Frazee follows up with some dynamite tips that can help your kids catch more catfish and create long-lasting memories of their days on the water.

Fish Like a Girl

Catching big catfish is only one facet of what motivates Abby Miller to fish like a girl   Fish Like a Girl By Terry Madewell This story reflects lifelong observations about fishing like a girl developed through opportunities to fish with young, and adult, female anglers. This isn’t a comparison between girls and boys in […]

Getting Little Ones Hooked on Catfishing

Little catfish bring big smiles to young anglers who participate in special mentored fishing events.   Getting Little Ones Hooked on Catfishing By Brent Frazee Want to get your kids started young? Seek places where the channel cats will provide plenty of bites.   Imagine your young son or daughter proudly posing with a giant […]

Making Stinkbait With Your Kids

Just a few basic ingredients can yield a fun stinkbait mix that kids can enjoy helping with to catch more catfish Making Stinkbait With Your Kids By Alan Clemons Fishing is even more fun when you create the bait that entices a whiskerfish to bite.   Stinkbait comes in many forms. Thicker punch baits stay […]

Electronics by Wiegmann

Anglers have several options of charting depending on the mapping charts installed or purchased separately and the model of the fishfinder.   Does Your Fishfinder Have GPS? By Brad Wiegmann Detailed charting comes from your fishfinder relying on multiple satellites combined to find your position on the lake or river you are fishing.     Does […]

Catfish Basics #161—with Charlie Bass

Arkansas outdoorsman Charlie Bass has been pursuing catfish for decades. The tips he shares in this issue can help you catch more big ones next time you’re fishing in flowing water. Catfish Basics #161—with Charlie Bass When you are fishing on rivers, it pays to learn how the water flows. The smart catfish angler will […]

Catfish Gear #70 – Off Shore Tackle’s OR12 Side-Planer

Off Shore Tackle’s OR12 Side-Planer By Keith “Catfish” Sutton Consider adding planer boards to your catfishing gear.   Catfishing enthusiasts are always on the lookout for innovative techniques and tools to improve their success rates. One such game-changing development in recent years has been the adoption of planer boards. These specialized devices are used to […]

The Power of Positive Influence

Kids’ behaviors often mimic those of the adults who take them fishing. Knowing that, we should always strive to influence children in positive ways. (Photo by Jeff Samsel)   The Power of Positive Influence By Keith “Catfish” Sutton Wise adults spend time teaching the next generation not just how to catch fish, but also how […]

Non-Native Flatheads Turn Up in Georgia River

Georgia biologists ask anglers to avoid moving or releasing flathead catfish into waterbodies where they aren’t typically found. (Keith Sutton photo)   Non-Native Flatheads Turn Up in Georgia River Source: Georgia Department of Natural Resources These big predators can wreak havoc on ecosystems where releases allow them to thrive outside their native range.   Wildlife […]

Yet Another Delaware State-Record Blue Cat

(courtesy of Sydney McBroom/Delaware DNR)   Yet Another Delaware State-Record Blue Cat Source: Delaware Department of Natural Resources The Nanticoke River has given up its third record blue cat in less than two years.   If it’s starting to sound like a broken record, that’s exactly what it is. For the second time in less […]

Why We Catfish: A Guest Editorial by Brad Stapleton

Brad Stapleton of Greenfield, Ohio caught this 62-pound blue cat in West Virginia’s Kanawha River. Not only is it his personal best, it was just a few pounds shy of setting a new state record as well. (Courtesy of Brad Stapleton)   Why We Catfish: A Guest Editorial by Brad Stapleton Chasing catfish with your […]

CFN How-to Video with Rodney Crimm

CFN How-to Video with Rodney Crimm Memories of Father & Son Fishing Below Grenada Lake B’n’M Pro Staffer Rodney Crimm started fishing in the Spillway below Grenada Lake in Alabama when he was just a youngster. In this video, he shares some memories of those outings with his father and things he learned from those […]