In the Land of Giants
By Keith “Catfish” Sutton, Editor
If you’ve ever tangled with a catfish so big it makes your rod groan, your heart race and your knees wobble, you already know why we’re dedicating a whole issue to monster cats. These fish aren’t just big; they’re rare, challenging and downright addictive. Once you hook one, you’ll spend the rest of your fishing life chasing the next.
This month, we’re diving deep into the world of trophy-class blues, flatheads and channel cats, the kind that stretch the scales to triple digits. In “The Science Behind Trophy Catfish Fisheries,” Anietra Hamper digs into what makes certain waters produce true giants and why keeping those fisheries healthy matters to all of us.
For the river rats who love prowling tangled timber, Rodney Crimm’s “Improving Your Success by Fishing Wood Structure in Rivers” offers a masterclass in finding and fooling the bruisers that lurk among submerged logs, fallen trees and root wads.
Then there’s Brent Frazee’s story of the new 121.1-pound Kansas state-record blue, a fish that rewrote the history books and proved once again that the Midwest has its share of freshwater heavyweights.
Another state record for Missouri River
Danny Mayer holding the 121.1-pound Kansas state-record blue catfish he caught in May near downtown Kansas City Another state record for Missouri River By Brent Frazee Danny Mayer’s idea of paradise looks a lot different than yours. You won’t find pristine water, stunning scenery or waterfront resorts where he fishes. But make no mistake, […]
How science and strategy are driving the development of trophy catfish fisheries in Ohio
An Ohio DNR employee stocks blue catfish at Seneca Lake. Photo by Josh Zielinski The Science Behind Trophy Catfish Fisheries By Anietra Hamper Ohio is leveraging science and strategy to develop trophy catfish fisheries. On an early October morning, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife fish-stocking trucks roll up to the […]
Improving Your Success by Fishing Wood Structure in Rivers
Trophy catfish like this one being held by Captain David Magness of Cat’n Aroun’ Guide Service are easier to catch when you find the proper structure those fish live in and present your bait properly. Improving Your Success by Fishing Wood Structure in Rivers By Rodney Crimm Whether you are looking to improve your success […]
A Field of Dreams Reimagined
The Fields at 17 Springs in Elmore County, Alabama Is a state-of-the-art sports complex and meeting venue, with facilities to accommodate virtually any sport desired. Future plans include the creation of dining, lodging, entertainment and even an orthopedic medical center, all with walking distance. (Photo by CatfishNOW Staff) A Field of Dreams Reimagined by [...]
Why Smart Anglers Let Big Cats Swim Away
Moments before freedom: a trophy channel cat is cradled above the current, gills pumping, as the angler practices the kind of careful release that ensures this old warrior will be ready for another fight in seasons to come. Why Smart Anglers Let Big Cats Swim Away By Keith “Catfish” Sutton Catch-and-release catfishing. Not long ago, […]
Catfish Gear #92
The Power-Pole VISION Courtesy of Power-Pole For catfish anglers seeking to elevate their on-the-water experience, Power-Pole introduces the VISION Marine Infotainment Center, a cutting-edge touchscreen system that seamlessly integrates advanced boating control with entertainment features. Available in 7-inch and 12-inch models, the VISION system offers wireless operation of all Power-Pole products, providing Total Boat Control [...]
Grand Lake Anglers: Report Tagged Flatheads
A chartreuse-colored tag used by the ODWC to mark Grand Lake flatheads can be clearly seen on the gill cover of the fish in this photo. (Photo courtesy of ODWC) Grand Lake Anglers: Report Tagged Flatheads Source: Oklahoma Dept. of Wildlife Conservation The Oklahoma Department of Conservation is conducting a flathead catfish study on Grand […]
New Kansas Blue Cat Rule Now in Effect
Kansas anglers need to be aware that big changes have taken effect in regards to the blue catfish regulations they must follow. (Photo by Sam Stukel, USFWS) New Kansas Blue Cat Rule Now in Effect Source: Kansas Dept. of Wildlife and Parks A new statewide fishing regulation aimed at managing blue catfish populations in Kansas […]
Page From the Past: A Monster Catfish Encounter
A Monster Catfish Encounter From “Wild Western Scenes” by J.B. Jones (1875) This month’s “Monster Cats” theme takes us back 150 years to the western frontier, where fishing trips could turn into life-and-death struggles. In this excerpt from his 1875 book “Wild Western Scenes,” John Beauchamp Jones tells how one man hooked and was nearly […]
CFN How-to Video with Rodney Crimm—Prepping Skipjacks
Savvy anglers know that skipjack herring cut-baits are among the best you can use when trying to coax a bite from heavyweight catfish. But to make the most of these sometimes hard-to-get baitfish, it’s important to properly prepare them before freezing. B’n’M pro staffer Rodney Crimm shares how to do that in this video.
