Just Out! Terry Madewell’s “Minnow Bucket Memories”
By Keith “Catfish” Sutton
For more than 50 years, Terry Madewell has built a respected career writing about hunting, fishing and the outdoors. Most readers know him for his practical how-to/where-to stories—where to fish, how to catch more catfish, how to outsmart a gobbler or how to improve success in the woods and on the water. But in “Minnow Bucket Memories,” Madewell takes readers in a very different direction.
As Terry himself explains, “These are not my normal ‘how’ or ‘where’ stories. They’re my ‘from the heart’ stories—‘why’ we return to the outdoors again and again type stories.”
That distinction defines this book beautifully.
“Minnow Bucket Memories” is not a tactics manual or instructional guide. It is a deeply personal collection of stories about the emotional pull of the outdoors—the moments, people, traditions, humor and quiet lessons that stay with us long after the trip ends. Across these pages, Madewell reminds readers that the outdoors is about far more than limits caught or tags filled. It’s about connection: connection to nature, family, friends, memories and ultimately ourselves.
One of the standout stories in the collection is “Fish Like a Girl,” which originally appeared in CatfishNOW and later earned Best Short Magazine Story honors from the South Carolina Outdoor Press Association. The story perfectly captures the spirit of the entire book.
Rather than focusing solely on catching catfish, Madewell uses the experiences of young anglers Abby Miller and his granddaughter Meagan Daugherty to illustrate the passion, determination and joy that fuel great anglers. The story is rich with detail and heart—from Abby proudly wearing catfish slime “like a badge of honor” to Meagan battling a powerful blue catfish while calmly assuring her grandfather, “Papaw, I’ve got this.”
The brilliance of the story lies in what it’s really about. It’s not simply about fishing. It’s about enthusiasm, confidence, mentorship, family bonds and the contagious excitement that keeps people returning to the water year after year. In many ways, “Fish Like a Girl” serves as the mission statement for “Minnow Bucket Memories” as a whole.
That same emotional authenticity runs throughout the collection. Whether Madewell is writing about sunrise boat rides, hunting adventures, lifelong friendships or the simple joy of being outdoors, his storytelling feels genuine and lived-in. Readers get the sense they are listening to stories shared around a campfire or at a fish-cleaning table after a long day on the water.
What makes the book especially effective is its relatability. You do not have to be a hardcore hunter or catfish angler to appreciate these stories. Anyone who has ever watched daylight break over a quiet lake, shared laughter with friends outdoors or passed along traditions to children and grandchildren will recognize something familiar in these pages.
In today’s outdoor media world, where so much attention is focused on electronics, social media hero shots and trophy photos, “Minnow Bucket Memories” offers something refreshingly different. It reminds readers why they fell in love with the outdoors in the first place.
Ultimately, the greatest strength of the book is its sincerity. Terry Madewell writes with the wisdom of someone who has spent a lifetime outdoors and has come to understand that the pursuit itself—the people, memories and experiences—is what matters most. “Minnow Bucket Memories” is a heartfelt celebration of that truth, and readers who value the soul of the outdoors will find much to enjoy within its pages.
The book is available on Amazon in paperback, hardback and eBook versions. Search for “Minnow Bucket Memories” or “Terry Madewell Book.” To order a personalized signed copy, contact Terry Madewell at: tmadewell50@gmail.
