CFN How-to Video with Keith “Catfish” Sutton—SPAM: A Grocery Store Bait That’s Hard to Beat
SPAM, the canned meat product introduced by Hormel Foods Corporation in 1937, may not be the first catfish bait that comes to mind when you have to shop at your local grocery. But this kitchen staple, made from ground pork shoulder and ham, exudes an aroma and flavor whiskerfish love. It has even been used […]
Guide of the Month: Chad Ferguson – North Texas Catfish Guide Service
Blue skies, blue water and a big blue cat equal a big smile from Allie, one of Ferguson’s clients. Guide of the Month: Chad Ferguson – North Texas Catfish Guide Service by Capt. Richard Simms Photos courtesy of Chad Ferguson For nearly three decades, Chad Ferguson has built a reputation as one of […]
River Rumors: Alabama Tourism Launches New Catfish Trail
The Alabama Catfish Trail kicked off in style with branded hats, T-shirts and patches celebrating the state’s newest tourism attraction. The trail connects more than 50 destinations showcasing Alabama’s deep catfish roots. River Rumors: Alabama Tourism Launches New Catfish Trail Source: Alabama Tourism In June, the Alabama Tourism Department unveiled the Alabama Catfish Trail, […]
Special Report Provides Fishing Insights
Fishing remains one of America’s favorite outdoor pastimes, but a new report reveals some surprising trends that could shape the future of the sport. Special Report Provides Fishing Insights Source: American Sportfishing Association/FTR Industry News The American Sportfishing Association (ASA) recently announced the results of the 2026 Special Report on Fishing. In total, […]
Catfish Gear: B’n’M Poles’ Freedom Series Rods
Catfish Gear: B’n’M Poles’ Freedom Series Rods Subtitle: Recognizing the sacrifices of our military veterans Freedom is preserved by those few who are willing to sacrifice everything to protect it. At B’n’M Poles, every employee is a veteran or the family member of a veteran, and the company’s new line of Freedom Rods was […]
Catfish Basics: Keeping Bait Fresh in Summer Heat
Night crawlers stay lively longer when kept cool and shaded. A simple Styrofoam container helps protect bait from summer heat and can make a big difference during a long day on the water, especially when you keep it inside a shaded cooler or tacklebox compartment. Catfish Basics: Keeping Bait Fresh in Summer Heat Story […]
The Tennessee River: A Catfish Factory Backed by Science
After battling this 65-pound trophy blue cat on the Tennessee River’s Chickamauga Lake, Krista Slager had an excellent understanding of why the area is considered by many to be a “catfish factory.” The Tennessee River: A Catfish Factory Backed by Science Story and photos by Capt. Richard Simms We live in a world of […]
Blues on the Move
Fisheries biologists with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources are in the process of collecting blue catfish so they can equip these cats with transmitters to monitor their movements along the Ohio River. Blues on the Move By Richard Hines Photos courtesy of the Ohio DNR Sitting around the dock or at your […]
Details Matter for Big Blues
Anglers targeting big blue catfish must adapt to changing seasons and daily conditions. Details Matter for Big Blues Story and photos by Terry Madewell Catfish are complex creatures and a favorite target of anglers everywhere because they’re often caught in large numbers and trophy sizes. One of the favored species for tournament and recreational […]
CFN How to Video with Michael Haney—Using Planer Boards for Suspended Summer Catfish
During July, the water temperature in many lakes is such that catfish leave their usual bottom haunts and feed on suspended schools of shad. B’n’M Poles pro staff member Michael Haney says this is a good time to suspend baits beneath planer boards, a tactic that can increase your catch rate significantly.
Guide of the Month: Zac Bernier—Nodak Charters
Kayla Stewart brought her three youngsters fishing with Capt. Bernier. Initially the bite was slow and the kids complained about being bored— until this monster hit. The 21-pound channel cat was the biggest Capt. Bernier had seen that season. Guide of the Month: Zac Bernier—Nodak Charters by Capt. Richard Simms Photos courtesy of […]
Just Out! Terry Madewell’s “Minnow Bucket Memories”
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 […]
