Why We Catfish
Our editor’s Facebook friends share some of the reasons they love catfishing
In each issue of CatfishNOW, we ask someone to tell our readers the reasons they like to go catfishing—just one person sharing their thoughts.
In this issue, editor Keith Sutton decided to change things up a bit. Instead of a single viewpoint on the subject, he decided this issue would include quotes from several of his Facebook friends.
In late April, he posted on his Facebook page, “Each month in CatfishNOW magazine we include a section called Why We Catfish. In the May edition, I’d like to include some comments from several of you in that section. Keep your remarks short and upbeat, no more than two or three sentences, and let me know here why you like to fish for these whiskered wonders … I need comments from folks of all kinds who enjoy our sport, whether you fish from a boat or the bank, are young or old, male or female.”
Lots of folks answered, and here’s what they had to say.
Why do we catfish? We do it for the thrill, the fight, for the big’n! It’s not a sport but a life in itself.
–Derek Ellis, Little Rock, Arkansas
Oh, the memories surrounding catfishing outings with family and friends. I’ve used many methods, from trotlines to bowfishing to limblines, jugs, noodling, worms, minnows, shad, cut-bait, Jitterbug and even caught catfish on a fly. But the most special memories were made with a Snoopy rod and worms in the hands of my kids and grandkids.
–Joella Bates, Cumberland City, Tennessee
I grew up helping my dad. He was a commercial fisherman. There was nothing better than putting a line in and waiting and watching for that tip to go down. To this day, I go fishing as much as I can. It makes me feel like a kid again, whether I catch one or not. Catfish has always been my favorite!
–Deborah Brimhall, Forrest City, Arkansas
It’s like Christmas, waiting to see what you get! Then you get to be Santa Claus when you share the meat with friends and family.
–Jim Low, Jefferson City, Missouri
About this time every year, as we get heavy spring rains and the creeks and rivers are muddy, I have such great memories of fishing for catfish. With cane pole in hand, red worms in a can and a coal oil lantern, my mother along with my siblings and I would drive to the closest wooden bridge to night fish. It was always so exciting—following the announcement by my mother that we were going—to pull out the poles from overhead storage in the truck shed and digging the worms in the chicken yard under the Japonica bushes.
–Stan Graves, Little Rock, Arkansas
Relaxing and time spent with kids and grandkids.
–Jim Mullins, Vian, Oklahoma
It’s the mystique of the monsters from fresh waters.
–Bryan Kellar, Fayetteville, Arkansas
At age 67, just me, my family or friends beneath a shade tree on the river enjoying God’s wonderful creation and blessings. Plus, the catfish taste good!
–Bobby Bowen, Augusta, Arkansas
I was taught as a young child that catching a big catfish was an accomplishment. And who doesn’t want to catch a trophy? I teach my kids and grandkids the same thing. It’s part of life in the Muse world.
–Larry Muse, Corinth, Mississippi
We grew up tight-lining from the bank of the family pond. I’ve fished from boats big and small in places near and far, but nothing makes me feel closer to home than sitting on the bank of a little country pond watching the tip of my pole and remembering.
–Tim Toler, Crossett, Arkansas
It’s relaxing and so much fun to fight a big one. And, boy, do they taste good fried up. Yum!
–Helen Hill, Alpine, Arkansas
Catfishing is a time for family and friends to enjoy! Doesn’t matter if on a little creek bank or in a big boat, there are plenty of opportunities across the country. Also, don’t forget the hushpuppies when having a family fish fry. The good times don’t stop at the waters’ edge.
–Patrick Gomer Roberson, Pikeville, Tennessee
Catfish are the great equalizers of the fish world. When I take people catfishing on my pontoon boat and we put the lines down, it doesn’t matter whether they’re rich or poor, famous or anonymous, happy or mad. Catfish don’t care whose hook they bite. I like that. Also, they’re delicious.
–Jim Spencer, Calico Rock, Arkansas
To keep kids fishing: that’s the most important thing that a guy can do with a rod and reel. Digging worms with kids should be on the same agenda.
–Gary Masson, Springville, Tennessee
Catfish will test the patience of a man. When the bite is on, there is no patience, only enthusiasm in seeing the next pole bow over! When the bite is slow, the test begins. Three hours later, a pole bounces and then the enthusiasm of a child in a toy store takes over. That’s catfishing!
–Charlie Bass, Batesville, Arkansas
It’s the cat’s meow.
–Shandon Nichols, Augusta, Arkansas
