January 2017 - Issue #04 - CATFISH NOW 2017 - Issue #04. January 2016 ... EDITOR/ SR. WRITER Ron...

1 Catfish NOW January 2017

January 2017 - Issue #04

January 2016

Beating the Odds on Fall Cats in Santee Cooper Country....10

by Ken CookFall catfishing can be dicey. Water temperature, depth, presence of structure, wind direction and cool-water fish movements are all factors that play a role in the outcome of your trip.

Departments

Features

Below The Surface:The Bank Tramp.....4

by Ron PresleyFishing opportunities in the United Kingdom don’t compare to America, but the size of the wels catfish makes it a worthy target.

Catfish Profiles in Passion – Larry Muse.....16by Ron PresleyLarry Muse is well known in catfish circles. His willingness to share information with other anglers, his humor, and importantly, his faith in his creator, are the things that people remember about him.

Catfish Speak....33

Catfish Basics #008....15

Catfish Conservation....20

Runnin’ and Gunnin’.....22by Glenn FlowersIf you are not inclined to make long waits with big baits, here is a way to put some excitement in your trip. Adopt the run and gun technique described in this story to put more fish in the boat.

Tournament Results....35

Catfish Calendar....37

Catfish Basics #007....9

River Rumors....30

Catfish Weekly National CatfishChampionship.....30

Catfish Clubs....36

by Ron PresleyA true National Catfish Championship should incorporate a qualifying process that allows catfish anglers from across the county to earn the right to compete in the national event.

Catfish Kids....26

BnM How To....34


Front Cover:Reggie Gebhardt CPR’s a Missouri River blue near

Glasgow, Mo. Keith Sutton photo.

Keith “Catfish” SuttonBrad DurickJohn N. Felsher

© Copyright 2017

EDITOR/ SR. WRITERRon Presley

Catfish Connections Welcome everyone to the January edition of CatfishNow (CFN) Digital Magazine and Social Media Platform. We are extremely pleased to bring you our monthly collection of catfish related content. We hope you will share it with your friends, relatives and other catfish enthusiasts. There is a world of interest in catfishing these days and we plan to continue bringing you new and exciting stories related to the sport. Our December 2016 issue included a story on wels catfishing in Spain and this issue has a story on fishing for wels cats in the UK. This month, veteran outdoor writer Ken Cook brings you a channel cat story from South Carolina and Glenn Flowers writes about his favorite catfish, the flathead. I would like to bring your attention to our column on Why We Catfish and invite you to participate. Last month you heard from Jimmy Holbrook and Layla Ledbetter. This month, Paul Blackwell reveals some of the reasons he likes to catfish. Why We Catfish is a guest spot, provided for reader submitted editorials. If you have a short story related to why you catfish, you may submit it for consideration and publication in a future issue of CatfishNow. Send submissions of 500 words or less and one or two hi-res photos to me at [email protected]. As always, I encourage you, as readers and advertisers, to continue sending us feedback. We want CFN’s content to be aimed at growing the sport of catfishing to the benefit of all. We look forward to your comments and will seriously consider them as input for future editions. I also want to thank our great sponsors that stand beside us and make CatfishNOW available to readers for free. I certainly encourage you to reciprocate by supporting them when you can. As we begin this new year, my hope is that all cat men and cat women will unite in an effort to grow the wonderful sport of catfishing. Our wish for you is that 2017 is your best year ever for catfishing. The staff at CatfishNow wishes you tight lines and personal bests in the new year. Fish with passion, Ron Presley, Editor

WRITERS

[email protected]

Catfish NOW is a

PUBLISHERDan Dannenmueller

CONTRIBUTORT.J. Stallings

Glenn FlowersKen Cook

GUEST WRITERS

Catfish Clubs....36


The 47-year-old angler wandered the shoreline in search of simple pleasures. He was looking for a suitable spot in the West Midlands of England to cast his rods in search of giant wels catfish. He often spends a week or more sleeping with nature and enjoying the outdoor life. “I am usually fishing for catfish, but sometimes other species,” said the angler. “On occasion I have forgotten to take a shelter and end up sleeping rough, and since I’m not the neatest of anglers, some call me the “Bank Tramp.’” The “Bank Tramp” is Dave Mutton of Coventry, a city in the West Midlands of England. “I fish for catfish all over the UK and beyond,” said Mutton. “My ‘home’ waters are Dog Lane Fishery in Warwickshire and Lakemore Fishery in Cheshire. I love fishing for all predatory fish, but the catfish is the biggest freshwater predator we have here in the UK. It’s also big and ugly - a bit like me, really!” When Mutton refers to catfish he is talking about wels catfish. His personal best Wels is 149 pounds. “We only have one species of catfish here in the UK,” advised Mutton. “The wels catfish grow to about 150 pounds here, but grow larger in mainland Europe. Spain, France and Italy have fish of over 250 pounds. Even bigger specimens have been recorded in Russia and Eastern Europe.” Paralleling American tales of catfish as big as Volkswagens, Mutton reports tales of fish in the 600-pound range in the Volga River in Russia and Kazakhstan. “Just how

reliable these stories are, I’m not sure,” joked Mutton. The Bank Tramp reports that catfish are not native to the UK. They were first introduced in the 1860’s. “They are mainly confined to lakes where they have been stocked, but we do now have some small populations of fish established in several of our river systems.” Mutton sees similarities and differences in UK and US fishing. “Catfish are not the predominately targeted fish in either country. In the U.S bass fishing is huge and here in the UK carp are the most targeted species. The biggest difference, I guess, is that catfishing in the UK is strictly done on a catch and release basis.”

“Catfish are seen purely as a sporting fish,” continued Mutton. “Catfishing is very much a growth area in the sport of fishing over here. Many people are moving away from carp fishing and searching for something a little more challenging.” Fishing access in the UK is nothing like that in the US. “In the UK there are pretty much no public waters where you can just turn up and fish free of charge,” explained Mutton. Nearly all waters in the UK are owned and managed to some extent. They generally fall into 3 categories. There is day ticket fishing where anglers can just turn up and pay to fish. “Sometimes day ticket fishing is on a booking system,”

“. . .the catfish is the biggest freshwater predator we have . .”

The Bank Trampby Ron Presley

Engaging wels catfish, it’s purely for sport.


explained Mutton. “More often than not it is on a first come first serve basis. I frequent two of these near my home. One is pay on arrival and the other is book in advance.” The next alternative is fishing clubs. Clubs often have private lakes and ponds or have licensed sections of canals and rivers for fly fishing and coarse fishing. “Club waters are owned by a local fishing club,” explained Mutton. “A club ticket is purchased for the year. Anglers can fish all the waters owned by the club.” The final option is syndicate waters. “This is where a group of people get together and buy or lease the fishing rights from the landowner,” explained Mutton. “All the people in the syndicate are then entitled to fish it.” Syndicate waters are the most exclusive fishing because members are usually kept to a low number and prices are high. Mutton gave an example of a carp syndicate where he is a member. “I pay £500 a year for the

opportunity to fish in my carp organization.” The only other option is private fisheries where no access is given to the public. Fishing is restricted to the owner and guests when resources are privately owned.

Techniques and Terminology Mutton’s favorite UK fishing hole is Split Lake in Yateley, Hampshire. He uses two basic rigs to target the wels catfish in Split Lake. The techniques are similar to those used in the US, but the terminology is different.

Polyball RigPolyball rigs are used when you want to keep the bait stationary, but off the bottom. It is thought by many, that baits up off the bottom

BELOW THE SURFACE

Most big cats in the UK come from lakes where they have been stocked.


are easier to find and attract more fish. Mutton prefers this rig with live bait. Mutton starts with about 12 inches of fairly stiff leader material. His preference is Hi-Seas Fluorocarbon in 40-pound test, to which he ties an Owner 5180 Cutting Point hook. His hook is either a 4/0 for bigger baits or 2/0 for smaller. “I push a short length of silicone sleeve over the eye of the hook,” explains Mutton. “A three-foot length of light line, something around five pound breaking strength, is threaded through the silicone and tied to the eye of the hook.” “The silicone acts as a boom for the hook,” continued Mutton. “I make a loop in the end of the light line and thread it through the polyball (a buoyant Styrofoam ball) using a baiting needle.” The polyball is kept in place with an accessory called a boilie stop.

Next Mutton ties a running ledger. “A running ledger is what you guys refer to as a slip sinker,” clarified Mutton. “Usually the ledger or sinker is attached to a ceramic ring that is free to slide up the line. This rig offers no resistance to a catfish picking up the bait. This rig is usually employed statically fished from the bank.” “I thread a 4-ounce lead on a large diameter run ring and a 10mm rubber shock bead on my 100-pound test UniCat braid. I add a 180-pound test stainless swivel to the end of the mainline to complete the running ledger. The rig is completed by tying the hooklink, with polyball attached, to the swivel.” Mutton’s favorite bait is a 4 ounce carp. “I lip hook a carp and cast the rig to the desired spot. Allow the polyball to float to the surface and then tighten down so you have tension

BELOW THE SURFACE


on the line. This means that the polyball will be nicely visible on the surface and the bait will be suspended underneath it.”

Straight Running Ledger “The other method I employ is a straightforward running ledger,” offered Mutton. “I prefer this rig for cut and prepared baits. It is the same running ledger described before, but I replace the polyball hooklink.” “I start with a 24-inch length of a supple abrasion resistant braid. My personal favorite is UniCat Warlock in 94-pound breaking strength. Attach a 1/0 Big Cat cutting point hook. The Bank Tramp uses a knotless knot to attach his bait on a hair rig. The hair rig allows the bait to be presented without setting directly on the hook. It works effectively with many different baits. “I use mackerel chunks, halibut pellets

and luncheon meat,” said Mutton. “My favorite bait on this rig is Big Cat Oily Hybrids. These are fished over a bed of pellet using bite alarms with lightweight bobbins and a baitrunner reel.” Mutton’s choice of fishing spot is governed by many factors. Features that the catfish will lay up in is an obvious starting point. “Undercut banks, deep holes, areas of weed growth and overhanging trees will all hold wels catfish,” advises Mutton. “They offer reduced light intensity during the middle of the day when the cats are often dormant. Since wels catfish are predatory, concentrations of baitfish will obviously be an area where the cats will be hunting and so also offer a clue

The wels catfish is the only species of catfish in the UK.

BELOW THE SURFACE


to where the cats may be.”

The Hookup “The key to fighting large catfish is to not let them charge off on an uncontrolled run when first hooked,” instructed Mutton. “They are big powerful fish. It is important to fight them hard. A phrase I often use is that you are either the boss or the bitch.” “Wels catfish generally fight in one of two ways,” continued Mutton. “In deep water they will often hug the bottom and either refuse to move or will swim around in circles. In this instance the fight is all about trying to lift them up off the bottom. This is easier said than done with fish in excess of 100 pounds.”Skinny water fish behave a little different. “In

shallow water, instead of heading down, the cats will run on very powerful runs,” described Mutton. “They often take in excess of 60 or 70 yards of line on the first run. They will tear off and attempt to run into weed beds, tree roots, etc., in a bid for freedom.” “The only way to fight them in this situation is with the drag on the reel wound in and really try to bully the fish away from the snags,” instructed Mutton. “When wels catfish are close to being landed this can be a particularly dangerous time. They will turn and run again just when the angler thinks they are beaten.” “They also have the ability to swim backwards,” added Mutton in a final piece of advise. “They will employ this tactic when being netted. The wels catfish gives it’s all during the fight and will often be extremely exhausted at the end, and so will the angler!”

Shallow water wels catfish will make long runs when first hooked. It can be quite a battle as they rip off line from

the reel.

- Ron Presley

BELOW THE SURFACE


- Ron Presley

Catfishing is a family sport. If you don’t think so, just ask Jennifer Keach King. “My tip is coming from a family perspective,” said Jennifer. “ALWAYS get the kids involved!” Today’s kids relate well to anything electronic and Jennifer gets her son Conner involved with another type of electronics instead of what most kids are playing with today. “Get them off the electronics and off the couch,” advises Jennifer. “Now that we have the Lowrance HDS 12, Connor can be on the electronics in the boat showing us how to use the touchscreen and find the fish!” “Electronics helps us a lot to pinpoint areas that hold good catfish,” continued Jennifer. “When you spend lots of time on the water with your family you will learn these areas and you can do it with the help of your kids. I think catfishing is a great family sport!” Jenifer is not alone. The growing sport of catfishing is a family sport and more and more families are joining in on the fun. So, take your kids with you on that next catfish outing and take advantage of their natural inclination to understand and enjoy the electronic world we live in. They can teach you about electronics and you can teach them about fishing.

Catfish Basics #007

CATFISH BASICS

All in the Family


Whitey Outlaw and his son Matt of St. Matthews, South Carolina are both crappie tournament champions who have lived, fished and hunted their entire lives in and around Lakes Marion and Moultrie, its vast swamps, and the numerous rivers that nourish these lakes. The area is loosely called Santee Cooper Country. The July/August 2016 issue of Bassmaster Magazine chose the Santee Cooper lakes as the Number 2 Bass Lakes among the Top 100 in the nation and Number 1 in the Southeast. These lakes have also produced a world record Channel Cat (58#) and Blue Cat (109.4#) among other state records for stripers, crappie and panfish. It’s common knowledge that popular catfish species—channel, blues and flatheads—seek out and bunch up in deeper holes and drop offs during the fall and winter months when water temperatures fall, but will also move into shallow water when water temps rise. Based on a hunch and a timely fishing report from a catfish guide on Lake Marion, Whitey chose to fish the Congaree River instead of his original plan of fishing the upper lake (Marion). His reason for selecting the river was the ability to minimize the usual seasonal variables and to increase the odds of finding fish. The two anglers launched their 17-foot War Eagle boat at Bates Landing on Highway 601, about 9:00 AM on a crisp mid-November morning. The fishing technique deployed by the anglers involved making short runs north up the river looking for bends on the steep side of the river (deeper water) and clusters of blowdowns and partially submerged timber. When they spotted a likely area, the boat was tied to a limb and the fishermen baited and cast their bottom rigs downstream 20 to 30 yards near an adjacent blow-down. The rig rested on the bottom; no bobbers were used.

Find the structure and you find the fish

Matt (L) and Whitey Outlaw prepare to launch their War Eagle Boat in South Carolina’s Congaree River. Ambient temperature was 43 and water temp was 49 degrees under

blue bird skies.

by Ken Cook


Matt (L) and Whitey Outlaw prepare to launch their War Eagle Boat in South Carolina’s Congaree River. Ambient temperature was 43 and water temp was 49 degrees under

blue bird skies.


B ‘n ‘M Silver Cat rods rigged with 30-pound Vicious Braid on Abu-Garcia reels with a 2-foot mono leader, ¾ ounce egg sinker and a 2/0 hook fished on the bottom proved effective on the Congaree cats. With their baits resting on the bottom in 12- to 14-feet of water, the bite was slow, tentative and barely telegraphed from the rod tips. Short strikes were frequent and bait-robbing fish caused the Outlaws to wonder whether gar or other species were to blame. After 15 minutes at each of three tie-ups, they relocated. The slow start on the day gave Whitey time to repeat some of his proven, time-tested sayings: “A light wind out of the west and fluffy clouds is a perfect day to fish…a

west wind is best; an east wind is least.” “For cats and crappie, I like river water to be the color of a brown paper bag”. “Look for ‘bullis’ vines overhanging the river because wild muscadines are a blue cat delicacy.” “June, July and August is the best time to fish for cats in the Congaree.” As the 11:00 AM hour approached, and after the fifth or six stop on the river, the

catfish bite turned on hard and fast. Previously tentative feeding cats were more easily hooked and brought to the boat. Two factors were responsible for the turnaround—water temperatures had risen in

BEATING THE ODDS ON FALL CATS

Partially submerged timber are typical holding points for river catfish awaiting river

currents to deliver food.

“As the 11:00 AM hour approached … the catfish bite

turned on hard and fast…”


the past two to three hours of fishing and cats had begun feeding. We had also located some schooling points where cats were bunched up. There had been no change in rigs, baits, presentation or water depths. As the anglers closed in on 2:00 PM and the decision was made to string the day’s catch for a hero photo, the Outlaws had boated 10

catfish ranging from two pounds to ten in a span of three to four hours. What was the surprise ending? All ten catfish were channel cats. No blues. No flatheads. No other species. The composition in this creel was completely unexpected and outside the norm. The Outlaws played a hunch and beat the odds on this trip. Why no blues or flatheads will remain a question for fishery biologists.

Trip Reflections On the following day, Matt and I decided to drop in the upper lake (Marion) and sample the crappie bite. We were also curious to see


Environmental ConditionsAmbient Temperature: 43

DegreesWater Temperature: 49 DegreesWater Level: 5 Feet low (drought)Water Color: Normal and clear

Water Flow: 2-3 MPHBright Sun and No Clouds

No wind

Fishing GearB’n’M Silver Cat Catfish Rod

B’n’M Silver Cat MagnumB’n’M Silver Cat Bumping RodAll rods 7- to 8-feet in length

Abu-Garcia Baitcasting Reels

Fishing Rig30-pound Vicious Braid

¾ ounce egg sinkerBarrel swivel

2 foot, 30-pound Vicious Monofilament leader

2/0 Hook

Bait SelectionCut thawed herringCut thawed shrimp

Thawed Catalpa worms (locally harvested). Matt holds up a healthy Congaree channel

cat.


whether the conditions and stringer were similar in Lake Marion to those we experienced in the Congaree. We launched out of Jack’s Creek Marina in Matt’s 22’ fiberglass Ranger rigged for spider fishing. Water temperature was 49.4 degrees. Water depths ranged from 6 feet to 13 feet. Like the day before, we fished under cloudless skies and in flat water. The lake was estimated to be at least 2 to 5 feet below normal pool. On our slow troll away from the launch, Matt hooked, fought and released two striped bass up to six pounds, and one eight pound blue cat. In the course of four hours fishing, only one crappie (1.25#) took the minnow. The second day outing proved, that the Outlaws had not only selected the right location the previous day, but had also beat the fall odds on this catfish trip.

If you Want to Go There are many fish camps, campgrounds,

guide services, dining and lodging facilities serving this 170,000 acre honey hole in lower South Carolina. Clark’s Inn and Restaurant in Santee is a good lodging choice. Mileage from Columbia or Charleston is only 60 miles. Check the www.santeecoopercountry.org website for more information.

- By Ken Cook

The Outlaws with their 50-pound, 10-fish stringer. All channel cats. All caught in three

to four hours of fishing.



The flathead catfish is one amazing predator and no doubt one of the coolest and strongest fish in fresh water. They are incredibly efficient hunters. One of many common misconceptions is that they feed mainly on or towards the bottom. “This is way off base,” says Kansas angler Keith Severns who often chases the whiskered beasts in a float tube that allows him to get in places other anglers can’t. “These camouflaged mini-subs hunt the entire water column, even the top. This is just one of many reasons why I like to use artificial lures to intercept and fool these whiskered beasts when they are doing their daily or nightly feeding forays.” Bait shop rumors occasionally include a flatty being caught on an artificial bait. It happens most often when anglers are targeting a different species. Most people refer to the catch as an “accident”, but Keith will tell you that those catches are not accidents. “Those catches are incidents and they can happen all the time for you, just as they have for me.” “Benefits of using artificial baits include being able to use a wide variety of different lure categories and a wide variety of different methods and presentations,” instructs Severns. “The methods I uses allow you to cover large sections of a waterway and cover all the different zones in the water column. The idea is to unlock the ever-changing daily puzzle of figuring out what areas and what depths the fish are using and figuring out what kind of mood they are in.” “If they are in a neutral or negative mood (not feeding well), things can be tough, but you can still score by using more finesse techniques,” continued Severns. “I would try something different like drop shotting or vertical jigging with Gulp Eels or Gulp Jerk Shads.” “Another tactic where artificials shine when fish are inactive is to coax them into feeding using different speeds,” advised Severns. “High speed/low speed or a pause followed by a fast sweep or banging a lure into and deflecting off of cover may trigger a strike. All of these things mimic an escape maneuver by prey which can often trigger instinctive strikes from predators.” Keith also uses wounded or dying prey techniques. They can be hard for fish to resist because it is an easy opportunity to feed. “These techniques include ‘killing’ (stopping) a swimming lure such as a swimbait and just letting it die and fall to the bottom,” suggested Severns’. “Another technique is to pitch around the edges of cover and let your offering flutter slowly towards the bottom on semi-slack line.” Try some of Severns’ artificial bait techniques to Improve your flathead catching. What have you got to lose?

Catfish Basics #008

CATFISH BASICS

Flatheads on Artificial Lures


This column is a series of personal profiles describing catfish anglers whose passion for their sport goes beyond the simple pleasure of engagement. Hopefully you will feel some kinship to them and learn from them in a way that will benefit your own outdoor adventures.

Larry Muse has a passion for fishing, catfish in particular. His passion started quite honestly and grew to the high level it’s at today. His friends will tell you that being around him will not only teach you about catfishing, but also about life. He is the kind of man that sets examples for others to follow. “It was my Granny French who taught me to fish when I was a very small child,” said Muse. “She also taught me a lot about life, through fishing. Without her influence I would not have the insights I have into fishing or the insights I have into life.“ There are huge lessons to learn from Muse’s relationship with his granny. “The first time anyone ever patted me on the back for something was Granny French,” reported Muse. “She congratulated me for catching a catfish. Lots of other kids did really good in school and wanted to. I never did. Granny’s praising me for catching fish was the thing I most desired. Her lessons helped mold my life.” Fishing was a way of life in Muse’s early childhood; it put food on the dinner table. “Granny French was always right in her assumptions about where the fish were and how to catch them,” explained Muse. “At the end of her life she was ready

to go, so solid in her salvation. That had a huge influence on my Christian life. She’s waiting somewhere for me now, on a river with a big box of chicken livers.” Although the catfish affliction goes back to Granny French, the addiction started in in the early 2000s. “I’ve been addicted to catfishing since about 2001 when I first got into some really big fish below Pickwick Dam,” reported Muse. “Now I want to catch big catfish as long as the Good Lord lets me.” Muse’s home waters include the tailrace below Pickwick Dam on the Tennessee River. “It’s close to Corinth

and it’s where the bumping bottom method of fishing was developed,” continued Muse. “One of my other favorite waters is Wilson Lake on the Tennessee River. I caught my biggest fish there.” Tournament successes have made him favor other waters too. “The one thing I’d change about my past is that I’d start tournament catfishing earlier. I’ve found my place in this sport and only wish I’d done it earlier.” “I won at Owensboro, Kentucky twice,” reported Muse. “First was a SeaArk Invitational in 2013 and then Monsters on the Ohio, October 2015. I guess you could say the stretch of river below Newburgh Dam is now a favorite too. I also love fishing the Mississippi

By Ron Presley

“Bumping . . . it’s the best way to get bait to where the fish

are.”

Bumping is Best


River because if I ever catch the biggest fish in that river, I’m going to be ‘the man.’” Muse has a great interest in growing the sport of catfishing and willingly shares his knowledge with others. His methods have him starting his next fishing trip before he ever gets on the water. “My first step is to decide what part of a river or body of water I’m going to fish. Anytime I see a weather report or water report I think of how it relates to the catfish and where they are likely to be.” Most anglers have a favorite way to catch catfish, for Muse it is bumping. “I guess bumping baits off the bottom, in current, is my favorite way to fish for catfish. I will bump anytime and anywhere there is current enough to bump and sometimes when there really isn’t enough current to do it well.” Muse’s preference for bumping is straightforward and simple. “Bumping is my favorite method of fishing because

it’s the best way to get bait to where the fish are. It’s also easier to target fish that nobody else may have targeted. Those are the fish that have the opportunity to grow big. It’s more productive than targeting a spot. Most people are looking for a big drop-off, but a catfish can hide behind something that’s only a foot tall. There’s lots of stuff on the bottom of rivers that is a foot tall. I like trying to stick bait behind everything out there.” Bumping successfully depends on boat control. “It’s vital that you position the boat to enable the current to take you back across proven waypoints and structure that are most likely holding fish. The only way to control the boat is to have a bait and line in the water so that you know how much line you are letting out and how much to hold back against

CATFISH PROFILES IN PASSION - Larry Muse

Larry Muse is shown here sharing his Winter Blues on Wheeler catch with a spectator.



the current. You must know whether to slow down or speed up in order to put the bait where the fish are.” The best time to fish for big cats, according to Muse, is the fall. “I love September through November,” revealed Muse. “The fish are feeding up for winter and they bite better. There’s a better chance of catching bigger fish too.” Muse always believes there are better days ahead, but names the 2015 Monsters on the Ohio as one of his best fishing days ever. “Saturday, October 10, 2015 would certainly rank as one of my best days,” exclaims Muse. “Finishing first in a tournament with 182 boats and fishing against some of the best catfishermen in the world ranks among my top days. We had an awesome day, one in which the victory was a surprise. That made the whole experience even more special.” Sharing his catfish knowledge with others produced another great day on the water. “One day I took my dentist, his wife and son fishing on Wilson in Alabama. We caught 20 fish over 35 pounds, the biggest was 65 pounds. We boated 40 to 50 pounders one right after another. It was a great day.” Muse would like to see more kids introduced to the sport. “Start by teaching them the right way,” instructed Muse. “Pick times and places that almost guarantee success. Indulge their questions and reply with good answers. Let them make mistakes and learn from them. Let them actually catch the fish and praise them highly when they do things the right way. Having a child as a fishing partner now may provide a lifetime adult benefit for you both.” Conservation is also high in Muse’s priorities. “There is a large measure of responsibility that comes with catching any fish, but particularly really big catfish. It takes Mother Nature decades to produce these big fish and that effort must not be wasted by irresponsibly showing off the catch. Keep a camera

Observations by a friend Larry Muse normally fishes tournaments with his dad Frank Meador and his stepbrother, Dino Meador. When they can’t fish he often turns to the “B-team” for his competitive partners. “I’ve known Larry for probably 25 years,” said B-team member Don Dalton. “He’s genuine, unique and sincere. There is no pretense in Larry.” “He will tell anyone his honest opinion of a situation, often with a measure of homespun color. He expects the same from people and is very accepting of others regardless of their backgrounds or situations. This makes him often a breath of not fresh air, but oxygenated laughing gas.” “In some of the most dicey situations we’ve been in together (or I could said he’s put us in) he’s said something that made me think of what he said rather than the situation. It takes a unique individual to do that naturally, without any attempt to be funny or diverting. He thinks really deeply — almost consumedly — about things that interest him.” “Larry finds inspiration for his catfishing problem-solving in some of the most amazing places. Few I know can apply what they see to other applications the way he can. His ability to break things down logically is amazing.” “On the fishing side, he really wants to figure things out and then tell everyone how they can improve. There’s a bit of hidden genius in his information sharing philosophy, but only he should reveal that and on his own time.” “Finally, Larry sincerely wants the best for everyone. He is a dedicated Christian. He’s fearless when it comes to talking about his faith, whether it’s in front of a Kiwanis Club audience or with a group of catfishermen. That’s perhaps the quality I admire most.”

Editor’s note: A similar version of this profile appeared in the February 2016 edition of

Catfish Magazine.


handy, photograph the fish and release it as quickly and respectfully as possible.” “Having stated my views on protecting big fish, let me say that I get ‘fish hungry’ like everyone else and I love eating catfish. I encourage people to keep the smaller fish for eating. In my opinion, five-pounders make better table fare than bigger fish anyway.” “Beyond conservation and responsibility for the fish it is our responsibility to look out for the waters those fish swim in. I encourage everyone to be very conscious of water quality issues. People and companies are less likely to pollute our waters if they know a lot of catfishermen are watching.” When asked how he thought his friends would describe him Muse replied, “My friends probably describe my passion for catfishing as an obsession. They know I’m very focused on this sport now, and have been for more than a decade. They would say I’m getting more obsessed every year. I’d hope my friends would say I’m honest about both my successes and failures. I’d hope they would say there’s no one more eager to learn more about this sport than I am.” When asked how he would want to be remembered his thoughts went back to his faith. “I guess I’d like to be remembered (but not anytime soon, please) as a Christian that used his talent and skill at fishing to spread the story of Jesus to others. This is my ministry. I think God has equipped me for it through years of fishing experience and Christian education. The first disciples were simple fishermen. I take pride in being a simple fisherman with a mission.” “There is no limit to the big fish a person might catch,” concludes Muse. “There’s no limit to the people I might meet, friends I might make and influence I might have for good in their lives. What drives me is knowing that I haven’t yet caught the biggest fish in any of the rivers I’ve fished. I’ll keep trying to catch that monster as long as I can. The other

thing that drives me is knowing that God has given me a special opportunity to spread his message about Jesus through catfishing to the people I meet. Catfishing is my passion and my ministry.” Epilogue: In his interview Muse wanted to thank those who have helped him along the way. “I must thank the folks who have supported my fishing, particularly my wife Joyce and my sponsors. Without that support I could not have done in catfishing what I have done. Finally, I want to thank everyone who is helping grow this great sport of catfishing.


Muse is shown here with his 2015 BCQ Angler of the Year Award.

- Ron Presley


C atf ish conservat ion takes many forms. In some instances, the conservat ion rules and regulat ions run contrary to the wishes of the catf ish seeker. Noodl ing, for example, is a form of recreat ion that matches man and beast in hand-to-hand combat. Noodl ing may better be descr ibed as hand-to-mouth combat.

Many people pract ice the method of seeking out cat f ish in an underwater cavi ty, somet imes handmade and placed, to grab the f ish by the mouth

Recreat ional angl ing for blue cat f ish l ike this is reserved for hook and l ine f ishing in Missour i. No noodling

al lowed.

by Ron Presley

Trophy Catfish for the Future


and pul l i t f rom i ts la i r. I t is a form of f ishing that dates back many years. L ike other angl ing pursui ts i t was f i rst used as a way to put food on the table, but has grown to be a sport enjoyed by some adventurous anglers. The process is legal and accepted in many states, but in Missour i , where catf ish are

regulated as gamefish, the process is i l legal . The decis ion to retain the regulat ions against a l lowing noodl ing came after a t r ia l season opened certain parts of Missour i waters to noodl ing in 2005 and 2006. This exper iment fo l lowed a per iod of 90 years when the method was i l legal . The Missour i Department of Conservat ion ended the noodl ing season in 2007 af ter scient i f ic studies indicated that the process was detr imental to the long-run catf ish populat ion. The major problem Missour i found with noodl ing was the fact that the most prevalent t ime to hand-grab the catf ish was dur ing their spawn. The f ish are easi ly found on nests where they are protect ing their eggs and faci l i tat ing the hatch. I f the cat f ish were taken for the dinner table, the f ishery would lose the f ish and the potent ia l f ish that would have been born i f the eggs had not been disturbed dur ing the hatch. Scient ists reported that even i f the f ish was CPR’ed, the eggs were l ikely to be disturbed and destroyed dur ing the subsequent batt le wi th the hand-f isher. Scient i f ic studies also suggested that hand-f ishing would impact smal ler bodies of water in Missour i . In the Apr i l 2009 Missour i Conservat ionist Magazine, author Tom Cwynar wrote, “The math argues that Missour i ’s smal l streams, where 90 percent of hand f ishing takes place, would soon be devoid of large f ish. Catf ish anglers who use tradi t ional bai t , hook and l ine methods to harvest f ish wouldn’ t have much luck. What ’s more, our stream ecosystems would suffer because large f lathead catf ish help control populat ions of less desirable f ish, such as carp.” Based on scient i f ic studies, angler surveys and the Conservat ion Department ’s phi losophy of regulat ing cat f ish as a gamefish, Missour i has chosen to keep noodl ing i l legal in the state.

NO NOODLING IN MISSOURI

Trophy Catfish for the Future

- Ron Presley


Most people’s idea of flathead fishing is long waits with big baits. In most situations this is generally true, especially if targeting trophy class flatheads. However, running a guide service with young kids and impatient client’s, this way of slow fishing was not always the most productive strategy to keep customers interested. I needed a technique to put lots of fish in the boat very quickly. Keeping client’s rods bent was a must to ensure that they got the biggest bang for their buck.

The strategy has come to be called, running and gunning (R&G). It took many years of time on the water to develop and master this rod-bending flathead strategy that I use so often today. When exercised properly, it’s a technique that’s hard to beat. The idea behind R&G is to move as quickly as possible, from spot to spot,

Runnin’ and gunnin’ works very well during daylight hours too, as shown by this nice

flattie.

By Glenn FlowersFinding flatties on the run....


keeping fresh baits in front of active fish. I never remain on a spot for longer than an hour. Often, we will move in fifteen minutes or less, especially if we aren’t feeling that location to be very productive. The strategy is best at night, so when you arrive make sure there is enough sunlight to scout the area’s you plan to fish after dark. When scouting locations a good rule of thumb is to mark two spots per hour to fish. The most ideal locations are fallen trees, wood piles and log jams. Avoid deep

holes and drop offs, since these are generally long wait locations. If you plan to fish for ten hours mark twenty good pieces of structure. Once you have your course laid out, with

The slip-lead rig is Flower’s set up of choice. It consists of a weight and bead slipped up the main-line above a swivel. Add a 9/0 HD Charlie Brown hook and a bluegill or sunfish

and you have a flathead producing rig.

Runnin’ and Gunnin’


all locations gathered and set to your chart plotter, you can begin your R&G strategy. Four rods is all you need and a minimum number of rods will help conserve baits. The technique requires more baits than a typical flathead trip. A good rule of thumb is ten baits per hour, this will ensure you have enough baits to endure the entire trip. Large baits are not necessarily needed. A 4- to 6-inch bluegill is plenty to get the job done. Pull up to your first hole as quietly as possible. Preferably you would tie off to some sort of timber, rather than dropping anchor. Sometimes dropping anchor is the only option, but do so as stealthy as possible. You do not want to spook any nearby flatheads. Once the boat has settled you can start to deploy baits. Begin with the rod closest to the bank and work outward. I prefer a Big Cat Fever medium-heavy rod about 7-foot 6-inches long. Their fast tips make bait and strike detection very noticeable. Using a good live-bait hook, I generally hook my baits behind the dorsal fin. If the current is swift I nose hook the bait. Bluegills and sunfish are my bait of choice for flatheads. Using my flathead rig tied to a 9/0 HD Charlie Brown hook gives me and my clients the highest hook up ratio possible. After the baits have been deployed, I expect the first strike within minutes. I give this spot 30 minutes tops, sometimes even less. After catching or not catching a few fish I roll up the lines and hustle down to the next hole where I deploy the same techniques. Put your baits back out, give it 15- to 30-minutes, then move on. I do this until I have worked my way back to the ramp. I have found that R&G will often produce the largest number of flatheads possible on any given trip. Many nights this technique has put thirty-plus flatheads in the boat. Anglers can expect nice fish, some running well into the forty-pound range. R&G is a strategy to use on rivers, not reservoirs or large lakes. No matter what river you fish, this tactic will work and will out produce most other methods for sheer numbers of flatheads. This pattern works best as temperatures

start to rise. Once temperatures get to where the catfish feel it needs to be, many will begin their migration in search of spawning areas. The flathead migration period will differ depending on what part of the country you live in. Generally, flatheads will begin to migrate, upriver, starting around 60- to 65-degree water temps. Spawning will take


Heavy strings can be expected when runnin’ and gunnin’ all night long!



place once temps reach 73- to 78-degrees in most cases. Spring often brings high waters that flatheads will take advantage of. They leave the rivers to enter the flooded forest where they gorge on crayfish, lizards, birds and snakes. The high water makes it difficult to reach them at times.

Flatheads will start to gather in large numbers around log jams and heavy structure as they scout for nesting areas. They will begin to feed very heavily in an effort to put on weight that they lost through the winter. As they start fattening up, getting ready for the spawn, everything will be on the menu, even dead fish. Don’t be afraid to use cut bait while jumping from spot to spot. Flatheads’ sense of smell is generally heightened during the

spring. Always use fresh cut bait, never frozen. Flatheads seem to prefer the head section over all else. With such large appetites flatheads are easy targets during the pre-spawn period when they become very aggressive. Depending on your location that could be April through May, or maybe June through July. Skilled catfishermen that figure out the local timing can use R&G methods to catch 30-plus fish on good nights, while rod and reel fishing. R&G will work right up until the flathead spawn. At that point you may want to pull that throttle back, since fish won’t be traveling nearly as much as they were. Once flatheads nest they may go weeks without a meal. This is why they are gorging so heavily during early spring. R&G will yield lots of small fish, less than 10 pounds. Cull and keep as many of these smaller fish as needed to catch back up on those freezers. Flatheads spawn incredibly fast and juvenile fish are abundant. However, keep in mind that those big fish are in great demand for the next generation’s spawn. Big flatheads don’t grow over night. Decades will pass as a flathead grows to 75 pounds or more. A flathead over 100 pounds maybe more than 30-years of age. Fish smart, run hard and catch some flatheads now.

- Glenn Flowers

“… keeping fresh baits in front of active fish.”

Begin your day with a well full of bluegill and sunfish. As many as 10 baits per hour will be

needed to pull off the R&G technique.


By Bob Wattendorf

Editor’s Note: The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is heavily involved in supporting kids in the outdoors. Bob Wattendorf has highlighted that commitment and the benefits that ensue from introducing youth to the outdoors. He begins his story in the summer, but the opportunity to introduce kids to the outdoors last all year long.

June is here, and school is out or nearly so. As they have for ages, kids are thinking about the adventures they are about to have. They still read about the fantastic adventures of Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer, and share their yearning to be out in nature and heading to a favorite fishing hole. Recent series such as Hunger Games and Harry Potter also have references to fishing and the importance of nature. Unfortunately for way too many kids, their reality this summer will be staring at an electronic screen. Richard Louv, in his renowned book “Last Child in the Woods,” describes the frightening effects caused by the lack of

nature in the lives of today’s American youth, which he aptly referred to as nature-deficit. Louv points to the lack of time spent outdoors actively connecting with nature as contributing to some of the

I t ’s not the size of the f ish, but the oppor tunity. These two kids were happi ly inspect ing a Flor ida panf ish

before returning i t to the water.

It’s never too early to take kids fishing.


Fishing With Kids

most disturbing childhood trends, such as rises in obesity, attention disorders and depression. Unlike many of life’s disorders, the cure is simple and fun – get outdoors and enjoy nature. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has long been an advocate of the benefits of outdoor recreation, not only for an individual’s quality of life and time spent together with family, but also for imbuing a sense of place and the importance of conservation stewardship. The FWC traces it roots back to 1943, when the first Florida agency to conserve fish and wildlife based on

scientific principles was created. In 1946, Jack Dequine was the first professional fisheries biologist hired and he initiated a series of youth conservation camping events in Auburndale. Then in 1954 he helped to establish a permanent Ocala campsite that is now part of the Florida Youth Conservation Centers Network. Between then and now the FWC experimented with numerous fishing camps, rodeos and events intent on introducing kids from rural and urban neighborhoods and a diversity of backgrounds to recreational fishing. These efforts, including creating a network of urban fishing ponds, met with a wide measure of success and were

Young Charles Patchen was invited fishing by his mom and stepfather on a Sunday morning. He was not sure he wanted to go, but in the end he was glad he did. Charles is shown here with his family and the 63.8-pound state-record

flathead catfish, caught on May 15, 2016.

“… fishing camps, rodeos and events intent on introducing kids from rural and urban neighborhoods and a diversity of backgrounds to recreational

fishing.”


Fishing With Kids

amazingly popular. However, research in the late 1900’s began to show that all this effort really did not change the long-term behavior of participants in ways that lead to significantly more kids becoming lifetime anglers or conservation stewards. Consequently, a new effort was initiated at Joe Budd Aquatic Education Center (now Joe Budd Youth Conservation Center) outside of Tallahassee. It involved engaging 9- to 15-year-old students in weeklong day camps. After evaluation by an outside researcher, it was determined that 71 percent of campers fished more after attending camp than they had before. Additionally, campers rated all aquatic concern statements as significantly more important than did the comparison group. Right about the time Louv published “Last Child in the Woods,” these camp results became available. In 2006, his book lead to a National Dialogue on

Children and Nature conference that drew 350 experts from around the country, representing educators, health-care experts, recreation companies, residential developers, urban planners, conservation agencies, academics and other groups. Ken Haddad, then-FWC executive director, encouraged staff to address these concerns. As a result, FWC supported formation of the Get Outdoors Florida! coalition (http://www.getoutdoorsflorida.org/). External Website Besides FWC, Florida Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Florida’s departments of Environmental Protection (State Parks), Agriculture and Consumer Services (Forestry Divisions) and Education and Health all joined. In addition, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and U.S. Forest Service joined along with numerous university, private and non-profit sector partners. Get Outdoors Florida prompted the


Fishing With KidsGovernor and Cabinet to pass the Florida Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights. Shortly thereafter the FYCCN (http://www.fyccn.org/) External Website and Get Outdoors Florida partners began working together to create the “Next Generation that Cares” and to “Engage communities, families and individuals in outdoor experiences to achieve healthier lifestyles and sustain Florida’s natural resources.” To take it to the next level the FYCCN has since established a network of camps around the state. Camps typically include fishing, boating, shooting sports and wildlife discovery. Although camps vary in specific activities, conservation- centered recreation is a consistent theme. Some of these camps, like Ocala Outdoor Adventure Camp and Everglades Youth Conservation Camp, have been offering fun, affordable and educational camps for decades. Caring

staff and volunteers make every effort to help the campers have a safe, enjoyable experience in the real Florida. If you know a youth that would like to participate, check out the FYCCN.org website. There are many opportunities for a fun and fulfilling camp experience. Moreover, you’ll be helping them to establish a lifetime interest in outdoor recreation that could extend the quality of their life and help ensure the future of our fish and wildlife resources. If you have a program that can help get children outdoors and would like to publicize the program or event, join us at GetOutdoorsFlorida.org. Make sure the young people you know have the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and are not doomed to a life of idle make-believe. Sign them up for an outdoor camp today.

- Bob Wattendorf


T here has been much ta lk in ca t f i sh c i rc les about a “ t rue” Nat iona l Cat f i sh Championsh ip . The ta lk ranges f rom those who don ’ t want one a t a l l to those tha t th ink i t i s des t ined to come. Cur ren t ly the on ly event based on some type o f qua l i f y ing c redent ia ls a re fo r loca l ,

Structuring a National Catfish Championship

Lyle Stokes (center) is shown here doing a Cat f ish Weekly remote broadcast f rom the 2016 Mississippi River Monsters tournament in Memphis, with Bi l l Dance. Doc Lange, Jef f Dodd, and Chuck Davidson look

on.

By Ron Presley

Catfish Weekly National Catfish Championship


reg iona l o r na t iona l ca t f i sh t ra i l s . Many t ra i l s have the i r own year end ing tournaments to de termine the bes t o f the bes t . These tournaments a l l b r ing bragg ing r igh ts , honor and recogn i t ion , bu t i t i s a s t re tch to ca l l the w inners na t iona l champions , in the pures t sense o f the te rm. A new tournament s t ruc tu re i s be ing o f fe red by Ly le and C indy Stokes . Ly le i s a co-hos t o f the popu lar Cat f i sh Week ly on l ine TV show tha t a i rs every Monday n igh t . The tournament w i l l car ry the name, Cat f i sh Week ly Nat iona l Cat f i sh Championsh ip (CWNCC). S tokes has years o f p rev ious exper ience runn ing tournaments . “ I thought th is up over a per iod o f

months , ” sa id S tokes . “C indy and I s ta r ted and ran the Twis ted Cat Outdoors tournaments fo r 9 years . I gave tha t ser ies to A lex Nagy and h is w i fe E l i zabeth , who now do an ou ts tand ing job w i th i t . La te ly, my thoughts have been a imed a t deve lop ing a s t ruc tu re fo r a t rue na t iona l ca t f i sh championsh ip . ” S tokes p lans to pu t the event on us ing the Cat f i sh Week ly name and show to p romote i t . S tokes w i l l be the MC, wh i le we igh- in du t ies

Cindy Stokes is always on hand to organized the scheduled guests. Her organizat ional ski l ls wi l l come in handy for the Nat ional Championship.

CATFISH WEEKLY NATIONAL CATFISH CHAMPIONSHIP


wi l l be car r ied ou t by a th i rd par ty. “Of course , Doc (Lange) and Chuck (Dav idson) w i l l he lp too , ” revea led Stokes , re fe r i ing to h is Cat f i sh Week ly co-hos ts . S tokes be l ieves f i rm ly, tha t a t rue na t iona l championsh ip shou ld span the count ry and br ing numerous loca l and reg iona l tournaments in to the process th rough a qua l i f y ing sys tem. That p rocess is what he has been work ing on . A l though no t comple te ly f ina l i zed , a t th is wr i t ing , i t i s garner ing grea t in te res t f rom a l l ac ross the count ry. “The process is re la t i ve ly s imp le , ” s ta ted Stokes . “Every tournament d i rec to r tha t wants to inc lude h is tournament can jo in the group by pay ing a $100 fee . The i r membersh ip w i l l a l low them to qua l i f y the i r top 5 teams fo r the na t iona l championsh ip . I f they run more than one event they w i l l pay $100 fo r each event and qua l i f y 5 teams fo r each event . I f a t ra i l does a year -end ing c lass ic they can pay the fee fo r the c lass ic and qua l i f y 5 teams l i ke anyone e lse . ” S tokes went on to exp la in tha t I f someone wants to do the i r C lass ic and another ma jor event , they cou ld pay 2 fees and be ab le to qua l i f y 10 teams. The s t ruc tu re w i l l be the same fo r every s ta te in the un ion . “ I f a d i rec to r on ly ho lds 1 tournament per year, tha t i s f ine , ” exp la ined Stokes . “They pay $100 and the top 5 fo r tha t event i s qua l i f ied . I f a ser ies has 2 year -end tournaments , they can qua l i f y 10 teams by pay ing two fees . ” Qua l i f y ing ac tua l l y s ta r ts in 2016 w i th Win ter B lues on Whee ler. The New Year ’s Eve tournament was the f i rs t to qua l i f y teams Qua l i f y ing events w i l l con t inue th rough 2017 fo r the f i rs t Nat iona l Cat f i sh Championsh ip tha t w i l l be he ld in 2018. For teams tha t qua l i f y fo r the

Cat f i sh Week ly Nat iona l Cat f i sh Championsh ip , the en t ry fee w i l l be $300. The event w i l l be 100% payout , p lus sponsor p r izes . Payout w i l l app ly to the top 10 teams in the tournament . “That ca lcu la t ion makes fo r a huge payout fo r those teams in the top t ie r, ” exp la ined Stokes . “Any add i t iona l money or p r izes f rom sponsors w i l l be added a f te r the top ten p laces . ” A major s tep fo r o rgan izers i s to choose a loca t ion fo r the inaugura l event in 2018. A ten ta t i ve da te fo r the Nat iona l Championsh ip has been se t fo r May 13 , 2018. I t i s p lanned fo r the PB2 Boat Ramp a t Lake Ozark Mo. A regat ta permi t has been app l ied fo r and no o ther tournaments a re schedu led on tha t da te .

Locat ion is an impor tan t cons idera t ion fo r the na t iona l event , s ince ru les w i l l have to be adopted to meet s ta te ru les and regu la t ions . Organ izers a lso have to f ind a p lace b ig enough to ho ld the event . “There is a good chance the tournament w i l l be he ld in d i f fe ren t p laces th roughout the US in fu tu re years , ” repor ted Stokes . “By do ing i t th is way, we can he lp p romote the qua l i f y ing events and in tu rn tha t w i l l he lp us promote the championsh ip . The l i s t o f qua l i f y ing tournaments tha t want in on th is i s g rowing da i l y. I t i s go ing to be a huge event . ”

More informat ion and updates on the Catf ish Weekly Nat ional Catf ish Championship can be found on their Facebook page. Updates wi l l include a l is t of current qual i fy ing tournaments.

“…a true national championship should span the country and bring numerous local and regional tournaments into the process …”

CATFISH WEEKLY NATIONAL CATFISH CHAMPIONSHIP


Skunk off the boat: This is the phrase used when an angler catches the first fish of the trip. It denotes a positive beginning to the rest of the day because you know you won’t be skunked (zeroed).

CatfishSpeak - The Language of Catfishing Like any other sport, catfishing has a verbiage of its own. From catfish slang to useful phrases, catfish anglers communicate in a special language. CatfishNow plans to keep you up to date with this angler blending of the English language and catfish jargon that we will call CatfishSpeak. Send us your favorite.

CATFISH WEEKLY NATIONAL CATFISH CHAMPIONSHIP Epi logue:

As p lanned for 2018 the CFWNCC is a one day, but a two day event is not out o f the quest ion for the fu ture. “ I f i t becomes a two-day event , the f i rs t day wi l l be used to qual i fy anglers for day two. The f i rs t day ’s f ie ld wi l l be cut in ha l f for the second day ’s compet i t ion, ” predic ted Stokes as he looked in to the fu ture.

Many tournaments have a l ready s igned up as qual i fy ing events , inc lud ing:

Miss iss ipp i River Monsters , TNMonsters on the Ohio, KYRis ing Sun Tournament , IN

Jimmy Holbrook

- Ron Presley


BnM How To Knots for Anchor Fishing

HOW TO?


Tournament ResultsTournament Results

CAROLINA ANGLERS TEAM TRAILDECEMBER 10th WATEREE1. Josh Coggins/Jimmy Holbrook 67.632. Jeff Manning/Ron Carden 63.83. Jason Knight/Preston Starkey 60.244. Clay Henderson/Jason Wolfe 58.825. Brian Snipes/Bubba Branch 51.52BIG FISH1. Josh Coggins/Jimmy Holbrook 38.37

JKV CATFISHINGDECEMBER 17th GREEN RIVER1. Jerimiah Keen/Rob Edwards 83.92. Adam Winder/Kelly 62.43. Henry Price/Randy Kitchens 58.84. Keith Tarrence/Charles Breed-love 50.75. Mark Northerner/An-dreeSandage 41.11BIG FISH1. Adam Winder/Kelly 40.12

WHISKEY CITYJANUARY 1st TANNERS CREEK1. Rick Cochran/Shar Bovard 54.12. Terry Jackson/Marlin 15.63. David Winkle/ Webster 14.84. Cale Steve/Casey Castle 11.65. Steve W./Todd G 10.2BIG FISH1. Rick Cochran/Shar Bovard 30.8

SOUTHEASTERN CATFISHJANUARY 7th LAKE WYLIE1. Team Angled Out 64.352. Team Reelin’ the Blues 56.553. Team Carolina Blues 54.354. Team Brown Dog 49.155. Team Minnow Bucket 47.1BIG FISH1. Team Minnow Bucket 44.6

NATIONAL EVENTS

CLUB CONTACTS WEBSITE

ALABAMA CATFISH TRAIL DANIEL PARSONS www.alabamacatfishtrail.com

BIG CAT QUEST KEN FREEMAN www.bigcatquest.com

BIG SIOUX CAT ANGLERS DICK HENRICHSEN www.bigsiouxcatanglers.com

CABELA'SKING KAT TOURNAMENT TRAIL JEREMY COE www.kingkatusa.com

CAROLINA ANGLERS TEAM TRAIL C.A.T.T BRETT COLLINS www.cattrail.org

CATFISH CHASERS TOURNAMENT SERIES DAVID STUDEBAKER www.catfishchasers.com

CATFISH COUNTRY www.catfishcountry.com

CATFISH NATION OUTDOORS www.catfishnationoutdoors.com

CATHUNTERS ASSOC. OF THE SOUTH C.A.T.S. GLEN FLOWERS www.catsclub.us

CENTRAL TEXAS CATFISH TRAIL JERRY DILLARD

EXTREME CATFISHING CHAD WAUGH extremecatfishing.com

FISHIN BLUES TIM ORR www.fishinblues-catfishin.com

INDIANA CATFISH CHRIS WALLACE www.indianacatfish.com

J.K.V. CATFISHING TOURNAMENT TRAIL JOSH VANOVER

KANAWHA RIVER CATFISH CLUB JUSTIN VAUGHT

KANSAS CITY CATFISH BRAD AND MELISSA

MISSISSIPPI RIVER MONSTERS GEORGE YOUNG www.msrivermonsters.com

MONSTERS ON THE OHIO AARON WHEATLEY www.monstersontheohio.com

OHIO VALLEY RIVER CATS YEARLY EVENT www.ohiovalleyrivercats.org

OLD DOMINION CATFISH CLUB

RED RIVER VALLEY CATFISH LEAGUE BRAD DURICK www.rrvcatfish.com

SCHEELS BOUNDRY BATTLE CATFISH TOURNAMENT BRAD DURRICK www.boundrybattle.com

SOUTHEAST NEBRASKA MO RIVER CATFISH CLUB LORI

SOUTHWEST OHIO CATFISH CLUB

TRI STATE KATS

TRI-COUNTY CATFISH ASSOCIATION TOM WALSH www.tricountycatfish.net

TWISTED CAT OUTDOORS ALEX NAGY

WEST TEXAS CATFISH TRAIL Chuck McCoy

WEST TN CATFISH ANGLERS JUSTIN RUSSELL

WHISKY CITY CATFISH CLUB www.whiskycitycatfish.com

WICKED WHISKER TOURNAMENT TRAIL JEREMY www.wickedwhisker.com

CATFISH CLUBS Corrections or additions contact us at catfishnow.com


(Fishermen, check with club/association for exact dates, changes, cancellations and rules.)

JANUARY 14th CAROLINA ANGLERS CATFISH TRAIL WYLIE-BUSTER BOYD QUALIFIERJANUARY 14th CATFISH MAFIA POTOMAC CLUBJANUARY 14th CENTRAL TEXAS CATFISH TRAIL NAVARRO MILLS CLUBJANUARY 14th WEST TEXAS CATFISH TRAIL LAKE TAWAKONI OPENJANUARY 15th CATFISH NATION FORT WASHINGTON CLUBJANUARY 28th C.A.T.S. YELLOW RIVER CLUBJANUARY 28th JKV CATFISHING LAKE WHEELER CLUBJANUARY 28th WEST TEXAS CATFISH TRAIL POSSUM KINGDOM OPENJANUARY 28th FISHIN BLUES SOONER LAKE CLUBFEBRUARY 4th SOUTHEASTERN CATFISH CLUB LAKE WATEREE CLUBFEBRUARY 4th OLD DOMINION HOPEWELL MARINA CLUBFEBRUARY 4th CATFISH NATION WHITES FERRY CLUBFEBRUARY 4th CENTRAL TEXAS CATFISH TRAIL WACO CLUBFEBRUARY 4th INDIANA CATFISH ASSOCIATION LEAVENWORTH OPENFEBRUARY 11th CAROLINA ANGLERS CATFISH TRAIL WATEREE STATE PARK QUALIFIERFEBRUARY 11th WEST TEXAS CATFISH TRAIL LAKE TAWAKONI OPENFEBRUARY 18th CATFISH MAFIA POTOMAC CLUBFEBRUARY 18th JKV CATFISHING GENEVA/KY CLUBFEBRUARY 18th WEST TN CATFISH ANGLERS DUVALL LANDING CLUBFEBRUARY 18th CATFISH NATION FORT WASHINGTON CLUBFEBRUARY 25th C.A.T.S. ESCAMBIA RIVER CLUBFEBRUARY 25th CENTRAL TEXAS CATFISH TRAIL LIMESTONE CLUBFEBRUARY 25th WEST TEXAS CATFISH TRAIL LAKE ARROWHEAD OPENFEBRUARY 25th CATFISH CHASERS LACYGNE CLUBFEBRUARY 25th - 26th CATFISH CONFERENCE LOUISVILLE EVENTFEBRUARY 26th WHISKEY CITY TANNERS CREEK CLUBMARCH 4th CATFISH MAFIA POTOMAC CLUBMARCH 4th CATFISH NATION DARGON LAKE CLUBMARCH 4th SOUTHEASTERN CATFISH CLUB LAKE WYLIE CLUBMARCH 4th OLD DOMINION HOPEWELL MARINA CLUBMARCH 11th CAROLINA ANGLERS CATFISH TRAIL WYLIE-BUSTER BOYD FINALMARCH 18th WEST TEXAS CATFISH TRAIL CLUBMARCH 18th CATFISH CHASERS MILFORD/STATE PARK CLUBMARCH 18th CATFISH NATION CANOWIGO CLUBMARCH 25th FISHIN BLUES LAKE ELLSWORTH CLUBMARCH 25th JKV CATFISHING DERBY CLUBMARCH 25th WEST TN CATFISH ANGLERS MUD ISLAND CLUB

CATFISH CALENDAR


I grew up in a smal l farming communi ty, there are farm ponds everywhere. My brother and I would r ide our b ikes to ne ighbor ing farm ponds and f ish for whatever would b i te . Our equipment was cheap, o ld , hand me down f ish ing rods and somet imes just a s t ick wi th s t r ing on i t . As I got o lder I s tar ted f ish ing on the banks of Lake Har twel l and eventual ly bought a cheap boat . I t was a 1981 MFG Tr i Hul l 16- footer wi th a 35 HP motor. Only $400 and I had a boat . No t ro l l ing motor or e lect ron ics. Later I gave in and bought the boat I have now - a 2014 Tracker Deep V 175, I wanted to get in to f ish ing more. At f i rs t i t was just to pass t ime. Then, one day I was s t r iper f ish ing on Lake Har twel l and caught two b lues. One was about 15 pounds and the other 18. From that po int forward I was hooked on cat f ish. In a way, I guess I in t roduced mysel f to cat f ish ing! Someone that I fo l low and look up to in the spor t is Mr. Larry Muse. I met Larry at the 2016 Cat f ish Conference. We have become f r iends s ince then. He has g iven me some t ips and showed me some of h is techniques. He has a lso g iven me advice on tournament f ish ing, par tners and about anyth ing e lse I asked h im. He is cons idered one of the best there is in Cat f ish ing. I f I can get to the compet i t ive leve l that Larry is , wel l that ’s pret ty compet i t ive. Honest ly, Larry has helped me in more ways than just f ish ing, I th ink the good Lord above used Larry to ta lk to me before I ever met or ta lked wi th h im. When Larry and Steve Douglas d id that v ideo on Larry ’s dragging

r ig , Larry sa id, “When I snel l a knot I wrap i t seven t imes. In the b ib le God sa id seven is a complete number and I want a complete knot . ” Larry a lso sa id, “ I f you put God in i t , i t can’ t be wrong.” The t iming of that v ideo and where I was in my st ruggle wi th the good Lord is memorable. The Lord and I was f ight ing each other a t the t ime. I t was not by acc ident that Larry Muse came in to my l i fe . I take a lo t o f k ids and f r iends f ish ing. I take them out and we just have fun. I show them some of my t r icks that work for me and te l l them about conservat ion. I t is par t o f why I f ish. I approach my cat f ish ing wi th a

Why We CatfishGuest Editorial – by Paul Blackwell


bel ie f that conservat ion is the s ing le most impor tant th ing to the spor t . I ab ide by a s imple s tatement , and I share i t w i th others. I a lways say, “Conservat ion s tar ts wi th you. I f you keep i t today, you won’ t have i t tomorrow.” I hope to pass my pass ion for the spor t on to my stepdaughter Madison. She loves to be on the water wi th me. She and I f ish together a lo t and do a lo t o f scout ing together. She f ished 6 tournaments wi th me in 2016 and had a b last . Madison and I was f ish ing a Tournament on Lake Har twel l . I t was our f i rs t together. The tournament was held at n ight , and we hadn’ t caught a f ish by 1 am. I was te l l ing her, “You’ re not go ing to a lways catch them or win, e tc . ” In the middle of that conversat ion a rod bowed over. I grabbed i t and knew i t was a b ig f ish. We landed a 45-pound f la thead. I t was my new personal best f la thead. No more than a couple minutes af ter we put that f la t t ie in the boat , in fact , i t was s t i l l in the net , another rod bowed over. Madison grabbed the rod. I t was another good f ish. She was so exc i ted, she kept say ing, “ I t ’s a b ig one.” She ree led i t to the boat and I net ted i t . The f ish turned out to be a 38-pound f la thead. I t became her new personal best f ish. We ended up catch ing a smal l 5-pound b lue af ter that to g ive us our l imi t . We went to weigh- in wi th both of us hav ing a new personal best . We won the tournament and a lso won b ig f ish of the season. That was the f i rs t tournament I ever won and the f i rs t that Madison and I had f ished together. So, we both had our f i rs t tournament win, we both caught new personal best f la theads and won b ig f ish of the season. Best o f a l l , we d id i t together. Madison is t ru ly exc i ted about f ish ing. She wants to learn everyth ing about i t and has a pass ion for i t .

From 2017 forward, Madison wi l l be my exc lus ive tournament par tner. We are sure to make more memor ies on the water together. Cat f ish ing is par t o f me. I love the fact that cat f ish are the b iggest predator in the water. I love the hunt . I love the surpr ise of what ’s go ing to show up on the water ’s sur face. I love the re laxat ion of i t . What o ther spor t can you just go, k ick back and re lax, and s t i l l be product ive?

Why We Catfish Guest EditorialThis column is provided for reader submitted editorials on Why We Catfish. If you have a short story related to why you catfish, you may submit it for consideration and publication in a future issue of CatfishNow. Send submissions of 500 words or less and one or two photos to Ron Presley at

[email protected].

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