My Intro to Catfish Angling

It has been interesting getting to know a little more about the world of competitive catfish angling, and seeing the magnificent fish they bring in. The sum of my catfishing experience has been a few attempts to hook "bullheads" and unidentified catfish in small lakes and ponds near where I grew up. The only competitive aspect was whether I'd catch one and my buddy wouldn't. More often than not it degraded into a rock skipping contest or driftwood swordfight.

Living out West, I've had the opportunity to fish for sturgeon on the Columbia river and I have to imagine that catfish angling the big rivers of the Midwest is a similar experience - peacefully watching the river roll by until suddenly the rod tip jiggles, you set the hook and realize you are into a massive, powerful fish. The adrenalin surges and if all goes well, the whole experience ends with the catch and release of a spectacular fish.

Since I joined SavvyBoater.com, I've had the opportunity to talk with a number of serious catfish anglers from the Midwest. We've got great prices on some of the anchoring and anchor retrieval gear they regularly use, which has led to a number of great discussions and learning sessions. We've pulled together some of the gear recommended to us by the pros in a Catfish Angling Gear page. It has also allowed me to learn a little more about the fishery from some very serious anglers such as "Doc" Lange of http://www.hookedoncatfish.com/. (Note: he was also willing to share his experience with the AnchorLift Anchor Retrieval System) It has also led to SavvyBoater.com sponsoring both DuraCats 2007 Championship Catfish Tournament (October 27 & 28, 2007) and the ACATS Catfish 2007 Catfish Championship (September 21 & 22, 2007)

Another thing that has impressed my in talking with these competitive catfish anglers is their dedication to protecting the fishery. Like sturgeon, growing really big catfish doesn't happen overnight, so it is a shame to only catch them once. Proper care and release of caught fish means that they are there to be caught again, and to contribute their exceptional genetics to the next generation.

While I haven't had the chance to fish with any of these folks, I hope to get the chance to get out that way one of these days and see how it is really done. If you have an interest in catching big catfish, or think you could be a competitor, I'd urge you to visit one of the upcoming tournaments to learn more or join DuraCats or ACATS and give it a try.

I also noticed that ACATS has launched ACATS Radio a series of streaming audio shows about catfish angling featuring discussions with ACATS Tournament Winners, ACATS members and other catfish angling notables.