Noodling for Catfish

Noodling has been around for a long time. It started when fishermen started noticing that big catfish don’t swim around much, but live in deep holes or under a lot of cover. The art of noodling has been passed down from generation to generation, but only in the past fifteen years has been considered a serious sport.

Most noodlers do not go at it alone. There is a real risk of drowning if you stick your arm in a big one’s mouth. Catfish caught by noodling can weigh up to around sixty pounds. The catfish latches on and tries to get away. Noodlers report not being able to get their arm or hand out and end up in a struggle with the fish to get back to the surface. This is why some noodlers wear scuba gear when they dive. Noodlers generally have a spotter at the surface when they go down for a catfish. The spotter will help them out of the water, help secure the fish and help retrieve the hand.

Noodling is easiest in water that is shallow or at least not over your head. Spring and summer are the best times to find catfish in their nests. They spawn when the water gets up to around 70 degrees or higher. Once they lay their eggs, they do not often leave their nests.

Noodlers will generally test a hole before they stick their hand in it. They will prod with a stick to figure out if it is a catfish in there, or something else, like a turtle or a snake. If it is a catfish, they will sometimes create a barricade around the hole, lessening the fish’s chance of escape. They will use logs, rocks or other people to stand close, trapping the fish in the desired area.

Catfish usually bite to defend their nests. This makes noodling a little easier. Sometimes they will just nip a finger and you will need to try to cram in your hand to grab it behind the gills. Be prepared, because catfish do have teeth. They also will spin once they have latched on. The teeth are small, but they can draw blood and break through the skin. Some noodlers use gloves, but most see gloves, small hooks or using scuba equipment as cheating.

If you want to improve your noodling success, you can create a habitat where big catfish will want to spawn. Fish attractors, such as Honey Hole Trees or Shrubs, are very useful. They create an area where catfish feel safe. They are inclined to hunt and spawn around this type of cover, increasing the population of catfish and increasing the size of the catfish. Natural cover can be more dangerous for noodlers because of the constant threat of snags. Check with your state before you go noodling, because it is illegal in some areas. Whether you find a hot bed of nests or use fish attractors to lure in the big guys, you’re sure to have a great time noodling with your friends.

About the Author: Brad Metzler is the owner of Honey Hole Tree Inc., an industry leader in the production and sale of fish attractors like Honey Hole Trees and Turtle Traps. Honey Hole Tree Inc. also consists of Lake and Pond Management Professionals that are dedicated to finding the most economical solutions and strategies for your fish attractant and stocking needs.