Noodling Catfish
Noodling, a popular hobby in the southern region of the United States, is a technique in catfishing that involves catching a catfish in one’s bare hands. Those that are interested in this type of catfishing are encouraged to learn a bit more about noodling before reaching down a catfish hole.
A Spotter is a Great Idea
Noodling can be done with one person, but it is better done with two people. One person is the one that reaches into the hole for the catfish, and the other person, also called the spotter, helps with everything else. They can block off the hole to make sure that you have the catfish cornered, call for emergency assistance if necessary, and they can help get you and the fish back on the boat. This is a necessity for those that are after slightly larger fish that might be harder to handle.
Search for Catfish Holes
Noodling is pointless if you do not know where to look for catfish holes. Those that want to try this need to understand that catfish like to stay in shallow water where they find a nice hole near the riverbank. They appreciate enclosed areas for nesting because it makes them feel safe and secure. These are the spots that you should be looking for catfish holes.
Seal the Exits
Once a catfish hole has been discovered, it’s important to block off the exit routes to ensure that the fish can’t escape. Use some sandbags, grab nearby rocks or the spotter can stand in front of a smaller hole to make sure that the fish can’t get away. This is an important part of noodling. If the exits are not blocked off, the fish can easily swim away, making all of your efforts pointless.
Grabbing Catfish
Grabbing the catfish is the dangerous part, so it must be done with care. Reach your hand into the catfish hole and it will more than likely attack to protect its nest. If it does not, grab the fish, and throw it on the boat or onto the shore.
Dangerous
Grabbing the catfish or reaching into the catfish hole can be extremely dangerous when a person winds up with a bigger fish. This could easily result in them being bitten, losing a finger or getting some pretty big gashes on their arm. There is also the chance that a person could have their skin punctured by the pricks on the dorsal or pectoral fin, which can result in a lot of pain and swelling. Before a person jumps right in to go noodling, it’s important that they understand the risks involved.
Illegal in Some States
Due to the surge in popularity of this sport, and the risks involved, such as a large fish pulling someone underwater, noodling has been deemed illegal in some southern states. Before participating in this sport, it is important that fishermen determine whether it is illegal in their state of choice or not.
Noodling can be a fun, inexpensive way to catch catfish. There is no bait involved, no learning how to Snell a hook and no need for fishing poles. On the other hand, it can be dangerous, so it is important to always have a spotter go with you.
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