Noodling For Catfish: Watch Your Fingers!

Noodling for catfish seems to be a fairly new way of catching catfish without the use of standard fishing equipment such as rods and reels. However the Native Americans were the first to use this method. Since being legalized in the state of Missouri, it has become popular again. The idea of noodling seems like a pretty easy concept, but the actual act and the finding of the catfish can take some time and practice. A catfish doesn’t have teeth, rather more like coarse sandpaper. But nonetheless they can do damage to your hands. Some noodlers use gloves to avoid this damage, however it makes your hands less sensitive to what you are feeling for. Noodling takes place in shallow water, along the banks of lakes and rivers. Catfish are nocturnal so they hide and rest during the day, usually under logs and rocks. Once you find a catfish, make sure that his escape route is blocked or you will not be successful. When you reach into an area that contains a catfish, the catfish will become very aggressive and try to bite you. This is when you make your capture. They will bite either your fingers or take you whole hand into their mouths. Finding and clamping onto their gill cover makes for a firm grip. Once you have the catfish in hand, and depending on how big they are you will be in the fight of your life. Pound for pound catfish are strong, and will not give up easily. There are a few things that need to be considered before you go out noodling. Never go alone, you never know what may happen when you are in the water. Also check all the state fishing laws concerning noodling as some states don’t allow it. And most of all have a ton of fun.