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Grappling Fishing Tips



Grappling for catfish is a very ancient way of harvesting finned-food, going all the way back to the Stone Age. If you've ever had a desire to tackle fish on their terms, this is it.  
     Also known as "Noodling', grappling is simply wading dark, murky waters, sometimes neck-deep, and sticking your hands into places like rock crevices, caves, undercuts, and sunken brush, sight-unseen, and trying to locate a catfish. When you find one, you grab it by the gills, or whatever, or it grabs you, and you drag it out into open water and wrestle to the shore.  Sounds easy, huh? …..Not! Channel, Blue and Flathead catfish can get to a respectable size, and have very strong jaws. This is no picnic. This is extreme-fishing, period.  Grappling can be downright dangerous, but if you know a few grappling fishing tips, it can be a little safer. 

  • At the present time, grappling is only legal in 17 states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Wisconsin, but several other states have legislation pending to legalize it within their jurisdictions. In addition, even in states where it is legal, there are bodies of water with Special Regulations that prohibit grappling, so be sure to check the local laws before grabbing catfish in an unfamiliar stream, river, pond or lake. 
  • Never go grappling alone. There are too many things that can happen. Snakebites, accidents, injuries from the fish, or even grappling a catfish big enough to hold you under. This is not a solo-sport. 
  • One of the best times to go grappling is in the spring, when catfish are spawning. Then they are in shallower water.  But keep in mind, they are also more aggressive at this time. 
  • While you are sticking your hands into holes, crevices, undercuts and brush, keep in mind that what you find is not always going to be a catfish. Muskrats, beavers and other aquatic mammals can give you nasty bite, and may carry rabies, so if you feel fur, it's best to back out quickly and look somewhere else. Likewise, snapping turtles, which can get quite large, and have the ability to remove an appendage with one bite, water moccasins (very poisonous water snakes), snakeheads (a toothy invasive fish species in some states), large salamanders (yes, they can bite viciously), and gar could also be lurking in that hideout. Try to determine what may be in the hole before you stick your hand in it. It may seem like a redundant warning, but it is probably not a good idea to go grappling in places that have populations of alligators, like southern Texas, Louisiana, and Georgia.  The alligator will probably win. 
  • Always carry a good-sized, dependable knife with you. You could get hung up in old fishing line, trot lines, or have other mishaps where a knife could save your life. I recommend a good dive knife, which can also double as a pry-bar if needed. 
  • The key to defeating gargantuan catfish, and minimizing damage to yourself. is to control the tail. You do this by wrapping your legs around the fishes body as soon as it clears the hole (while avoiding the sharp pectoral and dorsal spines). If you do not control the tail, even a modest 20 pound catfish can have it's way with you. This also stops the catfish from spinning, which is dangerous for you. Catfish have many small, abrasive teeth, and if they can spin, they can rip the hide right off of your arm. 
  • Make sure you always bring a First-Aid kit and know how to use it. Let someone know where you will be when you go out, so they have an idea where to look for you if you are late coming home. 


While serious injuries are rare while grappling, the danger does exist. But having direct contact with the fish, and the element of danger is appealing to a lot of people, more and more each day. If you decide to have a go at monster catfish, head-to-head, keep these grappling fishing tips in mind, and good luck to you. 

     Happy fishing. 
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Grappling Fishing Tips

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