Catfisherman's Thoughts

This article was written by Catfish Billy owner of Catfish Billy's Big Cat Diaries and a good friend of us here at why-fish. I think it tells alot about the true meaning fishing and how it can be worked into the why fish concept.

Winter has pretty much just kicked in to full force here but I was dying to get a line in the water a month or two ago!2 weeks ago we got 16" of snow dumped on us and Sun. its supposed to be up in the 60's........what the heck?Although with all the flooding going on around here I have pondered the thought of walking around some flooded feeder creeks and hunting down some channels that Im quite certain and moved up in there to get out of the flood waters and to look for food.You fish all spring and summer and some fall, and you dream about catfishing. You sit on your bum most of the winter and do nothing, and dream about catfishing. Sure we go out after crappie, trout, and some walleye a couple times during the winter, but you just cant nail that same feeling you get when you get out in open catfish water.I guess for most catmen the thought of state, or world records is really just a afterthought to what the sport really means to them. Heck, for the most part, most people (myself included) get a funny feeling about catfishing when you use the term "sport" to define it. Catfishing is more of a quest.Its each mans burning drive to break that own personal record or goal, or the excitement of exploring new water and learning each new bend, riffle, hole and run in a river. Its the solitary journey to constantly better yourself. Catfishing unlike bassfishing is never a tournament fiasco. Each man finds his own way, and learns from the veteran catters out there always willing to lend a hand. Catfishing is just a way that you live. Always thinking of the next catch, and dreaming about some fat-bellied flathead out there with your name on it in the coming season.Some say catfisherman are lazy, is that true? I dont think so, not lazy, just simple. Its a simple way of life, and a simple fish to fish for when you get all the pieces of your own personal puzzle together. We dont fiddle with having 900 kinds of lures, and worry about what colors of what and blah..blah...blah...We bait up with what we know works, we put it out where we know the fish are, and we let them come to us.Its a respect with the catman, of strength, power, and beauty (some may think different) of this species.I love and respect this way of life, and Im glad I have friends to share it with.God Bless,Bill