Do you have a sense of adventure? Do you like adrenaline rushes? If so, noodling may be one type of sport fishing you want to try. In noodling, you don’t use a rod to catch fish. You use your hands. That’s what makes noodling thrilling but dangerous.
Noodling is not suitable for just any kind of fish. You want to reserve the technique for flathead catfish. These fish like to hide in holes or under bushes, and you should be able to find them in shallow water. Once you find a spot to fish, it’s time to dive in.
Start by wading into the muddy water. You may want to wear waders for this, but it isn’t essential. When you see a hole or a bush, stick your hand into or under it. Wiggle your fingers. If a catfish is hiding, the wiggling motion may trigger a reactionary bite. That’s where the danger comes in. The catfish will sink its teeth into your skin.
Once the catfish latches on to your skin, head for dry land, presumably with the catfish still attached. Keep in mind that catfish can be large fish with the advantage in deeper water. It’s possible for the fish to pull you under, which is why noodling is not a solo sport. You may want to watch online videos or an experienced noodler do the technique prior to trying yourself.
Before you jump in and try your hand at noodling, you’ll want to make sure it’s legal in your state. Only 13 U.S. states allow it. You can check with your state’s fishing and wildlife department to determine whether it’s legal. States may use different names for the sport, including hogging, tickling, stumping, grabbling, or handfishing.
If your state does allow noodling, you can blend adventure and fishing in to one outing. When done correctly, many people enjoy a successful day catching catfish.