Catfish Noodling Fully Explained

Learn About The Catfish Noodling Technique

You’ve already hiked, climbed, and camped your way through California’s parks. You want something harder. Noodling catfish puts you in the water and face-to-face with a fish that fights back. No gear. No bait. Just your bare hands. 

Noodling is the kind of challenge that draws in the bold, the curious, and those who know how to make the most of their downtime. That’s also where something like where a FRE pouch fits in: easy to pack, easy to use, and made for exciting moments like these.

What Is Catfish Noodling & Where Did It Originate?

Catfish noodling is a bare-handed fishing method that has been practiced for generations across the southern U.S., and it's still active today. You won't need bait, a rod, or any gear. Just your hands, timing, and the guts to reach into dark underwater holes where catfish nest.

At its core, noodling means using your hands or feet to catch catfish. This method goes by many names depending on the region. Some people call it grappling, grabbling, tickling, hogging, or catfisting. While they sound different, the concept stays the same. You use your body as the hook.

How It Works

During spawning season, catfish stay in underwater holes to protect their eggs. The male guards the nest while the female leaves after laying. That makes the male the target.

You place your arm or foot into a known catfish hole and wait. If there's a fish, it often clamps down as a defense. You hold tight and pull the fish out. That's the technique.

Many noodlers go with a buddy. One person grabs, the other helps bring the fish out. It's physical, fast, and requires full attention. Some catfish can weigh more than 40 pounds. Spotters matter for both safety and support.

Noodlers can go as deep as 20 feet. It's not always shallow. That's part of the reason this method requires experience and caution.

Where It All Started

Noodling is deeply tied to the culture of the American South. Early records show this method was already common before fishing rods became accessible. Communities across Oklahoma, Mississippi, and Tennessee used hand fishing as a food source. It’s then been passed on within families for decades.

The method may go back even further. Some sources suggest hand-fishing was used by Native American communities and other early settlers in North America.

What Is The Noodling World Record?

The official noodling world record for flathead catfish is 87.85 pounds, according to Oklahoma state records. That fish was caught at El Reno Lake by noodling and remains the benchmark.

Unconfirmed catches have since topped that number. In 2023, Levi Bennett caught a 106-pound flathead catfish while noodling in East Texas. He was with his wife Kodi and their friend Jeremy Millsap. They were using scuba gear to check a 35-foot pipe. Kodi kicked the fish from one end to keep it in place. Levi dove back in and pulled it out.

At first, they thought the fish weighed 96 pounds. But once the full tail cleared the ground and it was fully suspended, the scale showed 106 pounds. That would have shattered the world record, but there was no certified scale at the scene. The fish was released after weighing and a few quick photos.

A few weeks later, Drew Moore and Justin White caught a 98.7-pound flathead catfish by hand at Lake Tawakoni in Texas. They used a certified scale, and the record is pending official confirmation. If approved, it would become the heaviest catfish ever hand-caught and weighed on record in Texas.

Most flatheads pulled by hand weigh under 50 pounds. These outliers show what’s possible, but unless it’s officially recorded, it won’t count.

The Dangers Of Noodling

If you're thinking of trying noodling, you need to understand what you're facing. This isn’t your standard rod-and-reel hobby. You're going underwater, using your body, and reaching into blind holes where anything could be waiting. Here’s what you’re signing up for:

• Drowning: Even shallow water can be dangerous. Noodlers often work around steep banks, muddy riverbeds, and slippery rocks. Sudden shifts in current or losing footing near a deep spot can trap or pin you underwater. Most reported noodling deaths were due to drowning, often caused by poor visibility or loss of breath control.

• Wildlife Encounters: You’re not the only one hiding in those holes. Snapping turtles, beavers, snakes, and even alligators have been reported in the same types of underwater cavities that catfish use. A wrong move can lead to bites, punctures, or worse. 

• Abrasions & Cuts: Sharp rocks, jagged wood, and catfish spines can all cause damage. Most noodlers come out with scrapes, bruises, and cuts. Gloves help, but they won't stop everything. Once you’re underwater, there’s little room to adjust or protect yourself.

• Infections: Murky, stagnant water holds bacteria. If you’ve got open skin, it’s an easy way in. A small cut can turn into something more serious without warning. Many injuries reported in the study by Kaar and Nakanishi involved infections that required medical attention.

Why Is Noodling Illegal in Some States?

Noodling is legal in several U.S. states. However, it's prohibited in others due to concerns about fish welfare and conservation.​ Catching catfish by hand can cause stress, injury, or death to the fish. This method disrupts their natural behavior and habitat, leading to potential harm. 

Moreover, male catfish guard their eggs in nests. Removing these males during noodling leaves the eggs vulnerable, increasing the risk of algae growth and egg mortality. This practice can negatively affect catfish populations, prompting conservation laws to protect them. ​

Where Is Catfish Noodling Legal?

Noodling's legality varies by state. As of recent data, it's legal in 17 states, primarily in the South and Midwest, including:​

In states like Missouri, noodling is illegal due to concerns over its impact on catfish populations. It's essential to check local regulations before engaging in noodling to ensure compliance with state laws.

FRE Break: Mid-Day Recharge for the Outdoorsy Type

You’re wading through rivers, scraping your arms on logs, and battling a 30-pound catfish. You’re gonna need something in your lip that doesn’t require water or fire to enjoy.

Try FRE Mint Nicotine Pouch for a refreshing recharge! No mess, no spit, just flavor. Want more options? Check out the Local FRE Store before your next outdoor trip.

Which States Are The Best For Noodling?

Not all states give you the same experience when it comes to noodling catfish. Some have better water access, stronger traditions, and more active communities. If you’re ready to plan your next legal hand-fishing trip, these three states should be at the top of your list.

1. Oklahoma: Oklahoma is home to the annual Okie Noodling Tournament, the largest noodling event in the country. This state is where catfish hand-fishing became a sport with fans, sponsors, and prizes. The tournament draws experienced noodlers from all over. 

2. Mississippi: Mississippi has the kind of waters that give you a real chance at a big catch. The rivers and bayous are shallow, muddy, and filled with the right kind of cover. You’ll find nesting catfish in ideal conditions. The state's laws support the practice, and local communities are familiar with it.

3. Alabama: Many local guides in Alabama run legal noodling trips during the season. It’s common in parts of the state where fishing is passed down through generations. If you're just getting started and want someone to show you how it works, Alabama gives you access and support.

When Is Catfish Noodling Season?

If you're serious about making contact with a catch, you need to go when catfish are nesting. In most states where noodling is legal, the season starts in late spring and runs through summer, typically from May to August. This is when catfish are in spawn mode. They settle into holes, stay in one place, and guard their eggs.

First-Time Noodling? Here’s Your Quick Guide

If you're heading out for your first noodling catfish run, you won’t need a truckload of gear. But you will need to stay sharp, move with purpose, and bring what matters. Noodling is hands-on and physical. 

The Gear (Even Though You Don’t Use Much)

• Protective gloves: Helps reduce cuts from rocks, fish bites, and hidden debris.\

• Buddy system: Never go alone. You need someone watching and ready to help if things go wrong.

• Water shoes or boots: Better grip and protection for your feet in muddy or rocky spots.

• First-aid kit: Keep one in your truck or boat. Small cuts can get worse fast in river water.

• GoPro (for bragging rights): If you're going in, you might as well show proof when you get back.

You don’t need much gear for noodling, but it’s smart to bring something that helps pass the downtime. When you’re watching a hole or waiting your turn, FRE nicotine pouches are an easy grab. No lighter, no mess, no waiting. Just a clean pouch, in flavors like Sweet or Wintergreen. It’s a solid way to make your time outdoors more enjoyable.

What To Expect

• It’s going to feel like sticking your hand in a slimy mailbox

• Your heart rate will spike

• You’ll either grab a catfish or get tagged by one

• It’s enjoyable and you’ll want to go again

Catfish Noodling Techniques You Should Know

Getting into noodling catfish isn't about jumping into the water and hoping for the best. This method demands control, patience, and a solid plan. If you're new to it, don't just copy what you see online. Start with the basics and stick to what keeps you safe.

Here are the techniques that matter:

• Go with a guide or experienced noodler: Don't start alone. Learning from someone who's done it before gives you a real shot at doing it right. A guide knows how to find the right spots and avoid bad ones.

• Check water depth and clarity: You need to see and breathe. If you can't tell how deep it is or what's below the surface, you're risking more than just a missed catch.

• Wear protective gloves and clothes: Catfish can bite. Rocks can cut. Long sleeves and sturdy gloves give you the basic protection you’ll need when reaching into tight holes.

• Reach under submerged logs or rocks slowly: You’re trying to feel, not scare. Rushing leads to mistakes. Move slow and feel around before going in deeper.

• Grab the catfish by the jaw and hold tight: Once it latches, don’t let go. Get your grip behind the lower jaw and stay locked until your buddy helps you out.

Important: Never noodle alone. A second person is your backup if something goes wrong.

Final Thoughts

Noodling catfish is raw, physical, and not for the casual angler. It’s legal in some states and banned in others, so you’ve got to know the rules before jumping in. This method demands control, awareness, and a partner who’s ready when things get risky. When done right, it’s one of the wildest legal ways to catch a fish in the U.S. If you're ready to try something that pushes your limits, start where it’s legal, go during the right season, and don’t go alone.

And when you're packing up, make room for FRE Sweet pouches. Fishing might be old-school, but your pouch doesn’t have to be. FRE’s Original Mega Packs and Refill Can are easy to carry and built for real outdoor days. In the heat, moisture levels matter. That’s why it helps to know how your pouch performs and what that means in the field.