How to Noodle

Noodling is catching catfish with your bare hands. Also known to some as hogging, tickling, grabbling or dogging, this form of fishing that can be quite dangerous. Learn how to tackle this challenging and intriguing sport.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Enter shallow water to probe possible catfish hangouts. You may prefer to partially block holes with rocks, small sandbags or your own body to prevent the catfish's escape. During spawning season this is unneccessary as catfish rarely abandon their nests.
2. Wear protective gloves that cover both hands and forearms. Noodlers are often bitten and attacked by stunned catfish that have become agitated. Though some noodlers go in with bare skin, many regret that decision later. Play it safe.
3. Be prepared to find other creatures lurking into holes where you reach. Though catfish can be found in these holes, so can snakes, beaver or snapping turtle.
4. Reach inside a potential catfish hole and be prepared to react quickly. If you get to a cat and it attacks, with mouth open, try to grasp it by its mouth or gill cover. If it doesn't attack, the challenge is to pry the mouth open and work the fingers in to gain a tight grip.
5. Remain standing with eyes open, and mouth and nostrils above water. This is one reason that working in shallow areas is key.
6. Battle the catfish to the surface. If you make it unscathed, you successfully noodled your first catfish.

Tips & Warnings

• Noodling is dangerous. Serious injuries and drowning can result. The activity is considered an extreme sport and should be taken seriously.