All In The Family: Maine Mother & Son Charged in Massive Drug Bust
Angler Breaks West Virginia's Blue Catfish Record By A Whisker
Kimberly Feltner and her husband, Shawn, braved the wind and rain on Sept. 28 to fish the Ohio River with their friend and local guide, Chris Souders. It was the day after Hurricane Helene struck the region, and the river was swollen from all the heavy rain. This bump in current helped get the fish moving, and the three anglers were finding some blue cats near Point Pleasant, West Virginia, where the Kanawha River joins the Ohio.
"It was almost 9 a.M. And we'd just caught our second small catfish when I heard something," Souders, who runs Slunger Cat Outdoors, tells Outdoor Life. "One of my Penn reels' drag was screaming and I turned to see the rod it was on was doubled over at the boat stern."
He says Feltner, who lives in Indiana, jumped on the rod right away. She fought the catfish while he cleared their other lines.
"I had six other deep lines out," Souders says. "I was lucky to get them in before they tangled."
They caught the blue cat from the R.C. Byrd Pool on the Ohio River. Photo courtesy Chris Souders
Souders kept his 20-foot aluminum boat anchored while Feltner worked on the fish. It ran deep several times, and about 10 minutes into the fight, Souders says Feltner was about ready to give up. But she stayed with it long enough to tire out the big blue cat and get it near the boat, where Souders netted it and then rolled it over the gunnel.
"I knew right away it was going to be a state length record," says Souders, who grew up fishing the Ohio River and lives in Oak Hill. "I've caught at least four blue cats that were almost record-length fish, and I knew Kim's fish was longer."
Read Next: West Virginia Angler Smashes State Catfish Record Using His Daughter's Pink Kiddie Rod
After taping the catfish, Souders called his friend Ryan Bosserman, who works as a fisheries biologist for the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources. He filled Bosserman in and asked him to meet them at the Robert C. Byrd Lock and Dam for an official measurement.
"It was a boat a 30-minute run there, and Ryan measured and weighed the fish on the spot."
The blue cat's official weight was 64.15 pounds and shy of the current state weight record — a 69.45-pound fish caught by Michael Drake in 2023. But at 50.82 inches from tip to tail, it was just long enough to edge out that same fish for the state length record. (Drake's fish was roughly a third of an inch shorter, at 50.51 inches long.) Bosserman estimated the blue cat's age at around 20 years old.
Chris Souders (left), Kimberly Feltner, and Shawn Feltner weighed the fish on a certified scale with help from a state fisheries biologist. Photo courtesy Chris Souders
Souders says Feltner's state-record catfish ate a cut mooneye bait that was fished near the bottom on an 8/0 hook. He says the fish was near a ledge drop in the middle of the river, and he thinks the heavy rain from the hurricane helped trigger a bite by increasing the river's current.
After getting the fish's official measurements, the three anglers returned to where it was caught and released it back into the Ohio River. They finished out their day strong, catching and releasing some more blue cats, including one that Souder thinks went 40 pounds.
Read Next: The Biggest North American Catfish of All Time
"We released all our fish," Souders says, "They're a lot more valuable in the river than in a cooler."
220-pound Catfish Rescued After Getting Stuck Inside Flooded Train Station
The cat's cradle was a tight rail hub.
Rescuers had the ultimate catch-and-release experience after saving a monster Mekong River catfish that became trapped inside a flooded train station in Thailand.
"It was one of the biggest I have seen," Boonsong Tangrid told Viral Press of the dramatic rescue, which occurred in Chiang Mai on October 6.
The Northern Thai city had been pummeled by floods caused when the Ping River overflowed its banks due to heavy seasonal rainfall, killing three and forcing dozens of people to move to shelters.
'We saw the massive catfish (pictured) in front of Saraphi Railway Station," said volunteer responder Boonsong Tangrid. ViralPress Volunteers from Uttaradit Songkroh Foundation were en route to evacuating stranded residents from submerged homes when they spotted the "massive catfish" stuck outside a ticket booth at the Saraphi Railway Station, per Tangrid.
"The water was at hip level and it could not swim through obstructions," the volunteer lamented.
He estimated that the behemoth — — which is native to the Mekong River basin in Southeast Asia and parts of China — was over 3 feet long and weighed approximately 220 pounds (around the same weight as a refrigerator).
The rescuers reportedly had to evacuate nearby residents so they turned the cat over to the station master to oversee until it was safe to release it.
The rescuers hold up the catfish, which had become stranded by the train station amid floods pounding the region. ViralPress While certainly huge, this particular Mekong Catfish was a tiddler compared to other examples of the species, which can grow to nearly 10 feet long and weigh 660 pounds, per the World Wildlife Fund.
The plus-size plankton eater held the Guinness World Record for the world's largest freshwater fish from 2005 until 2022 when it was eclipsed by a 661-pound stingray that was caught in Cambodia.
The Mekong's massive size has made unsurprisingly it a veritable holy grail among freshwater anglers.
In fact, the species is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) due to overfishing, among other factors.
Due to the fish's scarcity, it's currently illegal to target Mekong catfish in Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia.
However, Thailand does have allow fishing for private stocks of the species that simultaneously help conserve the species while also allowing sport anglers to bag the fish of a lifetime.
The most famous of these catfish reservoirs is the New Bungsamran fishing lake outside Bangkok that houses a "Jurassic Park"-esque roster of river monsters from the Mekong to the giant Siamese carp.
Some of the catfish residing in this monster soup reportedly weighs over 400 pounds.
The Best Catfish Reels Of 2024
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I've fished for catfish for more than 40 years, and have come to learn that they are very unpredictable. One pond I frequent has channel and bullhead cats. I've caught a few while fishing for bluegills with spinning gear. When I returned with my catfish gear, they ignored me. I packed up and went home with nothing to show other than dirty hands and disappointment.
That's the thing I love about catfish, though. They're wary, finicky and put up a big fight. They can range from small bullheads in farm ponds to monstrous blues and flatheads on big rivers. To land a big one, the proper bait, hook, knots, fishing line, rod, and reel need to work together to get the job done. The catfish are out there. But unless you have one of the best catfish reels—along with one of the best rods—there's a good chance you won't bring them to hand.
Best Overall
Abu Garcia C3 Catfish Special Round Reel See at AmazonSpecs
Carbon Matrix drag system
Large, smooth handle for power-cranking
Stainless steel bearings
Pros
A tough reel that can handle big baits and big fish
Centrifugal braking system
Two sizes with 4:1:1 and 5:3:1 gear ratios
Cons
The first Abu Garcia fishing reel was made in 1941 in Svangsta, Sweden. Since then, millions of reels have been produced for a wide variety of species, including catfish. Abu Garcia reels have caught Mr. Whiskers around the world, from giant Wels catfish in Europe to channels in Canada and blues in Texas.
Abu Garcia reels are known for strength and durability, and the C3 Catfish Special is the catfish focused version of the already tough C3 round reel. The Catfish Special comes with proven components including a 3+1 or 2+1 system with stainless steel ball bearings and a 6-pin centrifugal brake for smoother casting even while lobbing heavy baits. The reel also has a tough drag, with Abu Garcia's proprietary Carbon Matrix system. The reel has a rigid body and aluminum spool, as well as an oversized handle and knob, which make it easier to gain line on big fish.
Best Rod and Reel Combo
Ugly Stik Catch Ugly Fish Catfish Spinning Combo See at AmazonSpecs
Pros
Tough stainless-steel guides
Graphite and fiberglass blank blends sensitivity and durability
Oversized handle for fighting big fish
Cons
The Ugly Stik Catch Ugly Fish combo is designed specifically for catfish. The rod is a one-piece 7-foot medium-heavy GX2, Ugly Stik's graphite and fiberglass workhorse. The GX2 is a great all-around rod, sporting Ugly Stik's characteristic unbreakable build along with solid sensitivity. The rod also features the maker's signature Ugly Tuff stainless-steel guides which hold up well and eliminate pop outs. Looking at the reel, the aluminum spool construction is lightweight but, again, durable. It holds up to 200 yards of 17-pound test line and has a rating up to 20-pound test, though this combo comes pre-spooled with 14-pound test line.
The reel, with its proven oil felt drag system, holds up just as well as the rod. You can go after bigger fish with confidence. Along with the rod, reel, and 14-pound test line, the combo comes with sinkers, split shot, beads, hooks, Berkley bait, and other gear. This combo gets you ready to fish immediately but won't give up if you put it through wringer. A great value catfish rod and reel combo.
Best Baitcast
KastKing ReKon Round Baitcasting Reel See at AmazonSpecs
Main gears and worm shafts are crafted from precision-machined brass
Carbon disc drag system
Line clicker system for releasing bait, planer boards, drifting or for strike detection
Pros
Works for big catfish whether trolling or dropping, as well as salmon, steelhead, walleye, or other species
Big spool allows for a high line capacity, up to 250 yards of 20-pound test mono
Two sizes and two handle options, so you can switch for different sized fish or species
Cons
Many anglers and guides who troll or drop baits on big rivers use baitcasting reels for a couple of reasons. One is that they're convenient to store and don't tangle as easily as spinning rigs. Another is that some clients find it easier to reel a baitcaster than spinning reel. Baitcasting reels are tough and strong, and KingKast specializes in tackle for big fish and open waters. Together, you get the ReKon, a baitcaster perfect for big cats.
The first apparent feature is the line counter, a definite a plus when you need to drop a shad fillet or gob of guts to a cat lair. The precision can help, no doubt, when you're getting bites in an exact zone, and it's easy to use that to your advantage. Internally, you get 3 stainless-steel ball bearings, plus the instant anti-revers bearing, as well as KastKing's carbon disc drag that gives you strong stopping power. You also get decent line capacity in each size. The Size 10 holds up to 250 yards of 20-pound test mono, and the Size 20 holds up to 420 yards. With solid internal components, a ton of line capacity, and the precision of a line counter, this makes a solid catfishing baitcaster.
Best Spincast
Zebco Omega Pro Spincast Reel see at Bass Pro ShopsSee at AmazonSpecs
Pros
Works for big catfish
Forged aluminum cover, metal gears, and internal ceramic line pickup pins
Decades of proven history is known to anglers
Cons
The Omega Pro has a forged die-cast aluminum body, aircraft aluminium covers, and a handle large enough for big or small hands. It's adjustable for left- and right-handed anglers. The drag system is upgraded to a triple-cam multi-disc system. And, the internal guts see some upgrades as well: metal gears, worm gears, and pinions are very durable. In the Omega Pro, you also get a quick-change spool system, a spare spool, and a power handle and a speed handle. It's a happy medium, both a simple spincaster like Zebco is known for and a step up from those utilitarian models. It's easy enough to learn on, but nice enough to keep around. This reel is nearly indestructible, will last a lifetime, and catch catfish for years, along with bluegills, perch, and bass.
How We Picked the Best Catfish ReelsI've fished for catfish for more than 40 years in ponds, creeks, lakes, and on the mighty Mississippi and Tennessee rivers with top guides. Some were sponsored by companies; some were just good ol' boy catmen. All of them had one thing in common: they didn't skimp on hooks, bait or good reels. I've put all those years of experience and good advice into my making my picks.
What To Look for in a Catfish Reel Target SizeYou should know the general size of the catfish you plan to target to determine which reel is best. You can catch a mess of eating-size squealers with a big spinning reel, but why use a hammer to smack a mosquito? Unless you're incredibly skilled, lucky, or both, chances are slim that you'll land a giant blue or flathead with an undersized and underpowered reel. Know the size of the fish you're targeting and pair it with the right size reel.
Ease of UseMake sure the person using the reel knows how to properly operate it. A child most likely can't adequately use a large baitcasting reel or cast a big spinning reel. A spincast reel might be best for young and inexperienced anglers. Remember to ask yourself a few simple questions; Is the angler a child or novice? A veteran? Will you be fishing in a pond or on a big river or lake? These questions will help you determine the right reel so the angler can get the most out of it.
Bait and SetupLaunching a wad of nightcrawlers threaded on a hook is fairly simple. Doing it with a gob of livers or shad guts is another story. Consider what you will be fishing with and make sure your reel can handle how heavy, or light the bait is. Your tackle is also going to impact the reels performance. Will you be using heavy sinkers or split-shot? A 3-way rig with swivels? These factors will also affect how far and smooth you can cast. You want a reel that can handle the heft often required with catfish bait and tackle.
FAQsQ: What reel is best for catfish?
There is no best reel to use for catfish. Spinning, baitcast, and even spincast reels all work well, given they are used in the right situation. A spincast reel on an inexpensive rod won't hold up against giant blue cats on a big river or lake. But using a heavy-action rod and large reel is overkill for ponds. The best reel for catfishing is the one that is best for the situation.
Q: How much do catfish reels cost?
Quality reels that will hold up against average- to large-size catfish can cost between $60 and $175. Catfish are strong, and big ones can strip gears in a cheap reel without a problem. I would encourage to buy something that can handle a good size fish. But if you need something in a pinch for a quick outing, some big-box stores sell reels for about $35 to $40.
Q: What kind of reel do you use for catfish?
The best reel for catfishing often is a personal preference and based on what you used as a kid. I grew up with Zebco 33 spincasting reels, and then spinning reels. In the last 20 years I've used baitcasting and spinning tackle for trolling and casting. Again, choosing the best reel depends on the situation
Final ThoughtsThe number of people fishing for catfish has been on the rise for years, well into the millions. Catfish are America's fish, found throughout the country in waterways large and small. They're fun to catch, a special kind of ugly-beautiful, and they create memories for a lifetime. Using the best catfish reels is crucial for getting them to the bank or boat, and hearing that croaking denial that makes you laugh.
Why Trust UsFor more than 125 years, Field & Stream has been providing readers with honest and authentic coverage of outdoor gear. Our writers and editors eat, sleep, and breathe the outdoors, and that passion comes through in our product reviews. You can count on F&S to keep you up to date on the best new gear. And when we write about a product—whether it's a bass lure or a backpack—we cover the good and the bad, so you know exactly what to expect before you decide to make a purchase.
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