There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of catching your own fish and cooking it fresh by the water. This weekend, I set out for a fishing adventure with one goal in mind: to catch a big catfish and enjoy a classic catch and cook experience.
Catfish are one of the most exciting freshwater species to target. They grow large, fight hard, and—when cooked properly—taste absolutely delicious. In this post, I’ll share my experience, plus tips for catching and cooking catfish on your own weekend trip.
The Catch: Landing a Big Catfish
Catfish are bottom-dwelling fish, often found in rivers, lakes, and ponds. To catch one, I used:
- Bait: Chicken liver and cut bait (catfish favorites)
- Gear: Heavy-duty spinning rod with strong braided line
- Spot: A deep hole near fallen trees, where catfish like to rest
After a few hours of waiting, I felt that strong tug—catfish are powerful fighters, and it took patience to reel in a big one. Finally, I landed a beautiful, heavy catfish, perfect for cooking.
The Cook: Preparing Fresh Catfish
Catfish can be prepared in many ways, but for this trip, I kept it simple.
- Cleaning the Catfish
- Remove the skin (catfish have tough skin).
- Gut and rinse thoroughly.
- Cut into fillets or steaks depending on size.
- Seasoning
- Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Coat fillets lightly with flour or cornmeal for a crispy texture.
- Cooking Over a Campfire
- Heat oil in a cast-iron skillet over the fire.
- Fry the catfish fillets until golden brown on both sides.
- Serve with fresh lime wedges and a simple side like rice or bread.
The result? Crispy outside, tender inside—one of the most rewarding meals you’ll ever eat.
Why Catch and Cook is Special
- Freshness: Fish cooked right after being caught has unbeatable flavor.
- Experience: It connects you to nature in a way store-bought meals can’t.
- Simplicity: All you need is your gear, a campfire, and basic ingredients.
Whether you’re a weekend angler or a survival enthusiast, catch and cook trips are both fun and fulfilling.
Weekend fishing isn’t just about the thrill of the catch—it’s about the full experience. From casting your line to cooking your catch by the water, it’s a tradition that never gets old.
If you haven’t tried a catfish catch and cook, make it part of your next fishing adventure. Just remember to respect local fishing laws and only keep what you need.
