Catfish

Long river trips might be my favorite adventures. They’re like backcountry pack trips without pack animals. Rivers can take you deep into some wild places aboard a vessel that will carry far more than the basic necessities, doesn’t require feeding, and never bucks you off—at least not intentionally...

Catfish are not exactly selective when it comes to their diet. In fact, they’re some of the most opportunistic feeders in freshwater. But that doesn’t mean they’re always easy to catch. Water temp, clarity, current, time of day and time of year are all influence their willingness and ability to feed...

Roy Groves was one of the greatest catfishermen in history. His fishing prowess made him famous among fellow river rats in the Great Plains, and grainy photos of him with enormous catfish spread across two decades show why. At one point, Groves held both world and state records for blue catfish and...