"What can give more this time of year, than a catfish 40lbs or more?" Very little in the book of "Gilman." So just HOW big are the catfish we chase in the Mobile delta? What could be lurking below that muddy water shed? Interesting to know: most catfish 20lbs or more may be as old as 10 to 15 years old. Historically we don't know much about catfish harvesting in this area. We do know there is not much "Catch and Release" being practiced. Most fish caught are taken home for dinner. Most big fish caught are taken on trout lines. The end result are old stories about "the time we caught a 40lb'er." OR "I saw guy bring in a 50lb. at the landing" Most folks probably aren't bringing cameras or documenting their huge catches...besides...are they there to fish or take pictures right?

Well for us Gilmans (at least this one) the facination with the size, power, and fun of catching these fish has me wondering about such things. So after much digging on the web I have found at least two instances of large catfish being caught on the Tensaw. Both were caught within the past year. We'll start with the largest, a 50.5lb fish caught this past October 31st. The angler was using cut shad for bait and was said to be fishing in 9ft of water. The pictures of the fish seem a little small to be 50lbs. And the there are no side shots to show the fishes belly. So I will rate the credibility of this fish about 80%. At the very least he could have gotten a good shot of the scale while the fish was hanging from it. Anyways....besides the point, it is still a big fish! (pictures below)

The second fish was caught last November 24th 2007. No specific details on how or what was used for bait. Looking at this photo it is much more presumable that this fish may actually weigh the 47lbs. It is short but has a big belly. This was also true of my big catfish from last year. (picture below)

So without much information available about the Tensaw, it seems to have potential for large fish. I personally believe that fish weighing upwards of 60 to 80lbs may exist in these waters. In fact the record Alligator Gar for Alabama was caught in the Tensaw River weighing in at 150lbs. And we've seen extremely large paddlefish jump out of the water. Some I would estimate around 60lbs. None the less it appears that there are some great, untouched opportunites for the tough anglers out looking for these brutes. We hope to bank on these theories with some catches of our own. Stay tuned!

  

So it's been a while since we've posted any new blogs. Fishing this time of the year can really be hit or miss as weather in the south can be very unpredictable. But thats not what I want to talk about today. This is one of my favorite times of the year for more than one reason. The cooler weather, two family oriented holidays following each other, great fishing at times etc. And speaking of favorites, anyone can probably relate to those feelings of enjoyment when they are doing the things they love. So what is it about fishing (especially catfishing for me) that brings that sense of fulfillment life. Why would anyone be willing to get up at the crack of dawn in nearly any conditions. Whether its 100 degree heat in the summer, or 30 below in the winter. I believe it's the connection we make with a part of ourselves that perhaps we neglect the most. And thats enjoying life, breathing the crisp winter air, staring at the portrait of nature. Stopping long enough to appreciate the freedom from our often hectic and erratic lives.

Everyone should have their own "fishing." A disconnect from the everyday. For me fishing is a few things. Its accomplishment when there is no standard. It is achieving goals when there is none to be met. It is a moment outside of everyday life out in the midst of God's creation. It is relaxing, suspenseful, and just plain fun. For me it begins with the ride to a favorite stop for coffee and maybe a bite to eat. And then away to the landing in anticipation of how great the conditions look. Finally aboard the boat, heading out onto the water. Where will we go first? What do we wanna fish for? What will unfold before the days over. Then perhaps a can of beanie weenies mid-day along with a cold beverage. If it's a good day, maybe the excitement of filling the cooler with fish. Or landing a monster catfish. No matter what unfolds it should be a wonderful experience. Not because the getting up early was fun, or the cold air was uncomfortable - but because this is everything everyday life is not. And it fills your heart with anticipation, adrenaline, and excitement.

Find your "fishing" - its more than a hobby or a craft. Its freedom in the very essence of what life *should* be about.

I look forward to possibly another exciting trip planned the week of Christmas. A time that has the chance of producing some big fish. Perhaps we can beat our own records from this same time last year. Im also looking forward to starting the new year with officially seeking out the Florida catfish records. I hope you all find time to do the things you love this month.