Some Hands On Fishing...!

This is something that most of the men in my family and extended family (cousins and such ) have done for years!

We didn't do it all the time. In fact, it was more of an innocent past time than a regular activity, ya know? I guess we always knew it wasn't allowed by the "LAW", but most of us did it anyway!

All of the catfish we caught ended up in the frying pan or on the grill, so it's not like we wasted them or killed them for spite!

Senate's OK with catching catfish with hands

Associated Press
May 19, 2011, 2:30PM


AUSTIN — Texans who want to catch catfish using only their bare hands would be able to do so legally under legislation approved by the state Senate.

While budget negotiations were teetering on the brink of collapse Thursday, state senators took action to legalize hand fishing, called noodling, in Texas. Right now the fine is $500 for noodling in Texas.

The bill would require “noodlers” to have a fishing license and freshwater fishing stamp.

Enduring joking questions from fellow senators, bill sponsor Sen. Bob Deuell said he’s never noodled, but that the bill needed to be passed for the “noodlers of Texas.”

The measure was already passed by the House and is headed for Gov. Rick Perry’s desk, where his signature would make it law.

Now before you get all upset at me, thinking that the poor ol' catfish was at a disadvantage, let me assure you that is NOT the case! And if you believe that catfish don't have any teeth, forget it!

In fact, the mouth of a catfish is loaded with teeth and they will use them to chew the skin right off your thumb or your hand! Not only that, the catfish is covered with a slimy coating that needs to be removed before you fillet them out!

If you get any of that slime in a cut or wound, it can lead to a nasty infection! Believe me, I know!

Still, despite the trouble, nothing eats as good as a big ol' mess of fried catfish, some fried 'taters and onions, and some hush puppies! Washed down with some good, cold beverage of choice...man, nothing better!

For now, let's get some fresh coffee and sit outside. Got some home made rolls with butter and honey!