It’s officially hand-grabbing season in Mississippi, and from May 1 through July 15, brave anglers across the state are wading into waters in search of monster catfish—using nothing but their hands.
The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks announced the start of the highly anticipated season, inviting both seasoned grabbers and curious newcomers to take part in one of the state’s most thrilling outdoor traditions.
Hand-grabbing—also known as noodling—involves reaching into underwater holes and crevices where large catfish like to nest, and pulling the fish out barehanded. It’s not for the faint of heart, but the reward can be huge: blue and flathead catfish weighing 30 pounds or more are not uncommon.
Mississippi is one of the few states with a regulated hand-grabbing season, recognizing the practice as both a cultural tradition and an exciting way to fish.
For those interested in trying it out—or learning more—details and regulations can be found on the MDWFP website at www.mdwfp.com/hand-grabbing-season.
