Catfish in the South

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Catfish in the South Fishing has been a hobby of many Southerners since childhood. Numerous memories are made of learning the basics of fishing, such as tying the hook and attempting to cast a fishing rod in the same place and in the same way as a father or uncle. Many dreams of Southern childhood are of catching the biggest fish of the day. Struggling with a fish on a rod and reel is almost a primal need, and all the newest technology does not help you win the battle (Garrison np). After learning the basic skills of fishing, upgrading to a full size fishing rod and gaining a few years of experience; the next step is to learn to fillet and cook fish. Catching, filleting and eating fresh fish is one of the best meals in the South. Deep fried catfish is one of the delicacies of Southern eating and this becomes the fisherman’s main focus, to catch this one particular fish, catfish. Various kinds of bait and switching locations in the lake or reservoir are important to the fisherman trying to catch the most catfish. If it resembles food in any way and emits scent or an odor it is likely to attract the interest of catfish. Every ardent catfish expert has their own secret recipe. The ingredients range from natural prey of fish to non-food items like soap and chemicals. Chicken, shrimp, liver and stink baits are the most common ingredients. The long whiskers of a catfish are always in search of an easy meal (Froese np). After spending numerous hours fishing and catching three or four decent sized catfish bringing home dinner is one of the important milestones of catfishing. If the fisherman is lucky and has a relative or friend who is knowledgeable in the preparation and cooking of catfish, the next step in this process is an important one. Creating this delicious meal from start to finish provides a great sense of satisfaction and usually becomes a

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