Food Photography by Jim Bathie | Food Styling by Kathleen Kanen | Styling by Haley Bilunas
When it comes to spending a relaxing day out on the water, angling for catfish in Louisiana is a terrific way to spend an afternoon. Found in lakes, rivers, and bayous throughout the state, catfish put up a good fight, provided the fisherman is patient enough to wait them out. Whether you’re dropping a line at Lake Fausse Pointe in St. Martinville, Lake Bruin in St. Joseph (or any of the other oxbows or tributaries of the Mississippi River), Lake D’Arbonne up in Union Parish, the Red River, or Toledo Bend, you’ll have the opportunity to catch some of the most popular catfish varieties (blue, flathead, and channel catfish, along with the smaller brown bullhead catfish). For folks looking more for dinner than the thrill of the catch, juglining (a passive option involving a weighted hook connected to a floating jug) is another way to take advantage of the bounty in lakes and rivers. However you decide to catch them, catfish—whether blackened, sautéed, or fried—are a terrific addition to your menus this summer.
The Grand Slam
Catfish BLTs
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Know Your Catfish
Blue catfish can grow to more than 100 pounds and are known for preferring larger bodies of water.
Flathead catfish typically run 30 to 50 pounds, prefer live bait, and are more active during the night.
Bullhead catfish typically weigh about a pound and are often found in slower-moving bodies of water.
Blackened Catfish with Green Onion Rice
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Catfish Nuggets with Rice Grits and Hot Honey
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Cornmeal Fried Catfish with Creamy Creole Sauce
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