CAPTAIN JUDY HELMEY

'Kicking Fish Tail Since 1956'

POB 30771

SAVANNAH, GEORGIA 31410

912 897 4921 912 897 3460 FAX

www.missjudycharters.com

Captain Judy's email fishjudy2@aol.com

Captain Judy's Cell 912 429 7671

January 5, 2009

Saltwater inshore, offshore, blue water fishing report, Freshies Suggestions, and 'Little Miss Judy's story! Thanks for reading! Captain Judy

Part Eight

Freshies Report

I first heard about 'Noodling' for catfish in the eighties. I wrote and published an article called, Ride The Wild Catfish!' Now this article was written in the late eighties, long before this strange type of fishing became a 'real sport.' I wanted to re-publish this article, because I just watch a 'Noodling Tournament' on one of the fishing networks. Boy, this sport has come a long way. However, it's still something I don't personally want to try. I am going to stick with the old time 'rod and reel only method!'

Riding The Wild Catfish in the Eighties

Have you ever heard about this sport called 'NOODLING?' Well, I hadn't, at least until some construction workers doing a job here chartered my boat and told me about this so-called 'fun filled sport.'

The first thing that you need to do is to find a deep ledge, hole, in the water over hanging tree roots, and etc in a pond or river. Then you dive down either with or without scuba equipment. By the time you finish, you will need scuba equipment. You reach under the ledge and feel for a big fish, sometimes referred to as a Flat Head Cat. If you happen to stick your hand into his, don't panic; be real still so he will let go. Now I hope that you are following this because, you might just want give this a try one day.

OK now you are there with your hand in the mouth of a 40-pound plus flat head being real still. Right? If you are real still, they say the fish will eventually unlock its jaws and then you can pull your hand out. Of course, if you are not real still and you jerk too soon, then you will have one arm and hand with some skin missing. Now keep in mind some fishermen say, 'this is a growing sport!'

For the article's sake, let say, 'you have found your fish and once your are free with or without your forearm skin in tact, it's time to surface.' At this time I'm sure there is little air left in our lungs. Now it's time to get your tools need together. You will need to take a metal rod with a line attached, go back to the ledge, and stick this through the fish's mouth out the gills, and then tie a slipknot. Now all you have to do is pull the catfish out. Simple right? However, if the fish gets mad, he may attack you. At this point I can't see the fish being anything but mad. You drag the fish out and it tries to swim off. You hold on until the fish gets tired or you get tired of being bitten. You mail goal is to make it back to the bank. By the way according to the one telling this story, 'Fishermen have drowned trying to perform this prehistoric ritual!' That's what is now being called 'Noodling!'

I will be honest; the reason I have told you about this unusual sport is because I find it very amusing. I tried to vision in my mind what it would be like if I took the aforementioned steps to catch a flat head cat. Well, I don't think I could get off the bank; because I would be too busy rolling on the ground laughing!

Now for a little 2009 humor: I am definitely still not getting off the bank and I am still laughing! It takes the 'Real Deal underwater fisherman to Noodle!'

Fish Species: flathead catfish
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About The Author: Captain Judy Helmey

Company: Miss Judy Charters

Area Reporting: Inshore and Offshore Savannah Georgia

Bio: Miss Judy Charters provides Inshore fishing, Offshore fishing, and Gulf Stream fishing charters. Whether it's sport fishing for the serious angler or a leisurely day for the family, we have the trip for you. We have been fishing in Savannah, Tybee and adjacent waters for over 50 years. We have the knowledge for your inshore and offshore fishing adventure. Take a look inside, you will find current fishing reports by Captain Judy and pictures of the many fish we catch here in Coastal Savannah Georgia.

912-867-4921
Click Here For Past Fishing Reports by Captain Judy Helmey