‘You are the bait’: Alabama man teaches catfish noodling for more than a decade

While some adrenaline junkies turn to skydiving or extreme sports for a thrill, Blake Johnson finds his rush deep underwater by letting a catfish bite his hand. The Sand Rock, Alabama native and founder of Bama Noodling has spent over a decade teaching novices that in the world of noodling, you aren't just the fisherman—you are the bait.

From Hesitant Beginner to Pro

Johnson’s journey into hand fishing for catfish started in 2011. Initially skeptical, he agreed to join a friend on a trip with no intention of actually participating. After a little liquid courage, he gave it a shot and discovered that the experience wasn't as terrifying as he imagined. After pulling in his first fish, he was hooked, and he has been noodling daily ever since.

The Noodling Experience

For the uninitiated, noodling is an extreme fishing technique that requires locating a catfish’s nest—typically hidden under ledges, stumps, or concrete boat ramps—and reaching inside. When the fish bites down to protect its eggs, the angler engages in an underwater wrestling match to pull the catch to the surface. According to Johnson, once the fish bites, the initial fear vanishes, replaced by a surge of adrenaline that keeps students coming back for more.

A Growing Business

What began as a way to offset travel costs in 2012 has exploded into a full-scale operation. Johnson started by advertising on Craigslist, using a simple flat-bottom boat to host curious clients. Today, his guided tours on Weiss Lake are so popular that he is consistently booked two seasons in advance. While his biggest catch to date is a 55-pounder, his trips consistently average 25-pound catfish.

Despite common fears about encountering snakes, turtles, or beavers, Johnson notes that after years of experience, he has only ever been bitten by catfish. As the sport gains mainstream traction through shows like “Hillbilly Handfishin’” and “Mudcats,” more people are looking to join this unique fraternity of anglers. For many, it is about the prestige of saying they caught a monster fish barehanded.

Those interested in booking a trip with Bama Noodling can find more information on their official Facebook page. Half-day tours start at $600.