WHAT IN THE HECK IS NOODLING?

NOODLING is bare-handed fishing for catfish that is a most prominent in the Southern and Midwest states of the United states. Noodlers wade in rivers and lakes in search of catfish nestling in rotting logs along the shallow banks. Using their bare hands, these brave men and women (or foolish, depending on who you might ask) shove their arms deep into the belly of the fish and pry them from their hiding places without the use of baits, hooks or lines. Some claim the fish feel like wet noodles under the water, hence the name of the sport.

Though the practice originated with the Native Americans, Noodling is now a widespread pastime that has become a sort of rite of passage for young men in the region.

But don’t be fooled by those cute catfish: Noodling is not for the faint of heart or the weak-limbed. While the sport usually results in a large catfish cookout, many a brave Noodler has been known to lose an arm—or worse—while attempting to grapple a catch.

Noodling went mainstream (sort of) in 1989 when David Letterman brought famed Noodler Jerry Rider on his show to wrangle a catfish inside a tank. A decade later, Bradley Beesley’s documentary “Okie Noodling” brought the sport to PBS, the film festival circuit and beyond. Today, Noodling remains a niche practice (despite having been outlawed in several states) and continues to fascinate those of us who grew up Great Neck and have a passion for adventure.

Here are some neat links about Noodling and the Okie Noodling Tournament:

Watch this Video about Noodling and its Culture

Read the article that first inspired my fascination with the sport of noodling three years ago.

One of my favorite links about noodling: Girls Gone Grabblin‘

And finally, visit Paul’s Valley’s main website for information on upcoming Okie Noodling tournaments that are happening right now!