Mudcats

Along Oklahoma's many rivers, a group of daring men practice a tradition dating back to early pioneer days: catching giant catfish with nothing more than their bare hands. A skill taught to colonial settlers by Native Americans, hand catching catfish was first documented in 1775 and remain a vital rural tradition. During the Great Depression, it was an important way to feed families at low cost. today, catfish "noodling" is a way to supplement incomes during the regulated catfish season. The colorful characters who practice it brave snakes, bugs, riptides and more, reaching into muddy waters, using their fingers as bait for giant fish that weigh up to 30 pounds.This series will celebrate this uniquely all American tradition, while showing the little known world of Mudcatters.