Alabama unveils the Alabama Catfish Trail

MILLBROOK, Ala. (WSFA) – Casting a line on a hot summer day is about as Alabama as you can get. You can reel in catfish all over the state and now Alabama is hoping to capitalize on that with the new Alabama Catfish Trail.

“Summertime is the perfect time to grab the family, fishing pole, and head out to the nearest pond or lake and enjoy the season,” said Marina Childress with Alabama Blackbelt Adventures.

Catfish in Alabama is a big deal. If you combine the farm raised catfish industry, restaurants, and recreation, the catfish sector contributes about $92 million a year to our states economy.

“There are 50 waterways you can enjoy on the trail, from North Alabama to Central Alabama, to South Alabama.”

State leaders hope this is a big catch for Alabama.

“Our new Catfish Trail invites visitors to experience our beautiful state through its waterways, recipes and cultural traditions,” said Alabama Tourism director Lee Sentell.

“There’s nobody, I mean nobody, who loves a plate of Alabama catfish more than I do,” said Alabama Senator Tommy Tuberville. “As a former catfish restaurant owner, I know how critical the catfish industry is to our great state. The Alabama Catfish Trail is a great opportunity to recognize and thank all of our farmers who drive this industry. It’s also a chance to bring people together, to connect with friends and family, and enjoy Alabama’s waterways.”

It’s a program that’ll surely make a big splash.

“It goes back to years and years of generations, restaurants, recreation and catfish farming in general,” said Childress.

Along with the brand new trail, you can also show off you big catch. Alabama Blackbelt Adventures is hosting a catfish photo contest. The fish must be caught in the Blackbelt Region. The deadline to submit you picture is July 12th. The contest winner receiving a two-person, half-day guided trip with Bama Noodling in 2027.

Not reading this story on the WSFA News App? Get news alerts FASTER and FREE in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store!