Summer fishing season in Alabama’s Black Belt has produced its first Big Catfish Photo Contest champion, with a Virginia angler earning top honors after catching a 67-pound catfish by hand on the Alabama River.
Emily Horst, 33, of Harrisonburg, Virginia, received the most online votes in the Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association’s inaugural Big Catfish Photo Contest, making her the contest’s first champion. Her winning photo captured her grinning while holding the massive catfish she caught while noodling on the Alabama River in Alabama’s Black Belt.
The contest, announced earlier this summer, put a new twist on the association’s annual Best Fish Contest while promoting catfishing tourism and outdoor recreation across Alabama’s Black Belt. Anglers of all ages were invited to submit photos of catfish caught by rod and reel, jug fishing or noodling, with the grand prize determined through online voting.
Horst described the 67-pound catfish as “a doozy of a fish.” She said she first discovered Alabama’s renowned catfishing opportunities while visiting her sister, who previously lived in Atmore. Although it was only her second-ever noodling trip, she said the experience quickly became unforgettable.
“I didn’t realize how special this fish was,” Horst said, noting it was only her second-ever noodling trip. “When that fish clamped down on my arm, I was like, ‘This is the greatest feeling ever.’”
Since then, Horst has developed a passion for noodling and now regularly makes the trip south in search of trophy catfish.
“I have to travel to find these bad boys,” she joked.
As the contest winner, Horst will receive a two-person, half-day guided noodling trip with Bama Noodling in 2027, giving her another opportunity to experience the uniquely Southern tradition of catching catfish by hand.
Jonathan House placed second with his photo of a giant flathead catfish caught on Lake Demopolis. Ten-year-old Owen Patterson of Pickens County finished third. Patterson said his late grandfather inspired his love of fishing, making the recognition especially meaningful.
Pam Swanner, director of the Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association, said the inaugural contest successfully accomplished its goal of promoting catfishing tourism while supporting the Alabama Catfish Trail, which the Alabama Tourism Department launched in late June.
“We decided to launch the Big Catfish Contest to put a new twist on our annual Best Fish Contest and support the new Alabama Catfish Trail promotion launched late June by the Alabama Tourism Department, and it was a resounding success,” Swanner said. “We appreciate everyone who submitted photos and everyone who cast online votes on our website. The contest is a wonderful way to showcase the outstanding fishing opportunities and all of the other outdoor recreation experiences available throughout Alabama’s Black Belt.”
Known nationally for its catfishing, bass fishing and other outdoor recreation opportunities, Alabama’s Black Belt continues to attract anglers from across the country seeking trophy catches and authentic outdoor adventures. The contest celebrates not only remarkable fish but also the people, traditions and experiences that make the region one of the South’s premier fishing destinations.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
