The Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association's inaugural Big Catfish Photo Contest has been won by a Virginia angler, Emily Horst, who caught a 67-pound catfish by hand on the Alabama River. Horst, 33, from Harrisonburg, Virginia, earned the top spot after her photo received the most online votes. This was her second trip using the hand-fishing technique, known as noodling, and she described the experience as 'the greatest feeling ever'. The contest was created to promote the state's new Alabama Catfish Trail and highlight the region's renowned fishing opportunities. Horst will receive a guided noodling trip with Bama Noodling in 2027. Jonathan House finished second with a flathead catfish caught on Lake Demopolis, and 10-year-old Owen Patterson of Pickens County placed third. This contest showcases the growing popularity of noodling and the state's efforts to attract anglers to its diverse fishing spots. The Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association is committed to preserving and promoting the region's natural resources and wildlife, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the state's fishing heritage.
