THE STORY BEHIND Catfishing tim
A Modest Beginning
Hi, I'm Tim, the face behind Catfishing Tim. What started as a simple desire to spend more time outdoors quickly turned into a passion for understanding the gear that gets us there.
I grew up hunting and fishing with my family, learning to read the land and respect the seasons. Those traditions carried me through raising my kids and now into grandparenting, where I love watching the next generation cast their first lines and learn the value of time outdoors.
I realized that a lot of recommendations out there were driven by hype rather than field performance. So, I began documenting my experiences—the successes, the failures, and the practical truths of what actually holds up when you need it most.
This platform is simply an extension of those field notes. No exaggerated claims, no invented facts, just honest assessments from real-world use to help you equip your next adventure.
What We Stand For
NOTE
Honest Reviews
Our reviews are earned in the outdoors—not written from a studio. From the water to the woods, every recommendation is based on real experience, honest opinions, and gear we'd confidently use ourselves.
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No gear is flawless, and we don't pretend it is. From durability and comfort to performance and value, we share the honest details that matter most before you spend your hard-earned money.
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My simple go-to setup has been two combos that cover most of what I’m doing. I’ll run a Fiblink rod with a Shakespeare ATS reel when I want a little more backbone and control, and I’ll also keep an Ugly Stik rod paired with a Shakespeare ATS reel for a dependable, worry-free option that can take some abuse. I keep the setup straightforward, pay attention to how each rod loads and handles on the hookset, and stick with what feels consistent trip after trip.
Field Reports
Blog
Every Day on the Water Teaches You Something
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.” — Ecclesiastes 3:1 (KJV)
There's something about being on the water before daylight that never gets old. The air is still, the coffee is hot, and for a few minutes, the only sounds are crickets, frogs, and the occasional splash of a fish breaking the surface. Those mornings remind me why I started chasing catfish in the first place.
I've had days where everything went exactly as planned, and I've had days where I wondered if there was a single catfish left in the lake.
The difference between those days usually wasn't the bait or the equipment.
It was being willing to adapt.
The next time you're on the water and things aren't going your way, don't be afraid to move, experiment, and trust what the water is telling you. Catfish have a way of rewarding patience—but they reward observation even more.
Tight lines, and I'll see you on the water.
Start reading Tim's latest outdoor articles, where you'll find honest gear reviews, practical tips, and real-world experiences from the water, the woods, and everywhere adventure leads. No hype—just trusted advice from someone who lives the outdoors.
How I Got Interested in Hunting
My interest in hunting started when I was about 12 years old. At that
age, I was curious about the outdoors and enjoyed being outside,
but I never imagined that hunting would become something I really
enjoyed.
I started out squirrel hunting. It was simple, but I loved being in the
woods, being quiet, and paying attention to everything around me. It
taught me patience and helped me appreciate spending time
outdoors.
Not long after that, a friend invited me deer hunting. That was a
whole different experience. Sitting in the woods waiting for a deer,
listening to the sounds around me, and watching nature unfold
made me realize how much I enjoyed hunting.
Looking back, that first squirrel hunt was really the beginning of
something that would become a lifelong interest. Hunting gave me a
greater appreciation for the outdoors, the wildlife, and the memories
made with good friends.
The Day Our Love for Drifting for Catfish Began
In 2001, my family—Deborah, Lisa, Ben, Blake, and I—took our first trip drifting for catfish on Lake Moultrie at Santee. With our guide, Pete Hillard, we set out to learn a new way of fishing that would become a family tradition.
That day, we used the Santee rig and ended up catching seven good-sized catfish. I think I caught the smallest one, while Blake caught the biggest—a 32-pound catfish! It was an incredible day on the water and one our family would never forget.
What started as one fishing trip turned into a love for drifting for catfish that our whole family still enjoys today. Looking back, that first trip in 2001 wasn't just about the fish we caught. It was about spending time together, making memories, and discovering something we could all enjoy as a family.
That first day on Lake Moultrie started a tradition that has lasted for years—and every time we drift for catfish, we are reminded of where it all began.
My catfishing combos for drifting
My simple go-to setup has been two combos that cover most of what I’m doing. I’ll run a Fiblink rod with a Shakespeare ATS reel when I want a little more backbone and control, and I’ll also keep an Ugly Stik rod paired with a Shakespeare ATS reel for a dependable, worry-free option that can take some abuse. I keep the setup straightforward, pay attention to how each rod loads and handles on the hookset, and stick with what feels consistent trip after trip.
Tips for a Perfect Drift
Deploy a Drift Sock: Wind can easily sabotage your presentation by pushing your boat too fast. Use a commercial drift sock or a rigged 5- gallon bucket tied midship to slow your speed down to a controlled 0.5 to 0.8 mph. 2. Trust the Rod Holders: When drifting with circle hooks, do not jerk the rod to set the hook. Let the momentum of the moving boat and the weight of the fish bend the rod tip completely into the water before pulling it out of the holder. 3. Watch the Timber: Always map your trail on your GPS. Oconee is packed with massive fields of submerged trees resting just below the surface that can quickly claim your tackle if you drift too close to the shallow flats. Ready to launch? Pack a cooler of fresh cut bait, grab your multi-rod setup, and let the Georgia current do the hard work for you!
Full Disclosure
Commitment to Transparency
Affiliate Disclosure: All product links on this website are Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, Catfishing Tim earns from qualifying purchases. If you click a product link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission from Amazon at no additional cost to you. We only feature products that Tim personally uses, trusts, or confidently recommends based on real-world experience in fishing, hunting, archery, camping, and the outdoors. Thank you for supporting Catfishing Tim and helping us continue creating honest, field-tested outdoor content.
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