Southern Boyz Grabbling

Josh Bennett is a third generation hand grabbler and outdoor guide from north Mississippi who shares the longstanding southern tradition of catching catfish by hand through Southern Boyz Grabbling. Also known as "grabbling" or "noodling," the practice has been passed down through generations of anglers across the South and remains one of Mississippi's most distinctive outdoor traditions.

Hand grabbling requires patience, experience, and a willingness to venture into the unknown. During the spawning season, grabblers search beneath riverbanks, submerged logs, and man-made nesting boxes for catfish that are protecting their nests. Reaching into dark underwater cavities by hand, they rely on instinct, knowing the habits of the fish they seek, and years of experience to safely land fish that can weigh well over 50 pounds. The tradition combines outdoor skill with an intimate understanding of Mississippi's waterways and wildlife.

Through Southern Boyz Grabbling, Josh Bennett introduces newcomers to this unique form of fishing while emphasizing safety, stewardship, and respect for the resource. His demonstrations offer the curious a glimpse into the techniques, equipment, and traditions that have shaped hand grabbling communities throughout the region.

In 2020, Bennett, along with fellow grabblers Dalton Scott and Jacob Bennett, helped guide a client through their first hand grabbling experience at Arkabutla Lake that resulted in the capture of an 81.2-pound flathead catfish. Just shy of the Mississippi state record, the fish was carefully documented before being released back into the lake, reflecting the group's commitment to conservation as well as the tradition itself.

Whether introducing first-time participants to the sport or demonstrating the techniques of hand grabbling at festivals and public events, Southern Boys Grabbling continue to share an outdoor that activity connects people to Mississippi's waterways, the seasonal rhythms of nature, and generations of knowledge carried forward through experience. Their work helps preserve a practice that remains an enduring part of the state's cultural and sporting heritage.