lots of the big catfish are caught by snagging, which is legal in Alabama. Basically several hooks on a big ocean rod and reel and you pull it through the water til you catch a fish. I have seen fish over 50lbs caught this way. I have a white channel cat now the only problem with the fish is that it scares very easly so I would recommand a large tank for even a small one where it will not hurt it self on the glass.
