Since I started the thread il chime on with my opinions. I consider myself still relatively new to the catfishing world. Im 25 and have been catfishing all my life but just 5 years ago started to learn to specifically target them with rod and reel, and specifically big fish in the winter. Around that time is when I started to learn a lot more about the sport. Because of this I dot know of a lot of the older guys that really paved the way in the 70s, 80s, and even 90s.

Some that one to mind on my list are:

Jackie Kennedy
David Hansen
Weldon Kirk
Chad ferguson
Steve Nelson
Doug Elliot
Cody Mullennix

These are all guys that I feel have be successful for years and years. A lot of them don't post on this forum at all, or very often, but when they do I play close attention to what they have to say.

Tim "Tiny" Smith would be on the list if he wasn't practically a yankee.

Bob Fincher is at the top of any catfish legends list.

More than Welcome!

One day haft of the people who read this will forget how to fish without their on board fancy electronics, etc. ... I don't know any person mentioned except Mr Kennedy, but can think of at least one fisherman who will always able to
summoned the big cats to meet him at the bank - BankFishinDave.

I am not bragging on myself as one of the best cat fisherman in south Texas but I was taught by probably the best cat fisherman in south Texas. That was Bob Fincher. I think he was a legend. Bob and I caught a many limits of catfish. I think that I was taught by one of the best.
Big Marv

I learned a lot about trophy catfishing with the guys Tim Cline mentioned! Were definatly legends on Texoma!

Best way to see the best is to fish the tournaments. I once had a 5 fish limit so big I had to drag my tote to the scales and I to finished 14th lol. You guys have named a lot of good names...so I don't repeat even though many or worthy of being in my list.

As far as tournament anglers I got to include Johnny Ward. Also let us not forget the Miles brothers that win tournament after tournament.

As far as guides it would be wise to include Michael Littlejohn. Although he is not guiding right now, Bobby Kubin is worthy of inclusion.

It is really hard to say who is best...I think it really depends on the situation....the lake...etc. Then after that it is sometimes pure luck.

I first met Bob Fincher at Fairfield Lake in Freestone County. Then when he moved to Nixon, I stopped and visited with him and his wife many times. We sat and talked cat fishing for hours. I remember when he started his catfish newsletter, and wish it could have been successful but cat fishing wasn't what it is today. I remember the fire. Bob was a pioneer and should be recognized as such.

Grew up fishing with these guys and one just happens to be my Dad Mickey Petree. It's been a blessing to be able to learn from multiple greats. No better teacher than time. Main thing I have learned is that you have to put your time in on the water.

Might throw in Danny King....