MONTGOMERY – A 67-pound catfish caught by hand proved to be the catch of a lifetime for 33-year-old angler Emily Horst, whose unforgettable Black Belt fishing adventure earned the top honor in the Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association’s inaugural Big Catfish Photo Contest.
The photo of Horst grinning while holding the massive catfish she caught while noodling in Alabama’s Black Belt on the Alabama River received the most online votes, making her the first Big Catfish Photo Contest champion.
Emily described the fish as “a doozy of a fish” and said the experience exceeded every expectation.
“I didn’t realize how special this fish was,” Horst said, noting it was only her second-ever noodling trip. “When that fish clamped down on my arm, I was like, ‘This is the greatest feeling ever.’”
As the contest winner, Horst receives a two-person, half-day guided noodling trip with Bama Noodling in 2027, giving her another opportunity to again experience a truly unique Alabama outdoor tradition by catching catfish by hand.
Virginia angler Emily Horst received the most online votes and became the first winner of the Big Catfish Photo Contest sponsored by the Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association (ALBBAA). (Photo courtesy of ALBBAA)
Horst, of Harrisonburg, Va., first discovered Alabama’s legendary catfishing opportunities while visiting her sister, who previously lived in Atmore. She quickly developed a passion for noodling and now happily travels south in search of trophy catfish.
“I have to travel to find these bad boys,” she joked.
Jonathan House claimed second place in the 2026 Big Catfish Contest with his photo of a giant flathead catfish caught on Lake Demopolis. (Photo courtesy of ALBBAA)
Jonathan House claimed second place with his photo of a giant flathead catfish caught on Lake Demopolis, while 10-year-old Owen Patterson of Pickens County finished third. Patterson said his late grandfather inspired his love of fishing, making his recognition especially meaningful.
The inaugural contest featured anglers of all ages and highlighted the incredible fishing experiences and lifelong memories being made on lakes, rivers and waterways throughout Alabama’s Black Belt.
“We decided to launch the Big Catfish Contest to put a new twist on our annual Best Fish Contest and support the new Alabama Catfish Trail promotion launched late June by the Alabama Tourism Department, and it was a resounding success,” said Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association Director Pam Swanner. “We appreciate everyone who submitted photos and everyone who cast online votes on our website. The contest is a wonderful way to showcase the outstanding fishing opportunities and all of the other outdoor recreation experiences available throughout Alabama’s Black Belt.”
Owen Patterson, a 10-year-old from Pickens County, finished third in the 2026 Big Catfish Contest. He credits his late grandfather for inspiring his passion of fishing. (Photo courtesy of ALBBAA)
Known nationally for its exceptional catfishing, bass fishing and diverse outdoor recreation, Alabama’s Black Belt continues to attract anglers from across the country seeking trophy catches and authentic outdoor adventures. The Big Catfish Contest celebrates not only remarkable fish but also the people, traditions and experiences that make the region one of the South’s premier fishing destinations.
Media Release/Josh Bean/Outdoor Alabama
