Last week, I touched on the subject of noodling and I felt it’s a worthy to elaborate.

Native Americans were the first to practice this type of fishing.

Noodling takes place during the warm summer months when catfish spawn in the south and Midwest.

According to the National Geographic, this sport goes by many names. In Nebraska, it’s known as stumping.

In other places, it’s called grabbling, hogging, dogging, graveling, or tickling.

In Oklahoma, the pastime is known as noodling, which, according to the Oxford English Dictionary, describes “a stupid person.” Coincidence? Perhaps.

You might think I am making this stuff up but it’s true.

As much as I hate to admit it, my buddies and I have gone noodling before. I wish I could blame it on the booze, yet none of us drank.

When we slid into that muddy Salt Fork River, we were four stupid guys with a clear mind but with not too much sense.

Norlin was the leader of this expedition, so he gave the other three of us directions on who was to do what. We felt around with our feet along the river bottom until we found a large rock. Norlin had each of us to go under and feel for any openings under the rock.

I have to admit when I went under, I was praying to God to forgive my stupidity in case I was about to die. I hoped there would be nothing there.

To my surprise, I found a hole and slid my hand under the rock and when mºy fingers touched the slimy skin of whatever it was. I let out a yell and surfaced immediately.

Everyone surfaced and they too had felt the fish.

Thankfully, my hole was too small for it to escape. All I had to do was keep my foot in front of the hole.

Bershe was standing across from me with the same duties. But poor Miller he was chosen to go under and grab the fish by its mouth and pull it out.

As you are reading this and thinking we weren’t out of our minds, you would be right. Hey, we were four teenage boys. What else must I say?

Norlin and Miller faced each other and took a deep breath then disappeared under the muddy water. Bershe and I stood there waiting for who knows what when suddenly a very large amount of bubbles came up from Miller’s end of the rock.

Somehow, Miller was able to get his head barely above the water as he let out a scream. Norlin suddenly came up and yelled at Miller to not let it go. Miller yelled out that he couldn’t let go because it had bit down on his thumb. It was then that Norlin admitted he had run a stringer through the fish’s tail making the fish mad.

Did we catch the fish? Yes we did but it was almost embarrassing to see how small this thing actually was to have caused us so much grief.

Oh yes, noodling is a wonderful opportunity to bond with your friends and with the fish. Just ask Miller.

To prove I am not making this sport up, on a certain Saturday afternoon, Pauls Valley’s population quadruples when the Okie Noodling Festival takes up residence at Bob’s Pig Shop at 829 N. Ash St.

This year’s event, which is on July 11, marks its 10th anniversary. It’s listed as one of 101 of the Greatest Festivals, Sporting Events, and Celebrations in the U.S.

This year adds another competition to the renowned first and biggest competition for largest catfish caught by hand. The call is out for entries for the first annual Okie Noodling Catfish Cookoff to find the state’s best cooked catfish dish.

Taste and presentation are important, and the judges will assign scores on those two criteria. Innovation and novelty, but only if it enhances the taste of catfish, will also be considered.

A traditional cornmeal battered fried catfish, if done just right, could win this contest. Prize money includes $100 for first place, $50 for second and $25 for third. Entry fee is $15 deadline is July 10. For information, contact 405-238-2332.

On this July 4 weekend when we celebrate our freedom and show we are proud of our soldiers and of our country and thank God we are Americans with the freedom of religion, of speech, we have the freedom to go noodling. Have a safe and wonderful weekend everyone. God bless America.

Rocky Anderson’s column appears on Fridays. Send your comments or ideas to Ra101460@yahoo.com or reach him by phone at 351-5545.