MONTGOMERY, Ala. (May 25, 2026) – From the legendary waters of Lake Eufaula along the Georgia line to the catfish-rich currents of Miller’s Ferry and the mighty Tombigbee and Black Warrior Rivers, Alabama’s Black Belt is home to some of the finest catfishing in America.
Now it’s your turn to show off your catch.
The Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association (ALBBAA) is excited to launch the inaugural Big Catfish Photo Contest, a fresh twist on its popular annual Best Fish Contest designed to celebrate the fun, tradition and excitement of catfishing across the Black Belt. The contest begins May 27 and runs through July 12.
Whether you reel in a catfish with a rod and reel, haul them up from jugs, or wrestle them in by hand while noodling, anglers of all ages are invited to enter their best catfish photos for a chance to win an unforgettable outdoor adventure.
“We’re excited about this fun summer campaign to help promote catfishing tourism and outdoor recreation across the Black Belt,” ALBBAA Director Pam Swanner said. “Nothing brings people together like a great day on the water. Catfishing in the Black Belt is about more than the catch — it’s about family, tradition and unforgettable moments outdoors. Show us what you’ve got.”
Grand Prize
The contest winner — chosen exclusively through online voting — will receive a two-person, half-day guided trip with Bama Noodling in 2027, where they’ll experience the thrill of catching catfish by hand while taking part in a truly unique Southern outdoor tradition.
How to Enter
Submit your favorite catfish photo and cast your votes online: https://alabamablackbeltadventures.org/news-more/shoot-the-black-belt/best-fish-photo-contest/
Voting rules
- Visitors to the ALBBAA website may vote once per day, per entry, per IP address.
- All entries are subject to approval by ALBBAA.
- In the event of a dispute, ALBBAA decisions are final.
Photo Guidelines
Photos may be disqualified for reasons including:
- Content that depicts unethical or disrespectful treatment of wildlife
- Images that create a negative perception of anglers or conservation efforts
- Voting violations that create an unfair advantage
- Previous Best Fish Photo Contest winners from the past three years are not eligible to win the grand prize
Anglers are also reminded to comply with all fishing laws, including purchasing a valid Alabama fishing license.
“Whether it’s your first catfish or your personal best, every catch deserves its moment in the spotlight,” Swanner said. “Grab your rod and your camera and showcase your memorable catch this summer. Your catfish photo could be the next one everyone’s talking about.”
Snap your best big catfish photo, rally your friends and family to vote, and celebrate the incredible fishing traditions of Alabama’s Black Belt!
The Black Belt includes the following 23 counties: Barbour, Bullock, Butler, Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Crenshaw, Dallas, Greene, Hale, Lee, Lowndes, Macon, Marengo, Monroe, Montgomery, Perry, Pickens, Pike, Russell, Sumter, Tuscaloosa and Wilcox.
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The Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association is committed to promoting and enhancing outdoor recreation and tourism opportunities in the Black Belt in a manner that provides economic and ecological benefits to the region and its citizens. For information, go to www.alabamablackbeltadventures.org.
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