Cichlacat Steve says Hello: Hi, I’ve been a fisherman for many years. I live in MIssouri but often fish on both sides of the Mississippi for giant cats. I also fish in Florida around...

Cichlacat Steve Loc: FL, MO, IL

Hi,
I’ve been a fisherman for many years. I live in MIssouri but often fish on both sides of the Mississippi for giant cats. I also fish in Florida around the panhandle and Tampa Bay. I enjoy fishing at the Skyway Fishing Pier State Park. I’ve also caught many a stripped bass and blue channel catfish plus many other species below Kentucky and Barclay Dams. As a boy/teen I helped my father install many a trot line on Kentucky Lake and jug fished too.

Besides fishing I’ve also been an avid aquarist specializing in cichlids and catfish from around the world plus many other species. I guess I have over 600 gallons of water and fish in my aquariums and a large koi pond. I have worked in the tropical fish industry for several years and belong to the American Cichlid Asdociation too.

I’m looking forward to a fishing trip to the Amazon Basin where I hope to catch some red tailed catfish, many types of cichlids, and anything else that’s biting that day. I’m planning on bringing some live specimens home for my aquariums as well.

I now practice catch and release only with hook barbs flattened and no treble hooks. But I have no problem with anyone harvesting what they catch. I did that for years too. Fresh fish taste delicious.

I’m also a teacher. Our school district takes all the 5th graders for a week of camping which includes fishing. Bet you can’t guess who was in charge of the fishing activities? Usually I’ll have 30 or more excited kids that couldn’t wait to fish, but couldn’t stand to touch a worm. It’s very funny to see kids wearing plastic gloves trying to put a worm on their hook. Many times I just watched and laughed as the worm inched across the ground while the kid asked them nicely to be still.

And for those who thought a grandkid or two was tough, try 3 hours with 30 10 year olds fishing for the first time with Zebco 202s. Then a half hour lunch and the next 30 arrive ready to fish. I finally convinced the school to buy cane poles. This proved much easier and the kids caught more fish.

Besides SAFTEY one of my first rules is, “I’ll put the worm on the hook once for you. Then you have to put the worm on the next time”. Lots of squealing by the boys and girls. Lots of times the girls caught on before the boys did. Once someone caught the first sunfish or bluegill most disposed of their gloves and threaded their worms on. To protect the kids and the fish I always flattened the hook barbs! One kid caught a 5 pound bass on a cane pole with a barbless bluegill hook.

My father (who just passed at 93) was my fishing instructor and best friend. I learned many tricks from him and we had so many fun adventures. He was my lifetime fishing buddy for sure. His last real trip was at 92. But one day before passing away dad was convinced we were out fishing. I just acted like we were on the Mississippi again and we caught a bed full of carp, catfish, drum, bass, and bluegill. I’m sure he’s out fishing now.

I hope you enjoyed reading my introduction. LOL. I have many stories to share.

I’ve enjoyed reading the many stories and adventures written here for several years. I’m always ready to learn something new about our sport and fish of course too. I’ll be glad to help with any questions others may have.

I’m also looking for a fishing partner in St. Louis, MIssouri area.

saw1 Loc: nor cal Windsor

Cichlacat Steve wrote:

Hi,
I’ve been a fisherman for many years. I live in MIssouri but often fish on both sides of the Mississippi for giant cats. I also fish in Florida around the panhandle and Tampa Bay. I enjoy fishing at the Skyway Fishing Pier State Park. I’ve also caught many a stripped bass and blue channel catfish plus many other species below Kentucky and Barclay Dams. As a boy/teen I helped my father install many a trot line on Kentucky Lake and jug fished too.

Besides fishing I’ve also been an avid aquarist specializing in cichlids and catfish from around the world plus many other species. I guess I have over 600 gallons of water and fish in my aquariums and a large koi pond. I have worked in the tropical fish industry for several years and belong to the American Cichlid Asdociation too.

I’m looking forward to a fishing trip to the Amazon Basin where I hope to catch some red tailed catfish, many types of cichlids, and anything else that’s biting that day. I’m planning on bringing some live specimens home for my aquariums as well.

I now practice catch and release only with hook barbs flattened and no treble hooks. But I have no problem with anyone harvesting what they catch. I did that for years too. Fresh fish taste delicious.

I’m also a teacher. Our school district takes all the 5th graders for a week of camping which includes fishing. Bet you can’t guess who was in charge of the fishing activities? Usually I’ll have 30 or more excited kids that couldn’t wait to fish, but couldn’t stand to touch a worm. It’s very funny to see kids wearing plastic gloves trying to put a worm on their hook. Many times I just watched and laughed as the worm inched across the ground while the kid asked them nicely to be still.

And for those who thought a grandkid or two was tough, try 3 hours with 30 10 year olds fishing for the first time with Zebco 202s. Then a half hour lunch and the next 30 arrive ready to fish. I finally convinced the school to buy cane poles. This proved much easier and the kids caught more fish.

Besides SAFTEY one of my first rules is, “I’ll put the worm on the hook once for you. Then you have to put the worm on the next time”. Lots of squealing by the boys and girls. Lots of times the girls caught on before the boys did. Once someone caught the first sunfish or bluegill most disposed of their gloves and threaded their worms on. To protect the kids and the fish I always flattened the hook barbs! One kid caught a 5 pound bass on a cane pole with a barbless bluegill hook.

My father (who just passed at 93) was my fishing instructor and best friend. I learned many tricks from him and we had so many fun adventures. He was my lifetime fishing buddy for sure. His last real trip was at 92. But one day before passing away dad was convinced we were out fishing. I just acted like we were on the Mississippi again and we caught a bed full of carp, catfish, drum, bass, and bluegill. I’m sure he’s out fishing now.

I hope you enjoyed reading my introduction. LOL. I have many stories to share.

I’ve enjoyed reading the many stories and adventures written here for several years. I’m always ready to learn something new about our sport and fish of course too. I’ll be glad to help with any questions others may have.

I’m also looking for a fishing partner in St. Louis, MIssouri area.

Hi, br I’ve been a fisherman for many years. I liv... (show quote)

Hey Steve, welcome to the stage
Of all the introductions I've seen posted over the years I've been on the stage, yours has to be one of the best, most informative and upbeat ones I've ever seen.
Thank you for such a wonderful introduction.
I hope you entertain us with some of your stories I'm sure you have.
Hope you get a fishin partner soon also.
Take care brother. Tight lines and post some pics. 🤠👍

Jeremy Loc: America

Cichlacat Steve wrote:

Hi,
I’ve been a fisherman for many years. I live in MIssouri but often fish on both sides of the Mississippi for giant cats. I also fish in Florida around the panhandle and Tampa Bay. I enjoy fishing at the Skyway Fishing Pier State Park. I’ve also caught many a stripped bass and blue channel catfish plus many other species below Kentucky and Barclay Dams. As a boy/teen I helped my father install many a trot line on Kentucky Lake and jug fished too.

Besides fishing I’ve also been an avid aquarist specializing in cichlids and catfish from around the world plus many other species. I guess I have over 600 gallons of water and fish in my aquariums and a large koi pond. I have worked in the tropical fish industry for several years and belong to the American Cichlid Asdociation too.

I’m looking forward to a fishing trip to the Amazon Basin where I hope to catch some red tailed catfish, many types of cichlids, and anything else that’s biting that day. I’m planning on bringing some live specimens home for my aquariums as well.

I now practice catch and release only with hook barbs flattened and no treble hooks. But I have no problem with anyone harvesting what they catch. I did that for years too. Fresh fish taste delicious.

I’m also a teacher. Our school district takes all the 5th graders for a week of camping which includes fishing. Bet you can’t guess who was in charge of the fishing activities? Usually I’ll have 30 or more excited kids that couldn’t wait to fish, but couldn’t stand to touch a worm. It’s very funny to see kids wearing plastic gloves trying to put a worm on their hook. Many times I just watched and laughed as the worm inched across the ground while the kid asked them nicely to be still.

And for those who thought a grandkid or two was tough, try 3 hours with 30 10 year olds fishing for the first time with Zebco 202s. Then a half hour lunch and the next 30 arrive ready to fish. I finally convinced the school to buy cane poles. This proved much easier and the kids caught more fish.

Besides SAFTEY one of my first rules is, “I’ll put the worm on the hook once for you. Then you have to put the worm on the next time”. Lots of squealing by the boys and girls. Lots of times the girls caught on before the boys did. Once someone caught the first sunfish or bluegill most disposed of their gloves and threaded their worms on. To protect the kids and the fish I always flattened the hook barbs! One kid caught a 5 pound bass on a cane pole with a barbless bluegill hook.

My father (who just passed at 93) was my fishing instructor and best friend. I learned many tricks from him and we had so many fun adventures. He was my lifetime fishing buddy for sure. His last real trip was at 92. But one day before passing away dad was convinced we were out fishing. I just acted like we were on the Mississippi again and we caught a bed full of carp, catfish, drum, bass, and bluegill. I’m sure he’s out fishing now.

I hope you enjoyed reading my introduction. LOL. I have many stories to share.

I’ve enjoyed reading the many stories and adventures written here for several years. I’m always ready to learn something new about our sport and fish of course too. I’ll be glad to help with any questions others may have.

I’m also looking for a fishing partner in St. Louis, MIssouri area.

Hi, br I’ve been a fisherman for many years. I liv... (show quote)

Sounds like you have lots of patience teaching 10 year olds to fish. Welcome.

bknecht Loc: Northeast pa

Cichlacat Steve wrote:

Hi,
I’ve been a fisherman for many years. I live in MIssouri but often fish on both sides of the Mississippi for giant cats. I also fish in Florida around the panhandle and Tampa Bay. I enjoy fishing at the Skyway Fishing Pier State Park. I’ve also caught many a stripped bass and blue channel catfish plus many other species below Kentucky and Barclay Dams. As a boy/teen I helped my father install many a trot line on Kentucky Lake and jug fished too.

Besides fishing I’ve also been an avid aquarist specializing in cichlids and catfish from around the world plus many other species. I guess I have over 600 gallons of water and fish in my aquariums and a large koi pond. I have worked in the tropical fish industry for several years and belong to the American Cichlid Asdociation too.

I’m looking forward to a fishing trip to the Amazon Basin where I hope to catch some red tailed catfish, many types of cichlids, and anything else that’s biting that day. I’m planning on bringing some live specimens home for my aquariums as well.

I now practice catch and release only with hook barbs flattened and no treble hooks. But I have no problem with anyone harvesting what they catch. I did that for years too. Fresh fish taste delicious.

I’m also a teacher. Our school district takes all the 5th graders for a week of camping which includes fishing. Bet you can’t guess who was in charge of the fishing activities? Usually I’ll have 30 or more excited kids that couldn’t wait to fish, but couldn’t stand to touch a worm. It’s very funny to see kids wearing plastic gloves trying to put a worm on their hook. Many times I just watched and laughed as the worm inched across the ground while the kid asked them nicely to be still.

And for those who thought a grandkid or two was tough, try 3 hours with 30 10 year olds fishing for the first time with Zebco 202s. Then a half hour lunch and the next 30 arrive ready to fish. I finally convinced the school to buy cane poles. This proved much easier and the kids caught more fish.

Besides SAFTEY one of my first rules is, “I’ll put the worm on the hook once for you. Then you have to put the worm on the next time”. Lots of squealing by the boys and girls. Lots of times the girls caught on before the boys did. Once someone caught the first sunfish or bluegill most disposed of their gloves and threaded their worms on. To protect the kids and the fish I always flattened the hook barbs! One kid caught a 5 pound bass on a cane pole with a barbless bluegill hook.

My father (who just passed at 93) was my fishing instructor and best friend. I learned many tricks from him and we had so many fun adventures. He was my lifetime fishing buddy for sure. His last real trip was at 92. But one day before passing away dad was convinced we were out fishing. I just acted like we were on the Mississippi again and we caught a bed full of carp, catfish, drum, bass, and bluegill. I’m sure he’s out fishing now.

I hope you enjoyed reading my introduction. LOL. I have many stories to share.

I’ve enjoyed reading the many stories and adventures written here for several years. I’m always ready to learn something new about our sport and fish of course too. I’ll be glad to help with any questions others may have.

I’m also looking for a fishing partner in St. Louis, MIssouri area.

Hi, br I’ve been a fisherman for many years. I liv... (show quote)

Welcome Steve, I also was a teacher ((high school biology) and started an outdoor club at school. Most of those that joined were already avid outdoorsmen and women but we did have several newbies that never had any mentors. My task was certainly not as difficult as as yours, the experienced boys would help out, especially with the females. Was very rewarding as I’m sure you’ll attest to.

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

Cichlacat Steve wrote:

Hi,
I’ve been a fisherman for many years. I live in MIssouri but often fish on both sides of the Mississippi for giant cats. I also fish in Florida around the panhandle and Tampa Bay. I enjoy fishing at the Skyway Fishing Pier State Park. I’ve also caught many a stripped bass and blue channel catfish plus many other species below Kentucky and Barclay Dams. As a boy/teen I helped my father install many a trot line on Kentucky Lake and jug fished too.

Besides fishing I’ve also been an avid aquarist specializing in cichlids and catfish from around the world plus many other species. I guess I have over 600 gallons of water and fish in my aquariums and a large koi pond. I have worked in the tropical fish industry for several years and belong to the American Cichlid Asdociation too.

I’m looking forward to a fishing trip to the Amazon Basin where I hope to catch some red tailed catfish, many types of cichlids, and anything else that’s biting that day. I’m planning on bringing some live specimens home for my aquariums as well.

I now practice catch and release only with hook barbs flattened and no treble hooks. But I have no problem with anyone harvesting what they catch. I did that for years too. Fresh fish taste delicious.

I’m also a teacher. Our school district takes all the 5th graders for a week of camping which includes fishing. Bet you can’t guess who was in charge of the fishing activities? Usually I’ll have 30 or more excited kids that couldn’t wait to fish, but couldn’t stand to touch a worm. It’s very funny to see kids wearing plastic gloves trying to put a worm on their hook. Many times I just watched and laughed as the worm inched across the ground while the kid asked them nicely to be still.

And for those who thought a grandkid or two was tough, try 3 hours with 30 10 year olds fishing for the first time with Zebco 202s. Then a half hour lunch and the next 30 arrive ready to fish. I finally convinced the school to buy cane poles. This proved much easier and the kids caught more fish.

Besides SAFTEY one of my first rules is, “I’ll put the worm on the hook once for you. Then you have to put the worm on the next time”. Lots of squealing by the boys and girls. Lots of times the girls caught on before the boys did. Once someone caught the first sunfish or bluegill most disposed of their gloves and threaded their worms on. To protect the kids and the fish I always flattened the hook barbs! One kid caught a 5 pound bass on a cane pole with a barbless bluegill hook.

My father (who just passed at 93) was my fishing instructor and best friend. I learned many tricks from him and we had so many fun adventures. He was my lifetime fishing buddy for sure. His last real trip was at 92. But one day before passing away dad was convinced we were out fishing. I just acted like we were on the Mississippi again and we caught a bed full of carp, catfish, drum, bass, and bluegill. I’m sure he’s out fishing now.

I hope you enjoyed reading my introduction. LOL. I have many stories to share.

I’ve enjoyed reading the many stories and adventures written here for several years. I’m always ready to learn something new about our sport and fish of course too. I’ll be glad to help with any questions others may have.

I’m also looking for a fishing partner in St. Louis, MIssouri area.

Hi, br I’ve been a fisherman for many years. I liv... (show quote)

Welcome to the Stage Steve. I agree with Saw, yours is the best, most informative intro I believe I've ever seen. That tells me that you've not only reading this for a while, but paying attention. Glad to have you aboard, and looking forward to hearing of your adventures.

Gordon Loc: Charleston South Carolina

Welcome aboard Steve. Very good intro. Cant wait to see read more of your stories as well as seeing some of your pictures. Had to look up cichlids. Never heard of that one before. Pretty fish.

Cichlacat Steve Loc: FL, MO, IL

Thanks. I will be glad to be a member here.

I guess one of my first topics is,
“What is a cichlid?”.

Cichlacat Steve Loc: FL, MO, IL

I spent quite a while working on my introduction. I like to write and tell stories as well. I do have some great pictures I’ve taken over the years.

saw1 Loc: nor cal Windsor

Cichlacat Steve wrote:

I spent quite a while working on my introduction. I like to write and tell stories as well. I do have some great pictures I’ve taken over the years.

Yeah I could tell you were quite the story teller.
Look forward to some of your stories for sure. 🙂👍

Cichlacat Steve Loc: FL, MO, IL

I’ll do my best to entertain, teach, and I do have some pretty good pictures to share though of course pictures sometimes spoil the story.

saw1 Loc: nor cal Windsor

Cichlacat Steve wrote:

I’ll do my best to entertain, teach, and I do have some pretty good pictures to share though of course pictures sometimes spoil the story.

We'll trust your judgment. Although, you do know that we like pics.