Texas is blessed with some of the best catfish waters in the country. From renowned catfish hotspots such as Texoma, Cedar Creek and Tawakoni in the northern part of the state to Choke Canyon and Amistad way down south, whiskerfish aficionados don't have far to travel to get their line stretched. Considering all the rivers that provide good catfishing, there's really no excuse for purchasing "farm-raised" catfish for your next big fish fry!

I am a self-confessed catfish nut. I spent my younger years growing up on a poultry farm in northeast Texas, and every couple of months, when the chickens were sold, my dad declared a holiday. We packed up the old pickup, loaded the camping gear including trotlines, rods and reels, cane poles, iron skillets and plenty of cooking oil and headed out to spend a few days catching and eating catfish. (Looking back, I realize that my dad was a bit ahead of his time when it came to creating innovative camping gear. That 1950 International had more foldout canvas tents and cooking tables than today's state-of-the-art popup camper!)

I spent the day before each trip jerking perch out of our small farm pond. They were destined to be turned into cut bait for the trotlines. Our goal was getting to the lake in time to set up camp, get the lines out and catch a mess of channel catfish in time for supper.

I honestly don't remember ever not catching plenty of fish for our meals, but it's the time spent with family in the outdoors that I remember best. Catfishing truly is a sport that can be enjoyed by the entire family. At the right time of year and in the right waters, whiskerfish can be easily caught from the bank by even the youngest of fishermen.

There are so many great places for catfishing within the borders of the king-size state that is Texas that it's impossible to mention them all. With that limitation in mind, let's take a look at some of the Lone Star State's popular catfish holes. And just for the record: The tips and tactics used to catch fish on these lakes will work equally well on your favorite (if much less publicized) waters.

NORTH TEXAS HOTSPOTS
Catfish pro and bait maker Danny King fishes many of the lakes throughout the state during the course of a year as he competes in the American Catfish Anglers Tournament Series tournament trail. When asked to choose his favorite catfish waters in north and northeast Texas, King was, possibly for the first time in his life, at a loss for words.

"I can't choose one as the best on a year-round basis," he declared. "They all have their peak periods, and they are all good. Lake Tawakoni, though, is about as good as it gets for catching lots and lots of good-eating channel catfish during the summer over baited holes. It's also a great place for catching trophy blues."