June 25 is National Catfish Day, a delightful excuse to appreciate one of America’s favorite freshwater fish. Established by President Ronald Reagan in 1987, this day honours the economic, cultural, and culinary importance of farm‑raised catfish across the United States
A Bit of History
- On June 25, 1987, President Reagan issued a proclamation recognizing “the value of farm‑raised catfish,” marking the official birth of this national observance
- Catfish farming, especially channel catfish farming, emerged as a major agricultural enterprise in the South. Today, it represents the largest segment of the U.S. aquaculture industry, with channel catfish comprising about 90 % of production
- Economic Impact: Millions of farmers benefit from catfish aquaculture. Mississippi alone accounts for over half of U.S. production, with regions like Belzoni dubbed the “Farm‑Raised Catfish Capital of the World”
- Cultural Relevance: Catfish occupies a cherished spot in Southern cuisine—from golden fried fillets to zesty stews, it’s a soul‑food staple
- Ecological Note: Farm‑raised catfish offer a sustainable alternative to wild catch, helping ease pressure on natural populations .
How to Celebrate
🍽️ Cook It Up
- Try a Southern‑style blackened catfish, a crunchy cornmeal‑crusted fillet, or a hearty catfish stew
- Pro tip from WKNO’s Weekly Dish: soak fillets in buttermilk + hot sauce, coat in cornmeal, and fry at 350 °F in peanut oil. Serve with tartar or spicy remoulade—perfection!
🍴 Eat Out
- Head South to iconic eateries: Jerry’s Catfish House in Mississippi, Johnny’s Catfish & Seafood in Louisiana, or Paramore Too in Florida serve up regional classics
🎉 Festivals & Fun
- Belzoni, MS hosts the annual World Catfish Festival each April—a lively celebration of music, cook‑offs, and all things catfish
- Smaller towns like Kingsland, GA and Wilmington, IL also mark the occasion with local festivals and cook‑offs
🧠 Learn & Share
- Share fun catfish facts: there are about 2,900 species worldwide! Some live up to 60 years and can lay thousands of eggs per pound of body weight