Noodling & the Rachuig Family

Robert Rachuig, grandson of Rube Rachuig & Huldina Ickert, has sent me a few short messages about his memories of 'the old days.'   His first one concerns 'noodling,' which is the term for catching catfish and other large, rough fish by hand.  My mother and aunt have very clear memories of these noodling expeditions.  Many of you will remember that I've posted pictures of them in the past.

Here's the text of Robert's message plus a picture we scanned at the recent family reunion.

"Robert Rachuig's Family Memories at the home of his grand parents, Rudolph and Huldina Rachuig."

One of the special memories I have of my grand parents is about the family summer get-togethers at their home between Clifton and Valley Mills. It was on or near the 4th of July every year. On many of those occasions, we had a fish fry for family and friends, at their place on the Bosque river. On many occasions, we had a big fishing expedition to catch the fish for the picnic. 

I remember gathering at the Clifton city park and all of the men getting into the river and dragging a long net down the river and catching all the rough fish we could, that was legal to catch in that manner. It was about 5 miles from the park to my grand parents place on the river. Rough fish were fish with scales. However, it was not legal to catch fish by hand, such as catfish. 

My father and his two brothers were raised on the river and knew all the catfish hiding places down in under the banks on the river. They, along with the other men, did engage in the act of taking some of the catfish by grabbing them by hand. They were secretly taken home and became a part of the picnic meal. In the afternoon of the day of the fish fry, large tables were placed in the yard under the live oak shade trees, and a large crowd of family and friends came. On an occasion or two, I remember the local game warden was present.  We did have lots of fun at my grand parents home.

Will Krueger, Sr., an unidentified man, & a young boy with catfish.

A view of the Bosque River

Here's a link to my aunt's memories (with pictures) of July 4th picnics & noodling expeditions.  Click here.