Pugh Family perfects fishing technique
By Nila Harris
McKENNEYSBURG — The Pugh family from McKenneysburg started a family fishing tradition that Kelsie Pugh McClanahan began 26 years ago and has continued through today.
This unique type of fishing, often called noodling, is something the Pugh family refers to as “hookin.’”
McClanahan remembers going “hookin’” with her grandfather Billy Pugh and HIS father Adrian Pugh when she was 5 years old.
Throughout her childhood, she would traverse the waters with her grandfathers, uncles, dad, and brothers at Claysville and the Licking River near the family home in McKenneysburg.
Now, as an adult, McClanahan continues this family tradition with her husband Blaine and sons Walker and Memphis. Her father, Darell Pugh, and brothers Jory Wilson and Tanner Pugh often come along too.
What exactly is hookin’?
“We most of the time use a stick with a big hook on it and stick our hands back in the log/rock after we have caught the fish to get them strung.
“Then other times you can’t get a hook in and have to feel around with your hands. It just depends what kind of bed and the water,” McClanahan said.
They typically catch four to six fish each time they go but have even caught more. She remembers some of the fish weighing 50 to 55 pounds “back in the day,” put modern day catches have typically been between 15 and 40 pounds.
She said that it would be difficult for a newcomer to fish this way, but since her family has been doing this for decades, they have the technique perfected.
McClanahan said she enjoys this family time on the water and spending quality time together. “We’re a tight-knit group and love every minute of it together.”