Catfishing is the name of the game for this Floridian who is co-owner of Cathunters Catfishing Guide Service and a ferocious angler with an appetite for big catches. Also a model and an avid outdoorswoman, Sandy Flowers has made the cover of magazines and spreads for her beauty and angling passion. We had a chance to talk with Sandy to learn more about what drives her passion for fishing and the outdoors and why she is an EZ Angler.

Where do you call home?

I call home the panhandle region of Florida in Pensacola.

When and how were you introduced to fishing and what is it about the activity you enjoy?

I was introduced to fishing at a young age by my dad and grandpa. Caught my first fish before elementary school, it was a 20-inch channel cat I caught on a cane pole with my papa. With fishing it’s about getting out and enjoying what my family has done for generations and it can be the most relaxing, yet stressful activity for me. You’re sitting back in the boat looking at the stars, then out of nowhere your rod is about to jump out of the monster rod holder and the fight is on!

Is there specific technique you enjoy over others when freshwater fishing?

There are several techniques for catching catfish, but I prefer our method of all rod and reel fishing with live bait, finding the right spots to fish, and proper placement of baits. This seems to lead to successful nights on the river in producing the fish we’re looking for.

What is your favorite species of fish to catch?

I enjoy a variety of fishing but my favorite species to catch is flatheads and bluecats because of the level of difficulty and strategy planning that it takes to land these fish.

What is your favorite type of bait/lure when fishing freshwater?

The main type of bait we use are going to be live bait. From spotted sunfish to shad and even some bullheads seem to work the best for our style of fishing.

Do you have a favorite rod?

We have tried a bunch of different types of tackle but I recently tried a Mondocat rod and it has not let me down yet. So it’s become my new favorite.

What is your best fishing story?

Best fishing story? New moon flatheads! I have spent many nights on the rivers in Florida’s panhandle but no night have I ever experienced like this last new moon phase. The river was so alive, you could hear the fish jumping and splashing in the distance, the water temperature was just right, with the right tide. We left the fish biting at midnight and lost count of the beasts we pulled into our boat. I broke my personal best flathead record three times in one night that night. All of the conditions that we look at when planning a trip lined up perfect and had the busiest night on the river to date. We were landing with others still in our nets. Our three biggest fish of the night were a 25, 35, and 41-pound flathead catfish.

Do you have a specific aspiration or goal in mind for your fishing or involvement in fishing?

My goals and aspirations involving fishing is to create a different mentality others have about catfish. Most people that spend their time close to salt water typically think of catfish as a bottom feeding trash fish, but they are thinking of saltwater cats not freshwater. Also, to encourage respect for the fish and the importance of their presence in our waterways.

How do you like spending time beyond fishing?

My time beyond catfishing is usually spent working on our guide service business and trying to make it successful. I enjoy camping, kayaking, the beach, modeling, and practicing with my bow. I hope to add hunting to my list of hobbies so I try to practice with my bow every day.

What five words best describe you?

I believe those words would be energetic, dedicated, responsible, motivator, and fun! I like getting it done but I like to cut loose at the same time!

What else would like people to know about you?

I live to be outside whether were riding bikes, playing at a local park with some of nieces and nephews, taking our two Dobermans to the creek or for a walk, and I enjoy spending time with my husband. He is my best friend and huge supporter of everything I want to accomplish in my life! I give one heck of a massage. I have been a licensed massage therapist for almost nine years now and if I’m not fishing, I’m helping someone get over their ailments and pain so they can do the things they love the most as well.

Is catching the fish only half the fun?

Catching fish is only a part of why I enjoy fishing so much. It’s the run around of catching bait, the huge trees you have to dodge under the water, getting your line hung up, plotting a course and trying new tricks. And you can’t be afraid of bugs, spiders, or any wild animals you may encounter on the river! Life is an adventure and fishing is a big part of my adventure!

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