We receive many requests for information concerning the production of catfish. I would like to share some basic information that will help you better understand what is involved in various times of catfish production. In addition, I am including copies of several publications or parts of publications that might answer some of your questions. After you have reviewed this information, please contact the Cumberland County Cooperative Extension Office by calling 484-7156 if you have additional questions.

There are three different methods of producing channel catfish. The method that is most suitable for you will be determined by what resources you have available, what resources you are willing to invest in, how much time you want to devote to this enterprise, and what type of operation you want to develop. These three methods are discussed below.

STOCKING OF EXISTING PONDS- Virtually all ponds currently located in the county are NOT suitable for commercial catfish production. The ponds are not constructed in such a way that the water level can be easily managed; there is often an abundance of undesirable fish; streams that feed the pond will probably introduce unwanted fish, weeds, or diseases; the bottom is irregular or has stumps which prohibit the efficient harvest of fish once they reach market size; or the banks are not maintained in such a manner as to allow complete access to the pond for harvesting and feeding. However, these ponds can be stocked for fee fishing or for cage production as is discussed in the next section.

Channel catfish can be stocked into an existing pond to increase the attraction of the pond to the fee fisher, or the pond can be completely cleared of all other species and stocked with only channel catfish for specialty fee fishing. These ponds can be highly managed by supplemental feeding to increase the productivity or can be marginally managed to reduce the cost of operation. Since feed fishing in these types of ponds is usually based on the pounds of fish caught rather than a set fee for a day of fishing, the highly managed system would probably be more profitable but would require more labor. When using this system, the need for close management of diseases, oxygen depletion, and feeding will depend upon the level of stocking and the expected returns from the operation.

PRODUCTION OF CATFISH IN CAGES- Channel catfish can be produced in wire cages floated in a pond but should be considered only for small operations. This would be more appropriate when producing fish only for the family or for sale of fresh, undressed fish to friends or neighbors. A typical cage 3' x 3' x 5' will accommodate approximately 300 catfish and will therefore provide over 300 pounds of fresh fish. However, when producing this many fish in such a small confinement, feeding, diseases, and oxygen depletion are major concerns. This type of production will naturally require a greater amount of attention by the producer, but would result in a more constant supply and an easier harvested product.

COMMERCIAL PRODUCTION- When considering actual commercial production of channel catfish, the first question one should consider is what will be required for the proper construction of suitable ponds or the modification of existing ponds in order to make them suitable for catfish production. The next question that should be asked is what is the potential of marketing the fish once they are produced. At this point there is no need to consider whether or not catfish can be produced because there is not doubt that catfish can be produced in Cumberland County. However, be aware that commercial catfish production will require a considerable amount of attention, there are risks involved, most times a sizable capital investment will be required, good management practices are necessary, and the profit margins are not extremely high.

Marketing through local channels is still an option, but this option is limited by the number of established distributors and the time and effort required in developing your own markets. Processing prior to selling, including simply cleaning, is prohibited by law unless it is done in properly constructed facilities approved by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and operated under the guidelines of the health inspectors. The cost of these facilities would generally be prohibitive for a small operator.

A North Carolina Aquaculture License is required with the commercial production of catfish. The license is issued by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Natural Resources Division. There is no charge for the license.

There is a catfish processing plant located 15 miles south of Greenville, NC on NC 11. This business is contracting with producers for channel catfish. If you are interested in contacting them and obtaining a farmer information packet the name and address is:

Carolina Classics Catfish P.O. Box 10 Ayden, N.C. 28513 (919) 746-2818

Michael Davenport, Director of Sales and Marketing

PROFITABILITY- A general rule of thumb is that considering only the cost of the fingerling and the cost of the food that is used to feed the fish, it will cost between 45 to 55 cents per pound to raise the fish to market size. This does not include pond construction, utilities, wells, or allowances for your time. The most recent quoted prices are around 75 to 80 cents per pound when the buyer harvests and transports the fish. Considering that the stocking rate for beginning operators should not exceed 5,000 fish per acre and market size is generally one-pound fish, the gross profit would be approximately $1000 per acre. This amount may be increased or decreased depending upon the ability of the operator to properly manage his operation.

George Autry, County Extension Director
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