l remember seeing a special where guys would jam their fist under logs or in the mud with the hope that some big fish would bite their arm and then they could jerk them out of the water with no pole.

Stupid.?

Noodling

l think it is called ''noodling''.

they call it tickling trout.

In Kansas we call it ''noodling'' but here is what l found at Wikipedia:

Noodling is a southern US practice of fishing for catfish using only bare hands. Many other names, such as catfisting, grabbling, graveling, hogging, dogging, tickling and stumping, are used in different regions for the same activity.

its noodling

That is what they call ''noodling''
If you do this be very careful. Sometimes there will be a big ol snapping turtle in those holes. Anglers have been know to lose fingers doing this.
Also make sure you check your state laws. In some states this is illegal !!
Good Luck !!

''Noodlin' '' aka ''Noodling''. Here is some videos on it ~ Enjoy ;).< ' ( (( > <

http://youtube.com/results?search_query=noodling+for+catfish&search_type=&aq=f

That would be ''noodling'' for catfish, reaching into small spaces and pulling out catfish, although it does have its other dangers in that it can mean being bitten by snapping turtles etc.

catfishing

Around here we call it hoggin. SCUZE-ME has it right. She must do a little hoggin herself!!!

Noodling
They mostly catch flathead, channel, blue and bullhead catfish though.

noodling

it is called noodling, it is where u go un der water and feel for the fish and then u try to catch them by their mouth. most of this is done on catfish.

noodling or hand fishing. l call it too cheap to buy a fishing pole.