National Catfish Day
June 25, Wednesday
History
National Catfish Day was officially designated by President Ronald Reagan on June 25, 1987. He issued Presidential Proclamation 5672, which acknowledged the growing importance of the catfish farming industry and praised the health benefits of consuming farm-raised catfish.
Purpose of the Holiday
The holiday aims to:
- Promote awareness of the catfish farming industry
- Encourage the consumption of farm-raised catfish
- Highlight the nutritional benefits of catfish
- Support American aquaculture and sustainable farming practices
Catfish Farming in the U.S.
Catfish farming is primarily concentrated in the southern United States, especially in states like Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, and Louisiana. These farms raise catfish in freshwater ponds and are known for producing high-quality fish that are widely distributed across the country.
Nutritional Benefits of Catfish
Farm-raised catfish is considered a healthy protein source. It is:
- Low in calories
- High in protein
- A good source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
- Rich in vitamins such as B12 and D
How People Celebrate
While not a public holiday, National Catfish Day is often celebrated by:
- Cooking and enjoying catfish dishes at home or in restaurants
- Hosting community fish fries and cookouts
- Sharing catfish recipes and fun facts on social media
- Visiting local fish farms or farmers’ markets
Popular Catfish Dishes
Some well-loved catfish dishes include:
- Southern-style fried catfish
- Blackened catfish
- Catfish po’boys
- Catfish stew