Okie Noodling

You thought ice fishing was harrowing. Grotesque, fascinating, hilarious, and apparently true: In Oklahoma, there are folks who obtain catfish by reaching deep into the muck of the river and yanking those bad boys out by the jaws. Let’s say that again: These Okies reach into a hole, under a rock, underwater, find themselves a big ol’ catfish, stick a bare hand into its gummy maw, and pull it flip-flopping to the surface. It’s called “noodling,” or handfishing, and itÕs as bloody a mess as any sport could be. Meet several brave noodlers in this documentary, which features an instrumental score by the Flaming Lips, another offbeat (to say the least) Okie institution. 17th St. and University Ave. SE, Minneapolis; 612-331-3134; www.mnfilmarts.org