Can you catch catfish at night? Yes, you absolutely can catch catfish at night, and many anglers find it to be an incredibly rewarding experience. Night fishing for catfish often leads to more aggressive bites and larger catches.
Catfish are primarily nocturnal hunters, meaning they are most active and feed most aggressively after the sun goes down. This is why catfish night fishing is such a popular and effective strategy. As daylight fades, water temperatures can stabilize, and the cover of darkness allows catfish to move more freely and approach shallower feeding grounds without the constant pressure from daytime predators.
Finding Catfish at Night
Knowing where to look is crucial for success. Catfish are creatures of habit, and they tend to frequent specific areas, especially under the cloak of darkness.
Prime Catfish Locations After Dark
- Deep Holes and Drop-offs: Catfish, particularly larger ones, will often retreat to deeper water during the day to escape the sun and predators. At night, they will move out from these comfortable zones to forage. Look for steep drop-offs, channels, and the deepest parts of the lake or river. These areas provide security and are often hunting grounds.
- Structure: Submerged trees, fallen logs, rock piles, bridge pilings, and any other form of submerged structure offer both ambush points and hiding places for catfish. They use these structures to their advantage, waiting for unsuspecting prey to swim by. During the night, their senses of smell and vibration become even more important in locating food around these familiar landmarks.
- Current Breaks: In rivers and streams, catfish will position themselves in areas where the current breaks or slows down. This allows them to conserve energy while still being in a position to intercept food drifting by. Look for the edges of main current flows, behind large rocks or fallen trees, and where tributaries enter a larger body of water.
- Shallow Flats Near Deep Water: As mentioned, catfish will move into shallower areas to feed at night. The key is to find shallow flats that are adjacent to deeper water. This provides them with a quick escape route back to safety if they feel threatened, and these shallows often harbor abundant baitfish and invertebrates that catfish love to eat.
- Baitfish Hotspots: Where are the baitfish congregating? Catfish will be there. Areas with dense concentrations of shad, minnows, or other forage species are prime feeding locations. These might be near submerged vegetation, around docks, or in areas with gentle currents that attract bait.
Using Catfish Sonar for Night Fishing
While you might think sonar is only for daytime fishing, catfish sonar for night use can be a game-changer. Modern fish finders are incredibly sophisticated and can help you locate not just fish, but also the structure and depth changes where catfish are likely to be.
- Depth Sounding: Use your sonar to identify deep holes, drop-offs, and submerged structures. Catfish often relate to these features.
- Structure Identification: Your sonar can highlight submerged logs, rock piles, weed beds, and other forms of structure that provide excellent catfish habitat.
- Baitfish Detection: Many sonars can detect schools of baitfish. Where there are baitfish, there will likely be catfish. Identifying these bait balls can lead you directly to a feeding zone.
- Marking Waypoints: As you find promising spots, mark them on your GPS. This way, you can easily return to them throughout the night or on future trips.
The Best Time to Fish for Catfish at Night
While catfish are active throughout the night, certain times tend to be more productive.
Best Time to Fish for Catfish at Night
- Dusk and Dawn Transitions: The hours immediately surrounding sunset and sunrise are often prime time. Catfish are transitioning between their daytime resting areas and their nighttime feeding grounds, making them more active and prone to striking.
- Midnight to Early Morning: Many experienced anglers swear by the period between midnight and 3 AM. This is when the water is often at its calmest, and pressure from other boats is usually minimal. Catfish feel safe and are actively hunting for food.
- Warm Nights: Catfish, being cool-water fish in comparison to some other species, tend to be more active on warmer nights. On sweltering summer days, the cooling waters at night can trigger a feeding frenzy.
- After a Cold Front (with caution): While it might seem counterintuitive, sometimes after a cold front passes, catfish can become more active as they try to feed before potentially slower conditions set in. However, fishing right in the middle of a harsh front can be challenging.
Catfish Bait for Night Fishing
The right bait is paramount. While catfish are opportunistic feeders, some baits are consistently more effective for catfish night fishing. The key is to use baits that emit a strong scent, as catfish rely heavily on their sense of smell in low-light conditions.
Top Catfish Baits for Night
- Stink Baits: These are specifically formulated dough baits with potent, musky odors designed to attract catfish from a distance. They come in various formulations, including natural and artificial, and are often highly effective.
- Cut Baits: Chunks of oily fish like shad, skipjack, or even chicken liver are excellent choices. The natural oils and strong scent released into the water are irresistible to catfish.
- Shad: Freshly cut shad is a classic for a reason. Its strong scent and oily nature make it a top-tier bait.
- Skipjack Herring: Similar to shad, skipjack is oily and has a pungent aroma that catfish can’t resist.
- Chicken Livers: These are cheap, readily available, and incredibly effective, especially for smaller to medium-sized catfish. The soft texture allows the scent to dissipate quickly.
- Worms: Earthworms, especially nightcrawlers, can be effective, particularly in areas with a lot of natural forage. However, their scent can dissipate faster than cut baits.
- Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp, often with their shells on, can produce good results due to their strong scent.
- Sausage/Hot Dogs: Believe it or not, pieces of hot dogs or some types of sausage can be surprisingly effective. The salt and fat content, along with the processed flavor, appeal to catfish.
Table: Bait Effectiveness Comparison for Night Catfishing
| Bait Type | Scent Strength | Attractiveness | Ease of Use | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stink Baits | Very High | Very High | High | All sizes |
| Cut Shad/Skipjack | High | Very High | Medium | Medium to Large |
| Chicken Livers | High | High | Very High | Small to Medium |
| Earthworms | Medium | Medium | High | Small to Medium |
| Shrimp | High | High | High | Small to Medium |
| Hot Dogs/Sausage | Medium | Medium | Very High | Small to Medium |
Catfish Lures for Night
While bait fishing is generally more productive for catfish at night due to their reliance on scent, there are some catfish lures for night that can work, especially for those who prefer artificials or want to cover water quickly.
- Spinnerbaits: The vibration and flash of a spinnerbait can attract catfish, especially those looking for visual cues in the dim light.
- Jigs: Heavy jigs, particularly those with a pulsating grub or a strong-smelling bait trailer (like a piece of worm or cut bait), can be effective.
- Soft Plastics: Large, paddle-tail swimbaits or crawfish imitations with a strong scent impregnated in them can mimic natural prey.
Important Note: For lure fishing at night, focus on lures that create significant vibration or have a strong scent profile. Relying solely on visual attraction is much harder in low light.
Night Fishing Techniques for Catfish
Success at night often comes down to employing specific techniques that capitalize on the catfish’s nocturnal behavior.
Proven Night Fishing Techniques
- Bottom Fishing: This is the most classic and effective method for night catfishing.
- Rigging: The most common and reliable catfish rig for night fishing is the Carolina rig. This involves a weight, a bead, a swivel, a leader, and a hook. The weight slides freely on the main line, allowing the fish to take the bait without feeling the resistance of the sinker.
- Placement: Cast your bait to the bottom in your chosen fishing spot. Let the bait settle and allow the current or subtle drifts to present the bait naturally.
- Drifting: In rivers with current, drifting your bait is an excellent way to cover a lot of water and present your bait in front of actively moving catfish.
- Controlled Drift: Use your trolling motor or position your boat strategically to allow your bait to drift naturally with the current through promising areas like drop-offs or structure.
- Back Bouncing: In very strong currents, you can back bounce your bait upstream of a structure and let it bounce along the bottom as you drift downstream.
- Still Fishing: If you’re fishing from a stationary position (e.g., a dock, pier, or anchored boat), simply cast your bait to the desired location and wait. Patience is key here.
- Adding Scent Enhancers: Even with good bait, you can boost its attractiveness by adding a liquid scent attractant to your bait or lure before casting.
Catfish Rod and Reel for Night Fishing
Having the right gear makes a significant difference. Your catfish rod and reel for night fishing should be robust and reliable, capable of handling strong runs and the weight of a decent-sized catfish.
Rod and Reel Recommendations
- Rods:
- Length: 7 to 8 feet is a good all-around length. Longer rods offer better casting distance and leverage for fighting fish.
- Power: Medium-heavy to heavy power is recommended. This provides the backbone needed to set the hook firmly and control strong-fighting catfish.
- Action: Moderate or moderate-fast action is ideal. This allows for good casting and shock absorption during the fight, preventing pulled hooks. Look for rods with sensitive tips that can detect subtle bites.
- Reels:
- Type: Spinning reels or baitcasting reels are both suitable. Baitcasters generally offer more power and line control for larger catfish.
- Size: A reel in the 4000 to 6000 series for spinning reels, or a comparable level-wind baitcaster, will have sufficient line capacity and drag strength.
- Drag System: A smooth and strong drag system is crucial. Catfish can make powerful runs, and a good drag will wear them down without breaking your line.
- Line:
- Monofilament: 17-30 lb test monofilament is a popular choice due to its stretch, which acts as a shock absorber. It also has good knot strength.
- Braided Line: 30-65 lb test braided line offers excellent sensitivity and strength. If using braid, a fluorocarbon leader is often recommended to provide some stretch and abrasion resistance.
Catfish Rig for Night Fishing
The specific catfish rig for night fishing you choose will depend on the conditions and your preferred technique, but some are consistently more effective.
Popular Catfish Rigs
-
Carolina Rig:
- Components: Main line, sinker (1-4 oz, depending on current), bead, barrel swivel, leader (12-24 inches of 20-40 lb fluorocarbon or monofilament), and a strong circle hook or Octopus hook (size 1/0 to 5/0 depending on bait size).
- How it Works: The sinker slides freely on the main line above the swivel. This prevents the fish from feeling the weight of the sinker when it picks up the bait, leading to more confident bites. It’s excellent for bottom fishing.
-
Santee Rig (Slip Bobber Rig for Catfish):
- Components: Main line, slip bobber, bobber stop, beads, swivel, leader, hook.
- How it Works: This rig allows you to suspend your bait at a specific depth. It’s great for targeting catfish that might be holding just off the bottom or in the water column. At night, the subtle movement of the suspended bait can be very effective.
-
Trotline/Jug Fishing (Advanced Techniques):
- These are methods used for larger-scale catfishing, employing multiple hooks on a long line or individual floats (jugs) that are set and then monitored. They require more specialized knowledge and tackle.
Key Rigging Tips for Night:
- Circle Hooks: These are highly recommended for night fishing. They are designed to slide into the corner of the fish’s mouth, resulting in fewer gut-hooked fish and a higher hook-up ratio, especially when fish are just nibbling at the bait.
- Leader Material: Use monofilament or fluorocarbon for your leader. Fluorocarbon is more abrasion-resistant and has less visibility, which can be helpful if catfish are wary.
- Sinker Weight: Adjust your sinker weight based on the current. You need enough weight to keep your bait on the bottom without dragging excessively.
Night Fishing Safety
Safety should always be your top priority when fishing, and night fishing adds its own set of considerations.
Essential Night Fishing Safety Practices
- Illumination:
- Headlamp or Flashlight: Always have a reliable, powerful headlamp or flashlight. A headlamp keeps your hands free, which is invaluable for rigging, unhooking fish, or navigating.
- Spare Batteries: Carry extra batteries for all your electronic devices and lights.
- Navigation and Location:
- Know Your Location: If you’re in a boat, be aware of your surroundings, submerged hazards, and other boat traffic.
- GPS/Sonar: Utilize your GPS and sonar not just for fishing, but also for navigation.
- Inform Someone: Let a friend or family member know where you are going and when you expect to be back.
- Personal Safety:
- Life Jacket: Wear a properly fitting life jacket if you are in a boat, especially if fishing alone or in unfamiliar waters.
- First-Aid Kit: Carry a well-stocked first-aid kit for minor injuries.
- Communication: Ensure your cell phone is fully charged and consider a portable power bank.
- Weather Awareness: Check the weather forecast before you go and be prepared for changes. Nighttime temperatures can drop significantly.
- Insect Repellent: Mosquitoes and other biting insects can be a nuisance at night.
- Footwear: Wear sturdy, non-slip footwear, especially if you are fishing from shore or a slippery boat deck.
Night Fishing Safety Checklist
- Headlamp/Flashlight with spare batteries
- Fully charged cell phone and power bank
- First-aid kit
- Life jacket (if in a boat)
- Plenty of water and snacks
- Appropriate clothing layers
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen (even at night, UV rays can be present on cloudy nights, and it’s good practice to have it)
- Buddy system or letting someone know your plans
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What kind of catfish can I catch at night?
You can catch all species of catfish at night, including Channel Catfish, Blue Catfish, and Flathead Catfish. Their feeding habits make them accessible to anglers after dark.
Do catfish bite better at night or during the day?
Generally, catfish bite better at night. Their nocturnal nature means they are more active feeders after sunset, particularly when water temperatures are more stable and they feel less pressure from predators and boats.
Is it safe to fish for catfish at night?
Yes, it is safe to fish for catfish at night as long as you take proper precautions. Prioritizing illumination, letting someone know your plans, wearing a life jacket in a boat, and being aware of your surroundings are key to a safe experience.
What is the best time of night to fish for catfish?
The best time often varies, but many anglers find success during the transitions of dusk and dawn, and again in the deeper hours of the night, typically between midnight and 3 AM. Warmer nights tend to see more consistent activity.
What is the best bait for catfish at night?
The best bait for catfish at night is often something with a strong, pungent scent. Proven options include stink baits, cut baits like shad or skipjack, and chicken livers.
What kind of rod and reel should I use for night catfishing?
A medium-heavy to heavy power rod, typically 7-8 feet long, paired with a sturdy spinning reel or baitcasting reel (4000-6000 series) with a good drag system is ideal for night catfishing.
Do catfish have good eyesight at night?
Catfish do not rely heavily on eyesight for hunting. They possess an excellent sense of smell and vibration detection through their lateral line, which allows them to locate prey effectively in low-light conditions.
By implementing these proven tips, you can significantly increase your success and enjoyment when fishing for catfish at night. Remember to prioritize safety, choose your bait wisely, and utilize the techniques that best suit the conditions. Happy fishing!