What is catfishing? Catfishing is a sport for anglers who enjoy catching strong, aggressive freshwater fish. Can I catch catfish in rivers and lakes? Yes, catfish are found in many types of freshwater environments, including rivers, lakes, and ponds. Who is catfishing for? Catfishing is for anyone who loves fishing and wants a good fight from their catch!
This guide will take you through everything you need to know to become a successful catfish angler. From picking the right gear to knowing where to look, we’ll cover it all.
Finding Your Feline Friends: Catfish Habitat
Catfish are adaptable fish. They live in many kinds of water. This makes them a great target for anglers across the country.
Common Catfish Species
There are many types of catfish. Knowing which ones are in your area helps you fish smarter.
- Channel Catfish: These are very common and popular. They have a forked tail. They like clean water. You can find them in lakes, rivers, and ponds.
- Blue Catfish: These are the giants of the catfish world. They have a deeply forked tail and a humped back. They prefer large rivers and deep lakes. They can get very big!
- Flathead Catfish: These have a shovel-shaped head and a rounded tail. They are ambush predators. They like to hide in snags, holes, and undercuts in rivers.
Other Catfish Species to Know
- Bullheads: Smaller cousins of the big catfish. They have square tails. They are found in many still waters.
- Wels Catfish: Found in Europe. They can grow to enormous sizes. They are known for their aggressive nature.
Where to Find Catfish
Catfish are often found near the bottom. They like places where they can hide and ambush prey.
- Rivers: Look for deep holes, bends in the river, and areas with current breaks. Eddies behind bridge pilings or fallen trees are prime spots. Areas with sandy or muddy bottoms are also good.
- Lakes and Ponds: Catfish tend to hang out in deeper sections. They also like submerged structure like old tree stumps, weed beds, and drop-offs. Boat docks and marinas can also attract them.
- Seasonal Movements: Catfish behavior changes with the seasons. In warmer months, they are more active. They often move into shallower areas to feed. In colder months, they tend to go deeper and become less active.
Gearing Up for the Grin: Catfish Fishing Gear
Having the right equipment makes a big difference. You need gear that can handle the power of a catfish.
Rods and Reels
- Rods: Use a sturdy rod. A medium-heavy to heavy power rod is best. Look for rods around 6 to 7.5 feet long. Longer rods can help with casting distance and hook sets.
- Reels: A sturdy spinning reel or a baitcasting reel will work. Make sure it has a good drag system. Catfish can pull hard, so a smooth drag is essential. Line capacity is also important for larger catfish.
Fishing Line
- Monofilament: Good for its stretch and abrasion resistance. It’s also cheaper.
- Braided Line: Stronger pound-for-pound than mono. It has less stretch, which helps with hook sets. It’s also thinner, so you can fit more on your reel.
- Fluorocarbon Leader: Many anglers use a fluorocarbon leader to connect to their main line. This is nearly invisible in the water and is very strong.
Hooks and Weights
- Hooks: Circle hooks are highly recommended for catfish. They help prevent gut-hooking fish. This is better for the fish if you plan to release them. Use strong, sharp hooks. Sizes 1/0 to 6/0 are common, depending on the size of catfish you are targeting.
- Weights (Sinkers): Catfish often feed on the bottom. You’ll need weights to keep your bait down. Pyramid or bank sinkers are good choices. The weight needed depends on the current and water depth.
Other Essential Items
- Net: A large, strong net is needed for landing bigger catfish.
- Pliers: For removing hooks.
- Stringer or Cooler: If you plan to keep your catch.
- Bait Container: To keep your bait fresh.
Baiting the Beast: What Catfish Eat
Catfish are not picky eaters. They will eat a wide variety of things. This makes them fun to bait for.
Live Baits
- Worms: Earthworms are a classic bait for smaller catfish.
- Minnows: Small live minnows are excellent for larger catfish, especially channel and flathead catfish.
- Eels: Live eels are a top bait for large flathead catfish.
Cut Baits
- Fish Chunks: Pieces of oily fish like shad, perch, or bluegill are irresistible to catfish.
- Chicken Liver: This is a very popular and effective bait for channel catfish. It’s inexpensive and easy to use.
- Chicken Gizzards: Similar to livers, but hold together a bit better.
Dough Baits and Stink Baits
- Commercial Dough Baits: These come in many flavors and are designed to stay on the hook. They often have strong scents that attract catfish.
- Homemade Stink Baits: Many anglers make their own. They often use cheese, garlic, or fermented ingredients. The smellier, the better for some catfish!
Using Scent Attractants
- Garlic: A common ingredient in many catfish baits.
- Anise: Another scent that attracts catfish.
- Bloody Chunks: The smell of blood can also draw catfish in.
Rigging Up for Success: Catfish Rigs
The way you set up your line is called a rig. The right rig keeps your bait where the catfish can find it.
Basic Catfish Rig
A simple bottom rig is effective for most situations.
- Components: Fishing line, sinker, swivel, leader line, hook.
- How to Tie:
- Tie a sinker onto the end of your main fishing line.
- Tie a swivel a foot or so above the sinker.
- Tie a leader line (shorter than your main line) to the other end of the swivel.
- Tie your hook to the end of the leader line.
- Attach your bait to the hook.
Slip Bobber Rig
This rig lets your bait float or drift naturally.
- Components: Fishing line, slip bobber, bobber stop, bead, swivel, leader line, hook.
- How to Tie:
- Thread a bobber stop onto your fishing line.
- Thread a bead onto the line.
- Thread the slip bobber onto the line.
- Tie a swivel to the end of your line.
- Tie a leader line to the swivel.
- Tie your hook to the leader.
- Slide the bobber stop to set the depth you want your bait to be at.
Carolina Rig
This rig is good for fishing over weeds or structure.
- Components: Fishing line, sinker, bead, swivel, leader line, hook.
- How to Tie:
- Slide a bullet sinker onto your main line.
- Thread a bead onto the line.
- Tie a swivel to the end of your main line.
- Tie a leader line to the swivel.
- Tie your hook to the leader. The sinker slides along the bottom, and your bait floats slightly above it.
Catfish Fishing Techniques: How to Catch Them
Knowing the techniques is key to catching catfish. You need to be patient and observant.
Bottom Fishing
This is the most common way to catch catfish.
- Method: Cast your bait out and let it sink to the bottom.
- Waiting: Sit and wait for a bite. You’ll feel a tug on your line.
- Setting the Hook: When you feel a bite, pull your rod back firmly to set the hook.
Drifting for Catfish
This method uses the current to move your bait.
- Method: Cast your line into the water and let the current carry your bait along the bottom or at a certain depth.
- Drift Speed: You can adjust your sinker weight or use a drift sock to control how fast you drift.
- Good for: Covering more water to find active fish.
Freelining
This is a simple technique with no weight or bobber.
- Method: Tie your hook and bait directly to your line. Cast it out.
- When to Use: Works best in slow-moving water or when fish are very active and feeding near the surface. The bait moves naturally with the current.
Fishing with Electronics
- Fish Finders: Use a fish finder to locate deep holes, drop-offs, and submerged structure where catfish like to hide.
- Marking Spots: Once you find a good spot, mark it on your GPS for future reference.
When to Cast: Best Time to Catch Catfish
Timing can be everything in fishing. For catfish, certain times of day and year are better.
Time of Day
- Dawn and Dusk: These are often the best times. Catfish are more active feeders during low-light conditions.
- Night: Night fishing can be incredibly productive. Catfish use their excellent sense of smell to find food in the dark.
- Daytime: While less active, catfish can still be caught during the day, especially in deeper, cooler water or in cloudy conditions.
Time of Year
- Spring: As the water warms up, catfish become more active. Spawning season in late spring can see them feeding aggressively.
- Summer: This is peak season. Warmer water means more food and more active fish.
- Fall: Catfish continue to feed well as the water starts to cool. They are often fattening up for winter.
- Winter: Catfish become much less active. They seek out deep, quiet holes and may not feed much.
Catfish Identification: Know Your Catch
It’s important to be able to identify the catfish you catch. This helps with fishing regulations and knowing what to expect.
Key Features for Identification
- Barbels (Whiskers): All catfish have barbels. Their length and shape can help identify species.
- Tail Shape: Forked tails (channel, blue) versus rounded or notched tails (flathead, bullheads).
- Head Shape: Broad and flattened (flathead) versus more pointed (channel).
- Coloration: While color can vary, some species have distinct patterns or shades.
- Spines: The pectoral and dorsal fins have sharp spines. Be careful!
Common Mistakes in Identification
- Mixing up Channel and Blue Catfish: Both have forked tails, but blues are much larger and have a more humped back and longer barbels.
- Confusing Flatheads and Channel Cats: Flatheads have a more squared-off head and a rounded tail.
- Bullheads vs. Other Cats: Bullheads are much smaller and have a distinctly square tail.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the best bait for channel catfish?
A: Chicken liver is a top choice. Cut bait like shad or bluegill, and dough baits also work very well.
Q2: Can I catch catfish from the shore?
A: Yes, you can catch catfish from the shore. Look for spots with deeper water, structure, or current.
Q3: How do I keep catfish alive if I’m not keeping them immediately?
A: Use a stringer that allows the fish to stay in the water. Ensure the stringer is attached securely and the water is oxygenated. A live well on a boat is ideal.
Q4: Are catfish dangerous to handle?
A: Be cautious of the spines on their dorsal and pectoral fins. They can inflict painful puncture wounds. It’s best to handle them firmly by the lower jaw, using a rag or pliers if needed.
Q5: What is the best catfish rig for a fast current?
A: A heavier sinker is needed to hold bottom. A slip sinker rig or a Carolina rig can be effective, keeping your bait anchored in the current.
Q6: Do catfish bite in cold weather?
A: Catfish are much less active in cold water. They move to deeper, slower areas. Bites will be infrequent and often subtle.
Mastering the art of catfishing takes practice and patience. By knowing your target species, using the right gear, and employing effective techniques, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying the thrill of catching these powerful freshwater fighters. Tight lines!