Fishing for Catfish - Fall Fishing
As I steered the pontoon out of the no wake zone, it was a
welcome relief not to feel the muggy heat of the morning on my face.
Fall fishing had finally arrived and I headed out to a chilly 64 degree
morning. All summer long while fishing for catfish, I had complained
about the heat. Now as I head out for a full day of fishing I had a grin
on my face just like a kid. I have loved fishing since as early as I
can remember, but over the last 15 years I have been obsessed with
catching big trophy catfish. During the Fall fishing season is some of
the best times to catch a true trophy sized catfish. Now everyone has
their own classification of a trophy, and I am no different. My idea of a
trophy is any fish over forty pounds, but the area I fish is known for
many 20 to 30 pounders. Your trophy may be smaller in weight or larger,
but no matter what the size, the cooler water during the Fall fishing
can mean exciting fights with mister whiskers.
One thing to remember when the seasons are changing from the hot waters of summer to the cooler waters of fall, is that summer patterns will continue to work for a while. Do not totally change your method of fishing just because you get a 60 degree high temperature one day. In the beginning of Fall fishing the fish will start to become more active during the day. This is due to the fact that baitfish start to move around more. As the weather continues to cool down, the bait fish will gather in schools. When this starts to happen, it makes fishing for catfish a little more predictable. Catfish, especially Blue cats will hang out under these schools of bait waiting to grab the ones that venture to far away or the ones that may be dying. You should also pay attention to any schooling activity from striper or largemouth bass. When these fish school and attack the baitfish, catfish will usually be under this activity grabbing all of the wounded baitfish.
To begin locating active catfish in the first onset of Fall fishing, start by finding the deeper water near your summer time holes. As I said in the beginning, this is not an overnight change, so the catfish will not be far from where you normally catch them. Find some creek channels, or ditches, or even just a deeper depth near some shallow spots. Watch for feeding fish, or birds diving in the water. You can also watch your fish finder, because schools of bait fish will show up very well on the screen. Once you locate the schools of bait, then try to match your presentation with the same size as the baitfish. No matter what bait you are using, you want to keep it close to the same size as the baitfish in the water. When catfish are actively feeding on schools of baitfish, they are focusing in on the kill. If you present bait that is larger while fishing for catfish they may possibly swim right by it in order to get the schooling bait because they are easier prey.
As the water continues to cool down, the summer pattern will not work nearly as well. At this time you will need to focus most of your day on your fall fishing patterns. Change your locations to deeper waters, and if you can find deep water structure it will be even better. Give these ideas a try when you're out fishing for catfish this fall and that trophy cat might just be in the boat this year.
One thing to remember when the seasons are changing from the hot waters of summer to the cooler waters of fall, is that summer patterns will continue to work for a while. Do not totally change your method of fishing just because you get a 60 degree high temperature one day. In the beginning of Fall fishing the fish will start to become more active during the day. This is due to the fact that baitfish start to move around more. As the weather continues to cool down, the bait fish will gather in schools. When this starts to happen, it makes fishing for catfish a little more predictable. Catfish, especially Blue cats will hang out under these schools of bait waiting to grab the ones that venture to far away or the ones that may be dying. You should also pay attention to any schooling activity from striper or largemouth bass. When these fish school and attack the baitfish, catfish will usually be under this activity grabbing all of the wounded baitfish.
To begin locating active catfish in the first onset of Fall fishing, start by finding the deeper water near your summer time holes. As I said in the beginning, this is not an overnight change, so the catfish will not be far from where you normally catch them. Find some creek channels, or ditches, or even just a deeper depth near some shallow spots. Watch for feeding fish, or birds diving in the water. You can also watch your fish finder, because schools of bait fish will show up very well on the screen. Once you locate the schools of bait, then try to match your presentation with the same size as the baitfish. No matter what bait you are using, you want to keep it close to the same size as the baitfish in the water. When catfish are actively feeding on schools of baitfish, they are focusing in on the kill. If you present bait that is larger while fishing for catfish they may possibly swim right by it in order to get the schooling bait because they are easier prey.
As the water continues to cool down, the summer pattern will not work nearly as well. At this time you will need to focus most of your day on your fall fishing patterns. Change your locations to deeper waters, and if you can find deep water structure it will be even better. Give these ideas a try when you're out fishing for catfish this fall and that trophy cat might just be in the boat this year.
There is nothing like the feel of a catfish tugging on your line
waiting for you to set the hook! Once you decide to go fishing make sure
you are prepared, stop by my site where I try to update often and help
you Catch more fish [http://www.moonlightfishing.com]!
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