Fishing Tips For Catfish - Rods, Reels, Rigs and Baits
Catfishing is a lot of fun. They are quite abundant and are
somewhat easy to catch. Catfish are found in most lakes, rivers and
ponds not only in the United States but also around the world. Catfish
is also excellent table fare. There are numerous recipes, some passed
down from generation to generation and some new recipes as technology
has advanced. The following tips for catfishing should help you in
catching more and bigger catfish.
Catfish are a strong fish and can grow very large. Heavier equipment and tackle are therefore required. Typically, 6 to 8 foot medium heavy to heavy fishing rods with soft tips are used. They allow longer casts and have the power to pull big fish out of moving water, brush piles or rock piles. 25 to 30 pound line, or heavier depending on conditions and size of fish that is being targeted, is not uncommon. Heavy wire hooks and swivels, like those used in saltwater, are a good option.
Catfishing rods and reels should be of medium quality and price. Quality rods and reels will last longer and be a better investment in the long run. The inexpensive combos at the local discount "mart" typically do not have good enough drag systems in the reels or guides on the rods. Talk to someone in your local tackle store as many employees or managers not only work there but are very good fishermen. Better yet, talk to one of the catmen on your local water.
If you plan on catfishing with children, avoid purchasing the latest and greatest cute "cartoon" combos. They do not have enough strength to battle even a small catfish. If you "must" get these little combos, set them up to catch sunfish. A bobber, a small hook, and some red worms will usually do the trick. Sunfish inhabit many of the same areas that catfish do and kids can catch many of them and have a great time while you are waiting for the kitty to show up.
Your rigs for catfish should be kept pretty basic. A "sliding sinker" or "dropper loop" setup should suffice for most situations. Use lighter sinkers for shallow water and heavier sinkers for moving water or drift fishing. Simple knots, the clinch knot or Palomar knot, can be used on sinkers, hooks and swivels.
Catfishing baits can be somewhat confusing. The best bait for catfish is natural live bait that is in the water you are fishing. Smaller baitfish, craws and worms are natural and found in most catfish waters. In some areas, you are allowed to catch your own live bait. In other areas you can purchase it from a local tackle store.
Manufactured "stinkbaits" work quite well and are readily available for purchase. You can also make your own stinky baits. Chicken livers and shrimp are favorites and easy to make. Put the livers or shrimp tails in a covered container and set them in the sun for a few days. They will begin to decay and become quite odorous. Experiment by adding fish oil or garlic powder for a more pungent odor.
Catfish are a strong fish and can grow very large. Heavier equipment and tackle are therefore required. Typically, 6 to 8 foot medium heavy to heavy fishing rods with soft tips are used. They allow longer casts and have the power to pull big fish out of moving water, brush piles or rock piles. 25 to 30 pound line, or heavier depending on conditions and size of fish that is being targeted, is not uncommon. Heavy wire hooks and swivels, like those used in saltwater, are a good option.
Catfishing rods and reels should be of medium quality and price. Quality rods and reels will last longer and be a better investment in the long run. The inexpensive combos at the local discount "mart" typically do not have good enough drag systems in the reels or guides on the rods. Talk to someone in your local tackle store as many employees or managers not only work there but are very good fishermen. Better yet, talk to one of the catmen on your local water.
If you plan on catfishing with children, avoid purchasing the latest and greatest cute "cartoon" combos. They do not have enough strength to battle even a small catfish. If you "must" get these little combos, set them up to catch sunfish. A bobber, a small hook, and some red worms will usually do the trick. Sunfish inhabit many of the same areas that catfish do and kids can catch many of them and have a great time while you are waiting for the kitty to show up.
Your rigs for catfish should be kept pretty basic. A "sliding sinker" or "dropper loop" setup should suffice for most situations. Use lighter sinkers for shallow water and heavier sinkers for moving water or drift fishing. Simple knots, the clinch knot or Palomar knot, can be used on sinkers, hooks and swivels.
Catfishing baits can be somewhat confusing. The best bait for catfish is natural live bait that is in the water you are fishing. Smaller baitfish, craws and worms are natural and found in most catfish waters. In some areas, you are allowed to catch your own live bait. In other areas you can purchase it from a local tackle store.
Manufactured "stinkbaits" work quite well and are readily available for purchase. You can also make your own stinky baits. Chicken livers and shrimp are favorites and easy to make. Put the livers or shrimp tails in a covered container and set them in the sun for a few days. They will begin to decay and become quite odorous. Experiment by adding fish oil or garlic powder for a more pungent odor.
Keith Abraham is a catfishing expert. For more great fishing tips for catfish, get yourself over to http://www.CatFishinginponds.com.
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