Their value as a game fish is immeasurable.īrandon Butler writes a weekly outdoors column for the Daily Journal. If you have ever landed a hard fighting catfish, then you know how exciting these magnificent fish are to catch. You can easily put plenty of catfish filets in your freezer and cook them at home. A lot of $10 catfish sandwiches are sold across this country. They spawn in June along shorelines, providing great opportunities for anglers fishing from shore to experience fast action. From youngsters sitting on the end of the dock watching a big red and white bobber, to hardcore big river catfishing experts, “whisker fish” are a fishing favorite. It’s hard to find a rural restaurant worth dining at that doesn’t offer fried catfish with a side of slaw. So consider letting the big ones live and keeping a bunch of “eaters” for your fish fries. Larger catfish have higher reproductive potential and can better help control populations of forage species such as gizzard shad and Asian carp. Numerous states, including Indiana and Missouri have slot limits to help protect older, larger fish. ![]() Good conservation practices and the wise use of our natural resources ensures future success of a species. A 3/0 hook is a good all-around catfish hook.Īlthough catfish are readily available and prevalent in good numbers, we must understand they are not an endless resource. Hooks need to be big and strong enough for big fish. ![]() In a lake or pond where there is no current, you can just use some split shot. In big rivers, a 3-ounce sinker is a common choice. The faster it is, the heavier your sinker needs to be. The weight of your sinker is determined by the current. Most of the time, you are fishing on the bottom for cats. They often hang near drop-offs and deep holes, so fishing near a bridge is one favorite method of locating cats from shore. Scent is an important aspect of catfishing because these fish rely heavily on their powerful sense of smell to locate food. Catfish eat a variety of food, including nightcrawlers, bait fish, shrimp, liver, and more. Since catfish cruise for food, a favorite tactic for catching them is to cast an offering from the bank, then let it settle on the bottom. Your line should be at least 10-pound test, because even if you’re targeting smaller catfish, a lunker could always strike. You want your rod to have a sensitive tip so you can feel subtle bites. Since you’re targeting larger fish, you need a medium or heavy action rod and a reel with a strong drag. A rod, reel, line, hook, sinker, and bait. Most bait shops have plenty of catfish offerings.Ĭatfishing is an easy deal. Shad is often used, and the smellier it is, the better. Blue catfish, which grow the largest, are usually targeted with cut bait. Flatheads, which many regard as the best tasting catfish, prefer to eat live fish. There are plenty of favorite baits out there for catfishing, but for big catfish, you should plan to use either live or dead baitfish. ![]() Anglers can pursue catfish from a boat, but there are countless opportunities to pursue them from public shores. Chances are if there is a body water near you, it holds catfish. ![]() Lakes, ponds, rivers, creeks, and streams all hold cats. They’re also fun and easy to catch, and great to eat. Catfish are one of the most prevalent game fish in the Midwest and one of the best table fare fish anywhere.Ĭatfish are one of the most prevalent game fish in the Midwest.
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