Catfish is a type of freshwater fish that breeds in ponds, lakes and rivers with a tropical climate. To become a good catfish catcher, you need to know what their favorite food is, where they live, and what techniques can get them to eat the bait. Read on for tips on catching catfish that can ensure you don't leave the boat empty-handed.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Selecting Equipment and Bait
Step 1. Purchase a fishing rod and fishing line
The size of the fishing line you buy should be based on the size of the fish you can catch in the area you are fishing.
- For fish under 9 kilograms, use a two meter long fishing line with a fishing line for at least 4.5 kilograms.
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For fish over 9 pounds, use a 2.5 meter long fishing rod with a fishing line for at least 9 kilograms.
Longer rods are better for riverside fishing than from boats, because they have a longer range
Step 2. Purchase fishing hooks, bobbers, and other supplies
Most good sports shops sell packages containing the basics, including all the gear you need, to get you started fishing. If you do use one, all you need is a sharp fishing hook, but a few other accessories are also great to have.
- The glow in the dark bobber can make it easier for you when fishing at night.
- Other types of bobbers can also help when you're fishing in the pond.
- You'll also need a bucket and cooler to store the bait and catfish you'll be bringing home.
Step 3. Experiment with different types of bait
Some catfish are only attracted to one specific type of bait, despite the fact that catfish will eat just about anything. For your first catfish expedition, bring a few different types of bait with you, so you can find out what catfish like in your area. Try the following options:
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Try cut bait. Shad, herring, goldeye, and other baited fish release oils that can lure catfish. Pieces of these fish are very effective for catching channel catfish, which is the most common type of catfish in North America.
You can also use live, uncut bait fish. They may not be releasing as much oil, but they will probably be more attractive to catfish because they are still alive. Experiment to see which one is better
- Try using sea prawns. Southern catfish may eat crayfish, which are available at local bait shops.
- Try using earthworms, which you can also buy at your local bait shop. Worms can attract many types of catfish.
- If you don't want to go to a bait shop, you can use chicken liver or corn kernels.
- Try using artificial bait. There are tons of artificial catfish baits for sale at good sports shops, many claiming their baits have magical ingredients that can make catfish more active. After all, experienced anglers say that the best fish are caught with real, live bait.
Step 4. Choose a bait size that matches the size of the fish you want to catch
If you think you have the opportunity to catch a 23-pound fish, you will need a large bait. Small baits such as earthworms will be easily stolen from the hook.
Step 5. Keep the bait fresh
Catfish won't eat pieces of fish that are no longer fresh, so you'll need to store them in the bait cooler to keep them fresh during your long hours on the water.
- Store earthworms in the refrigerator in a container.
- Store baited fish pieces on ice.
- Store live bait fish in a bucket of cold water.
Method 2 of 3: Finding Active Catfish
Step 1. Start fishing in the spring
Catfish are less active when the water temperature is cold, so the best time to start fishing is when the water temperature rises and the water will warm to around 50 degrees in the spring. You can also continue fishing until the temperature cools down again.
- Experiment to find the best fishing times in your area. In some places spring may come sooner, while in others the water will not warm up until early summer.
- Blue catfish, which live in the southern United States, remain active during the winter, so you don't have to wait for winter to end if you fish in that area.
Step 2. Leave early in the morning
Catfish are more active in the morning, so plan to start your fishing expedition before sunrise, or even earlier. Catfish tend to forage at this time.
- Fishing at night can also give you a lot of catch. If you enjoy staying up late on the water, try to start fishing at one or two in the morning.
- You may be able to find catfish a little later in the day if the weather is cloudy or rainy, but if the sun is shining, the fish tend to be less active.
Step 3. Look for closed locations
Catfish like to settle in calm water where the currents meet, so they don't have to struggle to swim against the current. 'covered' places can be found where currents hit large rocks or logs, usually these locations are located near riverbanks. Other places can be found around dams or other man-made structures in water.
- In smaller streams and rivers, look for eddies formed by rocks and logs falling in the middle of the water.
- If you are fishing in ponds or reservoirs, look for areas around feedlots, very deep places, and fallen logs in the water.
Step 4. Take a position
When you have chosen a place where you want to start fishing, drop your anchor, set up the equipment, stretch the line and wait for the bait to be eaten.
Method 3 of 3: Bringing Fish
Step 1. Roll up the fishing line
When the catfish bites, let the line stretch a little and then start reeling, quickly. Read how to reel in a big fish to learn how to properly reel in a fishing line.
Step 2. Calculate the size of the fish
Make sure the size of the fish meets the standards required for fishing in your area.
- If the fish are too small, you will need to take them back.
- If you intend to take the fish, keep it in a bucket of water so you can clean and skin it later.
Tips
- This article focuses on fishing methods using a fishing line, but you can also try making a catfish trap.
- To catch large fish, use a boat with a large cavity. Or you may fall into the water. Fishing by the river can solve this problem.
