Catfish Fishing Tips - Know Their Senses!

Catfishing Tips - Catch More Catfish by Understanding Their Senses

Introduction

I normally only write articles about how to catch loads of catfish while cat fishing with proven techniques from the pros, this time I've decided to educate my readers more on the anatomy of the catfish species. How does this help you while cat fishing you ask? Would it benefit you to know how catfish find your bait and decided to bite it? I thought so. I'll keep this article relevant to cat anglers and promise not to use to much scientific jargon that puts you to sleep.

Would it surprise you to know that catfish have remarkably developed senses? It's surprised me when I started studying it. The catfish's senses are renowned and trump those of most other fresh water fish. In this article we'll go through all the catfish's senses including, taste, smell, touch, sight, and even a seemingly science fiction ability called electro sensitivity. If we understand the anatomy of the catfish it will help us catch more of them.

Hey Mr. Whisker Where's Your Sniffer?

Do catfish have noses? They actually have four! The catfish's sense of smell is superior compared to other fish. This helps them to detect food from a distance. You know when you're out on that nice spring morning cat fishing, you baiting the hook with the smelliest thing you can find, because that scent trail travels, hopefully right up a big trophy cat's nose!

I mentioned cats have four noses; well they really have four nostrils also known as olfactory pits. The nostrils are set in groups of two that work together. Water is sucked into one nostril and blown out the other. As the water is being sucked in it goes into the olfactory sac where there are sensitive folds that tell Mr. Whiskers if there is food nearby. Cat fish have more folds in their olfactory sacs then any other fish, for example large mouth bass, small mouth bass, bluegill, rainbow trout and crappie have 12-24 sensitivity folds, but cat fish have 140 plus! That means they can out sniff the best of em. A catfish can detect scents of food at 1 part per 10 billion part of water. Can you imaging being out cat fishing and smelling a single french fry 100 yards away in the woods?

Catfish are extra sensitive to amino acids in water. The best source of amino acids is blood. If you want to get a cats attention blood will do it! They can follow a blood trail like a shark. Is there any doubt why cut baits work so well? The more saturated the area is with blood and amino acids the better. Many cat fishing anglers use this knowledge when chumming. Here fishy, fishy!

When catfish are searching for a food they swim in an "S" shaped pattern, to the right then to the left or visa versa. If they smell a higher concentration of something edible in their left nostrils compared to their right, they will veer to the left. A hungry cat is always moving in the direction its senses are picking up something edible. Catfish can't rely on smell alone to survive; fantastic hearing is also an important ability that catfish possess in their arsenal of hunting gear.

Mr. Whiskers Says: "I hear voices in my bladder..."

My bladder speaks to me sometimes, but only when I've had too many beers and have to run to the bathroom to pee every five minutes.

This is a good section to know and apply when you're out cat fishing. Catfish hear two ways, the first through their swim bladder and the second through their lateral line.

Catfish are more sensitive to sound and can hear at high frequencies then most other fish. In comparison bass and trout hear 20-1000 cycles per second, but catfish at 13000 cycles per second. The frequency range is unique because catfish have what is called a Weberian Apparatus. This connects a chain of vertebral bones from the swim bladder to the inner ear, which amplifies sound and sends it to the brain to be analyzed. Catfish do have ears, but they're not exposed, instead they take in sound wave through their skin. The swim bladder picks up vibrations.

The lateral line handles low frequency vibrations. Tiny canals with lots of nerve ending follow the lateral line and detect vibrations that aren't heard by the inner ear. Examples of low frequency noise are animals walking on the river bank, critters scampering the bottom of the lake, or cat fisherman banging around in their boat. The lateral line helps the catfish to be familiar with their surroundings and helps them locate what I call the three "F"s, friends, foes, and food.

Since cats are extra sensitive to sounds and more alert then other fish it is a good idea to not stomp around on shore. I recommend padding the inside of your boat, both the bottom and sides; this can greatly assist you in not scaring the fish when you're moving stuff around.

Eye Balls, does Size Really Matter?

Jeepers Creepers, What Small Peepers!

Some people think that cat fish have poor eye sight. Catfish do have small beady eyes, but does size really matter, well not in this case. Their eyes contain light reflecting crystals called tapetum lucidum to help them see better in muddy waters. Often times it's far to muddy and dark for any light to reflect back making eye sight only useful in clearer waters. Cats take full advantage of this ability when catching live bait and searching for live forage in visible waters. Catfish have an equal amount of rods and cones in their eyes. Rods assist in helping the catfish to see in black and white when light is dim or non existent, and cones allow color vision in the light (in theory), scientist haven't studied whether they can actually see in color or not. Yeah, nice lesson, but why is it important when cat fishing?

Its important when cat fishing to not let shadows scare Mr. Whiskers, he can see them and takes them very seriously! Those little beady eyes are watching you...well sometimes. If a cat sees a shadow he's likely to stop feeding for a couple of hours and may hide, we don't want that. If you're fishing in clearer waters live baits may work better because fish are use to using their "peepers" to feed on minnows, drum, carp, or one of their other tasty treats that live in that area. Fish also have another highly developed sense that helps them find food.

Electroreception

Catfish have an amazing ability called electroreception. This ability, that is similar a sharks, allows them to pick up on small changes in electrical currents. Catfish can detect other living creatures by swimming close and sensing the electrical currents they emit. This helps them to identify who their swimming with. However, it's most useful when foraging the bottom of the river bed in the mud and sand looking for insect larva. They can detect it without seeing it or smelling it! It's a momma insect's worst nightmare! Nobody's sure how much older catfish use this ability; however an ability they definitely couldn't live without is taste.

Taste

When I first heard this I imagined myself holding a delectable double fudge brownie in my hand and being able to taste it through my fingers. Wouldn't that be weird? Well catfish are use to it. Catfish have a highly developed sense of taste. Some have jokingly referred to the catfish as a swimming tongue. It's no wonder why, because its body is covered in taste buds from mouth to fin! The highest concentration of taste buds is on the cats whiskers

Understanding all of these senses can help you catch more catfish. Reel in the big one!

To read more great catfishing tips check out this site Catfishing Tips Homepage

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What's the Best Catfish Fishing Pole? A Look at Some of the Most Popular Models

Which is better, a Dodge, a Chevy or a Ford? It all depends on who you ask, and the same goes with fishing rods. One guy will tell you that Such-And-Such a rod is the most durable thing on the planet and could probably survive a nuclear war; the next guy will tell you that he set his against a tree and it broke in half. There are lots of rods to choose from, but here are some of the most popular and well-liked rods on the market.

Ugly Stick

Ugly Stick rods are known for their durability and sensitivity, two things you really need to catch catfish. They have all sorts of special features, like blank-through-handle construction (a graphite core surrounded by a layer of glass), which make it easier for you to feel when a catfish hits your line. They also have certain models designed specifically for the mighty, fighting catfish. This is kind of a standard rod for catfish anglers, and you won't hear too many bad reviews about them. The Ugly Stick Shakespeare Tiger has been one of the most popular models since it was introduced in the '70's.

Berkley Glowstick

This rod is great for nighttime fishing, and works a lot better than most of the other rods that have lights on them. This is because it has a spinner on the end that reflects light, which you don't even need a battery to run. It also has an LED light that you can switch on and off. It's always a good idea to shut it off when you're not using it, because the LED light does run on battery power. These spinners work by spinning when they strike. Catfish can nip at your line so lightly, that it's sometimes difficult to tell when you got a bite or not, and these spinners work a lot better than rods that have little bells or something on them. You can usually pick up a Berkley Glowstick for around $40 new, but if you hunt around you can often get a better deal.

Rhino Night Vision Rods

These are also great for fishing at night, but what's really great about them, even better than the light features, is that they are quality-made. Rhino rods are made by Zebco, one of the most trusted brands of rod makers out there. These rods have a light on the tip and one on the butt. As a word of warning, don't expect too much out of the lighted tip. I've heard of lots of anglers having a hard time getting this feature to work. If you are buying a Rhino, buy it for the patented Rhino grip that makes casting a piece of cake, or the durability of the rod. Rhino's butts are nice and heavy, and most models are longer than regular rods. They have 6 inches more than a regular pole. This, combined with the light feature, smooth feel and overall quality, make the Rhino Night Vision Rod an excellent choice.

Cabela's European Predator

Cabela makes some great rods. They are known especially for their durability, which is really important when you're trying to catch those big suckers. Rods like the Cabela European Predator are made to catch heavy fish that don't give up without a fight. Not only are these rods strong, they are also longer than most, some as much as 11 feet, so that you can do long-distance casting. They usually sell for about $60 new.

Mitchell Catfish Spinner Rod

This is another rod made just for catching cats, with a tough fiberglass rod guaranteed not to snap in half when a giant catfish is fighting on the end of it. This model uses EVA handles, which are both comfortable and durable.

Jim Moyer "The Boss" Rods

This rod is the specialty series of famous fisherman Jim Moyer, who designed the Berkley E-Glass rod. This is a great high end rod, and it comes in a couple of different sizes, depending on where you're fishing. For good sized rivers, they offer the bigger rods, which have stainless steel guides, in addition to the E-Glass and cork used for the handle. The smaller models, which are mostly the same but use titanium instead of stainless steel, are ideal for catching smaller catfish. One of the reasons this is called "the Boss" is that it's heavy duty. These rods go for around $70, which is quite a bit more than the usual stuff you find, but it is a well-made, designer fishing rod that is well worth the price.

Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is committed to providing the best catfish fishing information possible. Get more information on the best catfish fishing poles here: http://www.askcatfishfishing.com

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Texas Catfish Fishing - Good Spots and Tips for Catching Catfish in Texas

Texas catfish fishing can be one of the most rewarding types of fishing that you take on. Everyone has heard it said that things are bigger in Texas, and maybe it is true, because large numbers of huge catfish are pulled from hundreds of bodies of water in Texas each year. It is difficult to narrow down your options to just a few places to catch catfish in Texas, but the following listing should help you seek out some fishing holes known for producing anything from large numbers of pan sized cat to huge, record setting catches that you are sure to be talking about for years to come.

Lake Texahoma

Located on the Texas and Oklahoma border, this huge reservoir is known for its trophy-sized blue catfish. This lake fishes best in the winter when they cluster in the shad abundant areas and deeps of this lake. If you want good Texas catfish fishing, here's an ideal place.

Lake Livingston

Lake Livingston is located on the Trinity River, northeast of Houston, Texas by approximately seventy-five miles. Lake Livingston is over 82,500 acres, and provides year round abundance of flathead, channel, and blue catfish. In warm weather, look for shallow areas in which shad and other catfish food sources flourish.

Within the Trinity River area, such locations as: Hickman Lake, Horseshoe lake, Hall's Lake, and Hardison Slough are rich catfishing areas sure to produce a great catch. Visit any of these locations for quality fishing.

Lake Tawakoni

Lake Tawakoni is located twenty-eight miles east of Dallas, Texas. This lake is part of the Sabine River Authority, and provides ample opportunity to catch blue, channel, and flathead catfish. The flathead found in Tawakoni can become enormous. Most of the flathead fishing here is done by trotline, and fish in excess of 100 pounds have been pulled from the water here.

Lake LBJ

Lake LBJ, so named after famed Texan and former president, Lyndon B. Johnson, is part of the Colorado River's Highland Lakes. This huge lake spans over six thousand acres from Granite Shoals to Kingsland, Texas. The big three (flathead, blue, and channel) cat are abundant in this lake, and a day on the lake can easily net you a catch of forty plus fish in the 5 to 40 pound size range. Particularly good, is the spot where the Llano and Colorado rivers converge. This location is especially good during the winter months. This area provides great opportunities for those who prefer fishing the bank.

Choke Canyon Reservoir

The Choke Canyon Reservoir is located on Highway 72, about eighty miles south of San Antonio, Texas, near Three Rivers, Texas. This lake is considered to be one of the very best places to fish in South Texas, if not the entire state. The only time fishing lags in this lake is during the hottest summer months.

Bessie Heights Marsh

Bessie Heights Marsh, is located near Bridge City, Texas. This marsh is at the mouth of the Neches River and flows into the bay of Lake Sabine. Fishing for blue cat begins to pick up substantially in December, and early in the summer. In warmer weather, look to the shallows, because most of the cat caught in milder weather are found in shallow water, fishing is good there, in the marshes during the mild months of the year. In hot or cold weather, fish the deeper holes in the canal areas near the marshes. Be sure to fish when the tide is moving, because these fish rarely take the bait when the water is still.

Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is committed to providing the best catfish fishing information possible. Get more information on Texas catfish fishing here: http://www.askcatfishfishing.com

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Catfishing in Southern California at the Lower Otay Reservoir

The Lower Otay Resivoir is a short half hour drive from downtown San Diego and offers some of the best fishing in Southern California. Fishing here is good for blue gill and bass, but is most noted for the large blue catfishing. The Lower Otay Resivoir has a daily limit of five catfish per day. If you haven't tried much catfishing, then the tips below may be of use to you.

Rigging method of catfishing

To fish for catfish using this method,loop the hook or bait holder from a line about 18 inches to 24 inches in length and weight it so that it will remain still. The weight should slide on the line. You can add a three way swivel onto the line so you can add more bait and catch multiple catfish at the same time.

The best bait for catfishing

A lot of experienced fishermen will advise you to use chicken liver or store bought shrimp to use as bait. If you use shrimp for bait the tail and skin should be removed and the shrimp needs to be large enough to slide onto a number six sized hook. If you use the raw chicken livers, you will need to take a portion about the size of a quarter and wrap it in a piece of pantyhose and tie it off then attach it to your hook. The best bait to use are natural ones and include minnows, blood worms, snails, small fish, night crawlers, dough bait, and catfish paste.

Chumming for catfish

Chumming is a pretty good trick for catching catfish and it involves throwing food into the fishing area. Experienced fisherman have secret recipes for chum, but the idea is to use a natural food that catfish love and has a strong scent to attract them. Throw the food onto the water to work the catfish up into a feeding frenzy and then use the same food on a hook as bait.

The right tackles for catfishing

The best tackle to use for it should be around six feet long and have a spinning reel and heavy line to allow for an aggressive fish to fight back. The tackle itself does not need to be expensive as the most important element is actually the bait used on it.

How to handle a catfish

Be sure to use a secure grip so the fish can't slip and get you with his fins. Use pliers to remove the hook. Run your hand up his belly and grasp the mouth area between your fingers and thumbs. Take care to avoid the fins of a catfish as they can cause injury and infection.

When you are ready to try your luck at catfishing, you can visit The Lower Otay Resivoir on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from sun up to sun down.

Warren has fished for the big ones in Hawaii. He now resides in Southern California. Upon searching out the hot fishing spots, he has decided to share his findings with other fishermen. More fishin: Gone Fishing In SoCal Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Warren_Peters

catfish fishing secrets

Fishing for Catfish Under The Ice

Whenever we think about fishing for catfish, most of us get these mental images of warm, sunny weather, bare feet, cane poles, and a generally summery outlook on things. So, when we start talking about icefishing, no one ever mentions catfish as a possible quarry.

However, factually, lots of catfish are taken through the ice each year, and some species, especially Blue Catfish and Channel Catfish, are actually fairly eager biters in the cold water. So, the issue, really is one of first deciding to get yourself outside, and do some icefishing, and then, of setting up your rig to do the job.

There appear to be two "schools" of icefishing thought (pardon the pun), where cats are concerned. The original, old-school, lazy one, is that of finding a nice, comfy-looking spot that at least appears to be a likely hookup point for a decent fish, drilling a hole in the ice, and sitting next to your fire tub, or in your "fish house" (tent on the ice), and enjoying the outing, as much as the catching of any fish that might happen by. The second way of seeing things, is that each outing is a competition for a record volume catch, and as such, the fish must be militarily tracked down, cornered and exposed, and then taken by the bucketload.

For sure, a scientific and tactically-planned approach to your outing will probably yield the most fish. However, this viewpoint also requires the most equipment, as its proponents work among perhaps two dozen holes in the ice, and track the fish from spot to spot with sonar fish finders, while racing to the next hole on snowmobiles, and attempting to "head off" the fish at each hole as they move.

While the top producers in this "sport" can bag over forty fish an hour, there is still something to be said for skill and patience, in selecting your spot, baiting up, and playing on a level field, without a pile of electronics and machines to remove all hope for the catfish. After all, the sport of fishing includes both finding the fish, and the actual fight, once you set your hook. It just takes more nerve and determination, on the ice.

Regardless of your approach, you'll need the usual sturdy gear for cats - a strong rod with a decent spinning or star-drag reel, good braided or monofilament line, proper terminal rigging, and some nice, stinky bait. If you want to use a more conventional icefishing rig, a flag float or tip-rig will work OK, but remember the size of the fish you are after - these kitties are going to be a tough fight, and handling them without a rod is even tougher.

As far as bait goes, smell is even more important in cold water, than in the warm months, as the scent doesn't spread as fast, or present as strongly in the water, so the more potent the bait, the better. Small dead fish are still an excellent choice, especially for Blue cats. Puncturing the bait, or dipping it in some stinky adjunct, may be another possible improvement, to really get the scent going. Some anglers feel that the color of the bait is of importance in icefishing for cats, due to the reduced spread of scent in the cold, but in deep water, it's quite dark, and catfish are known to have weak eyesight, so the importance of this factor is open for discussion.

In nature, cats eat fairly dull-colored, smelly food, so, give 'em what they want. With smelly, natural bait, the only other issue is where to fish it, assuming the fish will take it, if they find it.

Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is committed to providing the best catfish fishing information possible. Get more information on icefishing for catfish here: http://www.askcatfishfishing.com

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How to Choose the Right Catfish Fishing Guide

Do you want to catch that 200 pound cat you've always dreamed of? The right catfish fishing guide might have the knowledge and experience to help you do that. You can learn a lot from a good guide, and come home with a trophy-winner! It's just a matter of finding one that really knows his stuff.

Who Needs a Fishing Guide?

Why would anybody need a fishing guide? You just drop that line in the water and wait for them to come along, right? Wrong! There's a lot more to it than that, and unless you've spent some time out there with no bites, you have no idea how much help a guide can be. Plus, you can learn from their expertise and knowledge.

Catfish guides are experts at what they do, and that is why they are guides. They are usually trophy winners themselves, and they have turned catfishing into an art form. They can also help out, taking some of the trouble of organizing your trip, getting gear and getting set up.

Licenses

First off, make sure that the guide you pick is officially licensed and insured. Sure, you might get lucky with so-and-so's uncle whose been fishing this lake for years, and offers to be your "guide" for a 12-pack of cheap beer. But, if you don't want to take chances, go with the pros.

The main thing is that you want to make sure these guys do everything by the book. There are tricky laws in different states and different areas, and they should fish legit.

Knowledge

Now, probably the biggest advantage to getting a guide is that every place is different. Catfish lurk at the bottom of almost every body of water on this continent, so you want somebody who knows the cats in that particular neck of the woods. Cats are everywhere, but they aren't the same everywhere you go, so you need that expertise to find out when and where they are. It really takes a local to know those spots inside and out. Everything differs by area; when to fish, what gear to use, how to cast your line. These guys should definitely know their stuff.

Another factor here is how long they've been in business. It's nice to help out a small guide service just getting started, but generally the longer a service has been in the area, the better they'll know their turf. Those companies that have an established presence in a particular area are the ones you want to pick.

Also, companies that have full-time guides are generally better. These guys are experienced. They spend as much of their lives as possible catching cats, and this experience can help you land the cat of your dreams. That's not to say that all part-time guides are bad, but they are more likely to be hit-or-miss. Guys who spend all day at it are generally going to be more experienced and knowledgeable.

You can also check out their track record. Be nosy and ask. How many fish do they catch in a day? How big are they? What trophies and awards have they earned. You know how fishermen are, they'll be more than happy to show you their walls of photos and trophies. Bragging is second nature with us!

Gear

See what kinds of things they'll furnish for you. This depends on your own needs, of course. Guide services will provide for you, at the very least, a boat. Check out what kind of boat they can line up for you and see if it suits you. Some services offer to provide you with all the gear you'll need for your fishing trip, so you won't have to bring anything at all.

If they provide the gear, check it out and see how the quality is. Usually, these guys know that the gear is what keeps some of their customers coming back, and they keep the best stuff possible on hand.

On the other hand, you might prefer a guide that lets you use all your own gear. This will depend on your preference. Catfish guides are a great resource for gear recommendations. Using a guide's gear also gives you a chance to try out something you might not otherwise try. Always check to see what they offer in the way of furnishings.

Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is committed to providing the best catfish fishing information possible. Get more information on choosing a catfish fishing guide here: http://www.askcatfishfishing.com

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Catfish Fishing Tips

I have done much catfish fishing and it's a way of life for a lot of fishermen. For me fishing is very relaxing and an exciting day away from it all.
First of all, I have found that during midday catfish fishing is terrible because it’s to hot for me. So I don’t go fishing during midday anymore. The best time for catching small to medium size catfish during the summer months in most Southern California lakes is about 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm, using shrimp and cut mackerel are excellent choices, but if you don’t get a bite here and there, you should change your bait about every five minutes are so.

For morning catfish fishing, I like to start at 6:00 am to 10:00 am; this seems to be a very active time for catfish. I start off with this rig I use a size 6 hook with night crawlers. Catfish fishing from the shore line is always good to fish in spots close to rocks and reeds. So before you get started check out the area for those spots.

Once you’ve found your fishing spot, and have your rig in place, its time to get started. Cast from the shore line about 20 to 40 feet this is about the average anyway, and slowly reel in your line. Movement is the key here, night crawlers will move on their on to help you get the catfishes attention. I call this dragging, make sure you have a bobber on your line to keep your rig off the lake bottom; this will help prevent your rig from getting caught on rocks or some other form of debris.

If you don’t get any bites after your first half hour of fishing, it’s time to try a different area. Sometime people get to comfortable and just stay in one spot, that’s not very good if you’re planning on catching some catfish. You have to be active and move around just like the fish you are trying to catch.

Catfish fishing in the spring time is the best time for catching the big catfish. You will need heavy tackle, because these fish can grow very large 50 pound or more and they will put up a very good fight. So 30 pound line, 7ft. rod heavy and a spinner reel is what you should be using. Use large hooks and large pieces of cut bait.

Start fishing off the points of the lake. A point is a strip of land that sticks out into the lake. A point will usually have a steep drop off that is wear the lake bottom gets deep. Big catfish will always be in deeper water than small or medium size catfish. Try using heavy chum like dough balls seasoned with garlic for scent. Dough will sink to the bottom very fast which will attract the big catfish to the area you are fishing. Now sit back and wait, but be ready because when the big catfish strike the baited hook, make sure you have a firm grip on your rod, are you will loose it. Your fishing success will depend on your ability to find concentrations of fish. So good luck, and enjoy your self!

Kim Carson has fished in Southern California lakes for 20 years. For more fishing tips visit: http://www.carsonaffiliatemarketing.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kim_C_Carson

catfish fishing tips

Secrets Of The Monster Catfish Master

Most people who fish for catfish are pleased with pan-sized specimens. They enjoy a good tussle from a bigger fish now and then. But a stringer of one- to three-pound whisker fish is just fine, thank you.

In fact, during over two decades of writing about the outdoors and outdoorsmen I’ve only met a hand full of catfishermen who pursue only the biggest bruisers.
Bob Lewis was the most memorable of this elite bunch. When I first met Bob well over a decade ago, he already had been fishing exclusively for catfish of over 20 pounds for over 20 years, and jars of bait that bore his name were becoming popular.

To master this esoteric mission, Bob not only made his own bait, he molded his own weights and altered his hooks.
He of course used big tackle: salt-water stuff with heavy line that had little stretch. But it was the terminal tackle that Bob thought most important to the termination of canny, lunker catfish.
The bottom line of his approach was the weight. Depending upon how far he needed to cast and the strength of the current, Bob used slip sinkers of two to three ounces–heavy enough to kill a person if they got in the way of a cast.

“Big catfish are finicky and fickle,” Bob said. “They seldom just swallow a bait like the little fellas. And if they feel the weight or the hardness of the hook, they’ll drop it. So I altered a mold to make heavy weights that the line would slip through when the fish picked up the hooks, and to cut down on the chance that they’d detect the hooks, I cut off one of the treble hooks to create a flatter double hook,” he told me.

Bob doesn’t fish with a tight line or attach bells to his rod. He leaves the line limp and watches it closely. If it begins to twitch or tighten, he feeds line to let the big cat move off and mouth the bait a bit without feeling any resistance. In fact, he often waits until the line stops and often doesn’t set the hook until the brute moves a second time.

“How they act–and where they’re found–depends a lot upon the species,” he explained. “Big Channel Cats like a little current. They often scoop up the bait and take off. Blue Cats are a little less aggressive. And big Flathead Catfish are downright lazy. They like slow water, take their time with their meals and they move of slowly.”
Bob spends most of his time fishing big flows like the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. Here he looks for eddies and current breaks created by large logs, pier pilings, wing-dams, big boulders and floating brush piles.

Floating bush piles are his favorite. These are collections of floating timber and twigs that collect in eddies along the banks. Big catfish lay in the slow water just under or behind this overhead structure where they can feed at their leisure on things gently washed their way.
“The best hours,” he said, “are early in the day (4 a.m. to 8 a.m.) and late (just after dark until one or two in the morning.)
“You’ve got to be dedicated and patient to catch big Flathead Catfish,” Bob said. “Sometimes they will grab it and run, but more often they’ll let it sit for up to a half-an-hour after the first sampling.”

Then he shared with me his recipe for catfish bait.
You’ve got to be dedicated to put this concoction together, too.
The main ingredient is cattails, the natural aquatic plants with heads that look like corn dogs. They’re usually found in the shallow ends of ponds. They are not that difficult to find and collect, but Bob said they must be picked during the fall, just before they go to seed.
I’ve tried using cotton and a few other things,” Bob said. “But the natural fuzz of cattails is best.”
All you do is fold this fuzz into one-half-pound of hamburger and about four ounces of Limburger cheese. Keep adding and working the fuzz into the mixture until it becomes stiff, yet pliable–much like bread dough.

About the only way to mix it is with your hands, squeezing it through your open fingers to mix it evenly; then kneading it like bread dough–which is why, I suppose, it’s called “dough bait.”
If you’ve ever smelled Limburger cheese, you understand why I say “you’ve got to be dedicated.”
I suppose you could use your wife’s bread machine to make big batches of Bob’s bait. But from then on, you’d have to be dedicated to bachelorhood.

Ron Kruger has been an outdoor writer/photographer/editor for over 30 years.

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How To Catch Catfish - 4 Key Points

It's that time of year: catfish season. Catfish fishermen amateur and pro will inevitably ask themselves what they can do to catch more catfish. The answer really is quite simple. By observing mother nature, you'll learn how to catch catfish better than 99% of the other fisherman. If you're ready to spend more time catching catfish than you spend looking for them, you've come to the right place. Below I summarize three key points that less than one percent of catfish fishermen know, and most of that one percent ain't talking. Consider this your lucky day.

1. In the fishing world, nature's food chain consists of 5 things: Phytoplankton, zooplankton, bait fish (like shad, minnows, bluegill, etc), and Game Fish (like Catfish). The key to locating “fishing hot spots” containing a frenzy of feeding bait and game is to locate the bottom 2 links on this food chain:The “phytoplankton and “zooplankton”. You do this by locating the huge “patches” of plankton.

2. Chlorophyl and phytoplankton go hand and hand. Typically, where there is an abundance of chlorophyl, you'll find an abundance of phytoplankton. Keep an eye open for dark green or even black "stains" on the water. When you find one, rest assured, you have found a fishing hotspot.

3. Another way to locate these fishing hot spots is to keep your eyes open for floating masses of zooplankton. Resembling snowflakes, these masses can be difficult to see. Many fishermen use underwater cameras to locate them, but, if the lighting is right, they can be seen with the naked eye. So, keep your eyes open. When you locate one of these floating masses of zooplankton, you will be in catfish fishing heaven.

In conclusion, if you actively practice the techniques I have outlined above, you will attract swarms of shad, minnows, bluegill, catfish, and whatever else swims in your fishing spot – I can guarantee your fishing will improve dramatically.

Mother Nature has her secrets. But, if you pay attention to what she's doing, she'll often tell you all you need to know about how to catch catfish.

If you would like learn how to catch catfish by attracting swarms of phytoplankton and zooplankton to you instead of wasting valuable time searching for them, visit Catfish Magnet.

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Night Catfishing Magic on Sprague Lake

Some of the most enjoyable fishing I’ve done in the Inland Northwest has been the times spent night fishing for catfish on Sprague Lake.

One of the reasons that I wanted to do an article on catfish fishing on Sprague Lake is that I recently learned of proposed plans by the WDFW, (Washington Dept. of Fish and Wildlife), to rehabilitate the lake this fall. It seems that the fishing angler density has fallen off the past few years to one of the lowest in the state. WDFW surveys say that the lake attracts fewer than five anglers per acre a year. You can read the whole story by Rich Landers of the Spokesman-Review at their website.

While Catfish can be caught during the day at Sprague Lake, I’ve always had the best results and experience at night.

I, for one, would miss the magic of Catfish fishing at night on Sprague. My son and I usually head out with plans to be on the water prior to sundown. The best times for us are the hot nights of summer when the air temperature stays in the high 60’s and above after dark. Far enough from the city lights, the stars overhead shine brilliantly and the band of our Milky Way Galaxy can be clearly seen. The stars seem close enough to reach out and touch them.

Another part of the magic are the multitudes of bats, feeding on flying insects, swooping so close that they often tick your line as it leaves your rod tip to the water. Besides being harmless to humans, bats eat their weight in mosquitoes and other blood-sucking insects nightly, which might otherwise be feeding off of you. Despite this benefit, I still recommend the use of a good spray or lotion repellant containing “deet”. The best I’ve found is the Avon product called, “Skin-so-Soft”. It is far and away the best smelling repellent I’ve used that was still highly effective.

Harper Island on the southwest end of the lake is an extremely active bird nesting site and even at night the sounds of gulls and other waterfowl fill the air. I have often wondered if the birds on the island ever sleep. If they do, you wouldn’t know it from the noises coming from there, even well after dark.

Since it is the nature of Catfish fishing to be a waiting game… a lot of that time is spent talking, telling stories of past fishing trips and anything else that comes to mind. We usually bring along a small propane barbecue and cook burgers and hotdogs. Good flashlights are essential, and one of the foam mounted headlights that can be hooked up to your 12 volt battery can be pretty handy for navigating to and from the boat launch, along the shoreline, and around Harper Island (see map above) on the southwest end of the lake. Usually one angler holds the light for the person fighting the fish or head-mounted lights can be great also. The east side of Harper Island has been our preferred spot for night cats, but I have heard from other people that the creek mouth, (Cow Creek), at the far southwest end of the lake is quite good also. Either spot is just a short distance from the public launch at that end of the lake.

Now let’s get down to the equipment you will need for these monsters.

Rods: First you will need a good stout rod. Any heavy to medium heavy rod in 6 to 7 foot length will probably suffice. Ugly sticks will do the job well enough.

Line: Line requirements too, are fairly simple, 15 to 25 pound monofilament or braid or heavy test fluorocarbon. If you’re fishing for trophy’s that get much bigger than 20 to 25 pounds you might want to up your line to 30 or even 35 pound test.

The Right Hook: The right hooks just may be the most important factor to consider. Since practically every bite you get your bait is swallowed, you want to make sure that when you set the hook that you don’t gut or throat hook your fish. A circle hook will slide back up the throat and then usually hook in the jaw.

In addition to setting without rod action, circle hooks are favored in commercial fisheries because they hook and retain fish, even on slack lines. They also tend to hook fish in the jaw, causing less mortality than standard J-hooks. Make sure to use a heavy-gauge hook. Cats have been known to straighten thin-wire hooks.

The Hook-set: Using circle hooks requires some attention to your hook-set. With reels with a clicker you would set your drag light and turn on your reel clicker. When the clicker starts to click, (indicating that the bait has been taken), tighten up your drag and slowly bring back your rod tip with a gentle sweep. Too early or too aggressive a hook-set can pop the bait out of the catfish’s mouth.

What Bait to Use? I have the best luck with a golf ball size chunk of fish on a 3/0, 4/0 or even a 5/0 size circle hook. Trout chunks work great, (but you didn’t hear it from me), and some people persist in using earthworm, chicken livers, stink baits and even cornflakes, oatmeal and flour concoctions. The truth is, just about anything edible with a strong scent is likely to attract and entice a catfish to bite.

Reels: Hands down, large bait-casting style reels have the cranking power to move these big fish. Spinning reels can and do work and many catfish fishermen swear by them. Just for fun, my 31 year old son hooked and played one large catfish with a child’s Scooby-Doo pole and even its inferior reel might have brought it boat side had the line not been broken off on the outboard motor.

Other tackle: Some people use weights to keep their baits on the bottom. With a large chunk of fish on your hook I haven’t found it necessary. Besides, the rocky bottom of Sprague can cause your weight to hang-up in the rocks. Some cats do like to roll when hooked, so a good ball-bearing swivel can be an advantage. Bobbers can be a good idea both from the standpoint of being a bite indicator, and, (if it is being slowly blown across the surface), it can drag your bait along with it presenting it to a larger area. I prefer to watch my line and rod tip. There isn’t usually much doubt when you have a catfish on. Last, but oh so important, a good large net is an essential item to boat these behemoths.

The Fight: I have heard some people say that catching a large catfish is like pulling in a large log, or some other such nonsense. These comments are usually made by someone who has never caught a large catfish. I can bear testimony that a Sprague Lake catfish of good size usually puts up one heck of a fight.

Getting there: The town of Sprague is just 37 miles from Spokane, WA. After leaving I-90 go through the town to the South shore road following it to the public access road near the southwest end of the lake.

David Wright has been a resident of the Inland Northwest, (Spokane, WA), for more than fifty years. He has fished the area since childhood and knows the waters of Washington, Idaho and Montana well. He is the Editor and Publisher of the Monthly On-line Fishing Magazine, "Max-fishing", (http://www.max-fishing.com). Dedicated to providing current fishing information by printing articles, providing a fishing forum, free classifieds for used fishing gear, boats and finding a fishing buddy. The site also provides product and video reviews, an events calendar, area fishing reports and a section for visitors to post pictures of their catches.

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Catfish Fishing Tips

Catfish Fishing - Learn The Facts That Can Help You Catch The Trophies

Catfish are popular amongst many types of fishermen. There are 37 catfish families and these species are found in both freshwater and saltwater, depending upon the type of catfish. Perhaps one of the most distinctive traits which catfish possess is their catlike whiskers, or barbels. It is hard to mistake a catfish for another type of fish due to this visible attribute.

Catfish are creatures of habit, during the day they tend to hide around submerged rocks and logs where they can shelter themselves from any possible predators. It is at nighttime when these unique fish seek out the open water to find food. Catfish are plentiful in number with regard to family and species type. They are found in various areas throughout the world although certain types of catfish stay within certain regions.

Catfish vary in size, depending on their age and what variety they are. They can range anywhere from a few inches to a few feet and come in a variety of weights as well. One unique trait which a catfish possesses, in addition to the familiar barbells, is the lack of any scales. This also makes identifying a catfish quite an easy task for beginner and advanced fishermen alike.

The catfish eats a variety of foods which come within its reach. Items such as smaller fish, water insects and more all make up the eclectic menu for the catfish. For the avid fishermen out there who target catfish as their selected catch, there are a few tips which make fishing for catfish that much easier. The first tip is to fish for these varieties at nighttime when they are out and about.

Since they tend to hide during the daylight hours, fishermen who are looking to catch catfish should do so when night falls. As for bait, there are a few items which catfish are more drawn to than others. Tantalizing items for the catfish include live bait such as shrimp, chicken liver and worms whereas lures in the form of spoons, jigs and spinners will all do the trick of catching some catfish.

Catfish are a unique type of fish which many fishermen look for when they are out on the water. Fishermen who desire to reel in some catfish are sure to find that the previously mentioned tips may help them to land that perfect catch.

There is a website that has great information on most species of freshwater fish. It has details that pertain to each species of fish such as habitat, spawning, eating habits, the best lures and baits and more, the website is called: Fishing Stringer, and can be found at this url:

http://www.fishingstringer.com

By Robert W. Benjamin

Copyright © 2007

You may publish this article in your ezine, newsletter, or on your web site as long as it is reprinted in its entirety and without modification except for formatting needs or grammar corrections.

Robert W. Benjamin has been in the software business on the internet for over 5 years, and has been producing low-cost software for the past 25+ years. He first released products on the AMIGA and C64 computer systems in the late 1970's-80's.

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catfish fishing tips

Catfish Tips

Understanding Catfish

All the different catfish species can be found in an order that contains no less than 37 different families. The 37th catfish family was actually added to the order very recently - June 2005. Almost all the different catfish species are freshwater dwellers. Catfish have adapted to a wide range of different ecological niches you can find small catfish species as well as huge ones like the Wells Catfish that can grow up to 5 meters (16 feet) long and the Giant Mekong Catfish that can weigh almost 300kg (661lbs). These two big catfish species are naturally not very suitable as aquarium fish, but there is a vast array of other species that you can keep even in a moderately sized aquarium. Catfish are very popular in aquariums and many species can be kept even by inexperienced aquarium keepers. Two of the most popular Catfish among novice aquarium keepers are the Sucker mouth Catfish and the Bristle nose Catfish .

One of the most distinguishing anatomical characteristics of the catfishes is the prominent barbells found near the mouth. A barbell is a long, tactile organ that is very useful for fishes that live in murky waters where the visibility is limited. The catfish will use its barbells when hunting and maneuvering in dark environments, just like a cat will uses its whiskers. The barbells of a catfish do however have taste buds and the catfish can therefore "taste" its environment. You can find barbells on many other fishes in addition to the catfishes, including goat fish, a few carps and some sharks.

In addition to barbells, the various catfish species share another notable anatomical feature - they are scale less. Catfish from all families but one are also equipped with a hollow leading ray that can excrete a powerful protein to scare off or injure potential threats. Some species can even harm humans and must be handled very carefully. There is one catfish family where the species have no hollow leading ray. These species can not produce any stinging protein, and will instead protect themselves by sending out a very powerful electric shock. Due to this capability, the species are called Electric catfishes.

Another example of a fascinating catfish species is the "Vampire fish of Brazil". This catfish is popularly referred to as the "Vampire Fish of Brazil" since it will attach itself to the gills of other fishes and drink their blood. This fish is not very popular in Southern America since it sometimes tries to attach itself to swimming humans, when attracted to blood or urine excretion. The body of this catfish is almost transparent, which makes the fish quite hard to spot in the water. The fish is also quite small, only 2.5-6 centimeters (1.0-2.4 inches) in length.

Allen Jesson can also help you find a personal loan with a low interest rate because he specializes in finding the lowest rate interest personal loans that suit you. Allen can also help you find the perfect anniversary gift

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catfish tips

Raising and Catching Catfish

The channel catfish,one of the best tasting and sport friendly fish made for the rod angler. I believe that this fish reigns supreme in it's habitat. A fish made for fishing by kids of all ages. you can have a good time catching and eating this fish. Watch out for it's fins and have a pair of pliers or skin pullers at the ready and you will be prepared for a great experience. Chicken liver reigns supreme as bait to catch him. There are also many baits ready made by manufacturers to get him on your hook . Since the channel grows to such large proportions,a large hook and tough terminal gear should be used. I have kids and grandchildren who love to fish. Bass need bigger areas of water in which to live and grow large. Sun fish and bream are okay but they do not grow to large sizes. Kids love to catch the smaller fish but are especially delighted to have a change of pace and have a chance to hook into Mr. whiskers.

I wanted an area where my children could have fun in a clean environment. I had a stock tank built on my property for a reasonable cost. I started to build a fishing pier by myself.The rains came and the pond began to fill up with water. Any ideas that I had in my head about putting post supports in the ground for the pier were dashed. I obtained 55 gallon non metal drums at a reasonable cost and began to work. I built the floating pier next to the waters' edge without the use of any electricity. I used drills that worked off of batteries and hammer and nails, I used treated wood and spiral nails that would not rust in the elements. I used my 6 year old as a pilot to test the stability of my project. After several dunks in the water I added structure onto the pier until it was very stable. I added a box structure on the end of the pier to hold one of my deer feeders. I cut a hole in the bottom and bolted the feeder down. Since I was one person and trying to find the most simple and most efficient means for building, I installed ropes on both sides in two locations. The ropes were secured to trees on the shoreline. The ropes could be secured so that they would not interfere with your fishing. This setup also aids levity in the natural rise and fall of water levels.

I went on a shopping trip to one of the local fish hatcheries, I came away with several hundred channel catfish in plastic bags, The fingerlings averaged from 4-6 inches long. I had already procured cat fish chow from one of the local feed stores. Dog food will do just as well. I put the pellets into the feeder and set the timer to discharge feed early in the morning and about 1 hour before sunset. Monitoring the quantity of pellets released can give you a good idea of how much the fish are actually eating and how much is waste. I changed the batteries in the feeder occasionally and watched as the fish came up to feed on the floating pellets. Catfish do not eat as much in winter months, so adjust the feed output accordingly. I waited until the fish reached a certain length before fishing was allowed.

After 2 1/2 years wait the kids and family were catching catfish that weighed 8 pounds. We had many fish fries where many families were fed. My kids and family looked forward to going fishing at the stock tank and many good times were enjoyed by us all. Outdoor activities like fishing are good ways for kids and adults to spend their leisure time. In this instance we were bringing a lot of food home to the larder. MY son developed an affinity for the outdoors and now my grandchildren are beginning to reap the rewards of my efforts so many years ago.

Stephen Graham-Avid outdoors man has spent his life in Texas fishing and hunting.

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http://huntn-n-fishn.blogspot.com

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Wintertime Blue Catfishing

The widespread blue catfish, also known as "humpback blue", "Mississippi White" and "Bluecat" is the preferred catfish for a very high percentage of catmen. The blue catfish matures into a very large catfish, and currently is the heaviest catfish species of record in North America.

The popular bluecat really reaches his peak and is easiest to catch in the wintertime when the water temperature hovers between 35 and 50 degrees. The bluecat is different from other catfish in that he stores little fat in his body. The blue must eat year around to survive, and he will eat just about anything that swims. The only hard and fast rule concerning what the bluecat will eat is that it must fit in his mouth.

Wintertime blues school together in deep water, usually the deepest water available to them. But they are easy to find due to their habit of cruising along very slowly, just under schools of suspended shad, waiting for the errant shad to be separated from the school and easily picking him off without spooking the school. The recommended technique for catching wintertime blues is to locate the schools of shad, net a few fresh from the school and bait up, dropping the cut baits two or three feet below the school of shad. Use a rodholder or keep the rod in your hand. A hit on an unattended rod will result in a splash and a dumb look on the face of the fisherman.

To net shad in deep water, first locate the shad and place the boat directly over them. Tie an extra handline on the end of the castnet handline to allow the net to descend to the level of the shad.

Above all, remember that the water temperature is low enough to be a safety issue. Hypothermia will result within a minute of submersion. Be careful to wear a life preserver at all times on the water, adult and children. Safety first at all times.

Reprint permission granted as long as the message is reprinted in its entirety including the submission, author identification information and this permission.

Submitted by Albert McBee. Copyright December 2006. The author is a catfishing guide on Robert S Kerr Lake in Eastern Oklahoma.

Author is a 100% disabled Viet-Nam Veteran operating Oklahoma Catfish Charter Service and maintaining several websites including [http://www.okcharters.com], [http://www.precisioncaster.net] and [http://www.bigboyztoystore.com]

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Catfishing In The California Delta

I never understood the appeal of fishing. My father would rise before the roosters, pack his gear and go out to sit idly on a rock, drink beer and coffee, trade stories with my Uncle Roosevelt and if he were lucky—come home with enough to feed the family. There were eleven of us and most times, he did just that.

My father had been an avid fisherman all of his life, so it came as no surprise when my siblings took up this activity. Still, I did not understand the joy of this hobby. But then a funny thing happened. While on vacation and going through a divorce, I was looking for a new hobby to occupy my time. I decided on fishing and I wouldn’t have to seek out a teacher because my brothers lived a few doors down from me.

That was 14 years ago and now I have become a more than capable angler. My favorite fishing spot is the California Delta, which offers a plethora of hard fighting whiskerfish. This 1100-mile region is a conjunction of three rivers—The Sacramento, San Joaquin and Mokelumne and numerous sloughs and lakes. There are a number of piers, levees, islands and crags that one can bank fish from and plenty of area for boat fishing. I know this area extensively and offer these five tips for bank fishing.

1. Get up early—preferably around three a.m. giving yourself room for last minute hold-ups—usually that sleepy headed buddy who isn’t ready when you arrive. The catfish bite is usually strongest around dawn and dusk. I also like night fishing.

2. Prepare your bait the night before, particularly stinkbait mixtures. Catfish rely on smell so if you fish with shrimp or grubs you might be wise to let it sit in the sun for several hours, then placing the bait in a jar for safekeeping. You can also soak shrimp in vanilla. But even if you buy pre-packaged bait, it is best to do so in advance. My choices of bait are clams, chicken liver, mackerel, nightcrawlers, blood worms and sometimes meal worms dipped in vanilla. (I’ll use the latter when I know that there are crappie and perch in the vicinity as well). Other fishermen suggest using whole kernel corn. Let it sit in the sun for a day or two, then add black pepper.

3. If you miss a catfish bite, be patient. These creatures are greedy. Theyw ill strike again, usually within seconds after the initial bite. They are also known to “hook themselves”. Once you snag one, be prepared for a tough and fun fight. Even the smaller ones are tenacious!

4. I tend to cast into the middle of the water, but when the bite slows, try fishing along shaded areas and amongst the tulles. Fish among the pilings and other debris if possible. In either case, be wary of getting hung up.

5. My five favorite sites: Hogback Slough (near Isleton), Frank's Tract, Lindsey Slough (near Rio Vista), Eight mile slough (near Stockton) and Jersey Island.

Now all you have to do is prepare, be on the bank before the sun rises, cast out and relax.

Timothy N. Stelly is a writer for several e-zines and is the author of two novels, "The Malice of Cain" and "Tempest In The Stone". He is an avid camper and fisherman.

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A Guide to Non-Typical Catfish Fishing Techniques Part III

Method 2

The second method that works really well for me is drift fishing. Lets start by explaining how drifting works. It’s really pretty simple: you cast out bait and drag it behind or from the side of your boat while the wind pushes you along.

Where to Fish

The majority of Cat-men that I know all use the same rig, although their tackle will differ from one guy to the next. Whatever tackle they use, they are all dragging some kind of bait on the bottom. The big difference between most drifters and myself, however, is that I usually do not drift in water any shallower than 30 feet deep while most others like to fish much shallower, such as 10-20 feet deep.

The shallow waters of most lakes contain a few big fish and lots of little ones resulting in lots of action, but not too many that will test your string. I have said before that Blue Cats can and will live and feed in deep water. My best day of drifting, as far as numbers of fish weighing between 3-20 lbs. goes, occurred last December. In one drift I caught and released 47 Blue Cats. These fish all came off of a huge flat that runs parallel to the main river channel with an average depth of 45 ft. Its surface has a few small humps and a couple of old ditches running across it. People drive by me and look in disbelief when they see me drifting in 30 to 50 ft of water, but when that fish locator shows big fish marks on the bottom at those kind of depths I have a pretty good idea of what’s down there.

Not all lakes are as easy to drift: some have gobs of timber and some have tons of rock on the bottom. The best lakes I have found have had some silting or massive mud flats that were old fields at one time. Simple structures like old ditches that carve across mud flats give Blue Cats a place to ambush their prey and might give them a little relief in the water column when the water is at its coldest or warmest. Look at these flats from different angles and ask yourself, “How does the bank look?” Could the surface under the water look similar to the structures above the water? Chances are that it will be pretty close.

These ideas are not really new. Bass and Walleye fishermen all over the U.S. use land structures to locate their fish and when it comes to locating these structures, fish locators are very valuable tools. My opinion is that you get what you pay for with electronics, but if you can find shad or baitfish with your locator as well as see the big fish marks, that’s all you need.

Catchin’ the Big Cats

The speed of your drift makes a huge difference. A good rule to follow is ‘the colder the water, the slower you should go.’ A big Blue Cat will not want to chase bait that’s traveling fast in cold water, so when you are dragging bait on the bottom you should use some kind of drift sock or sea anchor. You might have to experiment with different sizes until you figure out what size slows your boat down. Manufacturers of drift socks will usually give you an estimate of the size of sock compared to the size of the boat you are using.

Furthermore, just because you are a Cat-fisherman, it doesn’t mean you can’t use the tools other fishermen use. Experiment with different hooks, weights, line, rods and reels, but my advice would be to eventually work your way into having an exactly matched set of at least 4 rods and reels. When you learn what works for you, you will be much happier with a matching set of gear. Having your gear match might not sound like much, but when you start catching Blue Cats over 20 lbs you'll know the limitations of your tackle. Furthermore, you wont have to worry every time you set a hook about which rod the fish hit because they will all perform the same.

Closing

Get some good gear capable of handling big fish. Get your tools so you can go out and learn your lake. Spend time learning your water before you start to fish. If you can’t or don’t want to spend the amount of money necessary to purchase all the equipment and cover all the various expenses, don’t be afraid to take guided trips. You’ll have good company from someone who knows the lake well and can teach you a great deal, plus it takes A LOT of guided trips to add up to the cost of equipping yourself.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with new tactics after you start fishing. Always remember: Blue Cats are Blue Cats, they don’t know what lake they’re in or where they live. They will behave the same where I fish or where you fish. If you’d like, I can actually travel to your lake to prove it, as well as show you what a professional guide would do on your lake or river. Always keep your eyes on your fish finder, and get out there and try some non-typical Catfishing!

If you missed either of the first 2 parts of this article, head to this URL for the complete article: http://www.ozark-lodges-fishing-trips.com/nontypical-catfishing.htm

Copyright © 2002-2005 Jeff Williams

You have permission to publish this article free of charge as long as you are not selling it and that you include the author bylines immediately visible with the article and, if published in an electronic medium such as on a web site, you provide a link back to http://www.ozark-lodges-fishing-trips.com in the author bylines, both where the web address is listed as well as well as with the text “Lake of the Ozarks Catfish Fishing Guide Service”...

Jeff Williams runs a Truman Lake Hybrid Bass and Lake of the Ozarks Catfish Fishing Guide Service offering lodging and guided trips in Missouri. To book a trip, learn more tips, or find out how Capt. Jeff would fish your own local waters, call 1-866-HOOKSET or visit http://www.ozark-lodges-fishing-trips.com today!

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catfishing secrets

The Basics of Jugging For Catfish - Techniques and Tips

A great catfish article on jugging.

The Basics of Jugging For Catfish - Techniques and Tips

Jugging for catfish is a great way to catch tons of fish, with a minimum of cost or effort. You'll see it sometimes called 'juglining,' but it's the same thing. It basically involves putting a bunch of jugs out there in the water that have a line running in between them, and on that line are your hooks.

The first thing you should do when you want to go jugging is make sure it's legal. This used to be a really common way to catch fish on the nation's major rivers, but in recent years it has become illegal in some places. Others have strict guidelines about jugging. The reason is that juglines obstruct the water, and get in the way of commercial fishermen and other traffic. For the most part, jugging is best in smaller tributaries of major rivers, or small lakes and ponds.

Here is the gear you will need for jugging:

- Jugs. The best things to use for jugs are empty plastic gallon milk jugs. You can use just about anything made of either glass or plastic, as long as it has handles. Make sure you keep the caps because you'll need those to keep your jugs afloat. Some folks use other things that are easy to see, and you can also buy ready-made jugs for jugging at tackle shops.

- Lines. You should have one line for each bottle, and they should be at least 5 feet long. In general, longer is better, but it depends on the body of water you are jugging. If you have a swift current, strong winds, or other traffic around, you may be restricted as to how long your lines can be. But, they should be at least 5 feet.

- Hook and sinker for each line. Just about anything will work for a weight. It should be heavy enough to keep the jugs in place, but not too heavy. A little trial and error will give you an idea of what's too much or too little. Circle hooks work really well for jugging, although you can use anything.

Here's what you do:

Tie the lines to the handles of your jugs. You should have each line tied to two jugs, and each jugs with two lines coming off. You can experiment a little with this, but the standard jugging set-up is to have a row of jugs all tied together in a line.

Put bait on each hook, then start putting the jugs in the water. It is best if you go out there on a boat to put the jugs in the water. You should do it gently, because if there are cats hovering around the bottom, they'll split when they see you come tromping through their feeding ground.

In a pond or lake where you can be close to the jugs, you can sit on shore and wait for a bite, but generally it is best to be out there on a boat waiting for a bite, especially if there is any current. You'll see those jugs bounce, flip, shake and go crazy, and that's the real excitement. When those quiet waters come alive with the jugs shooting every which way, that means you've got yourself a bite. Hurry on over there, pick up your jug and whatever you have chewing on your bait. Hopefully, it's a giant cat!

Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is committed to providing the best catfish fishing information possible. Get more information on catfish fishing here: http://www.askcatfishfishing.com

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Catfishing Techniques

A great catfishing techniques article

Catfishing - Important Information You Should Know

Knowing what to use and where is key in catfishing. The specific bait and where you are fishing it is vital. Other determing factors in your success will be the weather and at what time you are fishing. If it is hot, chances are the bite is going to be slow. The early morning and evening hours are most notably the best time to catch catfish.

The most commonly sought after catfish in the United States is the Channel Cat. They are regularly caught in most bodies of water. Rivers, lakes and ponds are literally full of them.

The most popular bait for Channels is worms, or more specifically, nightcrawlers. Channels bite better when it's cool outside, but usually can be caught at most times of the day depending on where you are fishing, and with what bait.

Other popular baits include, liver, shad, guts or sides, and prepared dough baits. The most rank of baits will usually get you results with Channel Cats. They are avid feeders on just about everything. They tend to feed more heavily during or after heavy rain. Places that have inflow after a rain are really good for catching Channels, as there are things washing in that they feed on. If you know a body of water with a river or creek running into a pond or lake, this can be an excellent place to catch them after it rains.

The Flathead catfish is another highly sought after fish. They are mainly fished because of their sheer size. Trophy Flatheads of 80 pounds or more are known to be caught. They are a little bit more of a challenge, because they are regarded as nocturnal predators. Meaning, they feed at night mostly on live bait. Perch, goldfish and shad are some of the best baits to use when going after Flatheads. Limb and trotling are the more traditional methods, but pole fishing has been making an upward climb as of late.

Every catfishermen wants one of those trophy Flatheads. Flatheads are also know to reside in hard to reach places, such as in logjams, or a body of water that isn't easily accessed. They are also very territorial, meaning they like to stay mostly in one spot, but are known to travel up to a mile at night when feeding. Your best bet at catching one of the brutes is to find a logjam or some type of obstruction, and wait until the evening and nighttime hours to go after one of these fish.

Blue Cat or aka the White Cat is the most heavily commercially fished of the catfish species in the United States. They are loved by fishermen because of their size, raw power, and active feeding habits. It is not uncommon for them to feed three or four times a day, and another two or three times a night. They prefer deep water as opposed to shallow, and running water is usually a plus. The most popular baits for Blue Cats are shad, cutbaits and perch. Notably the most preferred bait is taking a shad and cutting it into "chunks". The scent from the opened and bleeding shad attract Blue Cats quite well. They usually are caught in deep water in the daytime. At night they can be caught just about anywhere, but shallow water with cut shad, or a live bait will usually yield you results. It is not uncommon for Blue Cats to get to over eighty pounds in weight. The record set last year was over 120 pounds.

Bullheads are another type of catfish in North America. They are mainly fished because of their tasty meat. They can be caught in almost any type of farm pond. A popular bait for Bullheads are nightcrawlers. Usually when you catch one Bullhead, chances are you will catch more there. You can regularly catch them in the late afternoon hours. On an overcast day with worms, will usually get you good results, depending on whether the location you are at has Bullheads.

------------------------------------------------------- Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Fishing ------------------------------------------------------- Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell

Best Baits To Use For Big Blue Catfish

Arkansas Blue Catfish Baits

Blue cats are not very pickers when they are young. As they get older, wiser and bigger they do seem to be more selective in their eating festivities. Catfishing bait for bigger blues is wide open when using cut bait (bait fish that is cut and fished with instead of live bait) from, skipjack herring, blue back herring, gizzard shad, threadfin shad, bream, sunfish, crappie, pretty much any type of cut bait.

Your smaller blue cats can be caught using the same cut bait as above and they act like channel cats in that they will eat a variety of home made or grocery store baits from chicken livers, chicken gizzards, hot dogs, cheese, dip baits, punch bait, beef liver or beef kidneys, home made beef or chicken blood baits, and other varieties of home made baits. Many different types of worms also work well as bait.

Blue catfish are also caught using live bait as well, so again the bait list for blue cats are wide open but big cutbaits are the choice of many guides and tournament fishermen when chasing Big Blue Catfish. The two most popular baits are skipjack herring and shad, whether it is gizzard or threadfin.

Choice of cutbaits.

The best type of cutbait to use is to use bait that is indigenous to the body of water you are fishing - meaning baitfish that are native or foraging in the body of water you are fishing. If skipjack or gizzard shad are plentiful on the body of water, then they would be a good bait for chasing big blues. Take a day or two catching baitfish on the water you will be fishing to see what is out there. Fish for gamefish, like bluegill, using rod and reel, and use a cast net (if legal in your state) to find out what type of other bait fish are in the water. You can also call your local DNR representative to find out what lives in the body of water.

Keep them lines wet and rods bent - Good luck fishing!

"Catfish" Hunter Green -- May your lines be wet and your rods doubled over! Please practice CPR, Catch - Photograph - Release, on catfish 10 pounds or more! http://www.catfishu.com

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