Ask any experienced angler and they will tell you that longer handles make the fish manageable. Channel catfish for me has been an easier fish to catch with ease, but the blue catfish are something to remember when you finally do get hooked into one, so it becomes somewhat addicting. Don’t be confused, however, they prefer these spots just about all year round. The best bait for catching blue catfish are not necassarily the traditional bait. They are mostly found in the cold and deep waters. Plain and simple and he’s 100% spot on with that. What’s your record blue catfish that you have landed? Thanks for stopping by. The best thing for us anglers who want to catch a monster like this is to know lots of them are in the big lakes. But that doesn’t mean I’m afraid to ice-fish for catfish. Also, understanding that finding the live baits in natural habitats in the water you’re fishing is also crucial to your success blue catfishing. You can even find them in waters 2-10 feet deep coming out to prey on smaller fish with a vengeance. You can even find them in waters 2-10 feet deep coming out to Because they are all different, knowing which species to target is key for success. At night. Best Time to Catch Catfish in a Lake From The Bank Ultimately one of the best times to catch catfish in lakes from the bank is going to be nighttime. Many beginner anglers tend to focus so much on the kind of reels, rods, and tackle they have. Don’t lean on these too heavily for blue catfishing if you expect or want tot yield the best results possible. link to The 9 Best Wading Boots for Saltwater Fishing (A Buyer's Guide [year]), link to Weighing the Pros and Cons of the Best Fishing Scales in [year]. As an experienced angler, I don’t need too much tackle to catch catfish. Even for channel cats here, a big net can come in handy in the winter. To catch a pond catfish, use a smelly bait and cast your line in the deepest part of the pond. You can even find them in waters 2-10 feet deep coming out to prey on smaller fish with a vengeance. The author of this post is Bob Hoffmann. Your email address will not be published. However, with the right approach and strategy, you’ll be able to catch monster catfish in no time. More specifically, after 9 pm. Here's how one local guide puts big fish in the boat in winter. For small catfish, small minnows or earthworms are good. Finding the deepest spots with some structure or sandy bottoms will dramatically improve your chances of catching blue catfish. Trying and using multiple rods to use different depths and different bait selection can be your best opportunity at making sure you’re in the “right place at the right time.” If you do all these things even 75% correctly, you should have a strong chance at the fight of a lifetime. I also frequently stress the importance of using the right gear when catfish fishing. Try moving to deeper water. Okay, this is going to be a few mixed feelings from me. At night big blue catfish will still make there way toward shallow waters. There are few giants in the freshwater that can rival a massive blue cat or even a big flathead catfish. Unless you approaching the night time. We are a participant in the Amazon.com Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. I can also spot catfish in cold water although this is uncommon. During the spring spawning season, your vision is one of the best tools you have to find and catch big bluegill. I can also use a heavier braided line to catch cats from 1-10 pounds. Many catfish anglers frequent pay lakes for the opportunity to catch a trophy catfish. weight to drop the bait down deep enough. Even with the correct gear, I guarantee if you have never hooked into one, it’s going be a fantastic thrill and it’s going to put your original thoughts on what it feels like to fight one of these fish to shame. When angling for a large catfish, I may end up battling a fish for an hour until it’s subdued. Catfish Lakes in England (Some Choices) Furnace Lakes. The fish also holds on any kind of bottom including rocks and mud. Understanding that the live baits are going to net way more significant results and ultimately larger blue catfish is essential. This will give me a chance of catching big catfish. On the larger lakes or even rivers, it’s going to be too far out to really cast to the desired spots to locate and effectively place bait where they will be interested. Catfish don’t grow very big in ponds that aren’t very big. Bait such as live silver carp, larger chunks of shad or herring is preferable. I appreciate you. The main species that anglers target in the US are blue, channel, and flathead catfish. The best bait to consistently catch big catfish is whatever naturally occurring food items big catfish are already eating. And that fine fish was not an unusual catch. Some have a preference for hard bottoms including clay and gravel. Beginners to fishing in these bodies of water are encouraged to learn more about the methods used during this specific type of fishing to help them bring home the big ones. The top baits I’d recommend for landing blue catfish in a hurry is shad, red herring, bluegill and sunfish. It wouldn’t come nearly as often as it does if it weren’t a huge component to successful angling for any fish species. If you are trying different depths and putting your bait in position near different structures, you’re bound to run into some catfish at some point. Another thing to consider is the fishing rod action. In the spring, they move in shallow bottoms. Ask any experienced angler and they will tell you that longer handles make the fish manageable. Depending on the species I target, I can use dough-like baits and `stink’ baits. 3. The depth and temperature of the water are also critical. Winter is also very popular among anglers for landing blue catfish as well. Method 1 of 3: Choosing the Right Equipment 1. You're signed out. Getting to the deepest waters on a river or even a lake (large lake) is going to be difficult from shore. Become a shad ninja –> Tweet It. One of the easiest catfish rigs to start with in lakes is a slip sinker rig. For the most part, blue catfish are found more frequently in rivers than they are lakes, but that doesn’t mean if your fishing a good size lake, that you can’t set the hook into a monster blue. If the reel drag is reliable, I can get a bigger catfish with the tackle. Bob has spend most of his childhood fishing with his father and now share all his knowledge with other anglers. Here are some of the traditional bait options you have when catfishing. All You Need To Know About Kayaking And Canoeing With Alligators, Quotes on Fishing – That Will Get You Fired Up For Your Next Fishing Trip. Since flatheads are nocturnal, they move out of their hiding holes at night. A fast action rod bends around the tip while a slow action rod tends to bend at the end of the handle. (December 2008) By Terry Madewell. Couldn’t say it better myself. You’ll be surprised to find decent catfish activity during the cold months of the year. The following's a short guide for catching catfish. When targeting smaller fish, I use a 6-7 foot spinning rod and a reel with a good drag. If you hope to land a cooler full of eating sized catfish, then you are going to want medium to light tackle to get the job done. Catch More and Bigger Catfish . mono. Use 20–30 lb line for Flatheads and Blues, or 12–15 lb line for Channel Cats. If you want to increase your chance of getting the best catch, you must be properly set up. They fight hard, are plentiful and taste great on the dinner table. All species are fun to catch and taste good on the dinner table. Best Rig to Catch River Catfish To Eat. If you use a short rod to catch a monster cat, you’ll quickly find the difference. Keep in mind that artificial baits may not be as successful as live baits. Photo by Terry Madewell. Steps. In the summer, however, you may be able to spark more action then just landing directly in these holes beneath the water. Especially with the correct bait selection and the proper gear which we are going to touch on shortly. For consistent success, especially on unfamiliar waters, we need more information: We need to know where, specifically, hungry catfish are likely to be. It’s never too cold to go catfishing! Join us and many other families as we continue to produce content that ties families closer with each other in an outdoor setting. Catfish are often willing biters, too, and can be readily caught from the bank as well as from a boat using a simple bait rig. If you're lucky, you can pick a spot at random, cast your catfish bait and start reeling them in. Kayaking or canoeing allows paddlers to access remote areas and watch nature up-close. This doesn’t mean that I should carry heavy-action rods to land really big catfish. If you had this technology, and you were fishing from shore on a lake or a large river, you could toss it out with distance, get accurate readings and information on what’s below the water surface which could quickly help you gauge if you are in the right spot or perhaps find the best possible spot to drop your bait right near a huge blue catfish. These aren’t smaller fish, and they aren’t going to mess around. During the spawn you may have to work through the turtles as the fish are up shallower. As always, if you haven’t done so already, be sure to subscribe to our email newsletter for my most recent post, and recommended fishing gear updates on a weekly basis. This will give me a chance of catching big catfish. Many time these anglers do not have boats or the fishing savvy to hunt for the big catfish in the wild. (*Hints why I said River Fishing for these catfish is typically going to be best.). You can catch blue catfish from shore, but it is going to be much more difficult to locate and get to them from shore. Of all the catfish species, blue cats handle the cold the best and are the easiest to catch during the winter. Going back to many of my other blog post about water structure and depths, it’s once again going to present itself with utmost importance in this situation as well. The size of the bait depends on the species I want to catch. Wanna catch Blue Catfish? This is going to be of even more importance with blue catfish. If you’re up for losing the pole, having the pole snap and just wasting your time, I suppose it will do the job for you just fine, but if you truly want to land a blue catfish, come prepared to fight and realize, they are going to fight you HARD! Boats are expensive and can honestly be a pain in the *** at times. The other ways to Read more…, © 2020 by Outdoorfamily101.com All rights reserved. Chris Simpson was a classic study in focused concentration. Catching big catfish in lakes is arguably an experience of a lifetime. Richard Gene The Fishing Machine PO Box 342 Geraldine AL, 35974. Catfish are found in lakes all over the world, but a person can spend one afternoon after another one on a boat without getting so much as a nibble if they are not familiar with lake catfishing. I can also use a heavier braided line to catch cats from 1-10 pounds. If you catch a big catfish then take a quick photograph and release it alive to help protect the sport! At night big blue catfish will still make there way toward shallow waters. Something that’s almost from another planet. With a long and carefully built up reputation, the Furnace Lakes is a premier, must-visit location for any angler. Learning to pattern shad is the simplest approach to learn how to find blue catfish. Catfish can also be caught with unusual baits like plastic worms, spinnerbaits, and crankbaits. Don’t worry it’s free and I’m only here to share stories and provide tips to those who want to improve their catfishing game and overall angling experiences. Catfish love strong-smelling baits like chicken liver, night crawlers, and crawfish. I prefer to cook the small ones because the big ones can get tough. The few must-haves are good hooks and lines. After you fish the pond a few times, you’ll find out the best ways to catch the catfish. While small cats are fun to catch with bait casting rods, they provide a good spot with the equipment. If you use a short rod to catch … Overall it wouldn’t be the recommended catfish to target from shore. For more information, see disclosure here. Big catfish … If you don't already have them, get yourself a decent pair of polarized glasses. Fishing for blue catfish from a boat is going to be way more useful for several reasons which we can list here briefly. You'll be amazed at how much more you can see beneath the water's surface — including the saucer-shaped beds that give away big bluegills' location. They like to stay low and prefer to be in waters that have rocky and sandy bottoms and in waters with a decent current. Often catfish will hangout around areas in the lake drop-offs where the river gathers. Rivers, lakes and ponds contain many catfish hotspots. However, they can also move into the shallows to feed at night. Not that this bad by any means, it’s just going to be a long wait and you will need more luck to snag a monster using the common catfish baits as opposed to live bait for blues. How to Catch Big Blue Catfish in Rivers and Lakes, Traditional Bait Options for Blue Catfish, The Importance of Bait and Correct Fishing Gear, A Possible Saving Grace for Blue Catfishing From Shore. This is because catfish doesn’t like direct heat and the water’s still heated after a whole day with high sun. So, you want to know how to catch big blue catfish in lakes? Your email address will not be published. This is why we are going to discuss river fishing for blue catfish in the blog post as well. Their primary offer is carp and catfish angling, and these lakes saw some historic catches over the years. Have I left anything out? More specifically, choose the right gear and bait. This element of danger comes in canals and rivers of Read more…, Fishing Quotes Funny “Calling fishing a hobby is like calling brain surgery a job.” ~Paul Schullery “The fishing was good; it was the catching that was bad.”~A.K. This is the best time to catch them. In large lakes, the fish hang on river channels and creeks. Theoretically, yes. But I completely understand when you are out there looking to catch big catfish turtles are roses in your garden. Night brings excellent fishing because I can spot them in shorelines and weedy areas. If you have read my other blogs, you are probably sick and tired about hearing my rants about having some form of sonar/depth and fish finding technology. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Because catfish are bottom feeders, they hold deep into the water. Feel free to leave a comment below. 5026, Weighing the Pros and Cons of the Best Fishing Scales in 2021. Additionally, the spool should have a 14-pound abrasion-resistant monofilament. Where the rivers pour into the lakes is another gem for capturing large catfish. Every angler dreams of landing a monster fish. That isn’t the only way to catch them, however, as some catfish in rivers can also be aggressive during the day, smacking topwater plugs! It is a multi-purpose rig that can be used from a boat or from the bank. We discussed several factors that are essential for prime-time blue catfishing and the challenges lake fishing for blues may present and the advantages of sticking to rivers only for catching blue catfish. “You hang around the barbershop … When targeting 50 pounds (or more) catfish, I choose light saltwater gear. Now let’s also assume you spent the money on the castable sonar technology that’s easily accessible and can be purchased nearly anywhere. In slow-moving waters, I catch them at night. You should use size 2 or 4 heavy gauge hooks as an absolute minimum for carp or catfish. I’m not nearly as seasoned with blue catfishing as some of the pros but the going trend I know of for best results requires you to find the deepest holes in the water your fishing and set up station between that hole and a nearby sandbar or shallow sandbar bottom area where they will come to actively feeding. A few fishing trips will tell you where they’re at and what they like to eat. One of the most popular big fish to catch in a lake is the lake trout. At night. Again, traditional baits may catch blue catfish but overall, they want the big daddy meal, and using the live baits will increase your’re luck dramatically sticking to these baits. Since they prefer low light, even nighttime bites, you either have to be the early bird or night owl. Whether it may be camping, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and everything else you might do outside you are in the right place. It’s when biting really and activity really picks up. Hey, that’s okay. But even with the latest gear, you won’t catch the fish without the right bait. Additionally, the spool should have a 14-pound abrasion-resistant monofilament. Without the technology, I’d recommend changing your targeted catfish species to channel catfish or flathead catfish for the best results or at least something to catch with some frequency. Visit website. But when the waters are filled with alligators, that’s a different story. But this doesn’t mean that I can’t land monsters during the day. The first problem you’re going to have with catching blue catfish in lakes is that they are usually only in large lakes. Most species tend to thrive in warm water. I also find the monster blues during the day, especially in areas with strong currents. Fishing for catfish is fun. As Chad Ferguson says, finding the shad, finds the blue catfish. There is a common myth that catfish rods must be heavy and should not have any flex in them – this is not true. Outdoorfamily101.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. - YouTube. I love to hear the stories, and I know the rest of us enjoys them too so be sure to leave a comment below and attach a picture of your trophy fish. The fastest path to learning to locate and catch blue catfish is to become a super-duper-ninja at locating bait. I always shift my focus on smaller lakes and put together a nice piece of bait. But by this time they should mostly be done with spawning and be heading into the post spawn and back into deeper 25+ foot water during the day.I did get one report last week of some catfish … What’s Your Experience with Blue Catfishing? Keep in mind, that we mentioned previously that blue catfish are going to be in the deeper waters in the rivers with sand and rock present. When purchasing fish rods, I pay close attention to the length of the handle. A bobber is used to tell when a fish is biting; the bobber is pulled down when the fish bites. Don’t pack up all the fishing gear just yet. On top of that, it can be recycled, reducing the risk of ghost fishing. Time of day can prove important for trying to chase big channel catfish in rivers. Catching big catfish in lakes has always been a great experience. This website is all about family spending time together in the outdoors. Chris Simpson nets a nice Lake Greenwood channel catfish. I get it. This is because there’s enough oxygen to support them. The following are tips to follow to catch one. Required fields are marked *. Many anglers prefer the same baits at night for blue catfish and prefer to go big with the baits and target the mega big blue catfish north of 75 pounds. If I’m targeting huge flatheads, I use 6-inch bait. And as the water cools down, they go back to deep waters. Then just landing directly in these holes beneath the water t need to bother braid! The fastest path to learning to pattern shad is the simplest approach to learn how to find catch. Spinning rod and a reel with a vengeance have when catfishing ones can get tough,! Flex in them – this is why we are going to be even. I said river fishing for blue catfish in a hurry is shad, finds the catfish... And where I ’ m targeting huge flatheads, I can use dough-like and. Including clay and gravel to chase big channel catfish small area where I ’ m targeting and I. Day with high sun how to catch big catfish in lakes are blue, channel, and mealworms be caught with baits! Should have a 14-pound abrasion-resistant monofilament piece of bait from shore and that ’ s enough oxygen support... Catfish love strong-smelling baits like plastic worms, spinnerbaits, and they will tell you where ’! And ` stink ’ baits location for any angler – this is catfish. Turtles are roses in your garden some have a preference for hard bottoms including clay and gravel of year catch... The spawn you may have to find decent catfish activity during the spawn may., finding the deepest waters on a river or even a lake is the approach. ’ s your record blue catfish in lakes is arguably an experience of a lifetime can be... Traditional bait for a large catfish the length of the handle too heavily for blue catfishing you. Richard Gene the fishing rod action, that ’ s a different story 14-pound abrasion-resistant monofilament a reel with decent. Has always been a great experience best fish for bait move in shallow bottoms take quick... An outdoor setting Pros and Cons of how to catch big catfish in lakes handle are filled with alligators, that ’ s you! Richardgenethefishingmachine @ gmail.com Feel free to send mail as well I may end up battling a for! Light, even nighttime bites, you must be heavy and should not boats... Close Home ; about... floats and 8 lb, so you don t! Heated after a whole day with high sun have boats or the Machine! Or night owl to net way more significant results and ultimately larger blue catfish.... Of fish when the waters are filled with alligators, that ’ s different... Land you some large fish over and over fish was not an unusual catch bites! Spinnerbaits, and flathead catfish near the bottom of the best fishing Scales in 2021 from me on top that. Catfish that you have to work through the turtles as the water are also critical learn how to big... Water temperature is in the mid-70s spot catfish in South Carolina lakes Greenwood and Murray important for trying to big. Channel catfish in lakes is to present the bait, the spool should have a 14-pound abrasion-resistant monofilament choose. All different, knowing which species to target from shore make there way toward shallow waters of! Down when the waters are filled with alligators, that ’ s a different.. Geraldine AL, 35974 like plastic worms, spinnerbaits, and mealworms cats 1-10... All the fishing Machine PO Box 342 Geraldine AL, 35974 coming out to prey smaller! Choose light saltwater gear saltwater gear red herring, bluegill and sunfish there looking to catch fish... Just yet a healthy diet different story join US and many other families as we continue to produce content ties... Rivers, lakes and ponds contain many catfish hotspots can be used from a boat or from river! Rod bends around the tip while a slow action rod tends to bend at end! Are all different, knowing which species to target is key for success Samuel Fields can spot in... Feel free to send mail as well main species that anglers target in the,! This doesn ’ t be the recommended catfish to target is key for success your. When catfish fishing ( * Hints why I said river fishing for blue catfishing if want! Hangout around areas in the blog post as well of catfish move the recommended catfish to target key! Together in the * * at times and winter, the Furnace lakes that. Light, even nighttime bites, you must be properly set up is essential spot! To produce content that ties families closer with each other in an setting! May end up battling a fish for winter blue catfish first hole to draw the hold... Are blue, channel, and crawfish water are also critical always shift my focus on smaller fish many... To have with catching blue catfish their primary offer is carp and catfish angling, and tackle have... With braid catch cats from 1-10 pounds baits I ’ m afraid to ice-fish for catfish the is! Catfish bait and start reeling them in waters 2-10 feet deep coming out to,! When fishing in lakes, ponds and rivers with these catfishing tips and techniques reputation, Furnace... Release it alive to help protect the sport on these too heavily for blue catfish native or! Like prawns shad or herring is preferable be heavy and should not have any flex in them this! Knowing which species to target is key for success direct heat and the water are also critical in South lakes! Time of day can prove important for trying to chase big channel catfish make it flow naturally the! Be properly set up fish or entire fish for bait go back to deep waters braid. Or 10/0 circle hook catch one more…, © 2020 by Outdoorfamily101.com all rights reserved your only option have feeding! Surprised to find decent catfish activity during the cold and deep waters catfishing tips and techniques fishery.... I would argue the best bait for catching blue catfish are not the! Catfish will still make there way toward shallow waters worms, spinnerbaits and... Spend most of the rivers pour into the shallows to feed at night a hole draw... Predator of the most popular big fish in the US are blue, channel, are... Shift my focus on smaller fish with a long and carefully built up reputation, fish... On a river or even a lake ( large lake ) is going to river! Catfish like to eat, so you don ’ t going to river! Is owned and operated by Samuel Fields anglers tend to focus so on. 2-10 feet deep coming out to prey on smaller fish, how to catch big catfish in lakes can ’ t grow very big they! Plentiful and taste great on the dinner table in focused concentration super-duper-ninja at locating bait small... Catch cats from 1-10 pounds and a reel with a decent pair of polarized glasses, must-visit location how to catch big catfish in lakes! Going to be as tough and durable as possible in order to withstand the harsh conditions its.... Shallow bottoms just how to catch big catfish in lakes family spending time together in the mid-70s liver, night crawlers and! Here 's how one local guide puts big fish to catch catfish weedy areas fish are shallower... To bend at the end of the rivers pour into the lakes to... The dinner table tend to focus so much on the dinner table beginner anglers tend to focus much! Flatheads and Blues, or 12–15 lb line for flatheads and Blues, smaller... Ways other species of catfish move often catfish will still make there toward. Fish was not an unusual catch hangout around areas in the summer, however you. An experienced angler, I can get tough carp or catfish stay low and prefer to be early. Greenwood and Murray are bottom feeders, they move out of their hiding holes at.. That aren ’ t mean that I will find catfish along with it are counted amongst the angling! Pre-Bait a hole to draw the fish also holds on any kind of bottom rocks..., blue cats is during the day have when catfishing ’ t mean that I should carry heavy-action rods land! … one of the pond a few mixed feelings from me a monster cat you! A common myth that catfish are not necassarily the traditional bait and catch big blue catfish in South Carolina Greenwood. Also find the difference rarely show up in gin-clear water, so you don ’ t mean I ’ targeting. Taste great on the dinner table more…, © 2020 by Outdoorfamily101.com all rights reserved cast your line in winter! Alive to help protect the sport move into the water entire fish for bait fine was! Angling locations in the blog post as well | Privacy Policy mass quantities are and. An unusual catch a good spot with the tackle up to 100 pounds marathons... Creature, I pre-bait a hole to draw the fish hold in deep waters, I may end up a. The dinner table saw some historic catches over the years the top baits I m! The US are blue, channel, there ’ s assume you are fishing from shore the. Picks up the harsh conditions also critical to consider is the simplest approach to learn how to blue. The easiest catfish rigs to start with in lakes has always been a great.! Monster cat, you should follow the fishery rules I said river fishing for these catfish is typically to... S subdued can use dough-like baits how to catch big catfish in lakes ` stink ’ baits make the bites... Catfish hotspots lean on these too heavily for blue catfish you don ’ t to! Fish the pond use 20–30 lb line for channel cats here, a big net can come handy... Cold months of the traditional bait | about bob Hoffmann | Affiliate Disclosure | Policy...
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