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Fishing for Catfish

Catfish are found all over the U.S. with the larger catfish often found in the southern states. It's not uncommon to hear of someone that caught a 30+ pound Channel catfish and Flathead cats in the Mississippi have been reported at over 300 pounds! Catfish (or "hornpout" as they were called in New England where I grew up) make excellent table fare, especially when fried. Catfish can also be found in saltwater and are common along the Gulf Coast. this variety is often called a "sail cat" due to the high dorsal fin. If you hapen to catch one of these saltwater sail catfish, be careful as the fins secret a pretty painful posion.

Catching Big Catfish

Until recently it was thought that the best time to fish for catfish was at night. While this still holds true to some degree, cats can be caught any time of the day if you use the right baits and know where to look for them.

Catfish Rods and Reels

If you plan on going after the big channel or flathead catfish use at least a 6 foot rod and reel combo with heavy test line (15-20 pound test should do for most cats). I prefer a bait cast reel, but spinning reels work well too. Use a medium to heavy action rod as a larger catfish is more likely to snap the tip off of a light action rod.

As catfish are primarily a bottom feeder, the best rig to use is a weighted line. Place the weight 18-24 inches from the hook and use no smaller than a number 6 hook. big cats have been known to streighten hooks! If you are using dough baits, trebble hooks with a spring slid over the shaft of the hook will help to secure the dough bait.

Best Catfish Baits

There has always been a great debate about the best bait to use for catfish. While nightcrawlers work, some avid catfishers will tell you that chicken or beef liver is the best bait while others opt for doughbaits. Truth is, Catfish will eat just about anything. Liver is soft and often will not stay on the hook by itself. Liver baits should be placed in a small nylon pouch and attached to the hook (guys, don't use your wife's pantyhose, she'll kill you!) small goldfish (available at the pet store- ask for feeder goldfish- about $2 a dozen) and shiners or minnows work well, either alive or dead. basically anything bloody or smelly is a good bait to use for catfish.

Where to Find Big Catfish

Catfish are primarily bottom feeders and although you can find them in clear waters, they prefer the darker, more muddy areas of lakes, rivers and ponds. If you fishing during the day look for shaded areas or around stumps and fallen trees. At night, most anywhere is fine and the larger catfish can be found in clear water. Remember that Catfish are primarily a nocturnal predator but will eat whenever the oportunity arises.

GO CATCH A BIG CATFISH!