The 12 lb channel cat Shown above I caught using chubs for bait. For best results cut the chubs in chunks about 2 inches wide. (use the heads also) .
Also I use bluegill heads. The best size to use bluegill's 3 to 4inches in length.
First off , I have been fishing for catfish for over 20 years. In all the catfish fishing trips i have taken, fishing at night has produced the best results.
Catfish are night feeders and after 8pm at night look out! My PRIMARY fishing spot is Lake St Marys In Ohio. But All of the techniques I use can be applied at any
fishery that holds Catfish. I have identified some special catfishing tips below that can help you on your next night fishing for catfish trip or day fishing for catfish.
If you only bank fish for catfish we have some special night fishing for catfish tips for you. visit my bank fishing for catfish web page.
If you want information on what part of the country catfish live then check out our catfish habitat web page.
Tip#1 Drift Fishing For Catfish
Drift fishing can be a very productive way to get allot of 3 to 4lb Blue catfish, or channel catfish. Drift fishing is also an excellent way to find a productive
spot and anchor. I am going to Identify some drift fishing tips below that will increase your chances of a successful cat fishing trip the next time you go out.
I always drift fish to find a productive location, and if you are unfamiliar with the fishery, you will increase your chance of a successful fishing trip drastically.
Tip#2 The Folks At The Local Bait Shop
If you are unfamiliar with a fishery , you need to seek out some advice on where the catfish have been biting. These guys our gals talk to fisherman everyday and can
give you some valuable advice on where to start drift fishing. Also, Ask for a map showing the layout of the fishery. If you can, get the guys at the bait shop to circle
areas on the map for you. This can save you a lot of time and make your set up time allot easier. You will get an idea of the fishery's water depth and bottom content, so you can
set your catfish rigs accordingly.
Tip#3 Catfish Rigs Setups
Make sure you have at least (4) poles. I recommend you vary your setups to see what works best for you. Once you start catching fish take note to what set up is working
best for you. If there is a noticeable difference between one of the setups compared to the others change. You will be surprised at how many fisherman don't do this, and they
a miss out on catching more fish. This tip alone can increase your catch substantially.I am not going to go into detail here and the various setup rigs, but you can visit my
Catfish rigs and tackle web page to get this information.
Tip#3 Boat Location
Turn you boat so it perpendicular to the shore line. You will have to vary your distance from the shoreline,
until you find a productive drift. I recommend you start about 100yds from the bank and work you way out. Let the boat start drifting before you cast your catfish rigs out.
Make sure you cast your poles the opposite direction you are drifting. You want your drift to pull your baits along the bottom with the drift.
I recommend you work the area for about 15 to 30 minutes varying the distance from the shoreline each time.
If after 30 minutes you don't pickup any hits, move on to another spot. Remember, you are drifting to find a productive spot to anchor.
Tip#4 Anchored Fishing For Catfish
Anchored fishing for catfish is the most productive way of catching catfish. Once you have drifted and found your honey hole , it is time to set your anchor.
I am going to Identify some anchored fishing tips below that will increase your chances of a successful cat fishing trip when you are anchored. These tips work especialy well when you
go night fishing for catfish.
Tip#4.a Set Up A Illumination device (For night fishing)
Submerged fishing light is one of the most under used night fishing catfish techniques . I consider it the most important, If you are serious about catching some big catfish,
I mean in the 5lb plus range this is a must investment. Since I purchased mine I have caught channel, and blues 5lb plus every time I have gone out. A submerged lighting system
is especially important when you are Night fishing for catfish and here's why:
It basically creates a massive swarm of feeding fish in any fishing spot by first attracting small organisms
called zoo plankton to your spot. Next it attracts the native bait fish in the area by the hundreds - which soon brings the game fish swarming to the area. It is a scientific
way of creating a food chain feeding frenzy in your spot, and it has proven to catch more fish for many different types of fishermen in both saltwater and freshwater.
and works particularly well while night fishing catfish.
Picture of the system I purchased from the link right below
I only recommend one , I have purchased it and I use it religiously , every time I go out night fishing
in my boat or when I do my bank fishing from the St. Marys river in Ohio. This System is so powerful that the manufacture gives a 90 day free trial if you try it and don't like they
will give your money back no questions asked. If you want to check it out for yourself watch there special video that gives you details on the device. the video also has some great night fishing tips. You can also
Get The same information by signing up for our catfish secret wepon newsletter above.
Click Here To Visit
Tip #4.b Set Up A Chumming System
Chumming is a technique that is not used near enough by folks fishing for catfish.Chumming works best at night,
but works well during the day too.All Catfish species, channels, blue shovelhead (flathead) and bullhead rely on their sense of smell at night to find and hone in on their prey.
They must either sense wounded prey moving or smell the food. Well you guessed it! That is where the chumming comes in. Here's how I do it: Get your self a small mesh
bag with small openings that you can close with a string.
I use throw away chum bags from bass pro shop visit my night fishing equipment
page to get details. Cut you dead bait up into small pieces and place in the bag. (I always cut up
about 10 chubs or bluegills into small pieces and put the chum in a
plastic storage
bag and let them sit for a couple of hours out in the sun before I go out night fishing. You can also use pre-packaged chum if you don't to mess
with making your own chum click herefor pre pre-made chum.
Then I empty the storage contents into my meshed bag. I use a 5lb weight that hangs from the bottom of the bag
Then I tie a line at the top of the bag long enough for the bag to go to the bottom. Then lower the bag into the water next to my illumination device. I also scatter all the blood remains
on top of the water to create a slick for the Catfish to smell. YOU WILL BE AMAZED how this attracts fish. You should allot of bait fish swimming around your chum bag and Illumination
device in about 20 to 60 min. The bait fish and the chum will attract allot of big catfish so be ready for some action.fish rigs and tackle On 2 of your rigs use the set up from above
that you got the best results.
One pole , you want to lower a line about 5 to 10 ft from your chum set up. I prefer to use a slip bobber set up for this line. The one I use can be seen
on my Fishing Rigs webpage.
