| Catfish are one of the most diverse species of fish on | | | | attracted to bait that doesn't move. If you use shrimp, |
| the planet! They range in size at maturity from 1/2 inch | | | | you should remove the tail and shell. The chicken liver |
| to giants of 8 feet. They thrive all over the world, in | | | | is a bit more difficult because you have to use |
| both fresh and salt water. Most catfish live near the | | | | something to tie it to the like (one example is a piece |
| bottom of rivers and lakes, but some live in the open | | | | of pantyhose). When using chicken liver, wrap a piece |
| ocean. They are boney fish that tend to sink rather | | | | about the size of a quarter and wrap it in the piece of |
| than float. Named for the thin, whisker-like tactile organ | | | | pantyhose. Leave a bit of the material at the end and |
| (barbel) near their mouths, the catfish's "whiskers" | | | | attach it to the treble hook. Other good bait include |
| contain its tastebuds. | | | | dough bait, catfish paste, minnows or bloodworms, |
| Catfish are a source of food for cultures all over the | | | | snails, and small fish. The best bait to use to catch |
| world, though people differ as to their taste and appeal. | | | | catfish is natural. You won't have much luck with lures. |
| Because adult catfish do not have scales, they are not | | | | Chum for Shark - and Catfish! |
| considered Kosher in Jewish culture. In the United | | | | Experienced catfishers have good results using chum. |
| States, the channel and blue catfish are a favorite | | | | You'll find many different recipes for catfish chum on |
| food. | | | | the internet. Basically, you prepare balls or bars of |
| Catching catfish is different from catching many other | | | | chum and then throw them into the area where you |
| species of fish. Effective methods differ depending on | | | | think you'll find the catfish. Use a hook to catch the fish, |
| the type of waters fished, and different baits are used | | | | attaching the same chum mixture for bait. Remember |
| to catch different targets. Here are some simple, but | | | | to clean the water of the chum after you've finished. |
| proven, methods used to catch the humble catfish. | | | | Tackling with a Rod and Reel |
| Rigging Your Line for Catfish | | | | This is the easiest way to catch catfish, but it still |
| Depending on the bait, you should loop the bait holder | | | | requires the same types of bait we've discussed. Use |
| or hook from your line at the preferred distance, from | | | | 6-foot long tackle with a spinning reel equipped with |
| 18-24". Because you don't want your bait to move, you | | | | heavier line that will bear the weight and fight of the |
| should use a weight to keep the bait still. | | | | lively catfish. You don't have to spend a lot of money |
| You can also use a slipweight to keep the bait still. For | | | | on your line. Just make sure it's heavy enough for |
| slipweight, the weight itself is not as important as long | | | | catfish. |
| as it slides in the line. The catfish won't be able to feel | | | | What Do You do With It when You Catch a Catfish |
| the weight until they've been hooked. | | | | Once you've landed your catfish, make sure you grip it |
| The multi-bait technique will let you catch several | | | | securely and remove the hook with pliers. Some |
| catfish at the same time. To do this, attach a | | | | catfish have poisonous fins that can cause a bit of |
| three-way swivel on your line. It will draw more strikes | | | | damage. Grip it by sliding your hand from its tail to the |
| as you hook your catfish. | | | | belly, placing your fingers on one side and your thumb |
| Best Bait for Catfish | | | | on the other. Be careful not to hurt yourself! The |
| Experience catfishers use chicken livers or medium | | | | catfish will enjoy knowing it has caused some damage |
| dead shrimp. Remember that catfish are more | | | | by its sacrifice! |