| Seems like a no brainer, doesn't it? You just throw | | | | country. This is one of the things that makes catfishing |
| your bait and tackle in a bag, grab your interstate map, | | | | so great. |
| and hit the road. Actually, a good fishing trip depends | | | | You might talk to some friends or folks down at the |
| more on planning than you might imagine. You can | | | | bait shop and see what they recommend. On the |
| always just hit the road, find a stream somewhere, | | | | other hand, since catfish are found all over the country, |
| and stand a good chance of catching something. But, | | | | why not just pick a pretty area you want to go |
| some good planning will make the trip go much | | | | anyway, and make that your catfishing trip? I would |
| smoother, and you'll enjoy your fishing vacation much | | | | recommend heading down south, or fishing in the |
| more. | | | | tributaries of major rivers like the Mississippi, Missouri, or |
| What to Take | | | | Red River of Oklahoma and Arkansas. |
| First off, make a checklist. I would recommend starting | | | | What Do You Want To Catch? |
| your checklist well before you leave for your trip. | | | | Another thing to consider when deciding where to go, |
| Include fishing gear like rods, bait, lures; clothes including | | | | is whether you want to catch a bunch of little fish, or a |
| boots, gloves and bad weather gear like a poncho; | | | | couple of big ones. This might also influence what gear |
| tools for sharpening hooks and little things like that, and | | | | you take. Certain parts of the country are known for |
| whatever else you need to keep yourself comfortable. | | | | having lakes and streams full of tiny catfish that you |
| When you pack, separate all these things in little bags | | | | can catch lots of. In other places, there are giant cats |
| within your big bag, like a small bag for tools, one for | | | | prowling the river bottoms, and you might get lucky |
| fishing gear, etc. | | | | and snag one of them to take home. Fishing gear, |
| Now, there will always be some little thing you'll forget. | | | | method and location will be different depending on |
| Each time you go on a trip, you'll end up getting there | | | | what you want to catch, so keep this in mind. |
| and smacking yourself on the forehead, saying, "I can't | | | | Where to Stay |
| believe I forgot THAT." It's no problem; packing | | | | Next, think about where you are going to stay. Most of |
| perfectly takes some practice. I guarantee that you | | | | us head out on fishing trips, especially long ones, in |
| won't forget it next time, and after several catfishing | | | | order to get away from the city, stress, hassles and |
| outings, you'll have packing down to a science. | | | | everyday life. If that's what you want, you might |
| Before you pack, you'll also have to think about what | | | | consider roughing it and camping out somewhere near |
| fishing method you are going to use. For example, if | | | | the fishing spot. The only thing about that is it means |
| you plan on wading into streams, you'll want to take | | | | taking camping gear too, which means more |
| the appropriate clothes and gear. If you're going to fish | | | | preparation. On the other hand, you can always stay in |
| at night, don't forget lights. Whether your chumming, | | | | an RV or a lodge, sleep at night in some comfort and |
| juglining or fly fishing, you'll need a whole different | | | | luxury, and head out to the remote areas to fish when |
| checklist of gear to take. | | | | you want to. I wouldn't say that any way is better; it's |
| Where to Go | | | | all up to the tastes of the angler. Just keep in mind that |
| The next question is where to go. Catfish are found in | | | | after all that time fishing, it might be nice to curl up in a |
| rivers, lakes and ponds all over the United States and | | | | nice warm bed! |
| well up into Canada. Probably the best catfishing in the | | | | Wherever you end up going, leave an itinerary with |
| country is in the south and mid-west, from as far north | | | | information giving your whereabouts with somebody. If |
| as Missouri, Illinois, Michigan and Ohio, and all the way | | | | you plan to explore, or you don't know exactly where |
| down to the Gulf of Mexico and Texas. You can also | | | | you'll be, give them as detailed information as possible. |
| find catfish out west and further up north, so it really | | | | Nowadays, we all have cell phones, and that helps |
| doesn't matter where you go. Ask any angler, and | | | | keep you safe when you're out in the wilds. Be sure to |
| they'll tell you that their neck of the woods is the best, | | | | take your charger. But one warning: Don't pick up the |
| but the fact is, you can catch catfish all over the | | | | phone if it's a work-related call! |