| The next time you go catfish fishing be sure to take a | | | | inch leader and your hook. Don't go cheap on the |
| casting net. It is how I get the best catfish bait for big | | | | swivel. Cats like to roll when hooked and a big cat will |
| cats. If you don't know how to throw one don't worry | | | | tear a cheap brass swivel up. Fish your bait on the |
| about. You can pick it up in an hour or two of practice. | | | | bottom with an open bail. Be sure to set the hook hard |
| Once you have it down you won't forget it. | | | | when the cat makes a run with your bait. |
| Why do you need a casting net to get the best catfish | | | | The big cats Flathead and Blue when mature prefer |
| bait for big cats? Because you want fresh live bait. | | | | live bait. They will occasionally go after cut baits but if |
| Just about any species will do but be sure to check | | | | you want the best bait for big cats you will want live |
| your states regulations on live bait. My favorites are | | | | bait. Live bait can be hooked behind the dorsal fin |
| bluegill and shad but bluegill are illegal in some states. | | | | below the spine, at the end of the tail, or up through the |
| Both are abundant in just about any waterway. Also | | | | lower jaw and up through the nostrils. Don't be afraid |
| don't rule out bullhead catfish as Flatheads and Blues | | | | to choose a bait fish 6-12 inches in length if you want |
| don't seem to have a problem eating their own | | | | that monster cat. |
| species. In fact, Flatheads will often times prefer | | | | You may be thinking you won't catch many fish with |
| Bullhead over Shad. | | | | bait that size and your right. But if you are looking for |
| Now that you have your live bait let's make sure that | | | | the big catfish I am assuming you don't care about the |
| your rig is set up right. You should have a medium to | | | | 1 and 2 pounders you can catch with chicken liver then |
| heavy rod with at least 20# test line, I use 50# spider | | | | live bait is the way to go. You can always use smaller |
| wire, with a 20# leader and numbers 2 - 6 circle hooks | | | | baitfish or even cut bait if you run out of patience but |
| depending on how big a cat you are after. Slip a slip | | | | your chances of landing a 20 plus pound cat are less. |
| sinker on the line, and then tie on a good swivel, a 12-18 | | | | The best bait for big cats will always be live bait. |