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1.
Rigging Methods
TIGHTLINING
allows you
to control the bait in regards to the distance from the bottom. Take a large
hook or treble hook (depending what bait you plan on using) and tie it on the
line "where you want it to go". Now, tie a weight on the end of the line. The
weight size depends on your fishing conditions...in moving water or current
you'll need a heavy weight to keep the bait still. If the water area is calm and
deep, put enough weight on to get it down to the fish. Don't put a very heavy
weight on if not needed. Take a split shot and set the hook to your "fishing
distance" above the weight. You'll have to go through a few casts to determine
this, so start out with about 18" to 24". Nice rig when confronted with a lot of
vegetation. It tends to bring the bait forward from the cover for the fish to
see.
SHALLOW NIGHT FISHING CATFISH RIG-
The
SLIPWEIGHT allows for you to set the bait directly on the bottom. Slide
your choice of weight onto the line. Take a split shot and set it an "estimated
distance" from the bottom of the line. 18" to 24" normally are good to start out
with. Now pick a hook and tie it on the end. This is a modified fish-finder rig,
basically. These are deadly rigs to any fish, since it allows for the sinker to
slide, while the fish takes the bait without realizing anything for several
seconds. That time is crucial for hook-sets, so always keep your rod in your
hands.
The
BOTTOM MULTI-RIG
will catch
more than one catfish at a time. Put a three way swivel onto your line a 18" to
24" leader on the other swivels. Now, pick out hooks. Use big bait and big
hooks, with a heavy rod/reel combination. The weight of the bait/hooks should
allow for your cast and for the bait to sink. This is great to experiment with
different baits to see what's working. Very fun way for anyone to fish. Get
ready, hookin' two is a fun fish-pullin'n-in challenge from any shoreline.
Never recommended for high-up fishing or bridge fishing, unless you have the
gear, a buddy, and a drop net.
2. Bait
Chicken Livers
- These are my top choice. Buy them, separate and put them in small plastic bags
in your freezer now! When you head out, just grab a bag...you'll always have fun
with these. They are available at your local grocery store (in the pork/chicken
fresh meat aisle). They are inexpensive and simply a top catfish getter. Make
sure you have some nice sharp treble hooks, and some napkins (more in that
later). When fishing, take one liver, lay it on the treble hook and hold the
ends. Pull the hook up very easily and set the bait. Make sure it's on tightly
and cast out. That's it.
Remember the napkin, use it now. Clean your hands and the area well. When using
these, you have chicken blood on your hands and around you...nice animal/insect
attractant it is. Clean up well. I was hit by a hornet after baiting one during
June because I left stuff on only my thumb. He landed there and bit me right
away. There's a photo of me somewhere on here where you can see the thumb with
blood all over it. After the snap of the camera, I was hit.
The younger the
catfish, the less picky. Older ones seem to target the dead stuff...minnow,
crayfish, anything as such. Always change up after a while. Never keep throwing
out the same bait if nothing's hittin' what you've been constantly using. If you
want big catfish...go with cut-bait and big sharp trebles or other curved style
hooks. Bottom fish your favorite hole at dusk or dawn. That's it. We could have
just written that.
3.
Removing a Catfish from the Hook
DON'T TOUCH THE FINS! POISONOUS!
Vinegar seems to take away the sting if you did get hit.
Okay, now you have a sweet
catfish floppin' all over and it's got your hook in it's mouth. Try to be easy
here and take it out without hurting you or the fish. Always carry some pliers
(long-nosed) with you for such circumstances, and use them to gently pull out
the hook while controlling the fish gently on the ground with a rag (avoiding
any touch to the fins).
If it's gut-hooked
(the hook is swallowed), then just cut the line as close to the hook as possible
and release it. The hook will rust out, and the fish will be in better shape
then your pullin' and tuggin' on its intestines.
REMEMBER -
BIG CATFISH HIT THE BAIT EASY. ALWAYS KEEP CATFISHIN' LINES TIGHT!
IF NIGHT FISHING FOR CATFISH, THEY HEAD FOR THE SHORE TO FEED!
See Our
Moon Phase
Section
for
help with catching catfish at night. |
 We have
some new baits to show soon.... |
KEEP CHECKING OUR SITE...YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED!
We're working with one of the most amazing new soft plastic
inventors around! We promise you'll want some of what we are
going to show you. This maker cares about the quality of the
lure, and it's "catchablilty" when you are out there fishing. |
4. Tackle
When catfishing, just think
terminal tackle, heavy rod/reel, and sharp hooks. You don't need to spend
hundreds to have a great day at any fishing spot. Just pay attention to the
quality of these items.
The terminal tackle (swivels, weights, snaps) should all be strong and of
average-large size depending on what you're going after. The rod and reel should
be able to handle a large fish (just look at it and see if you think a 6lb
catfish is going to steal it away from you if hook it). The rod should be at
least 6', and of medium-heavy action. Avoid ultralights or anything small. Use
sturdy equipment. Get a nice reel that can take a beating. Your favorite will
most likely do. I use a Daiwa Hypercast. Never a missed hook set opportunity.
This is a tough reel and highly recommended if you can find one. I had to buy
parts for mine on eBay. If you're looking for a part, contact us. We may have
it.
Fishing line...use Stren Magnathin or Triline XT - 12lb Test.
Or, if you are into the braided ( I am occasionally), get out the Berkley
Fireline.
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