MakoMaui

If there aren't any plants where you're casting, you might want to set the bait at the bottom as a bases to find where the catfish are feeding. I actually only used one method for cat fishing so far, so I can't give you a myriad of information on different set-ups. I always used a 6-8 lb test of mono tied to a barrel or snap swivel; a #6 shelled hook attached to the other end of the swivel, and an appropriate sized split shot above the swivel on my main line. I always used live worms. Livers and hot dogs also work well. I'm not sure the rules regulating your state, but in Jersey, we're allowed to have up to three active rods at a time. With cat fishing, it may be a good idea to have more than one active rod to increase your chances, but if it is an extremely active day of fishing, you'll find that it can be overwhelming trying to set the hook (If you aren't using circle hooks, in which case, the fish will almost always hook themselves), and reeling them in. As for the float, I never used one when targeting catfish, but I heard of it being done with success on the last forum I made on cat fishing. I've received some great tips on it if you want to check it out.

Welcome to the Forums.

Thanks for all of the input. I'll have to try some of these methods. Eventually I want to get a fishing kayak. That would give me the ability to head away from the bank and be able to drift for fish. Are there any regulations against fishing nets for baitfish? I live in Jersey, but I don't know the rules for baitfish. And how well do those mesh holders work for the messy baits?

I wish I had flatheads around me. I live in New Jersey. I know we have channels in some of our waters, but I don't know how big they are around here. Do you think the fish head will be intimidating for bullheads or white catfish? I'll have to look into the rod. I haven't really been faced with situations where I need to use weight above 3/4 oz in freshwater. But maybe I'll discover a new spot where the current calls for it. How big do those flats get around you?

When you prepare your blue gills, how do you do it? I catch them quite often on the same hooks I would catch my catfish on. What constitutes a good catfish rod? Maybe I should look into getting another rod & reel combo. I can always find a good use for them.

Well said. If you want to downsize the threat of one fish, target something bigger, and more aggressive. Those pickeral will soon start to seem like goldfish. Personally, I enjoy catching pickerel. They put up a great fight, and they taste good too. I think many people dislike them as a food source because they are considered bony fish and can be a problem to clean. There are ways around those bones though without losing a significant amount of meat. The only thing I don't enjoy catching are snags. To me, a fish is a fish.

This sounds like the most logical explanation. If the water is healthy and all the other fish are thriving, the bullheads are probably being targeted. One thing that comes to my mind is that because catfish are scavengers and will eat just about anything, maybe they have ate something contaminated. But then again, that wouldn't explain the wounds. Maybe if there is something living in the water attacking them, Jeremy Wade from "River Monsters" should be notified so that he has an episode for the next season.

Out of all the freshwater fish, catfish are among my favorites. As a species, I find it interesting. And the fight that a decent sized cat provides is enough to keep me "hooked". However, I have only fished for them one way; main line attached to a swivel, size #6 shelled hook ran through the end of the swivel, and a split shot a couple of inches above the swivel, enough to keep it down on the bottom. My bait of choice is always a nightcrawler, (I always get hits from other species until the cats find my bait first.) I am trying to expand my ways of fishing, and just recently, I have started to get into making rigs, (I only made top and bottom buck tail rigs for flukes in saltwater so far.) I am curious. What are you guys using to catch catfish? What techniques do you find most effective? P.S. : The last time I went out for catfish, I bought "liver imitations" made by Gulp. They were getting hits just about every cast, but I didn't have good hooks that worked well with that bait.

Hello, everyone. I am new to these forums, and I am here to seek advice, hear fishing stories, and meet new people during my stay. I started off fishing saltwater as a child. In between my teen years and the past two years, I haven't fished for quite some time. Until I started working, and was able to afford my own equipment, I picked up fishing again but I began in freshwater this time. My goal is to catch as many different species as I can, so I do not restrict my fishing.