Catching channel cats in a lake

[TrueNameAmended]

I’ve done lots of catfishing in my life, almost always on the Delaware river. However, as I’ve mentioned in another post, lately I’ve been fishing mostly with my 6 year old daughter, so fishing the Delaware isn’t really an option.

 

Anyway, I plan on going out tonight on Mauch Chunk lake in Jim Thorpe, PA to try and land some catfish. People apparently have a lot of luck here with catfish, and as a matter of fact last weekend when we were there a guy was setting up on the fishing dock for the night to do just that. 

 

I’m just wondering if anyone has any tips for catfishing on the lake rather than the rivers/streams. We will be fishing off the dock and while I’m not too familiar with the lake’s specifics, it appears relatively deep there right off the shore. 

 

Anyone who’s familiar with this lake in particular would be a huge help. 

 

Thanks.

[NittyGrittyBoy]

Not familiar with the lake but maybe can offer help dock fishing. 

 

Your limited to where you can fish, so you need to bring the fish to you. Scent will be your number one weapon. Chum, and lots of it. 

 

Several options, can of wet dog food, punch holes in it and throw it out

Stuff a bunch of bait in pantyhose and throw it out.

Whatever you do, just need to attract the fish to your area

[soflabasser]

Try fishing with fresh cutbait, chicken liver, or even hotdogs.

[Rahlow]

sorry just noticed this was posted days ago

[Graham]

Circle hook and a hotdog. Hang on!

[FishDewd]

Everyone says hotdogs and circle hooks for catfish, but I find it isn't easy. Lol. I get lots of hits on hotdogs, yes... but the hook-up ratio isn't that great cause they come off very easily. I'll go through several hotdogs considering making them into pieces before I land one catfish. Though it usually is a good catfish.

[Bluebasser86]

Fresh cutbait like bluegills, carp, chubs, suckers, goldfish, shad, any fish that is legal to use for bait really. I use a 2/0 Kahle hook and fish it weightless, just let the weight of the bait carry the hook to the bottom. After it settles, I fish it along slowly like I would a plastic worm. Strikes are violent and fish tend to average larger than they do still fishing so be prepared. I can cover much more water and catch many more fish than someone sitting in one spot and waiting.