The experience of fighting a catfish is hard to top.Themekong giant catfish can get up to 650 pounds, making it the largest fish in the world.The channel catfish, flathead catfish and blue catfish are the main species of giant catfish in America.The blue catfish can weigh in at over 100 pounds.The majority of regular sized freshwater fish are the same size as these beasts.You can catch monster catfish with the right approach and strategy.
Step 1: Large chunks of native fish can be used for bait.
You should not use artificial lures or smaller bait like prawns.You should choose a freshwater fish that swims in the same rivers because catfish require bait from their natural habitat.The consistency of using bait like chicken livers is not as good as it could be.The two types of freshwater fish that are good at attracting catfish are skipjack and shad.The catfish have a sense of smell and can detect bait from long distances.
Step 2: A long rod is enough to carry the load of a large fish.
It's not a good idea to use stiff rods for catching catfish because they don't bend enough and could crack or break.Choose an e-glass or composite rod that is 7 - 12 feet long because the added length will allow you to bare a higher load, and the flexibility of those rods will absorb some of the fight from the fish.Your rod won't break if you struggle with the catfish who is at the bottom of the river.When fishing in a deeper lake or river, a longer rod will allow you to cast out further.
Step 3: To pull in a monster catfish, you need a reel with enough cranking power.
If you want to catch the biggest fish on a conventional reel, you need a good drag system and large line capacity.Because you will likely be fishing in a river or other source of water that has a current, a good drag system will allow your bait to float with the current from where you cast it, and the line capacity will give you enough fishing line to accommodate it.It is recommended to use 20 to 30 pound test monofilament line.The best way to catch catfish is with a slip bobber ring.When the catfish takes the bait, the slip bobber rings have three curved hooks so that he won't tear away, harming the fish and losing your prize!
Step 4: The clothes and boots are comfortable.
It could get very cold when you are out in the muddy water.It's a good idea to wear comfortable clothes when fishing for giant catfish.One can contract trench foot if they have their feet submerged in cold water for a long period of time.
Step 5: catfish are legal for game fishing in a state where they are plentiful.
The bottom dwellers are native to Ohio, Missouri, and Mississippi.They can be found in a number of states.In Alabama, catfish are non-game fish, which means you can't fish them for sport.If you don't know the legal status of catfish, you may be fined.
Step 6: catfish usually dwell in an area off a main river.
There are places along the river where catfish can be found, such as the mouth of a tributary off a main river.Inside river bends are where catfish prefer to swim and the current is weaker there.If you are fishing in a lake, you can use sonar to find sunken island, humps, or hills, which are prime locations for catfish to feed.It's a good idea to choose a location that has a similar depth to how deep your baitfish swims.
Step 7: There are areas with cover or along a rocky coast that catfish prefer.
Locating the catfish is important, but you also need to find suitable environments.Like trees that dip into the river or aquatic vegetation like lilies pads or log rafts, catfish prefer thick cover.Flatheads prefer warm and humid places.catfish is a pretty predictable predator because of their love of food.Try fishing where its food source is.
Step 8: You can fish your catfish at the right time and season.
Different catfish are more active.Pick the right season for the species that is native to your area.catfish will usually be feeding during those times.The best time to catch the largest blue catfish in the US is during the winter and spring.In the hot summer, channel catfish are more likely to be found.
Step 9: You don't want to make a lot of noise while fishing.
The audio waves produced by sound can be heard by catfish.It might swim away if you make a lot of noise in the river.If you are fishing with someone else, keep your voice low.Don't play music while fishing for catfish.
Step 10: While using multiple rods, select and practice a suitable fishing technique.
There are many ways to catch catfish.You can jug fish, which means you can cast a number of jugs that act as floats, with fishing line attached underneath, or try more traditional methods like shore fishing or boat fishing.If the current is strong, make sure to check your bait.The water may be able to wash your bait off your line.
Step 11: Prepare for the power of a monster fish by holding the reel.
Once you hook a catfish, make sure you leave enough slack for it to fully get hooked, but you need to hold onto your reel tightly.If you aren't paying attention, catfish can easily pull your rod from your hands.The catfish will be closer to you gradually if you work the reel up in a smooth motion.You don't want to yank the hook away from it's mouth.Make sure to use the current to your advantage if the catfish tries to swim upstream.If it means making the catfish tired and easier to reel in, you can allow your line to go further.If you are fighting a catfish for a long period of time, make sure that there is no slack on your line because it gives it the chance to wrestle loose.If you put your hook into its mouth, you should be able to reel it in.