Catfish aren’t glamorous, but they fight hard and taste great. I’ve caught them everywhere from farm ponds to major rivers, and the approach is simpler than most fishing.
Location
Catfish like cover and current breaks – deep holes, submerged logs, bridge pilings, channel bends. During the day, find the deepest, darkest water available. At night, they move shallow to feed.
Rivers often fish better than lakes for cats. Current concentrates food and fish.
Bait
Catfish smell their food. Strong-smelling baits work: cut shad, chicken liver, stinkbait, nightcrawlers. Fresh bait outperforms old bait. Let them find it with their nose.
For big catfish, use big bait. A whole bluegill or large chunk of cut bait attracts trophy fish that ignore smaller offerings.
Rigging
Keep it simple. A sliding sinker rig (Carolina rig) lets fish pick up bait without feeling resistance. Heavy enough weight to hold bottom in current, but not so heavy fish can’t move the bait.
Circle hooks work well – they catch the corner of the mouth as fish swim away, making hooksets easy.
When to Fish
Night fishing is traditional and effective. Catfish feed more actively in darkness. But they’ll bite all day if you find them in deep water or heavy cover.
Summer and fall are peak seasons. Warm water means active fish.
Patience
Catfishing is mostly waiting. Cast out, set your rod in a holder, and let the bait sit. Keep the line tight enough to see bites. When the rod loads up, give them a second to eat before setting the hook.
Bring a chair and something to drink. Catfishing is relaxing once you accept the pace.
