Catching trophy-sized catfish requires a definite method. Appropriate tackle that will stand up to the heavy fish is a must. Hooks that are too light will simply straighten out under the pressure of a monster catfish strike, so terminal tackle must be chosen carefully. Bait must have the right movement and scent to attract the catfish. Depth finders allow fisherment to pinpoint the location of the fish along the riverbed. Finally, hooking and landing the fish require skill as well as angling instinct. Start With a Catfish Rod
Custom rod builders construct rods to meet customer’s specifications, but rods built for catfish catching are readily available from fishing outfitters. The Bass Pro Cat Maxx and Cabela’s King Kat Series rods are popular choices. The Berkley Glowstick also has a light feature for night fishing. Catfish rods should be heavy and strong enough to withstand a fighting 100 pound plus fish. However, the rod tip needs to be sensitive enough to bounce when a big catfish just nibbles at the bait. Fish this size can send line through the rod guides at a searing rate, so these need to be especially well-made and securely attached.
Abu Garcia Ambassadeur Reels a Good Choice
The Abu Garcia Ambassadeur reel is a great example of the type of reel that trophy catfishing requires. However, any reel that can withstand heavy fishing will work. When the giant fish make a run, cheaply constructed reels will break off at the reel seat or simply break apart
Terminal Tackle
Both circle hooks and “J” hooks work for this type of fishing, but the angler needs a different technique for each. When the rods, which are secured in rod holders at the rear of the boat, begin to bounce and curve toward the water, the angler needs to set a “J” hook with a powerful, upward movement. When the bait is rigged on circle hooks, however, the rod should be swept low across the water with a sideways motion, or simply retrieved with a couple of quick turns of the reel.
Use Cut Bait or Live Bait for Big Cats
Cut Bait, such as strips of skipjack or cut up creek chubs, bring in the big cats. When using circle hooks, the hook point should not be buried in the bait. Live bait fish are another good choice. These catfish are big enough to take bait fish as large as a man’s hand. The bait fish should be hooked through the back, allowing them to swim freely.
Depth Finders Are Essential Equipment
Depth finders are essential for successful catfish hunting on big rivers. Equipment that shows the topology of the river bottom will reveal the chasms and ridges where fish lurk along the edge. Water depth matters, as well. Fish may be biting at 20 feet one day and 30 feet the next, and a good depth finder helps the fisherman select the most likely spot to cast out bait.
Use the Rod, Not the Reel, to Bring in Fish
Once a big cat is on the hook, the angler should use the powerful rod to bring it in. An up and down motion, pulling in the fish and then reeling in slack on the way down, keeps the stress on the rod and not on the reel. Flathead catfish make a run when they see the boat, and the angler may have to let out a bit of line and then play the fish in again.
Bring That Trophy Catfish On Board
Catfish have hard, sharp, rasp-like mouths that can easily draw blood when the fisherman grips the fish’s jaw. A big, well-made net is a must for this type of fishing. Leather gloves are a good idea for anglers who don’t want to take chances with their hands. Then, the triumphant fisherman can pose for a photo with the catch before releasing the giant back into the river.
Here's what you need to know to greatly improve your chances of taking a trophy catfish. Many fishermen think that catching a trophy cat should be fairly easy. We see all the pictures on the internet and magazines showing all these giant catfish. It's true there are lots of trophy catfish caught each year, but it's not as easy as one might think. The good news is that more and more big catfish are being released after they are weighed, measured and photographed. Catch and release improves everybody's chances of catching a trophy catfish.
Where Is The Best Place To Catch A Trophy Catfish?
You can target big blue catfish and big flathead catfish in many large river systems and reservoirs in the Midwest, South and Eastern United States.
The Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee and James River systems all contain World Record Class Catfish. Lake Texoma , Lake Marion, and Lake Moultrie also hold World Record Class Catfish. Most larger river systems and lakes hold trophy class cats from 30-50 pounds. You can catch them in smaller rivers and lakes but your best chances are in the bigger waters.
When Is The Best Time Of Day To Fish For Giant Catfish?
There are several factors here such as season and moon phase, but generally in the summer months you can target blue catfish both day and night with good results. The flathead catfish are generally much more active at night, with many larger fish caught around midnight to 3 am. Full moon nights can be slow, so pass on these if you can reschedule to another night. Flatheads can be caught at any time day or night, but your chances are much greater at these peak times.
What Are The Best Months To Catch Trophy Catfish?
If you are chasing giant blue and flathead catfish, the summer months, when the water levels are generally lower, is the best time to target them. The warmer water makes the catfish more active and feed more. Another great season to catch big blue catfish is in the winter when most fishermen are waiting for spring to come. Those that know this secret are out killing themselves reeling in the big blues. It's a blast. This season is normally from November to January and sometimes extends into February.
Flatheads often will feed aggressively from late September through late October as they fatten up for the winter. The flathead catfish fishing slows through the winter and picks up again in the spring.
Where Will The Giant Catfish Be Lurking?
Flathead catfish like deep holes with cover on the outside edges of the rivers bends. Look for large logjams, cast under the edges and let your bait drift in and then hang on. If the outside bends are too strong to fish try to find some inside bends with less current to fish.
In large lakes and reservoirs look for the big flatheads in areas with lots of cover, submerged brush piles, or stumps. They often travel in old river and creek channels in these lakes and reservoirs. Often at night they will travel these channels emerging at the edge of shallows where they come to feed. Position yourself along these areas and wait for them to arrive.
Blue catfish will often be found in similar areas as the flathead catfish.basspro, bass tips, basspro shop, catfishing, catfishing tips
The blues can sometimes also be found a little deeper along drop-offs and ledges.
In large lakes and reservoirs look for the big flatheads in areas with lots of cover, submerged brush piles, or stumps. They often travel in old river and creek channels in these lakes and reservoirs. Often at night they will travel these channels emerging at the edge of shallows where they come to feed. Position yourself along these areas and wait for them to arrive.