Things You'll Need:
- Fishing Rod w/ 10 - 12lb test fishing line
- Medium sized Circle hook (no weights necessary).
- Access to the lake near marinas and boat docks.
- A $1.50 tub of chicken liver from your local grocier.
- A bag of Range Cubes ($8-$9) from your local feed store.
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Step 1
If you do not already have access to a boat dock, locate a marina that will allow you to fish from their docks The best docks are those that sit close to the water and cover a large area. Catfish prefer the darkness provided by these docks and the protection provided by their structure. In Texas channel catfish can be caught in large quantities all year long in water as shallow as 3' of water. Areas where the water depth gradually changes from a depth of 10' or more to 3'-5' where the dock sits are ideal.
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Step 2
Toss 3 to 4 handfuls of range cubes into the water as close to the dock as possible. Try to get a few cubes under the dock. The range cubes will become soft in the water, but the catfish will eat the cubes while they are still somewhat dry. Typically it takes about 15 to 20 minutes before the catfish in the area are sucking up the cubes.
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Step 3
Tie your circle hook on the line, no weights are needed because the weight of the liver is enough. Cut a liver in half (along the tendon) and use this large portion on the hook. Fold semi-solid portions of the liver onto the hook until hanging flaps of liver will no longer reach far enough to be hooked again. As long as your chicken livers are kept cold, they will hold on well to the hook. When they get warm, they will fall off fast.
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Step 4
Drop or cast the liver as close as possible to the dock. If you can get slightly under the edge of the dock this is even better. Usually my best fishing hole is close to the corner of the shore-line and the dock (very shallow). If you do not get a bite within 60 seconds, move your liver 2' or 3' around the dock.
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Step 5
Keep just enough slack in your line so that you can see it floating slightly on the water. This will allow the fish to suck the liver into his mouth and start swimming away. You do not want too much slack or it will become difficult to set the hook, however with this strategy circle hooks will generally set the hook for you.
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Step 6
If you have fished for an hour with no luck, then the area may be infested with Gar or turtles, the area may be over fished, or you could be fishing during prime spawning season. Move to another location. If Channel Catfish are in the area - you will be catching them.
