How to Fish for Catfish With Milk Jugs
Catfish are large bottom feeders found in freshwater rivers, ponds and lakes throughout the world. In some places they are considered a delicacy. They are a traditional dish in many of the areas where they live and can be easily prepared for eating in a variety of ways. One of the easiest methods for catching catfish is using a rig made out of a milk or other plastic jug, a practice also known as "jugging." No fishing rod or reel is required to catch catfish with this method.
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Things You'll Need
- Empty gallon milk jug with cap
- 5-foot length heavy fishing line (40- to 80-pound test)
- Splitshot line weight
- Sinker
- Fish hook
- Bait meat
Instructions
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1
Get your fishing line ready. Put the splitshot weight on one end of the line, tie the hook halfway down the line and tie the sinker to the other end.
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2
Insert the end of the line with the splitshot weight into the bottle and screw the cap on tight, leaving the end with the hook and sinker to dangle outside of the jug.
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3
Select a calm spot without heavy water traffic, preferably somewhere out of the wind. Attach the meat to the hook, then drop the jug and line into the water.
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4
When the jug starts to bob and move around, pull it out of the water and see if you've caught a catfish.
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Tips & Warnings
If you decide to leave your jugs and come back later, make sure you check them at least every 12 to 24 hours.
It's easy to use more than one jug. Just repeat the directions above for the number of lines you want to set.
The stinkier the bait the better. Catfish have a good sense of smell, so if you use rotten meat or put garlic salt on it, it may help you attract fish better.
If you have some other sort of game fish on the line, you must release it. Where jug fishing is permitted, it is allowed only to fish for catfish. Check your local fishing regulations.
There is a limit on the number of jug lines you can set out at once. Again, consult your local fishing regulations.
