How to Fish for Catfish in Deep Weeds

Fried or broiled catfish is a good meal.

At one time, some people sneered at the idea of eating catfish. Catfish are bottom feeders, so their diet is somewhat less than appetizing. They aren't sport fish like bass or trout. In most states, there are no specific rules regarding the sizes or numbers of catfish that can be removed from the lakes. Catfish have a tender white meat that is especially sweet along the backbone.

Instructions

1. Use the smelliest bait you can find. Catfish find rank odor and rotting meats to be irresistible. If you want to purchase bait, there is a type called stink-bait, and some is specifically formulated for catfish. For homemade baits, use chicken livers and allow them to set for a while in a sealed container in the sun. Beef livers, pork livers and rancid bacon all make excellent baits for the catfish. You can also use the old standby of night crawlers. In the heat of the day, the catfish are going to be taking refuge in deep weeds, so cast baits as close to these weeds as you can get them.

2. Cut large pieces of bait into smaller sized chunks and use a smaller hook. If the bait is small enough, the catfish will swallow it whole; if it is a large piece of bait, the catfish will nibble around the edges without ever taking the bait into its mouth. Extra lengths of a hook protruding from the bait can snag a stubborn weed and get hung up.

3. Place a medium to large weight on the line to help the bait and hook sink to the bottom of the heavily weeded areas. If you use a bobber or strike indicator, the bait and hook may not be able to sink to the bottom of heavily weeded areas.

4. Wait until the fish takes your bait. Catfish are not like bass that strike as soon as the bait hits the water. They are scavengers. If you bait your hook correctly, if the bait is stinky enough, and if you cast your line in the right location, the catfish will find it.

5. Cast more than one rod. Since fishing for catfish is a waiting game, use two or three rods at the same time. Cast one on the clear side of the weeds, another in the middle and yet another towards the back of the weeds close to the shore. You may want to try alternating baits on each of the rods to see which is hit more often.

Tips & Warnings

• Catfish eat all day long, but are most active at night and in the early morning.

References

• Catfishin; Tips; Tim Smith
• Bass Pro; Lures for Wood, Rock and Weeds; Don Wirth