How to Fish for Catfish With a Rubber Worm
Catfish are opportunistic feeders that anglers catch on a variety of baits. Many catfish anglers prefer to use live or dead bait, and they are surprised when they catch a catfish on an artificial bait. Because catfish feed primarily by their sense of smell, fishermen can use scent-impregnated plastic worms to target the fish. One of the best ways to rig worms for catfish is on a bottom rig.
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Things You'll Need
- Fishing rod, with medium-heavy action, and reel
- Line, 15- 20-lb. test monofilament
- Sinker
- Barrel swivel
- Hook, size 3/0
Instructions
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Spool a medium-heavy action rod and reel fishing 15- to 20-lb. test monofilament fishing line. Cut a 25-inch section from the end of the fishing line and set it aside.
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Thread an egg-shaped weight on the end of the main line. The sinker must be heavy enough to cast and drag the rig to the bottom and keep it there. In rivers with current, use sinkers that weigh 1 oz. or more.
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Secure a barrel swivel to the main fishing line with a Palomar knot. Attach the 25-inch leader line to the other end of the swivel.
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Tie to the end of the leader line a size 3/0 fishing hook.
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Texas rig the plastic worm so it resists snags. Insert the hook into the top of the worm and push it in about 1/2 inch. Force the hook point out of the worm and then thread the worm up the shank of the hook, stopping just below the hook eye. Turn the hook so the point faces the worm and then insert the point into the worm. Thread the worm over the hook's eye.
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Cast the bottom rig around likely catfish habitat, including the edges of pools, around sunken timber and brush, and near undercut banks. After dark, catfish swim out of the deep holes where they spend the day and feed in shallow areas with gravel and rocks.
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Wait for a catfish to grab the bait. In some cases, the catfish may hit the bait hard. Other times, a bite may simply feel like unexpected weight on the end of the line. Either way, drop the rod tip toward the fish. When the line tightens, bring the rod upward with a firm motion to set the hook.
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References
Resources
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