New York winter catfish
Nov 22, 2019 10:57:39 #
Is fishing for catfish in the winter really a viable option for the winter months? Any input is appreciated thanks guys
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by gage_slides
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by gage_slides
Nov 22, 2019 10:57:46 #
Viable, yes. Worth the effort, no. They’ll be deep and barely moving. If you’re going to do it, I’d look for deep drop offs, and use a big, real bait. The meal has to be big enough it’s worth the effort for the fish to be willing to strike and expend its energy.
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by MintNova
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by MintNova
Nov 22, 2019 10:57:50 #
Do you think that bullhead would be moving more frequently than bigger catfish? I’m trying to catch one to put in a tank
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by gage_slides
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by gage_slides
Nov 22, 2019 10:57:55 #
It’s hard to tell, since bullheads tend to be lower on the food chain. If I had to guess, and it’s only a guess, I’d guess they would still be on top of drop offs avoiding predators below. I’m not sure where you’re at, but if you have a strong warm front come through, you might jump on that opportunity since the fish may pickup some activity. Or look towards dams where fish can stay in warmer waters. In average temperatures, the water should still be comfy for fish but slowly sending them into their winter stupor. Now though, I’m in the Midwest, and it’s mostly shutdown and the water is already quite cold.
Hope you get one. I caught a golden bullhead as a kid and I remember it being one of the prettier fish I have caught.
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by MintNova
Hope you get one. I caught a golden bullhead as a kid and I remember it being one of the prettier fish I have caught.
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by MintNova
Nov 22, 2019 11:08:02 #
Nov 22, 2019 11:35:00 #
Nocturnal but can catch em in daytime as well. Use oily or greasy bait.....Chicken....Pork...etc. I bet you will get a bite. if you can stay warm stay out fishing well after dark and chum the area your going to fish with tiny particles of same bait you will use for few hours ( the whole time your there) return to same place and continue chumming to get them feeding.
Nov 22, 2019 11:59:52 #
Nov 22, 2019 12:00:52 #
Nov 30, 2019 13:22:37 #
Give it a shot if you can stand the cold. Don't know about NY but channel cats are pretty good on the snake in winter.
Nov 30, 2019 14:25:01 #
Just figure that they hardly sleep.... their sniffing instinct is awake even when they are lethargic. If most fish are practically ( all species) hibernating then any potential food is probably not being consumed by other type fish. Channel Cats are pretty much the only type catfish I target anymore. They are something worth filleting. Blue Cats get even bigger.
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