Is it supposed to be hard to catch catfish in the summer?
Aug 16, 2020 10:24:58 #
What am I doing wrong? I use the Carolina rig with a circle hook and a combination of shad and chicken liver.
I throw them in spots where it's deep in a river/pond and spots where it's close to where I am in places where they could possibly hide. But the only bites I get is from turtles or bluegills.
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by XiRw
I throw them in spots where it's deep in a river/pond and spots where it's close to where I am in places where they could possibly hide. But the only bites I get is from turtles or bluegills.
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by XiRw
Aug 16, 2020 10:25:01 #
Look for undercut banks and downed trees. Areas where the currents are slow on one side and fast on the other are pretty productive (eddies). Also, big rocks or even a low spot in a river (think like a pothole in a street, but in a river) you might be using too big a hook also. I’ve caught a few big kitties on a 1/0 circle hook. Look up something called “fouling a hook” it’s where the bait rolls from under the hook to right up on the barb and point during the cast. YouTube my friend, is the second best teacher to experience.
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by RevAngler
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by RevAngler
Aug 16, 2020 10:25:07 #
When I see things like downed trees or undercut banks, do I throw it right in front of it? Or in the general area where it's more deeper? A lot of those downed trees I see are in very shallow water so I'm not sure if they go in there or not.
For a hook I use a 2/0
I have checked out some videos but haven't had luck with them yet. Thanks for the advice
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by XiRw
For a hook I use a 2/0
I have checked out some videos but haven't had luck with them yet. Thanks for the advice
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by XiRw
Aug 16, 2020 10:25:11 #
Up stream so that the current brings the scent to them. What ever you do. Don’t give up. Snagging and breaking off is frustrating. Hit up EBay for deals on gear to save some cash. Better then that go out to local bait and tackle shops and ask the locals. Spend some cash in town and you’re more likely to catch cash. Maybe it’s a Karma thing. Tight lines.
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by RevAngler
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by RevAngler
Aug 16, 2020 12:48:13 #
FS Digest wrote:
What am I doing wrong? I use the Carolina rig with a circle hook and a combination of shad and chicken liver.
I throw them in spots where it's deep in a river/pond and spots where it's close to where I am in places where they could possibly hide. But the only bites I get is from turtles or bluegills.
--
by XiRw
I throw them in spots where it's deep in a river/pond and spots where it's close to where I am in places where they could possibly hide. But the only bites I get is from turtles or bluegills.
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by XiRw
The grandkids catch blue cats off the dock in my cove in the evenings. I found the best bait to be little smoky sausages cut in half and put in a treble hook.
Aug 16, 2020 14:03:50 #
2/0 is a pretty big hook. Just need a high quality hook but I don't use anything larger than what would for small mouth bass or big trout. I use common hooks. My guess there isn't any cat fish in the water your fishing. They are nocturnal. You can catch them in deep ( dark or very little light ) holes but after dark they will move into shallower water. scent. oily. greasy. chicken livers work because they are greasy. add garlic...anise ( black licorice) etc to get them off the bottom. I use fish parts after cleaning fish...like the fish that are common there.
Aug 16, 2020 14:17:18 #
Well, Hoss; I'd cut the heads off all the turtles I caught, and if I caught a bluegill, I'd use it for catfish bait. You are doing things right. The prior posts also have good advice. Might add a scent to your bait. Are you fishing at night? Finally, might try diferent spots. Just Sayin...RJS
Aug 17, 2020 10:59:11 #
1/0 and 2/0 circle hooks are fairly small, I have some but mostly use regular #1 bait hook for cats.
Aug 17, 2020 12:32:00 #
bapabear
Loc: Blaine, Washington
Turtle is far better than cats. (stay calm world. I know everyone has a different pallet) After a little practice, you will be cleaning them in a snap, Lots of good meat on a reasonable size turtle. Yes, there are several different types of meat in a turtle. All are eatable and all are good. That is one critter meal I miss in Northern Washington.
Aug 17, 2020 13:59:22 #
Come on over to the Texas Gulf!
Unfortunately, that’s all I’m catchOmg right now.
Good luck
Unfortunately, that’s all I’m catchOmg right now.
Good luck
Aug 17, 2020 16:30:28 #
hemihappy
Loc: pawleys island s.c.
I don't know if this is legal in your area but the old timers here just dump a big bag of dog food in a slow
current area and come back in a couple of days and fish there. Catfish have noses like bloodhounds
if the food stays in one area they will be there.
current area and come back in a couple of days and fish there. Catfish have noses like bloodhounds
if the food stays in one area they will be there.
Aug 17, 2020 16:45:53 #
Yep! And same thing for crappie fishermen. I've know of them taking a 6 foot cedar tree, tying on a large rock for an anchor and sinking it in a likely spot. Also sinking a bale of vetch hay at the same location and then in a week or two, fish for crappie at night there. It would have created a desirable spot for the crappie due to the smaller minnows being attracted to the food. Just Sayin...RJS
Aug 17, 2020 20:10:38 #
While out fishing for crappie today, I caught 9 today, 5 was on my chatter bait, and the rest was on noodles. Fishing a new spot, bayou Amy. I did have fun catching a 5lb goo. Those things fight!! I used cut out ribs from fish that I catch, soaked in garlic, and then froze, to use later. Today was later. The gators were there, not as many large ones, but must have seen 30 little guys between 2-3ft. Not many people fish this water, I don't know why. The bottom from one side to the other goes from 1ft to about 10ft 20ft from shore down to 14-17ft then up the other side from 14ft right off the bank. Another place had me stuck in 2ft of water50ft from shore.
Aug 17, 2020 21:08:04 #
bapabear
Loc: Blaine, Washington
Hemihappy, Not legal in Washington. No chumming except in designated bodies of water, and there are only a few.
Aug 20, 2020 00:39:03 #
April0420
Loc: Hardinsburg KY
I do alot of river fishing and have pretty good luck with the cats..I use chicken livers and sometimes chubs..but I found out that using no sinker where my bait sinks and flows naturally gives better results..and at night I generally fish 30 to 40 ft out..if boat traffic and or barge traffic I cast about 2ft where the water goes from muddy to clear..patience is the secret..happy fishing
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