kscatfisherman Loc: Northeast Kansas

I've noticed a lot of fisherman asking for info on specific fishing techniques, rigging, accessories, etc.
This past winter I have watched a lot of fishing videos on YOU TUBE and it has been very enjoyable and educational. Some of the catfishing videos fishermans are Catfish Dave, Kayak Catfishing, Hagen Grubb Fishing, Dieter Melhorn fishing. These guys specialize in 20, 30, 40 lb catfish and up. The smallish one they consider "dinks"and time consuming. Now, these guys Richard Gene fishing machine, Jimmy Houston Outdoors, Carp and Catfish,specialize in crappie, bluegill, carp, and bass. All of them at one time or the other will have a video on what equipment they are using and how to rig them up. If you want a different fisherman just type in Fishing Videos. I've fished all my life and the biggest catfish I've caught on rod & reel is 11 lbs, after watching these videos I feel I have a good chance of catching the 20 pounder this year.


Good Fishing to All,

FixorFish Loc: SW Oregon

But the best eating cats are less than 10lbs, 3lb-6lb being ideal in my book. Suppose it depends on whether you are going for dinner or "glory"....or just bragging rights..... totally your call.

BTW.... can't recall EVER doing C&R of a catfish... EXCEPT if it turned out to be a 10lb+ "momma" at a pond that was basically "self-sustaining" a few years after the initial stocking, as are the 3 on my family's ranch in Kansas.

kscatfisherman Loc: Northeast Kansas

You're absolutely right on the eating size. I learn that the hard way. One time I had some in the 8 to 10 lb range and several smaller ones. I gave them away and kept the bigger ones. Big learning experience, the big ones flavor lacked a lot to desire, tasted like mud. I would like to have the feel and fight in bringing a 20 pounder in.

FixorFish Loc: SW Oregon

Please use BARBLESS CIRCLE HOOKS if you wish to "target" a fish that size. Catfish are like the best girlfriends.....they all swallow deeply !

Alaska Charlie

My girlfriend is nothing like that. She just sits on my lap and purrs!

hemihappy Loc: pawleys island s.c.

I have a story about catfishing. Every year my fishing club has a catfish round up and we have a generous Calcutta
for the winner. We clean and eat the catfish at our club fish fry. One year I was fishing in a spot I like and I hooked a 20 pounder and figured I had that Calcutta won. When we headed to the dock I saw what I thought was a dead
deer laying on the dock next to one of my buddies standing there. As I got closer I saw what it was. It was a 48 pound Flat Head and My buddie laughed at the little 20 pound minnow I had. I was spending that prize money all the way to the dock. I have to laugh now when I think about it. Of course second place don't get you anything in a Calcutta.

Foodfisher Loc: SO. Cal coast

Yep, second place is only the first loser.