dcw2502 Loc: Apache Junction, Arizona

I’m originally from the PNW and have fished for lots of Salmon, Steelhead and various species of Trout. I am now a permanent resident of Arizona and interested in trying warm water species If I were to target Bass it would be strictly C & R !! But to start out I would like to try my hand at Crappie and Channel Catfish for table fare. I have never eaten either one but have heard they are not only somewhat numerous but also excellent eating. I fish from a Colorado XT Pontoon with an Electric Motor. I live in Gold Canyon. I don’t expect anyone to give up or reveal their favorite honey holes. But I would appreciate some general information on where to begin. I am amazed at how many Parks there are with Ponds that I understand that are stocked with Catfish and are accessible to Bank Fishing. Anyone have experience with these species on Canyon, Saguaro, or Bartlett Lakes ??

audigger53 Loc: Severn, MD

I grew up in Florence and fished all of those lakes. Catfish tricks for you.
One) when you take them off the stringer and put them in the cooler, they are still alive. When you get home they still are alive. Take a washtub, (The wife won't let me use the bathtub any more LOL), and fill it with water from the hose. Put them in and let them swim around for a couple hours, 2-3. They will clean themselves and NOT taste like the water you caught them in. If you taste the lake, that is what the Catfish will taste like.
Two) I used a sliding sinker. Either use a big swivel snap or tie a knot about a foot from the end. Slide your sinker up the line before putting the swivel snap on. If you used the knot method, put a split shot sinker just above the knot for a stopper. Tie your Leader w/hook on the end. When the fish picks it up, it can't feel anything.
When I got to the East Coast, I found out they call it a Carolina Rig. For a long time I didn't know what they were talking about. LOL Also that way you don't have to buy the "Fish Finders'. You can cast a 1-2 Oz sinker a long ways and the fish can't feel the weight when they pick up the bait. hope that helps. All of my fishing there was back in the 60's so I can't tell you where the "Honey Holes" are now. the really big cats are by the dam gates.

dcw2502 Loc: Apache Junction, Arizona

Thanks for the tips 👍😁

bapabear Loc: Blaine, Washington

WARNING: before you go out on your first trip, go to youtube and watch several videos on how to hold catfish. Their three barbs can really ruin a day. I personally carry a dikes and cut the spines off close to the body before throwing them in the cooler. Just be sure to discard the spike safely as they find a way of getting you even when not connected to the fish.

Just a side note: for those that catch and use staghorn sculpin (bullheads) in the salt for bait, do the same thing. It does not distract from the bait, but sure makes using them a lot less painful, not to mention keeping your line from tangling in the barbed spines.

I would also recommend you look at a few videos on filleting cats. It is a lot easier than the old fashion nail in a tree skinning method.

dcw2502 Loc: Apache Junction, Arizona

Thank you for the valuable tips !!

Barnacles Loc: Northern California

Catfish love chicken liver, but try to get fresh liver that hasn't been frozen. If chicken liver has been previously frozen, it's not easy to keep it on the hook.

Catfish is good eating. Down in the southern states, catfish is just about a dietary staple!

ScottJames Loc: Henderson, Nv

ScottJames Loc: Henderson, Nv

Bartlett is a Good Lake for Flathead Catfish ! You can catch them on Bluegills & Carp …..you can catch the Bait early in the morning….and then survive the Daytime in that Arizona Heat ! And then Fish at Night Time when it’s Cool outside. (pictures from Bartlett)

ScottJames Loc: Henderson, Nv

My 32

bapabear Loc: Blaine, Washington

It also often filled the poor college student platter when I was going to school in Sacramento California. I truly miss the catfishing in Florida. On my last trip there, pre pandemic. my wife and I would just pull over at many bodies of water including boat ramps in Feb. A cast with a chunk of supermarket shrimp and usually it was game on with either a blue cat, channel cat or a turtle. I hope to do that trip again, only this time I would like to extend the loop and hit the panhandle all the way to the Mississippi. But I am getting old. I hope the body holds out. I am still very covid shy due to a damaged lung and my wifes clinical asthma. I am afraid she will be toting oxygen before we know it. Oh well, we will play while the sun shines. After that, my grandson can bring the fish dinner. He is learning fast.

ScottJames Loc: Henderson, Nv

50 & 32 pounders

ScottJames Loc: Henderson, Nv

My 32

bapabear Loc: Blaine, Washington

Nice

RatherB.Fishn Loc: Arizona

You might try the metro ponds. Red Mountain is closest to you in Gold Canyon, (I’m in Gold Canyon also). They stock good sized channel cats regularly in season. Fish from bank. Everything works: Hot dogs, chicken liver, beef liver, night crawlers, stink bait, etc. I quit stink bait because, well it is stinky. I try to stay with bait that stays on the hook best rather than having to rebait all the time. Best place to set up? Closest to the car is good. I made a tackle cart from an old manual golf cart that I can put everything in that helps a lot. Some places have benches which can be a boon if you’re old like me. Use a line that casts easily, strength is not a dominate factor. Treble barbs cause problems, especially if you’re out in evenings, (love late evening fishing there).
They stock trout in winters and cats in the warmer months. They run 1-2-3 pounds, are excellent farm raised channels and delicious. You can be there in 20 minutes from here. You can also pick up nice sized bluegill next to the west Island.
Maybe run into you sometime.
Tight Lines.

bapabear Loc: Blaine, Washington

Your input is very much appreciated.