Night fishing is probably the best way to catch a big catfish. Big catfish
feed largely at night and this method of fishing offers the greatest chance of
hooking up to the monsters underneath.
Most folks think the moon phases affect the catfish, I personally have much
better luck on moonless nights verses full moon nights. The only real benefit of
the full moon for me is the fact that you can see your line better and it’s
easier to see where you are casting. The most important thing besides having fun
is to make sure and be comfortable as possible while you are fishing. As it is
night and the bugs do tend to come out, make sure that you have plenty of “Off”
or some other type of repellent to keep the pest away. Also some other things
you may want to bring along would be: an ice chest with your favorite beverages
and maybe a snack or two, also a nice lawn chair and rod holder. A big net is a
must as there is a chance of finding the biggest cat of your life and you don’t
want a dinky little net for the job.
When night fishing I try not to set out more than two or three rods depending
on where I am fishing. From the boat it is a little easier to fish three rods if
you have rod holders mounted on the boat where you can have one on each side of
you and one in front. Never use less than 20lb test line, I usually string up my
CastAway rods with 25-50lb test Stren line. I have found the best hooks for the
job are the new Daiichi Bleeding Bait Circle hooks. The red color, even at
night, triggers something in the fish that makes them want to bite. I have found
that there are a few tricks that need to be learned when fishing with circle
hooks compared to regular hooks. Don’t set the hook, just reel or lift the rod
slowly. Circle hooks can find “home” by themselves. Choose the smallest size
hook you can get by with for faster penetration, I usually try to stay with a
small 2/0 to a 4/0 for most catfishing trips. Circle hooks tend to get hooked in
the corner of the fish’s jaw; this is great especially at night as it makes
getting the hook out of the catfish’s mouth much easier.
You will also want a reel that is strong enough to handle a possibly 100lb
plus fish. I personally us Abu Garcia reels, but any really good real will do,
this is definitely not the place to scrimp at, with out a quality reel, rod and
line you won’t catch that fish of a lifetime.
Bait is a matter of great importance; I generally won’t go night fishing
without live bait. I feel that the larger fish didn’t get that way by eating any
old smelly think they swim by. Shad or large shiners tend to make the best
baits. A really great bait that I have used in other states and I think you can
find in some places around here is goldfish. I think the catfish must just hate
them because they never come back whole. Also you might want to carry along some
good old fashioned night crawlers, catfish of all sizes will gobble them up.
Try night fishing for catfish, you really will have a great time and catch
some of the biggest cats you ever have.
Night Time Catfishing 101By Chris MeGee
http://tinyurl.com/al38ora
Saturday, March 30, 2013
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
catfish fishing
this information will be very general. Each body of water has its own unique quirks, and it helps to know the waters you are fishing in. What works in Alabama may work differently in Maine or Texas.
There are 39 species of catfish in North America, but only three are of any importance to fisherman. They are the Blue Catfish (Ictalurus furcatas), the Flathead, or Yellow Catfish (Pylodictus olivares), and the Channel Catfish (Ictalurus puctatus). The other species are of little concern because of their small size or limited distribution.
All catfish share some basic anatomical features. They all have "whiskers" which are actually very sensitive sensory organs, an incredible sense of smell that can detect food concentrations of as little as one part per million, and 'taste-buds' along the entire length of their body.
They all have sharp, mildly venomous spines on each pectoral fin and on the dorsal fin. The venom is not normally harmful to humans, but if it stings too much for you, here is a little known trick to make it go away. Simply rub the catfish's tail over the wound and it will stop hurting. The mucous that all catfish secrete has an antidote for the venom in it.
Blue Catfish are primarily big-river fish indigenous to the Ohio, Missouri and Mississippi River systems, ranging from Virginia south through Tennessee, western North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, east Texas, east Mexico and Guatemala.
They are popular 'stockers' in pay lakes. Blue Catfish differ from the other two species in that they are active and aggressive in the winter. Blue Catfish run large, up to 100 pounds and more. 50 pounders are not uncommon.
In appearance, they are heavy-bodied, but streamlined. They are slate blue on the back and sides fading to white on the belly, with no markings of any kind. They have a deeply forked tail and 30-35 rays on the anal fin. Smaller specimens are often confused with Channel Catfish where their habitats overlap.
Blue Catfish spawn when the water temperature reaches 70-75 degrees F. They lay their eggs under logs, brush, debris, or along undercut banks without making a nest of any kind. Blue Catfish prefer sandy bottoms and moderate current.
The largest specimens are usually caught on trotlines using live bluegills, goldfish or other baitfish. They can be caught on cut-bait, nightcrawlers and 'stink-bait' as well. They are active feeders all year long and make wonderful table-fare.
The Yellow, or Flathead Catfish range from the lower Great Lakes south through the Mississippi River Basin all the way to the Gulf States. In size, Yellow Catfish can reach lengths of 3-4 feet and 100 pounds or more. Fish in the 50 pound range are not uncommon. As the name suggests, they have an angular, 'flat' head and no fork in the tail.
They are actually members of the bullhead family of catfish. Their color ranges from yellow to olive brown on the back and sides with much black or brown mottling, fading to pale yellow or cream colored on the belly.
Flathead Catfish spawn when the water temperature reaches 72-84 degrees F. They build nests in structure such as rocks, undercut banks and large bottom debris, logs, old tires, etc.
Yellow Catfish prefer deep holes in streams, rivers and lakes where the water is turbid and has slower currents. More so than the other two species, Flatheads are pure predators and eat fish, including their own kind. The largest fish are invariably caught on trotlines using live bluegills, where legal. They are active feeders at night in the spring and summer and are good eating.
http://tinyurl.com/al38ora
There are 39 species of catfish in North America, but only three are of any importance to fisherman. They are the Blue Catfish (Ictalurus furcatas), the Flathead, or Yellow Catfish (Pylodictus olivares), and the Channel Catfish (Ictalurus puctatus). The other species are of little concern because of their small size or limited distribution.
All catfish share some basic anatomical features. They all have "whiskers" which are actually very sensitive sensory organs, an incredible sense of smell that can detect food concentrations of as little as one part per million, and 'taste-buds' along the entire length of their body.
They all have sharp, mildly venomous spines on each pectoral fin and on the dorsal fin. The venom is not normally harmful to humans, but if it stings too much for you, here is a little known trick to make it go away. Simply rub the catfish's tail over the wound and it will stop hurting. The mucous that all catfish secrete has an antidote for the venom in it.
Blue Catfish are primarily big-river fish indigenous to the Ohio, Missouri and Mississippi River systems, ranging from Virginia south through Tennessee, western North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, east Texas, east Mexico and Guatemala.
They are popular 'stockers' in pay lakes. Blue Catfish differ from the other two species in that they are active and aggressive in the winter. Blue Catfish run large, up to 100 pounds and more. 50 pounders are not uncommon.
In appearance, they are heavy-bodied, but streamlined. They are slate blue on the back and sides fading to white on the belly, with no markings of any kind. They have a deeply forked tail and 30-35 rays on the anal fin. Smaller specimens are often confused with Channel Catfish where their habitats overlap.
Blue Catfish spawn when the water temperature reaches 70-75 degrees F. They lay their eggs under logs, brush, debris, or along undercut banks without making a nest of any kind. Blue Catfish prefer sandy bottoms and moderate current.
The largest specimens are usually caught on trotlines using live bluegills, goldfish or other baitfish. They can be caught on cut-bait, nightcrawlers and 'stink-bait' as well. They are active feeders all year long and make wonderful table-fare.
The Yellow, or Flathead Catfish range from the lower Great Lakes south through the Mississippi River Basin all the way to the Gulf States. In size, Yellow Catfish can reach lengths of 3-4 feet and 100 pounds or more. Fish in the 50 pound range are not uncommon. As the name suggests, they have an angular, 'flat' head and no fork in the tail.
They are actually members of the bullhead family of catfish. Their color ranges from yellow to olive brown on the back and sides with much black or brown mottling, fading to pale yellow or cream colored on the belly.
Flathead Catfish spawn when the water temperature reaches 72-84 degrees F. They build nests in structure such as rocks, undercut banks and large bottom debris, logs, old tires, etc.
Yellow Catfish prefer deep holes in streams, rivers and lakes where the water is turbid and has slower currents. More so than the other two species, Flatheads are pure predators and eat fish, including their own kind. The largest fish are invariably caught on trotlines using live bluegills, where legal. They are active feeders at night in the spring and summer and are good eating.
http://tinyurl.com/al38ora
Saturday, March 23, 2013
Fish bait recipe
You will catch more Trout, Catfish, and Carp with Your Own Fish Bait Recipes for Making Homemade Fish Bait
You could catch your limit of trout, catfish, or carp before the others even realized what happened. You will be the envy of everyone. They will be coming to you asking and trying to get all your secret fish bait recipes. That would be fun.
These fish bait recipes have been battlefield tested. These homemade fish baits have given the users a stringer full of fish. These recipes have given some the “record” catch of their life.
Just click this link. http://tinyurl.com/cln3upl
You could catch your limit of trout, catfish, or carp before the others even realized what happened. You will be the envy of everyone. They will be coming to you asking and trying to get all your secret fish bait recipes. That would be fun.
These fish bait recipes have been battlefield tested. These homemade fish baits have given the users a stringer full of fish. These recipes have given some the “record” catch of their life.
Friday, March 22, 2013
Catfish Jugging
preparing and setting your jug lines to catch the maximum amount of catfish.
1. Get the Right Catfish Jugging Gear
So if you want to go catfish jugging like me, go out and get you some one quart, square jugs from your local outdoor store. While you’re there, pick up some heavy twine, some large barrel swivels, and some 9/0 hooks. I know that sounds like a large hook, and it is, but you are going to be going after the larger fish (just wait a minute and I’ll explain).
2. Get the Right Catfish Jugging Bait
The best catfish bait for getting the large fish is shad or perch. I have had success with both. But I tend to lean more toward perch, as I have just seen some great results fishing with this bait. So I’ll go out and catch the perch alive, take a fillet knife, and cut 2/3 of a fillet down only one side of the perch.
This will get the bait bleeding, but yet it is still alive. Sometimes I will leave a fresh, live perch on the line, after I have done the 2/3 fillet on some of them. This combines scent with live bait in the water. And let me tell you, when you have a dozen or two lines out there, with some blood and live perch, you are setting yourself up for success.
3. Find the Right Catfish Jugging Locations
Along with getting the right gear, and the right bait, you need to find the right locations. The best locations are within a set of stumps, along the edge of a drop off point or an old river bed within a lake. Catfish tend to like soft, sandy or muddy bottoms as opposed to rock bottoms, but they do like to scavenge around cover areas or large rocks, etc.
One other thing you can do is consult a topographical map of the area you are fishing and look for spots that are known to be good catfishing spots.
4. Go Catfish Jugging
Once you have the right gear, bait, and scoped out your locations, it’s time to go get ‘em. Get out there in a good aluminum or flat bottom boat that you don’t mind getting beat up a bit, troll through the stump areas, set your jug lines, and tie them off to the stumps.
Get your jug lines set in order, so you can easily come back through and check them later. Then go back to shore, wait a couple of hours, and come back and check / re-bait the lines. Trust me, it works! http://tinyurl.com/al38ora
1. Get the Right Catfish Jugging Gear
So if you want to go catfish jugging like me, go out and get you some one quart, square jugs from your local outdoor store. While you’re there, pick up some heavy twine, some large barrel swivels, and some 9/0 hooks. I know that sounds like a large hook, and it is, but you are going to be going after the larger fish (just wait a minute and I’ll explain).
2. Get the Right Catfish Jugging Bait
The best catfish bait for getting the large fish is shad or perch. I have had success with both. But I tend to lean more toward perch, as I have just seen some great results fishing with this bait. So I’ll go out and catch the perch alive, take a fillet knife, and cut 2/3 of a fillet down only one side of the perch.
This will get the bait bleeding, but yet it is still alive. Sometimes I will leave a fresh, live perch on the line, after I have done the 2/3 fillet on some of them. This combines scent with live bait in the water. And let me tell you, when you have a dozen or two lines out there, with some blood and live perch, you are setting yourself up for success.
3. Find the Right Catfish Jugging Locations
Along with getting the right gear, and the right bait, you need to find the right locations. The best locations are within a set of stumps, along the edge of a drop off point or an old river bed within a lake. Catfish tend to like soft, sandy or muddy bottoms as opposed to rock bottoms, but they do like to scavenge around cover areas or large rocks, etc.
One other thing you can do is consult a topographical map of the area you are fishing and look for spots that are known to be good catfishing spots.
4. Go Catfish Jugging
Once you have the right gear, bait, and scoped out your locations, it’s time to go get ‘em. Get out there in a good aluminum or flat bottom boat that you don’t mind getting beat up a bit, troll through the stump areas, set your jug lines, and tie them off to the stumps.
Slip Bobber for catfish
To rig a slip cork the first thing you need to do is put a knot on the line that will slip up and down the line. Walmart sells these knots with about ten in a pack,, you slide the plastic sleeve on the line and remove the sleeve and pull both ends of the knot and that tightens it up. Trim the loose ends. make sure to put the knot on tight. actually i usually put two knots on to stop the occasional slippage. with these knots comes a little red bead. after the knot put the bead on the line. this bead slides up the line to the knot and stops the cork at the depth you want to fish. The corks i use are the ten inch corks, they have a black bottom and a florecent top. They are also at walmarts. after you put the knot,, the bead and the float on, put a one ounce egg sinker, then a bead and then tie to a heavy duty swivel. then I tie a 5/0 circle hook on the line with about an 18 inch leader. after you get it all rigged up,, and you are set up on the water, set the knot on the line to the depth you want to fish. I use 7ft ugly stick tigers and from the tip of the rod to the reel is about six ft. so i use the rod as a rough measure to set the knot.when you throw it out the line will slip through the cork toward the bottom till the knot pushes the bead against the cork and stops the sinker at the depth you want to fish. with a one ounce sinker this will make the ten inch cork stand up. if the sinker dont stand up,, then reel in and reset the knot as the sinker is on the bottom and not swinging under the cork making it stand up. you can set the bait at any depth you want to with this method. I like to set it a couple feet off the bottom. this is a great way to fish if you loosing a tackle due to hangs. I seldom hang using the corks. Keep in mind this rigging works best on a sorta stiff rod as its on the heavy side and a flimsy rod will not handle the weight involved in casting it out. at first all this will seem akward to you but you will get used to it real fast once you see how effective it is. OK,, now when setting the hook,, when i see the cork go under,, i give it a few seconds,, then pick the rod up and start reeling. DONT SET THE HOOK. the circle hook will do its job if you let it. Before,, i was using the J hooks and when the cork went under id try setting the hook the old way,, with a good tug, and id miss a lot. After i started using the circle hooks, id take my time gettin the rod and reeling till the fish put pressure on the rod and id have him. resist the urge to set the hook with the circle hooks. Fishing with corks is exciting. I love seeing them dissapear under the water also you will spend more time fishing and less time rerigging with corks. These corks are good at night to. if you get some reflective tape and put a strip around the top of the cork, you can see these corks at night as far as you can throw them if you got a lantern in the boat. they seem to glow on the water and its very easy to see when one goes under with lantern light. all the things i mentioned above can be got at walmart. On the corks, dont get the weighted corks as you cant put much weight on the line and it takes too long to get the bait to the bottom,, the one ounce weight will get it down real fast for you.
http://tinyurl.com/al38ora
http://tinyurl.com/al38ora
Channel Catfish
Aside from other fish and insects here is a list of some of the foods that channel catfish will eat:
-Frogs
-Mulberries
-Algae
-Crayfish
-Insect larvae
-Elm seeds
-Worms
Channel catfish can be caught in a variety of different places. For example, one method anglers will use when fishing for this species is to take a boat out into the middle of the water to fish. Others will wad out into waist high water or do their fishing from the lake or river bank. All of these methods are very productive when fishing for this channel catfish.
Experienced anglers know that channel catfish can be found more abundantly throughout certain areas in the lakes and rivers. In other words, they gather together in groups and stay in certain spots instead of swimming around independently. Therefore, the better you know the water you are fishing in, the easier it will be to find and catch these fish. Taking time to observe the lake and rivers will help you determine where the channel catfish are most abundant so you can find the best fishing spots. As with any type of fishing if you are not having any luck in one area, try moving to a new location.
Best Bait to Use for Channel Catfish Fishing
It is important to use the right bait when channel catfish fishing. You need to have an idea of what size fish is in the area of water where you are fishing so you can use bait that is the appropriate size. If the bait is too large the catfish will pass it by. If it is too small you may be missing your chance of catching some of the larger channel catfish that are in search of a
Nightcrawlers
Crawdads
Minnows
Grasshoppers
Stink baits
The more smell the bait has the better results you will normally have because of their keen sense of smell.
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Cut Bait For Catfish
If you want to catch really huge catfish, then live, or cut bait is the way to go. But if you just want a mess of eating-sized channel cats, the you might want to try making your own bait. Commercial dough baits are available, but it's more fun to make your own. Most involve ingredients with, shall we say, a pronounced bouquet. Catfish have an incredible sense of smell, and are attracted to anything strong smelling. Here are a few recipes to get you started.
Catfish Melange
Melt 1 lb.of Velveta cheese for about 1 min. in microwave. Then chop 6-8 oz. of raw chicken livers. Add to the cheese. Next, add a healthy spoon of minced garlic or garlic powder. Then mix in 1 can of dog, or cat food, and add 1 dozen minnows and enough flour to give a dough consistency. Mix in a food processor.
This bait works best on treble hooks or bait tubes.
Cajun Bait
In a blender, mix about 1 lb. of cut fish (rotten minnows work great). Add 1/2 cup of water, 1/2 Cup parmesean cheese, 1 box cherry Jello, 1/4 cup molasses, 3 Tbsps of onion salt and garlic salt, 1 cup bread crumbs, and.3 Tablespoons of soy sauce. Remove this mixture to a mixing bowl. Add flour to thicken then work into a dough by hand. To use, simply pinch off a small chunk, roll it into a ball and place on a #4 treble hook.
Old Man Liver
In a blender place a pound of chicken livers, a half a box of cornflakes, 1/2 cup garlic powder, 1/3 cup of each: parmesan cheese-molasses-sugar. Blend well place in small dishes and freeze what you don't plan to use as this bait will spoil very quick. Best if used when fresh. Add flour to thicken if needed.
Chick-a-Beer Bait
3 cups corn meal
3 cups flour
2 cups oatmeal
1 or 2 beers, preferably flat and old..
1 dozen or so old minnows, shad, tuna, mackerel or salmon, with the oil.
10 oz corn syrup
1 tub chicken livers and whatever else you feel like putting in there, shrimp, dog food, cat food, road kill whatever.
1 container big enough to hold all of that and be completely sealed off, I mean completely!!
After you mix all that together, add milk or more beer to get the proper peanut butter-like consistency. Seal it all off and let it sit as long as you want. I go about 2 or 3 weeks with it outside, but when crack it open be prepared, because the pungent aroma will knock you for a loop!. If it thickens up too much I spray it down with some WD40 and mix it all up.
http://tinyurl.com/al38ora
Catfish Melange
Melt 1 lb.of Velveta cheese for about 1 min. in microwave. Then chop 6-8 oz. of raw chicken livers. Add to the cheese. Next, add a healthy spoon of minced garlic or garlic powder. Then mix in 1 can of dog, or cat food, and add 1 dozen minnows and enough flour to give a dough consistency. Mix in a food processor.
This bait works best on treble hooks or bait tubes.
Cajun Bait
In a blender, mix about 1 lb. of cut fish (rotten minnows work great). Add 1/2 cup of water, 1/2 Cup parmesean cheese, 1 box cherry Jello, 1/4 cup molasses, 3 Tbsps of onion salt and garlic salt, 1 cup bread crumbs, and.3 Tablespoons of soy sauce. Remove this mixture to a mixing bowl. Add flour to thicken then work into a dough by hand. To use, simply pinch off a small chunk, roll it into a ball and place on a #4 treble hook.
Old Man Liver
In a blender place a pound of chicken livers, a half a box of cornflakes, 1/2 cup garlic powder, 1/3 cup of each: parmesan cheese-molasses-sugar. Blend well place in small dishes and freeze what you don't plan to use as this bait will spoil very quick. Best if used when fresh. Add flour to thicken if needed.
Chick-a-Beer Bait
3 cups corn meal
3 cups flour
2 cups oatmeal
1 or 2 beers, preferably flat and old..
1 dozen or so old minnows, shad, tuna, mackerel or salmon, with the oil.
10 oz corn syrup
1 tub chicken livers and whatever else you feel like putting in there, shrimp, dog food, cat food, road kill whatever.
1 container big enough to hold all of that and be completely sealed off, I mean completely!!
After you mix all that together, add milk or more beer to get the proper peanut butter-like consistency. Seal it all off and let it sit as long as you want. I go about 2 or 3 weeks with it outside, but when crack it open be prepared, because the pungent aroma will knock you for a loop!. If it thickens up too much I spray it down with some WD40 and mix it all up.
http://tinyurl.com/al38ora
Monday, March 11, 2013
Night Fishing for Channel Cats
Fishing for Channel Cats at night is always a lot of fun. This under utilized species is hearty and available in quantity even during the dog days of summer. Nighttime fishing is less crowded and the temperatures are cooler.
Last season, we went fishing in Bucks County PA with GettingOutside.com member, Casey Schwarz, who was one of the many brave servicemen in the Active Naval Reserve stationed at the Willow Grove Airbase. (He has since transferred to Texas, and along with his family, and is sorely missed around these parts.) His son Ansel and my daughter Willow joined us on our adventure.A special “thank you” to Brian, a generous angler who we met as we were arriving and he was leaving. He told us where the fish were biting for him, and he shared his leftover bait with us. What a nice guy!
Fishing at night is one of my favorite outdoor activities, and I was excited to share it with my six year old daughter, who loves fishing as much as anyone I know. I like the privacy, the quiet, the mystery of the night, and the many fish I catch at night.
The fishing tips in this article will help you enjoy your next night time fishing experience. They are especially for fishing from the lakeshore, a dock or the river bank, but you can use them in a boat as well.
If you’re packing young kids, they better be well rested. Make sure they get a nice nap. This is good for dad and mom too. Also you better be packing snacks and drinks. Don’t forget warm clothes – think layers – and rain ponchos.
If you’ve ever gone fishing with young kids, you know how important it is to be prepared. You also know how important it is to catch some fish, no matter how big they are.
For nighttime cat-fishing, there are a couple items you’ll probably want to bring:
Rods and Reels. 2 fishing poles, medium length and weight, 6’ to 7 and ½’ a soft tip with some strength to fight a big fish if you should luck out.
Rigs. Your set up should include a Carolina Rig, sometimes just called a Catfish Rig. This typically has a large egg-shaped sinker (about a 1/2 ounce) above a bead and swivel on its main line and is attached to a leader of about two feet or so. I’d keep at least 4 of these in the tackle box just in case.
Tools. Make sure you have a multi-purpose tool that has a needle-nose pliers and a knife on it.
Other. A Glove for holding the fish to get them off the hooks couldn't hurt (not really a necessity).
http://tinyurl.com/al38ora
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Trotlines for Catfish
Lets talk about using trotlines as your method of catching catfish is a great idea. When
set-up correctly, trotlines are a simple but very effective way to go catfish
fishing. However, don't think that there is no work involved because there is a
lot to it. You need to get them set-up the right way before they will work
properly.
Trotlines are used in rivers, creeks, lakes and ponds. They can also be used most anytime of the year which is another reason why they are so popular. To understand how to set-up a trotline it is beneficial to understand exactly what it is. The trotline consists of a long line that has hooks placed at certain intervals from the beginning to the end of the line. Both ends of the line are tied off or anchored to keep it tight. As you can see it is a very simple design.
Anyone can use trotlines to fish for catfish whether you are the serious angler searching for that "big one", the amateur just having fun or the fisherman that makes his living by catching catfish. Setting the trotlines up may be a little time consuming but it's worth it in the end. Below are instructions on how to set-up trotlines in both deep and shallow water.
How to Set-up Trotlines
Normally, trotlines are set up in lakes, rivers and creeks where the bottom tends to drop-off or where there are channels. You start out on the shallow end of the water and tie your trotline to a tree or other fixed object that will hold it secure. Next, you need to feed the trotline out into the water until you reach the spot where you want it to stop. Midway on the line you will need to tie a weight onto the trotline so it will hold the line under the water at the depth you need it to stay.
The main thing that you need to be concerned with is to make sure that the weight you use is heavy enough to prevent the line from moving around. You will now need to tie twine at the end of the weight with a knot placed at the same depth where you want the trotline to remain. You will now have to feed the twine with the weight attached to the bottom of the water and place a float on the twine at the top of the waterline. Once the trotline is in place you are ready to go back to the shallow end of the water and begin baiting the line. Make sure that you keep the line tight at all times for the best results.
Trotlines are used in rivers, creeks, lakes and ponds. They can also be used most anytime of the year which is another reason why they are so popular. To understand how to set-up a trotline it is beneficial to understand exactly what it is. The trotline consists of a long line that has hooks placed at certain intervals from the beginning to the end of the line. Both ends of the line are tied off or anchored to keep it tight. As you can see it is a very simple design.
Anyone can use trotlines to fish for catfish whether you are the serious angler searching for that "big one", the amateur just having fun or the fisherman that makes his living by catching catfish. Setting the trotlines up may be a little time consuming but it's worth it in the end. Below are instructions on how to set-up trotlines in both deep and shallow water.
How to Set-up Trotlines
Normally, trotlines are set up in lakes, rivers and creeks where the bottom tends to drop-off or where there are channels. You start out on the shallow end of the water and tie your trotline to a tree or other fixed object that will hold it secure. Next, you need to feed the trotline out into the water until you reach the spot where you want it to stop. Midway on the line you will need to tie a weight onto the trotline so it will hold the line under the water at the depth you need it to stay.
The main thing that you need to be concerned with is to make sure that the weight you use is heavy enough to prevent the line from moving around. You will now need to tie twine at the end of the weight with a knot placed at the same depth where you want the trotline to remain. You will now have to feed the twine with the weight attached to the bottom of the water and place a float on the twine at the top of the waterline. Once the trotline is in place you are ready to go back to the shallow end of the water and begin baiting the line. Make sure that you keep the line tight at all times for the best results.
catfish dough ball bait
If you would like to increase the chance of catching more fish in your next excursion, you might want to consider making your own fish bait. Why? If you look at the store bought baits, there are only a few brands. Imagine going to your favorite fishing hole and the majority of the baits cast into the water are from the same company.
The fish won’t have much of a choice but being attracted to the same store bought bait. Now imagine if you brought along fish bait that you made yourself. Your bait will stick out like a sore thumb from the other baits and the fish will seek you out.
Making your own fish bait is not only easy, it is fun and cheap. You can make the bait with your children and share the fun the next day catching fish knowing that you made the bait yourself. You can make pounds of bait for literally pennies and keep the unused portion in the freezer for months.
There is going to be some experimentation on your part. However, I have included the more popular ingredients and descriptions found in homemade baits. When you are making your bait, make sure to write everything down because if you fill your stringer full of fish, you want to be able to duplicate the winning formula.
Most of the following ingredients can be found at a well stocked grocer and feel free to experiment with other ingredients not listed below. Also, these ingredients are commonly found in trout baits so I would like to advise you that you will probably have more success utilizing these ingredients for catching trout.
Also, this list is not the end all be all of ingredients. Feel free to add your own ingredients. Who knows, you may find an ingredient that no one has even considered.
1) Uncooked oatmeal – popular as a base (keeps all the ingredients together in a doughy mixture)
2) White bread – also popular as a base
3) Water – required in most cases to help make the mixture workable
4) Garlic salt – found in most store bought baits (probably a good idea if you used it also)
5) Garlic powder – similar to salt but may alter the fish attractant properties
6) Mini marshmallows – also found in store bought baits (helpful for flotation purposes)
7) Can of tuna – found in many homemade bait recipes. Maybe the old timers know something.
8) Anise oil extract – almost a requirement for trout bait
9) Red food coloring – it seems color attracts along with smell and taste
10) Yellow food coloring – same
11) Cheese – I’ve seen recipes with American and especially Velveeta cheese
12) Ziploc bags – great for mixing your ingredients, storage, and taking to fishing hole.
I hope this information gives you a great head start in developing your own homemade secret fish bait. Just remember to have fun.
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Saturday, March 9, 2013
Crappie
This if for the one like to catch crappie. The best fighting fish on your line
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Friday, March 8, 2013
Dough Balls with Tuna Juice
- 1 package biscuit dough
- 2 cans tuna in oil
- Shredded cheese
- Remove the biscuit dough from the container and lay four of the biscuits on a flat surface. You can use more if you want to make more bait.
- Break the biscuit dough in half and sprinkle with cheese.
- Roll up each half into a ball.
- Place your fish bait into a plastic bag and pour the oil from the tuna into the bag. You do not pour the tuna inside, just the juice. You can save the tuna and make a sandwich for yourself.
- Place in the refrigerator the night before your fishing trip.
- Remove your bait and go fishing.
bluegill
Need to check this out.
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