Classic channel catfish

[KnotGillty]

I'm new to the board and look forward to making positive contributions in any way I can. I have 3 + decades of catfishing experience. I live in Northern California and have the wonderful opportunity to fish locally for salmon, stripers, sturgeon, trout, and catfish. Within an hours drive I can get halibut, shark, & rockcod. It's a wonderful place for a fisherman to live. Fishing is deeply embedded in my soul and cats are my first love as they turned a boy into a life long fisherman. Blue cats do not inhabit any of my local waters so my main cat focus consists of catching Channels. My favorite lake to catfish is Clear Lake. If things turn out right, I'll retire there someday.

Thanks for having such a good site with a wealth of information. I'm still trying to get accustomed to the home page as there is just so much information.

Listed below are some Channel cats my wife and I caught at Clear Lake back in October. We caught over 150 pounds of channel cats in about 18 hours of fishing. On this trip we averaged about 3 cats per hour while drifting the main lake in 14 to 17 feet of water. We caught the bigger cats while anchored overnight. We got 5 channels over 13 pounds with the two biggest weighing 21 & 24 pounds.

Healthy male channel caught on mackerel. The shoulders on this fish were huge.
http://www.myfishingpictures.com/img/109902.jpg

My wifes new personal best. The shoulders on this fish were streamlined and it was likely a female.
http://www.myfishingpictures.com/img/109907.jpg

Another nice fish.
http://www.myfishingpictures.com/img/109904.jpg

One of the few big skinny cats I've seen out of Clear Lake. With a big fat belly I bet this fish would push 17 pounds easy. It topped out the digital scale at just over 13 pounds.
http://www.myfishingpictures.com/img/109905.jpg

It was strictly a catch and release trip as all fish were released to fight another day. It was an adventure we will not soon forget.

I hope everyone enjoys the story and pictures & Happy New Year!

[neocats]

welcome aboard and thanks for sharing your pics. Those are some nice looking fish. It's nice to see that I'm not the only one with a wife that loves catfishing.

[shania]

I would like to :0a25: you to the B.O.C.

I live in the San Francisco / Oakland Bay Area (San Leandro) and I love it! :smile2:
Speaking of loving a place - Your going to Love this Web-site.

I Belive that this is the Biggest & Best Fishing Web-site that you will find out there, with the Best Bunch of people that you will ever find on any fishing web-site!

As far as the photos, all that I have to say is ":ooooh:"

Thanks for sharing them!
:0a31:

Take it easy & "Happy New Year",
Bert:cool2: & Shaina:0010:

:worship: :0a23:
Bert & Phil

[Bobwheelr]

A warm welcome from a catfisherman in North Carolina. Those pictures are nice channels, I live in big blue cat country so i dont fish for channels but do catch one now and then. Like you, my wife is my best fishing partner, she holds a personal best of 74lb blue, it great to see the wife involved in our love of fishing, guess we are very lucky.

[jdstraka]

Welcome to The BOC.Randy.You will meet a whole lot of folks that love Catfishing like you and your wife do,and can make some Lifelong Friends.Thanks for the pictures there great.J.D.:big_smile_2: :big_smile_2: :big_smile_2:

[plumbertom1]

Welcome to the BOC. I'm sure, like me , you'll find a wealth of informative posts and new friends to share your experiences with.

[pk_powell]

Those are beautiful Channel Cats! I am from NW Missouri we have Channels Blue's and Flatheads in my state. Thank you for sharing such beautiful pics and reps to ya for joining the best and safest internet site on the web!IMHO:smile2:

[GMC FishHauler]

Those really are nice fish. IMO any channel over 20lbs is a true trophy!

[gilmafam]

Hi Randy.. Ive heard about the cats in CL. Been by Clear Lake two times on my way to fish salmon on the Rouge River at Gold Beach... I'm in S. Calif. at the beach in Redondo, and fish all local fresh, salt and the Sac Delta. Have great new year.

bayrunner ray

[WHEELMOBILE07]

Those are really big channels I would say. You are obviously doing something right. Ive only hung up to one channel that I would consider big and it weight in at 11lb. Those channels sure do look mighty tasty as well.

Wheelmobile07

[Mickey]

Randy welcome to the BOC. Thanks for sharing the pics of your fishing trip with us. Looks like you had fun. Look forward to your next pics.

[KnotGillty]

Thanks for the warm wishes everyone.:0a31:

Those are really big channels I would say. You are obviously doing something right. Those channels sure do look mighty tasty as well.
Wheelmobile07
Thanks Wheelmobile07. I prefer to eat the more numerous smaller cats in the 3 - 5 pound range. Some know it as Selective Harvest. I think the smaller ones taste better too. For the big channels, in my boat, a couple of quick digital photos and the fish go back in the water. In my opinion, the larger channels have overcome big odds and likely have good genetics to pass on. Plus, the largest female channels are the biggest spawners. I hope I don't sound like I'm preaching here. Anyone who wants to keep a big fish has every right to do so. I have caught lots of nice forks (channels) in my day and I guess over the years they have earned my respect. To each their own I guess. When I finally get that Clear Lake record Channel I'll get lots of measurements for a replica mount and then try to keep it alive long enough to be weighed on a certified scale and if all works out right, released back into the lake.

Clear Lake is unique in that 90+% of the lake is less than 30 feet deep. It was formed from an old volcanic eruption and still has geo thermal areas that bubble from the deep. It is ultra rich in plankton and baitfish which make all inhabited species grow fast, grow big, and grow fat. The Clear Lake channel cat derby in May '06 had 25 anglers who weighed in channel cats over 21 pounds. I hope to be in that group in '07.

There are lots of methods to catch big channels. Bait is obviously important. So is presentation. Without getting too long winded, paying attention to the small details can make the difference between a skunk and a good day. Quality swivels, ultra sharp hooks, and line that is in good condition are always things one should pay attention to.

May everyones 2007 be filled full of oversized fish.:0a23:

[DryHole]

:still_dreaming: Nice Cats Randy,
My wifes fav lake is Clear Lake she spent her Summers there.

Enjoyed the photos!

[bluehunter]

Welcome Randy to the BOC. Those are nice channels you have there. I was suppose to hit Clear lake last year for the derby but will eventually get around to it one day. Channels over the 20 pound mark is a trophy indeed and when they get in the 30's that is great. Just like yourself I share a passion for catfishing. And I also like you appreciate the great fishing that Cali has to offer in fresh and Salt. I would also like to add the great surface fishing for albacore, yellowtail, dorados, ETC.

I mainly target blues but I also go after flatheads and channels. You have come into a great site with great members and the California section is bigger now than its ever been. Feel free to share insight and as well receive insight from others.

[splitshot]

Welcome to the BOC Randy!!! Thanks for the great pics. and story, hope to see you on here often.

[richard dunbar]

I spent many a summer in clear lake. Fished every where from clear lake oaks down past nice, on the other side at the state park and soda bay to konocti. I love it there they have big blues there too. I think the next world record will be caught there. Great pictures, keep em comin

[KnotGillty]

I spent many a summer in clear lake. Fished every where from clear lake oaks down past nice, on the other side at the state park and soda bay to konocti.
My primary channel cats spots at Clear Lake stretch from Henderson Point down to cache creek. That's more than 10 miles of water. I primarily fish the south end as that is where I usually launch. I'd like to fish the Rattlesnake Island area more in '07.

I love it there they have big blues there too. I think the next world record will be caught there. Great pictures, keep em comin
I have to disagree on the blues Richard. Big male channel cats many times turn a very dark color and people sometimes mistakenly id them as blue cats. One of the best ways to id a channel cat is to count the rays or lines on the anal fin (the fin below your right hand Richard in your avatar). Blues have 30 or more and channels have less than 30. Clear Lake in fact does not have any true blue cats. I wish it did have blues however as they would grow to enormous proportions with the abundent food supply. And yes, I too think Clear Lake has the right ingredients for world class fish.

Tight lines

[luv 2 catch kats]

Randy,

Welcome to the B.O.C. I recently joined also and I truly believe this is the best site for catfishing info on the net. Those are some excellent photos of some quality cats bro!!!:big_smile:

[Pontoon]

Randy, congrats to you and your wife on the cats. I'm hoping for some of those myself real soon.
Welcome to the B.O.C.

[daystarchis]

Randy and Kyle,
Welcome to the Brotherhood. I look forward to reading your post and learning a lot. Nice pics knotgillty:wink: good looking cats!

[KnotGillty]

Thanks for the welcome. I don't see you as much anymore on my other fishing site, but I understand how these things go. No worries my friend.

If I have anyone back out of a trip come spring, maybe I can get you hooked into a new personal best channel. Are you primarily available on weekends?

[daystarchis]

Thanks for the welcome. I don't see you as much anymore on my other fishing site, but I understand how these things go. No worries my friend.

If I have anyone back out of a trip come spring, maybe I can get you hooked into a new personal best channel. Are you primarily available on weekends?
Brother, at a moments notice, I am in. Personal best would be so awesome.: Anytime Randy. Thanks in advance for the invite:wink: did you read the post on the Delta house boat trip? man you are more than welcome bro. check out the post.

[KnotGillty]

Can't make the houseboat trip. Other plans. Good luck to you.

[KnotGillty]

Anyone planning on fishing the Clear Lake Derby in May '07?

It's a 3 day event on the 18th - 20th. Prizes are awarded for biggest single fish. Stringer weights do not count. All fish must be alive when weighed. 1st place is a new boat & motor. 2nd place to 20th place receive cash prizes. Last year, the top 20 finishers all had channel cats over 20 pounds. What a world class fishery it is.

I'm counting down the days. Hope to see some of you there.

[vini]

I know Robbs been wanting to hit clear lake he's brought it up more then once, big cats in that lake.

[KnotGillty]

I know Robbs been wanting to hit clear lake he's brought it up more then once, big cats in that lake.
The channel cat fishing can be Unbelievable at Clear Lake. I know a lot is written of the Red River and the phenomenal channel cat fishery there. Clear Lake is the premier fishery on the west coast for anyone wanting to consistently land channels over 20 pounds, yet it is relatively 'under the radar'.

I caught the two channels in my Avatar at Clear Lake back to back. There wasn't even time to unhook the fish on the floor before my other rod went bendo:0a23: . The same day also produced a double hookup with my buddy where the smaller of the two fish was 18 pounds. Can you imagine you and a buddy fighting big channels, on light gear, in open water, both at the same time? What a freakin' adrenaline rush. "Net your own dang fish" was my reaction when he asked me to net his fish. "If you haven't noticed, I'm in the middle of my own epic battle here.":big_smile: All fish were released to fight another day.

[olddriller]

Thanks for sharing with us.
Olddriller

[plumbertom1]

Thanks for sharing with us.
Olddriller
Welcome to the BOC Paul. I hope you enjoy it.

[bluehunter]

Catmando and I was going to go last year but when it came close decided not to since we did not have lodging arrangements and the extra ends for all of that. We will make it one day though, maybe in 08, but not this year. I am knowing about the channels in clear lake and also the crappie fishing. A friend of mine karodi has fished the derby at Clear lake before and he told me about the good fishing as well for channels.


There another lake called Casitas in so Cal that goes unrecognized for channels as well. They get them in the twenties to the 30's consistantly for the know how cat anglers there. That would be a good place to also have a derby at also. More and more derbies like Clear Lakes needs to be had on the west coast. We are looking into some avenues to get some things going.

[KnotGillty]

Catmando and I was going to go last year but when it came close decided not to since we did not have lodging arrangements and the extra ends for all of that.
There are also several campgrounds with launchramps. Some sites are even on the water so you can fish while at camp. If you ever fish the Clear Lake derby shoot me a PM and I'll speed up your learning curve on the lake.

There another lake called Casitas in so Cal that goes unrecognized for channels as well. They get them in the twenties to the 30's consistantly for the know how cat anglers there. That would be a good place to also have a derby at also. More and more derbies like Clear Lakes needs to be had on the west coast. We are looking into some avenues to get some things going.
Yes, I've heard and read about Casitas. I agree on the derby scene out here on the west coast. To put it mildly, it sucks. Best of luck to you.

[daystarchis]

Wonder if we can get ACATS to sponsor a tournament or two here in California? clearlake cat derby has some great prizes:big_smile: Wish Cali had more cat tourney:crazy:

[gilmafam]

Hey CAL BOC.....

Let do a party and fish all night at the pay lake.... The price to get to use this place for 24 hrs is $45.... no to bad considering the cost of gas to get out of town and find other decent fishing....

I plan on the night with a small bon fire, and several of BOC members...

I plan on leaving after the am bite to get ready for the "superbowl" main attraction for the day..... later on sunday pm.....

PM me with your intent to be there..... "white mini-whinne-bago... next to the bon fire.... at the catfish lake.....Bring your sleeping bag...

bayrunner ray

[bluehunter]

Ray best bet at SARL would be to fish the big lake for trout. I do not think they have done much stocking for cats there lately and I have heard nothing about the cat bite there. Levitz corner is a good spot to set up at.

[plumbertom1]

Brian, when they refilled the lakes and drained Anaheim Lake they said in their notice that they moved a bunch of catfish back to SARL. I think that with those huge trout catching all the attention no one is fishing for cats. We can always use one pole for cats and another for trout to liven things up.

[gilmafam]

Brian, when they refilled the lakes and drained Anaheim Lake they said in their notice that they moved a bunch of catfish back to SARL. I think that with those huge trout catching all the attention no one is fishing for cats. We can always use one pole for cats and another for trout to liven things up.

Tom.... got the vibes too...... 12vt light to bring in the bait, throw stuff out like old crushed hot dog buns..... two three cans of cat/dog food.. and the traditional stink crapola... deenes and chovies to liven up the dead in the depth of that old cat hole..... Bringing my 12 ft surfcasing rod with the 6500 bait runnner on 12 lb line and a "bonita bubble" filled a little more than half way up... and then a swivel and leader..... much lkike the slip bobber or sliddng sinker setup..... throw out with bubble some 50-60 yards, and then the bobber stop is set at first 20 feet, and the 30 feet, and then 40 feet and the on the bottom.... cant loose.... the moon is right, and most normal people will not fish for cats when its totally cold out, and there is a world record tout in the pond that is next door.... and if you happened to catch the largest trout.... you would win a 4 day trip to alaska......Duh..... no one has been fishing the Freeeeekkin cats since they put the money somewhere else....


First, we find the cat spot for the Rv to park, and then we check out the trout pond for friday night left overs..... then back to the cat pond for the night..... in the am... were back to the trout pond for the am bite me.

anticpation is pulling me into the garage to check the tackle.....

later.... Bayrunner ray

[plumbertom1]

Ray I don't know if there will be any bait fish to attract but I guess it's worth a try.