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How can I catch bigger channel catfish and blues?

2K views 10 replies 6 participants last post by  chase elgato 
#1 ·
I fish a large pond that has channel catfish and blues in it. I have only ever caught the channels, and they are all under 10 pounds. I have been using chicken livers, and I have had no luck with cut bait. What should I use for bait? Bait fish in the pond are a variety of sunfish and golden shiners. Should I use these live?
 
#10 ·
To be honest I don't know how to catch bigger channels, I fish the Ohio river and Rend Lake, IL. While going to bigger bait would seem logical, I have always heard big bait = big fish but I have found going to big bait in the same spot I am catching small channels just seems to result in the small ones peck, peck, pecking until they get the bait off or I get lucky and snag him. The only solution I have found is to pull up and move to a different spot. On a side note if you are catching channels in the 10lb range that would make most of the channel guys I know in southern IL very happy. Good Luck
 
#11 ·
If you can catch a hybrid bluegill, my preferred method is live even in fall, spring or winter conditions. I’ve caught some of my biggest flats, channels and blues on live bait. If you can fish with a live shad (any size big or small), you’ll increase your chances of catching bigger fish.
 
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