I wanted to start a thread for everyone tip place one or two basic catfish tips to help the new or experienced cat fisherman be more successful. A lot of the info may be elsewhere on the site but it would be nice to have one thread with info from everyone on. With 17,000 plus members we should have hundreds of tips on here!
I'll start with a basic tip that is sometimes overlooked. Always keep your hooks sharp a pocket sharpener is a must even when your catching fish take time to sharpen your hook after every 2-3 fish the one that you miss may be the fish of a lifetime.
Make sure that your line is in good shape after every trip. no nicks, scraps, or abrasions. Before every trip I cut about 6 ft of line off and retie before hitting the water.
Make sure your reel(s), are in good working order. Check for nicks in rod guides, cracks in rod. Sharp hooks, abrasion free line and the right bait. Just Do It!!
Ersel Every time you think of going fishin GO. You can't catch anything watching that boob tube. I missed lot of times because: I thought the wind was blowing too hard, it was too cold, looked like rain, maybe too late in the day might not have much time, pretty late to be getting that buddy out to fish, etc, etc. Just DO IT you will enjoy. Might be that personal best day. Luck
Don't rule out fishing shallow water For blues and channels use the 30 minute rule, No bites in 30 minutes move to another spot. Always use fresh bait that is natural to your waters when possible.
Don't be afraid to fish the structure. The bigguns like to lurk in these areas. You will lose a few rigs but be patient. You might just be rewarded for your efforts. BB in SC
Note to SkipEye: Don't rule out SHALLOW WATER!:roll_eyes: Had to learn that lesson in person from Johnny 777 and Big Sam.:smile2: And they do mean shallow, in broad daylight even. 2 ft to 5 ft of water is NOT too shallow.
My tip 'o' the day is...Get ya a dip net. Get a net bigger than you think you will ever need. Someday, you will be glad you did. You will be mad if you don't.
Learn knots I vary mine to the conditions and rig used. The palamor knot is my most used and strongest I have found.
exactly!! well put. I have had some of my best days fishing in some of the crapiest weather mother nature could dish out. rain, wind, hot and cold. just do it. you'll never know until you try. just remember, see lightning and hear thunder. get out of there.
