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Catfish Fishing 101
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By:
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bigfish44
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Mood:
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- Catfish Articles
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Date:
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Nov 05, 2008
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Music:
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None
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How To Catch Lots of Catfish - Beginner Catfish Fishing Tips and Techniques
This is an article introducing beginners to the joys of "catfishing." Catfish are some of the largest and most beautiful freshwater fish in North America. Not only that, but they are pretty dang tasty too! When you start catching catfish, you will likely begin to appreciate their "character" which is rather unique compared to other species of fish. Catfish will croak at you like a frog when captured, and are the single toughest fish I have ever come across. These fish just will not die! If you catch a large catfish, you can have the thing skinned and chopped in two and the fish will keep on living and breathing for an amazingly long period of time. Their toughness and perseverance are traits to be admired. Of all the fish in the sea (or lakes and rivers) I can confidently say that I admire and respect the catfish the most of all.
There are several species of freshwater and saltwater catfish that are common gamefish in the USA. Some of the most commonly pursued species in the US include the channel, the blue and the flathead catfish. The biggest can grow to well over 100 pounds. The largest ever blue catfish was caught in the Mississippi River and weighed a whopping 124 pounds. If you are going to be catfish fishing in large bodies of water from a boat like the guy who caught this catfish was than a good fish finder and depth reader would be a good buy. Check out the HawkEye Digital Handheld Sonar System Depth Finder and the HawkEye F33P Portable Handheld Fish Finder.
Catfish spend the vast majority of the time near the bottom of lakes and rivers, so when fishing for catfish you will want to get your fishing bait close to or on the bottom. Catfish will feed well on live fishing bait as well as "stink bait." Stink bait can consist of dead cut bait, chicken livers, raw bacon and a number of other commercial doughs such as Magic Bait Prepared Dough Catfish Bait.
The best setup for catfish is usually to have a bit of weight a bit above a circle hook. Circle hooks will land you many more fish than other types of hooks. Make sure that the catfish has firmly taken the bait before you set the fishing hook. Do not set the hook too early or you will lose the fish. The size of the hook and well as the fishing line strength that should be used vary depending on the size of catfish you are pursuing. I like to bring four or five different rods with me and cast them in various different locations, in deep holes, near a steep bank near sunken tree stumps, etc. I also like to experiment with different types of baits. This way I can best hone in on where the catfish are and what I can best catch them on. For more information on basic fishing methods and equipment check out this article.
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