Catfishing Tips - How To Catch Catfish

Some great catfishing fishing tips here from expert fisherman Jim :)

Are you looking for something to do that can keep your mind off from the stressful situation at work?

Why not try the challenging and enjoying hobby of catfishing. So many people are already hooked into this activity. You can do it alone or with your friends and other family members. However, whether you are novice or an expert, you need some catfishing tips to guide you in order to get lots of catfish.

First of all, you need to give attention to your bait. Each specific type of catfish needs a different type of bait. They hunt food using smell and taste. So get something that is smelly and meaty. You can try anchovies, sardines and shrimps. Live or cut perch and shads, craw fish and night crawlers are also excellent baits that you can use together with chicken liver and hearts as well as the heart and liver of beef.

You may find it surprising but catfish are also lured into baits such as grasshoppers and hot dogs. Catfish are scavengers so they eat almost anything. After you have gathered your bait, it is important that you know where to go and catch catfish.

You should go to rivers, lakes and creeks as well as ponds. If you go to the creeks, stay near the mouth of the creek where it meets with the lakes. You should also go to places in the water that are cool and shady. Guided by this concept, you can submerge logs or tree stumps under the water so that they will get inside it. It would also be helpful if you look for them under rocks. The third tip concerns the best time to catch them. There is no problem if you go catfishing any time of the day.

However, since catfish like cold waters, they are usually plentiful at night. It is also during this time that you can get huge catfish. But word of caution is that you should not go catfishing during a full moon because it is difficult to catch them with the light. Lastly, you need to have the right size of hooks for the desired catfish you like to catch. Bigger hooks for bigger catfish and smaller hooks for smaller catfish are what's needed.

Catfishing needs patience and determination. Give a half an hour or more for them to take your bait. Then change places if you must because they can become tired of one place and move on. Catfishing is an enjoyable hobby. Armed with all these tips, you will surely enjoy your day fishing. Jim Lower is an expert fisherman. For more great information on catfishing tips visit [http://www.catfishingsecrets.org/] Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6154638

catfishing facts

Catfish Fishing Guide

Here's a good article with tips for catching catfish, when people decide to go catfish fishing, they sometimes neglect to research how to catch catfish, a good catfish fishing guide will help.


A Guide to Non-Typical Catfish Fishing Techniques

Introduction
Many of the people about to take one of my guided trips don’t believe that Catfish feed as aggressively as other game fish. People are used to throwing out their bait and letting it set while they wait. Some days this works and they don’t have to wait very long, but some days we all know that the wait can be very long. This waiting is what encouraged me to try to catch Blue Cats using other methods. Some techniques are passed down from generation to generation and these tried and true methods have caught Catfish since people have fished for them. I have used these methods most of my life and it was the way I was taught to catch Catfish. On the opposite end of the Cat-fishing spectrum, however, are two newer methods that I have been using to consistently catch Catfish, as well.
Fishing for Catfish
Ah, the American Catfish! The big three: Blues, Channel Cats and Flatheads; aren’t they a wonderful species of fish? Each one has its own outstanding features to thrill Catfishermen and women throughout the United States and even worldwide. Flatheads, with their big, wide heads and flat tails, have my vote as the hardest pulling fish pound-for-pound in fresh water. No Catfisherman can talk very long without telling their favorite Channel Cat story.
Channel Cats live almost anywhere in fresh water and eat an enormous variety of baits, from prepared stink baits to live baits. I believe these whisker fish are the most versatile and adaptive members of the Catfish family. The next Catfish member, the Blue Cat, also commonly called a White Cat, gets my pick for the best all around, year-round Catfish. This is also the fish I target with my non-typical Cat-fishing techniques. Although Channel Cats and Flatheads are caught using these techniques, Blue Cats remain the king in mass numbers. These dudes grow big and fast and will strike your bait with a vengeance. Plus, they pull hard in the Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall.

The Blue Catfish
The Blue Cat is truly an amazing fish. I have caught these fish as deep as 96 feet at the bottom of a river channel in cold water
conditions. I have also seen them come right up to the top and smash a school of shad just as a Striper or White Bass would do in warm water conditions. As far as I can tell, these fish feed aggressive all year, which in my opinion sets them apart from Flatheads and Channel Cats. Reports of Blues falling for lead spoons, jigs, crank baits, and many other artificial lures are not uncommon any time of the year. The other Blue Cat bonus is their size, growing much larger than Channel Cats and a smidge larger than Flatheads. That makes your chances of catching a Blue Cat over 20 pounds a big time reality. Fish over 50 pounds are not that hard to find in reservoirs and rivers that have had time to produce that size of Catfish.
These fish grow to be over 100 pounds - it’s the exception and not the rule, but it does happen. That’s the beauty in setting up and fishing for Blue Cats: your next fish might be 1 pound, 51 pounds, or 101 pounds.
Make sure to read Part 2 and 3 of this article to learn about Capt. Jeff's non-typical techniques!
Copyright © 2002-2005 Jeff Williams
You have permission to publish this article free of charge as long as you are not selling it and that you include the author bylines immediately visible with the article and, if published in an electronic medium such as on a web site, you provide a link back to http://www.ozark-lodges-fishing-trips.com in the author bylines, both where the web address is listed as well as well as with the text “Lake of the Ozarks Catfish Fishing Guide Service”...

Jeff Williams runs a Truman Lake Hybrid Bass and Lake of the Ozarks Catfish Fishing Guide Service offering lodging and guided trips in Missouri. To book a trip, learn more tips, or find out how Capt. Jeff would fish your own local waters, call 1-866-HOOKSET or visit http://www.ozark-lodges-fishing-trips.com today!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeff_Williams

catching catfish tips

Tips for catching catfish

Here's a good article with tips for catching catfish, when people decide to go catfish fishing, they sometimes neglect to research how to catch catfish, well, hopefully these catfish fishing tips will help.

Catfish Fishing Tips

I have done much catfish fishing and it's a way of life for a lot of fishermen. For me fishing is very relaxing and an exciting day away from it all.
First of all, I have found that during midday catfish fishing is terrible because it’s to hot for me. So I don’t go fishing during midday anymore. The best time for catching small to medium size catfish during the summer months in most Southern California lakes is about 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm, using shrimp and cut mackerel are excellent choices, but if you don’t get a bite here and there, you should change your bait about every five minutes are so.

For morning catfish fishing, I like to start at 6:00 am to 10:00 am; this seems to be a very active time for catfish. I start off with this rig I use a size 6 hook with night crawlers. Catfish fishing from the shore line is always good to fish in spots close to rocks and reeds. So before you get started check out the area for those spots.

Once you’ve found your fishing spot, and have your rig in place, its time to get started. Cast from the shore line about 20 to 40 feet this is about the average anyway, and slowly reel in your line. Movement is the key here, night crawlers will move on their on to help you get the catfishes attention. I call this dragging, make sure you have a bobber on your line to keep your rig off the lake bottom; this will help prevent your rig from getting caught on rocks or some other form of debris.

If you don’t get any bites after your first half hour of fishing, it’s time to try a different area. Sometime people get to comfortable and just stay in one spot, that’s not very good if you’re planning on catching some catfish. You have to be active and move around just like the fish you are trying to catch.

Catfish fishing in the spring time is the best time for catching the big catfish. You will need heavy tackle, because these fish can grow very large 50 pound or more and they will put up a very good fight. So 30 pound line, 7ft. rod heavy and a spinner reel is what you should be using. Use large hooks and large pieces of cut bait.

Start fishing off the points of the lake. A point is a strip of land that sticks out into the lake. A point will usually have a steep drop off that is wear the lake bottom gets deep. Big catfish will always be in deeper water than small or medium size catfish. Try using heavy chum like dough balls seasoned with garlic for scent. Dough will sink to the bottom very fast which will attract the big catfish to the area you are fishing. Now sit back and wait, but be ready because when the big catfish strike the baited hook, make sure you have a firm grip on your rod, are you will loose it. Your fishing success will depend on your ability to find concentrations of fish. So good luck, and enjoy your self!

Kim Carson has fished in Southern California lakes for 20 years. For more fishing tips visit: http://www.carsonaffiliatemarketing.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kim_C_Carson

Cat fish fishing Tips

Catfish Tips

When you think of catfish, you usually think of the small bullhead catfish you used to catch when you were younger. Those can be fun to catch and are very tasty, but they are just one of the types of catfish to be caught.

Flat head catfish, leopard cats, channel catfish, shovel billed catfish and salt water catfish are others that are a lot of fun to catch. The channel catfish seem to be more plentiful and popular. Channel catfish are the farm raised catfish that are used to make catfish nuggets and that is what you will probably get in most restaurants. The channel catfish is definitely one of the most sought after of that species. They are very tasty when fried in a golden batter and are very easy to catch.

Live bait is used the most for catching catfish and is really the best. Some of the baits used are leaches, small sunfish, worms, crawdads, minnows and grubs. Using nightcrawlers, which are so easy to get, will be your best bet to catch plenty of catfish.

Catching catfish can play havoc on your fishing gear so you need to use an outfit that will handle a large catfish if you hook one. Use at least a medium heavy pole and use a 10 to 15 pound test line and this should handle a very big fish. Your hooks need to be strong but not necessarily really big as even a small hook will hold a big fish.

A good rig for catching catfish is to use a sliding sinker with o-ring so that it won't slide down to the hook and tie a 16" leader to the hook. This way the catfish can pick up the bait and not feel any resistance. Leave the creel open on the reel so the fish can run with the bait and then you can set the hook. This way you will have less chance of the fish getting away. Always use a hook remover or needle nose pliers to get the hook out of the catfish.

If you are using the sliding sinker rig, the nightcrawlers work well as the primary bait, although in certain areas you will sometimes need to use other baits, so be flexible when choosing your bait. Sometimes crawdads or small minnows might be just the right thing for that particular area.

Try to locate an area that has some kind of structure such as dips, a cove, a dam, rock croppings, or maybe a point as these are good places to catch catfish.

When you are stream or river fishing you want to stay where the current isn't so strong when you are fishing behind a point of rock. A too strong current will cause your bait to not stay in place and you would need a sinker that is heavier, but continue with the sliding rig to keep down the resistance on the bait.

You can get some really big catfish fishing right off the deep part of the lake when fishing in the large and medium sized lakes.

If you like to fish for catfish, try some of the tips above and you'll be sitting down to a platter of golden fried catfish, the best eating in the world.

Did you find these tips useful? For more catfish tips and articles please visit my catfish site at http://www.squidoo.com/catfish-tips and go fishing!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marilyn_Roberts

Tips on catching catfish easily!

Catfish Fishing - A Few Tips to Get You Started

Now we know that there are a lot of people out there that are fishing for all kinds of different fish and we know that there are definitely a lot of people out there fishing for carp etc, now we should be thinking "I want to catch some big fish that will test my strength and agility". If you are thinking this then let me introduce you to the "Wels Catfish", this is a amazing fish that will definitely give you a challenge every time you try to catch these monsters, catfish fishing is huge and is going on all around the world, read on to find out more about the mighty Wels catfish.

Now the Wels catfish isn't any normal kind of fish these things can grow up to massive sizes, the fish itself has a long body which is scale less just like eels that you may have encountered, the difference being that the Wels catfish has a huge head and a really big mouth which inside contains 100's of little teeth along the bottom and top sides of the jaw. At the back of these monsters throats they have a crushing plate with which they crush up their prey. The fish also has a couple of fins one which runs near on the length of its body. These fish are also to spot by eye when catfish fishing because their bodies are mainly greeny-black and their eyes are dark, but then also they have creamy-yellowish sides which create a brilliant look, the look also disguises them well in the water from above.

Catfish fishing is made so much fun by these brilliant creatures that will actually shock you by how much strength a fish can really have but before you can start doing this you need to know what are the best ways to catch these fish when you are catfish fishing? Well read on and I will tell you some useful tips that will definitely come in handy.

So when catfish fishing you will want to try and identify where they are hiding out or especially where they are trying to feed, the main places that these types of fish like to hide are in dark quiet places when they are not looking to feed s o this may be handy but it is quite rare that catfish do not want to feed as they like to munch down quite a lot. Right so we know where to do our catfish fishing when they are not trying to feed but if they do which is the most likely thing they will be doing they like to go to places such as weed beds, the hollows under the bank and places where there are objects such as overhanging trees. Catfish fishing is good because when they want to feed a lot of people have said that they tend to come to you rather than having to look for them, another reason is that they will eat a lot of bait and they usually wont mind what but if you really want your catfish fishing to boom then you should use some smelly, fishy bait such as shrimp or tuna which they seem to love. They become attracted to the smell very easily.

One of the best methods used to catch these catfish when catfish fishing is to use live bait as these look very attractive to the catfish. Another bait that you will want to use if you are night fishing is to use worms but I'm warning you now if you only want Wels catfish you are going to need to use this bait at night otherwise you will catch many other fish other than the Wels.

I hope that this has somewhat helped you and given you a slight insight into catfish fishing for the Wels, if you are thinking of taking it up then I definitely recommend doing so.

Good Luck!

Find what you need to become great at catfish fishing Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tony_Savour

Fishing for big catfish - The Secrets!

Catfish Fishing - Catching the Monsters

Catfish fishing is a very fun and energetic sport which requires a lot of hard work once you have caught one on the end of your rod, from the mighty wels catfish which can be huge to many other different types which you can catch across the world. One thing for sure especially with the wels catfish you will have to battle to win you catfish. This is why catfish fishing is such a highly addictive fishing type, because you have the excitement, energy and rush that will make you want to do it more and more.

Anyway enough about the fantastic rush catfish fishing brings us and lets move on to giving you some tips how to carry out this sport successfully. Read on to find out more.

Catfish fishing can be carried out in a lot of lakes and rivers etc all across the globe and can be the most fun you'll ever have fishing, you will want to try a lot of different techniques until you find the one that works best for you and believe it or not in no time you will be bringing in massive hauls of catfish that are massive in size.

One of the main things to catfish fishing is the time that you go out and do it because you really want to be going out and looking for them when they are feeding, now bearing this in mind the best time for you to go fishing is probably to go in the early mornings and in the evening when they will be out in force looking for their food. You don't need to fish for catfish at these times of the day but this is when they are most vulnerable to pick up your bait and they will be in the shallows of the lake or river making it easier for you to find them and catch them, remember though that catfish fishing can be done at anytime of the day and also in many places nearly all year round.

There are a few different places that they will tend to hide or hang out around as well so when catfish fishing look out for the reeds and see if there are any blockages in the river for example as catfish tend to swim around upstream from these looking for food on the bottom of the riverbed and also the riverbeds and to the side of rivers by the banks where they will be skulking around looking to feed.

Next a very good tip that I can give you when you go catfish fishing is to always try to use live baits as catfish tend to go for these a lot more, also another good tip that you should take into consideration when catfish fishing is to make sure that the live bait is very smelly (that's right the smellier the better), the reason for this is that catfish have a highly developed sense of smell and will sniff it out and come and feed, baits such as shrimp, tuna and other fish etc, but also remember that you should be varying the bait that you use because if you don't then catfish will just act like we do and get fed up of the same food and not bother going for it.

One of the last things I am going to tell you in this article about catfish fishing is that when you are fishing you need to decide on what size hook you are going to use as this can determine quite a lot with catfish, if you use a huge hook then you are only really going to be looking for the bigger catfish as the smaller ones will not go for the big hooks, some small hooks will also only catch the smaller catfish. So when you are next out catfish fishing you should try and mix up your hook sizes and experiment and see which ones work best for you, also don't forget to rotate the bait.

Until next time happy catfish fishing!

Find what you need to become great at catfish fishing Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tony_Savour

You have got to try fishing for big catfish, what a rush! There are many tips on catching catfish, but when discovering how to fish for catfish, study hard, then put your new found information into practice. When cat fish fishing, you can have all the catfish fishing tips and catfish fishing secrets in the world, but if you never try them, it's a waste of time having them.

Tips on catching catfish

I love fishing for big catfish and I'm more than willing to share my tips on catching catfish, there are certain things you need to know when learning how to fish for catfish. With cat fish fishing, knowing these catfish fishing tips and even the odd catfish fishing secret is imperative!




Catfish Fishing - A Few Tips to Get You Started

Now we know that there are a lot of people out there that are fishing for all kinds of different fish and we know that there are definitely a lot of people out there fishing for carp etc, now we should be thinking "I want to catch some big fish that will test my strength and agility". If you are thinking this then let me introduce you to the "Wels Catfish", this is a amazing fish that will definitely give you a challenge every time you try to catch these monsters, catfish fishing is huge and is going on all around the world, read on to find out more about the mighty Wels catfish.

Now the Wels catfish isn't any normal kind of fish these things can grow up to massive sizes, the fish itself has a long body which is scale less just like eels that you may have encountered, the difference being that the Wels catfish has a huge head and a really big mouth which inside contains 100's of little teeth along the bottom and top sides of the jaw. At the back of these monsters throats they have a crushing plate with which they crush up their prey. The fish also has a couple of fins one which runs near on the length of its body. These fish are also to spot by eye when catfish fishing because their bodies are mainly greeny-black and their eyes are dark, but then also they have creamy-yellowish sides which create a brilliant look, the look also disguises them well in the water from above.

Catfish fishing is made so much fun by these brilliant creatures that will actually shock you by how much strength a fish can really have but before you can start doing this you need to know what are the best ways to catch these fish when you are catfish fishing? Well read on and I will tell you some useful tips that will definitely come in handy.

So when catfish fishing you will want to try and identify where they are hiding out or especially where they are trying to feed, the main places that these types of fish like to hide are in dark quiet places when they are not looking to feed s o this may be handy but it is quite rare that catfish do not want to feed as they like to munch down quite a lot. Right so we know where to do our catfish fishing when they are not trying to feed but if they do which is the most likely thing they will be doing they like to go to places such as weed beds, the hollows under the bank and places where there are objects such as overhanging trees. Catfish fishing is good because when they want to feed a lot of people have said that they tend to come to you rather than having to look for them, another reason is that they will eat a lot of bait and they usually wont mind what but if you really want your catfish fishing to boom then you should use some smelly, fishy bait such as shrimp or tuna which they seem to love. They become attracted to the smell very easily.

One of the best methods used to catch these catfish when catfish fishing is to use live bait as these look very attractive to the catfish. Another bait that you will want to use if you are night fishing is to use worms but I'm warning you now if you only want Wels catfish you are going to need to use this bait at night otherwise you will catch many other fish other than the Wels.

I hope that this has somewhat helped you and given you a slight insight into catfish fishing for the Wels, if you are thinking of taking it up then I definitely recommend doing so.

Good Luck!

Find what you need to become great at catfish fishing Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tony_Savour

Fishing for big catfish

Looking for the ultimate catfish fishing secret? Well, fishing for big catfish is an art form, there are tips on catching catfish that anyone can use when learning how to fish for catfish. Anyone can start cat fish fishing and by using all the catfish fishing tips available, can soon jump into the major league of cat fishing, it just needs a little effort and a lot of know how!



5 Tips For Catching That Monster Catfish

Everyone wants to catch a monster catfish. There are no bigger fresh water fish in North America. Both blues and flatheads regularly exceed 50 pounds and the record for each is 124 and 123 pounds respectively. Heck even the record channel catfish caught at 58 pounds would certainly make someones day. For many anything over 50 pounds would be a trophy of a lifetime.

These monsters are everywhere in the United States but few anglers catch them on a regular basis. Here are a few tips that may help you become one of those whom regularly catch these monster catfish.

1. GEAR UP! A 50 pound cat will snap rods and fry reels. You must invest in heavy tackle. You will need a 7 foot or longer heavy action rod. Bait casting reels are the strongest but many anglers favor the spin casting reel. Whichever reel you decide on spool it 30, 50 or even 80 pound braid. Attach a 6/0 to 10/0 heavy wire circle hook.

2. Tie a good knot. Knots are often the weakest point of any fishing rig. Learn how to tie the Palomar knot. It is simple and efficient providing almost 100 percent line strength.

3. Where to fish. Large rivers provide the most opportunity for big cats but large lakes can also be productive. Another good place is the deep water below a dam as these monsters will lay in way for chunks of fish chewed up by the dam. Do not waste your time with creeks and ponds. It would be rare if you caught anything close to 50 pounds there.

4. Use fish for bait. Live fish for flatheads and cut baits for blue and channel catfish. Other baits will work but not with the consistency fish.

5. Have patience. You are not going to catch a monster cat every time out. Maybe not for several times out. This is what discourages the average angler but if you want to catch the big one you will have to have patience. Believe me once you hook one of these monsters you will realize that all that effort was worth it.

Doug Burns is founder of CatfishAngling.com - A leading source for tips, tricks and information on catfish fishing. Doug has been an avid angler for 35 years and a steady contributor.

Have a Question? I will be happy to answer it. CatfishAngling.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Douglas_Burns

Best catfish baits

The Best in Fishing Bait for Catfish

Fishing is a hobby men and a lot of women enjoy, but having the right fishing bait for catfish is a very important ingredient to bringing home all those delicious mouth-watering catfish for an outdoor fish fry with your friends and family. Knowing which bait works the best for catfish will give you a fishing adventure you'll remember for years to come.

Dead minnows are a wonderful bait to use when fishing for catfish. Live minnows tend to attract a lot of bass and that can interfere with the catfish you're after today. Catfish really don't care, live or dead, they'll go after either so save the live ones for a day of bass fishing. Use the dead minnows with a bobber system to suspend them a foot or so under water especially in the summer and spring months and in shallow water.

Sardines, anchovies and shad are other favorite catfish baits. These work well in water that is deep and used more when you are drift fishing. Another favorite fishing bait for catfish is crawfish, this is a delicacy for them. The meat from the tail works best but crawfish can be used as live bait as well but the pinchers need to be removed if you're fishing on the bottom or use a bobber rig to keep the crawfish off the bottom.

Shrimp is another catfish delight. These should be shelled before being hooked as the catfish prefer the shelled shrimp. The larger shrimp can be cut into small chunks while the smaller ones can be placed on your hook whole. Some people soak the shrimp in garlic oil, vanilla, anise oil, or any number of other things to add another scent to bait shrimp.

Night crawlers work very well too, catfish love worms. Worms are easily found at any bait and tackle shops, especially from the spring months into the winter. When you bait your hook with a worm make sure you don't leave a long end hanging lose because a catfish will suck the worm off the hook before you know what happened. Place only enough weight on your line to allow your worm and line to drift naturally along the bottom with the current for the best results.

Chicken livers or gizzards are also great bait for catfish. Make sure they are fresh and not frozen. Place these on your hook and just wait for the catfish to come calling. The only draw back to using chicken gizzards or livers is they come off your hook easy after they get wet. It's best to use a treble hook so you'll get a little more time out of this bait.

There are also some lures and prepared fishing bait for catfish on the market today. Your best bet with these is to find someone who has had a lot of experience with lures and prepared baits and try those that have been proven to work. The bait shop owner can give you some tips on what's been working lately and recommend some brands to try.

You'll find more information about fishing bait for catfish at our site and while you're there download your copy of a free report to help you plan a fishing trip

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Craig_Petersen

I hope this article helps with finding you the best catfish baits, which is what you need when you try fishing for big catfish, these tips on catching catfish are updated regularly, showing beginner and advanced alike how to fish for catfish. With cat fish fishing, there are so many techniques available, but we try and find the absolute best catfish fishing tips and you never know, we may just have knowledge of secret catfish baits!

Cat fish fishing

Catfish Fishing At Corona Lake

I just wanted to share with you another one of Southern California's catfish fishing (Hot Spots). Today is Jan. 06, 2008, now is the time to catch the big one. I fish at Corona Lake as often as I can because the fishing here is excellent. I always catch the limit which is (Five). This is one of the lakes that are stocked two to three times a week with very large trout, channel catfish, wiper, (Hybrid Striped Bass) sturgeon, large mouth bass, crappie and bluegill. Corona Lake also held the State Record for the largest Catfish at over 61 pounds. It also held the State Record for the largest Channel Catfish at over 52 Pounds. There is no fishing license required

Using the right bait is probably the most confusing part of fishing, and there are nearly as many concoctions as there are anglers. Bait selection ranges from night-crawlers, garlic corn, chicken liver, crickets or fish eggs, crawdads, grasshoppers, frogs, live and dead minnows, cut bait, and a multitude of prepared baits and stink bait. The prepared baits most often have one thing in common that's cheese. All of these bait preparations and many others are excellent and all will catch catfish. Selection of bait from this lengthy list may seem difficult but from my experience selecting bait can be made into a rather simple process.

The most important points to consider when selecting bait is to determine the size of the catfish you want to catch and the water temperature of the lake. The rule of thumb is to use cut-bait for the best luck in late winter and spring. The cut bait of choice is mackerel and should be used when the water temperature is less than 60 degrees. Catfish usually feed on minnows and crayfish that die during winter and sink to the bottom. Bait scent is the key here, Fish in deeper portions of the lake then shift your efforts to shallow water afterwards. The shallow water warms faster and attracts catfish into the nearby shore line.

The keen sense of smell possessed by channel catfish make it one of the few species of game fish that can be readily caught here at this lake during the spring, summer, and early fall. During the warmer months most anglers will tell you that this is usually the best time to catch catfish and I agree. Catfish seem to be more active when the water temperature is above 70 degrees.

The most popular catfish bait used at this lake is eagle claw and nitro bait. As water temperatures warm to 70 degrees and above, many anglers use these baits. This bait is most effective for catfish fishing during June, July, August and September. Anglers seeking larger catfish during this period use large sized baits such as live bluegill, hog wild, crayfish and frogs. Large catfish like a good sized meal and the movement of these creatures will attract their attention.

The tackle you need to use here is 7ft heavy rod and conventional or spinner reel with 30 pound test line. If you are fishing for large catfish, be sure to match the reel to the fish. Light duty reels are made to catch small fish and heavy duty reels have the power to land trophies. Light tackle will catch small catfish but may not handle trophy size catfish. The thing to remember is that catfish may be in brush or in heavy cover in the lake and after the strike the catfish will fight so prepare your self.

The most important part of the tackle is the sinker and hook. Always use the lightest weight necessary, and always use a slip sinker. The slip sinker rig allows a catfish to pick up the bait without feeling the weight of the sinker. With any resistance on the line whatsoever, a respectable channel catfish will leave one bait morsel in search of another. Always use a sharp hook. Hooks with bait holders on the shank are preferred by most anglers. Use sponges or plastic worms when fishing with one of the soft, prepared cheese baits. No matter which hook and bait you select, present it to the fish in the most natural manner, which always requires the use of a minimum amount of weight. So if you should visit Corona Lake in Southern California, be sure to try the above catfish fishing methods for the best of luck.

For more fishing articles, fish recipes and tackle information from or post to our fishing blog; KC Carson visit Catfish Fishing in Southern California
http://www.carsonaffiliatemarketing.com

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Ice fishing for catfish

Ice Fishing Catfish - How Is It Done?

Ice fishing catfish is a fun and exciting way to catch fish. It is worth the challenge put in front of you. Most of the old timers who have been fishing for various types of catfish over the years would be surprised to hear about the new wave of fishing for cat in ice, but many experienced ice anglers have stories to tell about hooking something under the ice that pulled hard, and broke their line. Now that ice fishing for channel cat has gained in popularity, many people now believe these stories are catfish stories.

There are various methods, tips and types of equipment on the market today to help you to catch the big one even in ice fishing catfish. The question is, what do you need, how do you use it and when are you going to have the best opportunity for getting the catfish you want. Here are some tips and tricks to help you with this type of catfish fishing.

Most people, who have fished for cat on the ice, have had success on farm ponds. These ponds usually have better ice fishing yields if they are at least fifteen feet deep and about three acres in measure. If they are stocked with larger catfish (usually approximately two pounds or larger, since smaller cat do not seen to bite well when ice fishing) you will also experience a bigger catch.

Whenever you are fishing for catfish on ice, keep to what you already know about fishing for cat. Catfish are bottom dwellers. In the colder months, they will seek the deepest part of the body of water that they inhabit. If you are fishing in a smaller body of water, like a pond, it is much easier to determine where that deepest part of the water lies.

If you are on a large lake, it might be hard to determine where to drill your hole in the ice in order to locate the deepest regions where your catfish will be gathered. Unlike fishing in water, where you can simply pull up your anchor and move, once you have drilled a hole, set up on your target area, and begun to fish, it is much more difficult to up and move if the fish are not biting. Just do a little research, and look for the deepest part of whatever body of water you are fishing, before you drill your hole.

In the wintertime, catfish primarily exist on small worms and grubs that emerge from the muddy bottoms of catfish ponds. Their metabolism slows down, and they are not as active. They do not use as much energy. They will hit on smaller wax worms. Pay close attention to this need that they have because many people try to use the wrong tackle to secure the fish during this season. Think about their lifestyle when ice fishing catfish.

Once you have chosen your site, preparation comes into play. Drill a few holes in the ice and use a depth finder to locate the deepest part of the body of water in which you will be fishing. Don't expect to locate your fish with sonar, though, because catfish stay so close to the bottom that they normally do not show up well on sonar. Once you have located your catch, use the right equipment. Pay close attention to these details!

Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is committed to providing the best catfish fishing information possible. Get more information on ice fishing for catfish here: http://www.askcatfishfishing.com

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When ice fishing for catfish, especially when you are fishing for big catfish, finding out the best tips on catching catfish should be your priority. There are hundreds of really good tips on how to fish for catfish. So if you are one of the thousands of cat fish fishing enthusiasts, I hope these catfish fishing tips help.

More Catfish Fishing Tips!

Catfish Fishing Tips

I have done much catfish fishing and it's a way of life for a lot of fishermen. For me fishing is very relaxing and an exciting day away from it all.
First of all, I have found that during midday catfish fishing is terrible because it’s to hot for me. So I don’t go fishing during midday anymore. The best time for catching small to medium size catfish during the summer months in most Southern California lakes is about 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm, using shrimp and cut mackerel are excellent choices, but if you don’t get a bite here and there, you should change your bait about every five minutes are so.

For morning catfish fishing, I like to start at 6:00 am to 10:00 am; this seems to be a very active time for catfish. I start off with this rig I use a size 6 hook with night crawlers. Catfish fishing from the shore line is always good to fish in spots close to rocks and reeds. So before you get started check out the area for those spots.

Once you’ve found your fishing spot, and have your rig in place, its time to get started. Cast from the shore line about 20 to 40 feet this is about the average anyway, and slowly reel in your line. Movement is the key here, night crawlers will move on their on to help you get the catfishes attention. I call this dragging, make sure you have a bobber on your line to keep your rig off the lake bottom; this will help prevent your rig from getting caught on rocks or some other form of debris.

If you don’t get any bites after your first half hour of fishing, it’s time to try a different area. Sometime people get to comfortable and just stay in one spot, that’s not very good if you’re planning on catching some catfish. You have to be active and move around just like the fish you are trying to catch.

Catfish fishing in the spring time is the best time for catching the big catfish. You will need heavy tackle, because these fish can grow very large 50 pound or more and they will put up a very good fight. So 30 pound line, 7ft. rod heavy and a spinner reel is what you should be using. Use large hooks and large pieces of cut bait.

Start fishing off the points of the lake. A point is a strip of land that sticks out into the lake. A point will usually have a steep drop off that is wear the lake bottom gets deep. Big catfish will always be in deeper water than small or medium size catfish. Try using heavy chum like dough balls seasoned with garlic for scent. Dough will sink to the bottom very fast which will attract the big catfish to the area you are fishing. Now sit back and wait, but be ready because when the big catfish strike the baited hook, make sure you have a firm grip on your rod, are you will loose it. Your fishing success will depend on your ability to find concentrations of fish. So good luck, and enjoy your self!

Kim Carson has fished in Southern California lakes for 20 years. For more fishing tips visit: http://www.carsonaffiliatemarketing.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kim_C_Carson

Learn how to catch catfish quickly and easily with our catfish fishing tips!

Catfish fishing tips

Catfish Fishing - Learn The Facts That Can Help You Catch The Trophies

Catfish are popular amongst many types of fishermen. There are 37 catfish families and these species are found in both freshwater and saltwater, depending upon the type of catfish. Perhaps one of the most distinctive traits which catfish possess is their catlike whiskers, or barbels. It is hard to mistake a catfish for another type of fish due to this visible attribute.

Catfish are creatures of habit, during the day they tend to hide around submerged rocks and logs where they can shelter themselves from any possible predators. It is at nighttime when these unique fish seek out the open water to find food. Catfish are plentiful in number with regard to family and species type. They are found in various areas throughout the world although certain types of catfish stay within certain regions.

Catfish vary in size, depending on their age and what variety they are. They can range anywhere from a few inches to a few feet and come in a variety of weights as well. One unique trait which a catfish possesses, in addition to the familiar barbells, is the lack of any scales. This also makes identifying a catfish quite an easy task for beginner and advanced fishermen alike.

The catfish eats a variety of foods which come within its reach. Items such as smaller fish, water insects and more all make up the eclectic menu for the catfish. For the avid fishermen out there who target catfish as their selected catch, there are a few tips which make fishing for catfish that much easier. The first tip is to fish for these varieties at nighttime when they are out and about.

Since they tend to hide during the daylight hours, fishermen who are looking to catch catfish should do so when night falls. As for bait, there are a few items which catfish are more drawn to than others. Tantalizing items for the catfish include live bait such as shrimp, chicken liver and worms whereas lures in the form of spoons, jigs and spinners will all do the trick of catching some catfish.

Catfish are a unique type of fish which many fishermen look for when they are out on the water. Fishermen who desire to reel in some catfish are sure to find that the previously mentioned tips may help them to land that perfect catch.

There is a website that has great information on most species of freshwater fish. It has details that pertain to each species of fish such as habitat, spawning, eating habits, the best lures and baits and more, the website is called: Fishing Stringer, and can be found at this url:

http://www.fishingstringer.com

By Robert W. Benjamin

Copyright © 2007

You may publish this article in your ezine, newsletter, or on your web site as long as it is reprinted in its entirety and without modification except for formatting needs or grammar corrections.

Robert W. Benjamin has been in the software business on the internet for over 5 years, and has been producing low-cost software for the past 25+ years. He first released products on the AMIGA and C64 computer systems in the late 1970's-80's.

Seasonal Vacation Spots

http://www.seasonalvacationspots.com

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Learn how to catch catfish with our catfish fishing tips. Choose the best catfish baits because remember, catfish fishing is an art form all on it's own. Many people are learning how to fish for catfish, so hopefully these tips on catching catfish, will show you how to catch a catfish faster.

Catfish fishing tips plus some cool carp fishing tips!

Big Carp And Catfish Fishing Essentials And Fish Meal Bait Ingredients

High protein fish meal baits catch big catfish and carp, period! But there is far more to making these baits get the results you dream of in winter, spring, summer and autumn! Both big catfish and carp respond to fish oils partly because they are rich in powerful nutritionally stimulating fish feeding triggers. Use these baits right and you will catch big fish as consistently as you like. Find out how!

Fish oils and other fatty acids provide over twice the energy in kilocalories than carbohydrates or proteins and are vitally important stimulating high energy sources in fishing baits.

Fish meal baits often contain a high level of fish oil in the meals used and adding excessive fish oils can lead to unhealthy fat accumulation around vital energy and metabolic area such as the heart and liver and reduce their functioning potential.

Fish oils in baits provide a 'protein-sparing' effect allowing valuable protein (nitrogen and amino acids and peptides etc) to be fully utilised for fish growth and repair; not wasted as energy.

Fish meal ingredients in combination with fish oils in fishing baits when consistently applied to a fishery can really produce fish with high growth rates!

Some fishmeal products are comparatively indigestible having a relatively lower biological value compared to others especially compared to 'low-temperature' treated fish meals.

Some fish meals are very high in oils and some are much lower (total oils content in fishing baits is recommended to not exceed 5 to 7 percent over all; much depends upon the analysis list from the manufacturers and any other oily ingredients used like crustacean meals.)

Fish meals contain many other lesser know but extremely effective, potent 'true fish feeding triggers' other than just amino acids and fatty acids. (Which induce bait ingestion; not simply inciting search and location and initial 'testing' behaviours.)

Many fish oils have hidden potent antioxidant effects which boost their fish stimulation and bait attraction and metabolism and resulting energy levels in fish.

Fish oils are fatty acids which are proven fish feeding stimulators.

Fatty acids (oils,) from fish sources and vegetable sources when combined, produce a more balanced fish food and energy source.

Fish oils are potent anti-inflammatory substances which in fish physiological, energy efficiency and metabolism rates are highly beneficial when used in fishing baits.

Some fish meals are finer than others and processing varies between plants and fish meal types from different fish.

Many species of fish used as fish meal products, are either a trawler 'by-catch' or bye-products of fish processing like many poultry products also rich in many similar fish nutrients and stimulants etc, (others are caught specifically for use as fertilisers or as animal foods.)

Some of the most well-proven and nutritionally stimulating fish meals are composed of small fish high in oil and with many bones and are rich in phosphate and calcium among other essentials for fish.

Smaller oily bony fish which are popular in fishing baits or as fishing baits include: Herrings, mackerels, menhaden, sardines, anchovies, sprats, pilchards, sand eels, smelts (capelins) shads and horse mackerels etc.

Adding fish meal to baits containing other ingredients add palatability, vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, proteins and soluble proteins among other things.

The salts in fish meal baits act as taste enhancers for other ingredients and flavours and 'potentiates' the taste and effects perception of amino acids and other substances in fish receptors used to 'detect' food.

Adding fish meals can improve the digestibility and biologically valuable and stimulatory nutritional profile of other baits, especially popular carbohydrate ones like carp baits based initially on soya flour and semolina for example.

Often carp are caught on small fish 'live baits' meant for predatory fish and demonstrates they have a predatory side to them in certain conditions, (I've also caught carp which coughed-up live fish fry in the net!)

Dead baits for pike, eels, zander, catfish and others predators and scavenging fish have a record of catching carp and fish chunks used on a hair-rig are a well proven bait for many species of fish, but is comparatively rarely used.

Mass baiting using 'mass free baiting with herring chunks and fishing a different bait above such an 'alternative' bed of bait has resulted in some great catches of many species for me including big tench of around 10 pounds!

The very popular 'Marine halibut pellets' are both high in rich nutritionally stimulating oils, but also in enzyme treated highly soluble and digestible fish proteins.

Too much use of high fish oil baits like halibut pellets and 'fish oil-glugged' fish meal baits, can lead to vitamin E deficiency in fish.

Fisheries where high oil pellets are used predominantly can end up with many fish with vitamin E deficiency.

Wheat germ oil and cod liver oil are extremely rich in vitamin E which is one of the most potent antioxidant vitamins as is ascorbic acid (vitamin C) which is also essential to fish, (Both are beneficial in not just fishmeal baits!)

Fish oils and others can 'oxidise' and go rancid when warmed-up, or when stored past their recommended use by dates. (So store your oils in the fridge!)

Enzyme-treated fish protein called 'LO30' can be in both powdered and liquid form and have 'hygroscopic' (water attracting and absorbing) properties.

The ability of a bait to hydrate efficiently in water both enables it to open up and release triggers and attractors, but prepares it better for fish digestion as fish food ideally needs to be initially hydrated.

Fish meal and their derived ingredients are about the closest to the most suitable natural highly digestible biological nutritional value food, to provide add nutritionally stimulating fishing baits.

Fish meals great nutritional profile and attraction can be incorporated at any levels in any other fishing bait whether hook baits or ground baits, base mixes or 'PVA' bag and 'stick' mixes, method mixes, pastes or dough baits.

The author has many more fishing and bait 'edges.' Just one could impact on your catches!

By Tim Richardson.

For the unique and acclaimed new massive expert bait making 'bibles' ebooks / books:

"BIG CATFISH AND CARP BAIT SECRETS!" And: "BIG CARP BAIT SECRETS!" (AND FLAVOUR SECRETS) SEE:

http://www.baitbigfish.com

Tim Richardson is a homemade carp and catfish bait-maker, and proven big fish angler. His bait making and bait enhancing books / ebooks are even used by members of the British Carp Study Group for reference. View this dedicated bait secrets website now!

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