Depending on where in the country you live winter strikes at different times. Most of the anglers in the country hang up their poles for a hibernation and shack up in the house. This could (if you can bear the cold yourself) cause you to miss out on some of the most fun fishing you've had!
Catfish still feed heavily throughout the winter although they're techniques differ slightly. Ths first and most notable difference is that most species don't migrate much from their nesting spot. What his means to you is that you have to go out and find them.
Also, fish move deep in the winter months. Unless your by a spillway or a spring the water temperature is higher in deeper waters.
So there are 2 things already that will narrow down your search. Look for a large enough area in a deep spot on the body of water.
The next bit of advice is look for where the current leads. In the winter the catfish is even more lazy than usual and waits for food to come to him. This makes him a scavenger since most objects that willingly come to a predator are dead animals moving with the current. If it is a river look where the rapids run into a deep pool. If it is a lake or pond look for natural spots on the bank or near the bank where erosion looks to have bent the shoreline. This will help you find a spot that could contain a fast underwater current.
While researching the current we've also found a possible bait that will work. Cutbait and other types of bait that work in a scavenging mode will work wonders. Rarely will a winter catfish hit heavily on live bait (other than leaches or worms).
The major takers your going to have are channels and blues. You might get the occasional flathead but don't be surprised if it is a dink or otherwise not worth keeping.
Good luck and keep yourself warm!
Monday, November 17, 2008
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
fishing rig #2: the bottom rig
This is probably my least favorite rig to fish with. Others may disagree with me severely but I think that this has too many flaws associated with it. One issue I have is that it puts the bait on the bottom of the lake. Typical lake bottoms are either mossy or muddy. If your bait is heavy enough when it hits bottom it creates a little crater and the mudd/moss settles back on top of the bait thus covering it and its scent. Also, this type of presentation puts the bait at best at eye level of the fish at worst it puts it below the fish. Unless your fortunate enough that you cast your bait right in front of a fish and the splash from it entering the water didn't spook it AND the bait drops in front of the fish as it falls this setup is flawed.
The only situation this works for me is when I'm using live bait. With this setup you can put an injured baitfish out in the open thrashing around and causing a larger fish to investigate. Also, this will help you be a bit more successful in the daytime hours since most fish are at the bottom and are slowly roaming the depths.
Setup #1: This is the simplest setup you need a hook, slip sinker, and swivel. Cut a small lead off of your line before you start. Thread your sinker on and tie off the swivel (optionally put a bead between your sinker and the swivel to deter line damage). Next take your leader and tie it on the swivel and then tie on your hook. Now your all set!
Setup #2: This is a little improved. You'll need a hook, Egg/Bell sinker (tie on), three way swivel. Cut off 2 leaders from your line. Tie on the 3-way swivel to your main line. Next tie on the first leader to the bottom eye on the swivel. Tie on the sinker to this line. Tie the second leader on the remaining eye on the swivel and tie your hook to this leader. This can give you a bottom rig but it keeps it out of the mud. The only draw back is if you use live bait you run the risk of the little guy tying himself up on the main line.
Hopefully these 2 setups help you out and you catch that monster fish!
The only situation this works for me is when I'm using live bait. With this setup you can put an injured baitfish out in the open thrashing around and causing a larger fish to investigate. Also, this will help you be a bit more successful in the daytime hours since most fish are at the bottom and are slowly roaming the depths.
Setup #1: This is the simplest setup you need a hook, slip sinker, and swivel. Cut a small lead off of your line before you start. Thread your sinker on and tie off the swivel (optionally put a bead between your sinker and the swivel to deter line damage). Next take your leader and tie it on the swivel and then tie on your hook. Now your all set!
Setup #2: This is a little improved. You'll need a hook, Egg/Bell sinker (tie on), three way swivel. Cut off 2 leaders from your line. Tie on the 3-way swivel to your main line. Next tie on the first leader to the bottom eye on the swivel. Tie on the sinker to this line. Tie the second leader on the remaining eye on the swivel and tie your hook to this leader. This can give you a bottom rig but it keeps it out of the mud. The only draw back is if you use live bait you run the risk of the little guy tying himself up on the main line.
Hopefully these 2 setups help you out and you catch that monster fish!
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Fishing Rig #1: The float rig
Probably the #1 rig used by most paylakers this rig is a setup used for reaching those fish that are suspended in the water column. This rig is particularly effective during early morning and evening time when the fish come off the bottom and start actively searching the open water. Another benefit to the rig is that it puts the bait at the best presentation for catfish, above them. As mentioned before most fish see better above than below. The float rig, if used correctly, can put the bait above the fish and give them a greater chance to see the bait. Also, a major drawback to bottom fishing is in muddy or mossy bottoms the bait gets covered by mud and moss and it covers the scent of the bait. With a float rig it puts the bait in the current and that can help to attract fish as well.
To setup a float rig you need the following: hook, swivel, egg sinker/sliding sinker, slip bobber, bobber stop. First, cut about 24 inches of your line. Set this aside, we're goiing to use this as a leader. Feed your line through the slip bobber, then through your slip sinker (an optional setup is putting a drinking straw on before the bobber to help stop your line from twisting around itself). Tie your line in an effective knot onto one end of the swivel. Next take your 24 in of line you cut earlier and tie it onto the free end of the swivel then tie your hook on the opposite end of the leader line. This in its simplest form is a float rig. Now what you do is either take a thin piece of string/yarn or even a thin rubber band and tie it at the depth you want your bobber to stop. If your going to be fishing deep (5ft+) it is recommended that you cut some excess string/rubber band from your bobber stop so it can fit through the eyes of your pole.
So throw your bait on your hook (live or dead) and catch that monster fish!
To setup a float rig you need the following: hook, swivel, egg sinker/sliding sinker, slip bobber, bobber stop. First, cut about 24 inches of your line. Set this aside, we're goiing to use this as a leader. Feed your line through the slip bobber, then through your slip sinker (an optional setup is putting a drinking straw on before the bobber to help stop your line from twisting around itself). Tie your line in an effective knot onto one end of the swivel. Next take your 24 in of line you cut earlier and tie it onto the free end of the swivel then tie your hook on the opposite end of the leader line. This in its simplest form is a float rig. Now what you do is either take a thin piece of string/yarn or even a thin rubber band and tie it at the depth you want your bobber to stop. If your going to be fishing deep (5ft+) it is recommended that you cut some excess string/rubber band from your bobber stop so it can fit through the eyes of your pole.
So throw your bait on your hook (live or dead) and catch that monster fish!
Monday, August 18, 2008
Flathead or Shovelhead Catfish
One tell tale sign of where you are from (other than whether you say soda or pop) is if you’re fishing for a shovelhead or a flathead catfish. The same fish by a different name, this fish is the king of the North American catfish angling world. Although, this can be disputed as well sometimes more heated than a GM fan versus a Ford fan. The flathead cat is a specimen that can be as large and in some cases larger than the blue catfish. The flathead really isn’t as closely related as the blue and the channel are. The flathead cat actually is in its own family in the fish world. The most distinguishing sign of having a flathead is it’s massive under bite and its smaller beady eyes on the top of its head. The flathead/shovelhead catfish is named such for its looks.
The size of the flathead is also in excess of 100 lbs. However due to their elusive nature and aggressive fight if you catch one in excess of 20 lbs your liable to do a happy dance in your boat. The fish is native to the Midwest, namely the Ohio and Mississippi valleys but like most sport fish it is being transported to other waters in the US.
Like most catfish species the flathead starts spawning in the summer time when water is at about 80 degrees. Flathead males are usually the care givers of the fry and keep the nest well guarded. As the flathead fry ages it shows its true nature as a carnivore and feeds on smaller fish and insects. Just like its cousin the flathead grows to prefer the living breathing prey.
Unlike channel and blue catfish the flathead prefers a more Stillwater location. However, just like its cousins it prefers the safety of cover. Usually they can be found at the bends of rivers where debris collects. The substrate usually isn’t as important to the flathead as the blue or the channel.
The bait of choice when targeting the flathead should always be live, live, live. Very rarely the flathead is caught on dead or manufactured baits. In this sense the flathead is very similar to other predatory fish. They are most active at night when they forage for food. Most of the largest flatheads were caught in the wee hours of the night or morning so keep your coffee close by. The hardest part of flathead fishing is both knowing when you have one on your line and getting in the boat when you do. The lethargic nature of the flathead makes it hard to know if you have one due to them taking the bait and either sitting still and chewing on it. One of the signature moves of a flathead that is hooked is its tendency to want to wander horizontally rather than vertical.
Either way once you hook one of these freshwater beasts hang on and I hope you ate your wheaties!
The size of the flathead is also in excess of 100 lbs. However due to their elusive nature and aggressive fight if you catch one in excess of 20 lbs your liable to do a happy dance in your boat. The fish is native to the Midwest, namely the Ohio and Mississippi valleys but like most sport fish it is being transported to other waters in the US.
Like most catfish species the flathead starts spawning in the summer time when water is at about 80 degrees. Flathead males are usually the care givers of the fry and keep the nest well guarded. As the flathead fry ages it shows its true nature as a carnivore and feeds on smaller fish and insects. Just like its cousin the flathead grows to prefer the living breathing prey.
Unlike channel and blue catfish the flathead prefers a more Stillwater location. However, just like its cousins it prefers the safety of cover. Usually they can be found at the bends of rivers where debris collects. The substrate usually isn’t as important to the flathead as the blue or the channel.
The bait of choice when targeting the flathead should always be live, live, live. Very rarely the flathead is caught on dead or manufactured baits. In this sense the flathead is very similar to other predatory fish. They are most active at night when they forage for food. Most of the largest flatheads were caught in the wee hours of the night or morning so keep your coffee close by. The hardest part of flathead fishing is both knowing when you have one on your line and getting in the boat when you do. The lethargic nature of the flathead makes it hard to know if you have one due to them taking the bait and either sitting still and chewing on it. One of the signature moves of a flathead that is hooked is its tendency to want to wander horizontally rather than vertical.
Either way once you hook one of these freshwater beasts hang on and I hope you ate your wheaties!
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Blue Catfish
One of the most sought after and largest species of North America is the blue catfish. This large fish is actually closely related to its smaller cousin the channel catfish. The resemblance is so strong that in some smaller specimens the channel and the blue catfish are hard to tell apart. However, some of the tell tail signs of a blue is that its anal fin tends to be more straight where as the channel’s is more curved. Also, the blue has a solid white belly while the channel tends to have dark spots. As the blue ages it gets its more vibrant hue that gives the blue its name.
The size of the blue catfish is typically what attracts most sport fisherman to the side of this monstrous beast. With records at 110+ lbs this fish is a blast to hook and bring on board. Although the blue had its start in the Mississippi valley and surrounding tributaries it is finding its way into other foreign waters.
The life cycle of a blue usually starts in the late spring-early summer time of the year when water temperature is around 80 degrees or so. This time of the year is when you can usually find blues in shallower, calmer waters in the daytime since they are typically guarding the nest. As the blue cat grows from fry they feed on small insects and dying/dead fish. As they reach they’re size they tend to prefer the more sporting food and prefer live fish, insects, etc. Some bigger blues have been known to make a meal of other land creatures.
The most popular place to find a blue cat is right after tailwaters of a river or at a dam’s spillway. Blues prefer a current and typically can be found hanging under cover that is in a gravel or sandy substrate. The tailwaters and spillways usually attract blues due to the spillway dumping dead or stunned fish that are easy prey for the blue. Despite them having a taste for the live flesh blues can be caught on stinkbait, cutbaits, nightcrawlers, and other popular catfish bait. However, if your looking to hook that monster it is best to stick with live shad, panfish, or other native fish to the area your fishing.
With this fish you are going to need heavy tackle if you plan on keeping your gear and your senses. The blue catfish is typically the more aggressive of the catfish and are known for their fight they have. However, just like the catfish once you get a blue you’ll be hooked!
The size of the blue catfish is typically what attracts most sport fisherman to the side of this monstrous beast. With records at 110+ lbs this fish is a blast to hook and bring on board. Although the blue had its start in the Mississippi valley and surrounding tributaries it is finding its way into other foreign waters.
The life cycle of a blue usually starts in the late spring-early summer time of the year when water temperature is around 80 degrees or so. This time of the year is when you can usually find blues in shallower, calmer waters in the daytime since they are typically guarding the nest. As the blue cat grows from fry they feed on small insects and dying/dead fish. As they reach they’re size they tend to prefer the more sporting food and prefer live fish, insects, etc. Some bigger blues have been known to make a meal of other land creatures.
The most popular place to find a blue cat is right after tailwaters of a river or at a dam’s spillway. Blues prefer a current and typically can be found hanging under cover that is in a gravel or sandy substrate. The tailwaters and spillways usually attract blues due to the spillway dumping dead or stunned fish that are easy prey for the blue. Despite them having a taste for the live flesh blues can be caught on stinkbait, cutbaits, nightcrawlers, and other popular catfish bait. However, if your looking to hook that monster it is best to stick with live shad, panfish, or other native fish to the area your fishing.
With this fish you are going to need heavy tackle if you plan on keeping your gear and your senses. The blue catfish is typically the more aggressive of the catfish and are known for their fight they have. However, just like the catfish once you get a blue you’ll be hooked!
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Getting to Know Your Quarry
Welcome to Mr Whisker's Corner! This blog will eventually grow to be a catchall resource for catching catfish. This site has spawned (pardon the pun) from the lack of one concise source on the internet for techniques, rigging setups, bait recipes, and anything related to bringing in the biggest and best fish you can. I'm not an expert in this field by any stretch of the imagination. But that is what makes this blog so valuable. We all learn together. I will scour the internet for you and even impart some of my own experiences for you along the way.
To start our journey in catching those monster fish you have to first understand the quarry your searching to catch. In this first post we're going to discuss the most popular and easiest (?) cat to catch in open waters... The Channel Cat.
Channel cats are notoriously the smaller of the sport catfish with a max weight topping around 50 lbs. However if you catch one in excess of 10 lbs your having a good day. In keeping with the normal characteristics of catfish the channel has barbs on its dorsal and pectoral fins, so be careful! One of the defining characteristic of the channel cat is that is one of the only spotted North American catfish with a deep, forked tail. Also, depending on the waters caught the channel can have different variations of its color due to water clarity. Sometimes this can lead to them being mistaken for young Blue Cats. The good thing about targeting this small fighter is they can virtually be found in just about any body of water. Most rivers, streams, ponds, and lakes carry a fairly large amount of channel cats. Channel cats are more of the foragers of the catfish world. They have a diet that is composed of live and dead fish. They're active throughout the year but tend to be most active in late spring-early summer when the water temperature is 70-85 degrees. This time of the year is mainly a channel cats spawn time and the males in particular can be very protective of their nest. Throughout the year the best time to catch channel cats are during the early morning and late evening hours. At the heat of the day they tend to slow down and head for deeper/cooler waters so looking for holes or submerged structure can be a help. Also, when targeting the larger, more mature channels be aware that they tend to be less nomadic and stick to a general, tight area. Some of the baits that have been found successful are cutbait (cut-up fish), chicken liver, shrimp, stinkbait, doughballs, and even live minnows. Some channels have been caught on artificial lures such as spinners and jigs as well. The sporting aspect of catching a channel cat is finding where they are in a body of water. As with most fish it is best to start shallow and move deeper as fish can see above themselves better than below. Most novices and even alot of experts will try fishing on the bottom and while this may prove successful this can lead to some lost fish. Once hooked a channel catfish can put up a good fight, especially the larger channels (5+ lbs). Given the typical nature of a run and gun fish it is best to have your pole anchored or have your reel open if not near the pole. Many a fisherman has lost his pole to the deeps thanks to this behavior. Once you do catch this elusive fish you’ll be hooked since they can be the easier of the catfish to catch and are so prolific. So get out there and have a blast!
To start our journey in catching those monster fish you have to first understand the quarry your searching to catch. In this first post we're going to discuss the most popular and easiest (?) cat to catch in open waters... The Channel Cat.
Channel cats are notoriously the smaller of the sport catfish with a max weight topping around 50 lbs. However if you catch one in excess of 10 lbs your having a good day. In keeping with the normal characteristics of catfish the channel has barbs on its dorsal and pectoral fins, so be careful! One of the defining characteristic of the channel cat is that is one of the only spotted North American catfish with a deep, forked tail. Also, depending on the waters caught the channel can have different variations of its color due to water clarity. Sometimes this can lead to them being mistaken for young Blue Cats. The good thing about targeting this small fighter is they can virtually be found in just about any body of water. Most rivers, streams, ponds, and lakes carry a fairly large amount of channel cats. Channel cats are more of the foragers of the catfish world. They have a diet that is composed of live and dead fish. They're active throughout the year but tend to be most active in late spring-early summer when the water temperature is 70-85 degrees. This time of the year is mainly a channel cats spawn time and the males in particular can be very protective of their nest. Throughout the year the best time to catch channel cats are during the early morning and late evening hours. At the heat of the day they tend to slow down and head for deeper/cooler waters so looking for holes or submerged structure can be a help. Also, when targeting the larger, more mature channels be aware that they tend to be less nomadic and stick to a general, tight area. Some of the baits that have been found successful are cutbait (cut-up fish), chicken liver, shrimp, stinkbait, doughballs, and even live minnows. Some channels have been caught on artificial lures such as spinners and jigs as well. The sporting aspect of catching a channel cat is finding where they are in a body of water. As with most fish it is best to start shallow and move deeper as fish can see above themselves better than below. Most novices and even alot of experts will try fishing on the bottom and while this may prove successful this can lead to some lost fish. Once hooked a channel catfish can put up a good fight, especially the larger channels (5+ lbs). Given the typical nature of a run and gun fish it is best to have your pole anchored or have your reel open if not near the pole. Many a fisherman has lost his pole to the deeps thanks to this behavior. Once you do catch this elusive fish you’ll be hooked since they can be the easier of the catfish to catch and are so prolific. So get out there and have a blast!
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