People all across the south enjoy fishing for catfish. Although there are over 3000 types of catfish, the channel catfish stands out. The channel cat is essentially a bottom feeder (as are all catfish) and will eat whole or in pieces vegetable or animal matter. Therefore catching one isn’t all that hard if it only comes down to the bait used. People use live perch, shad, minnows, grasshoppers, goldfish, redworms, crawfish as well as dog food, hot dogs, dough balls, chicken liver and marshmallows, pretty much anything that will fit on a hook. They put them on trot lines, jug lines, bank hooks and catfishing rods. You can also noodle for catfish if you’re willing to be the bait the fish latches on to. (If you’re willing to try noodling for the first time, please remember us and record the event for humor purposes. You’ll be a star!) People in many states are ‘grabbing’ or ‘noodling’. You should check with your states laws on any restrictions.
Catfish like to live in holes they find along the banks of the shoreline often in shaded areas. They back their way into these holes and watch for food to come along. This is good information to know before you venture out to find the perfect spot for casting or running your trot lines.
FYI, the largest type of catfish can be found in Southeast Asia. The Mekon giant catfish weighs as much as 600 lbs.
We hope these fishing tips help inspire you to catch the big one this year. Please come back to this page and let us know how you did. If you have some tips of your own, please leave them below.