The Best Tip On Catfishing I Can Share

The common idea of catfishing is sitting on a bank in a lawn chair with poles and a case of drinks. This method can produce fish at times, nevertheless, in order to catch catfish all day, all night and all year requires a bit more knowledge and finesse. By necessity, this information will be very general. Each body of water has its own unique quirks, and it helps to know the waters you are fishing in. What works in Alabama may work differently in Maine or Texas.

There are 39 species of catfish in North America, but only three are of any importance to fisherman. They are the Blue Catfish (Ictalurus furcatas), the Flathead, or Yellow Catfish (Pylodictus olivares), and the Channel Catfish (Ictalurus puctatus). The other species are of little concern because of their small size or limited distribution.

All catfish share some basic anatomical features. They all have "whiskers" which are actually very sensitive sensory organs, an incredible sense of smell that can detect food concentrations of as little as one part per million, and 'taste-buds' along the entire length of their body. They all have sharp, mildly venomous spines on each pectoral fin and on the dorsal fin.

The venom is not normally harmful to humans, but if it stings too much for you, here is a little known trick to make it go away. Simply rub the catfish's tail over the wound and it will stop hurting. The mucous that all catfish secrete has an antidote for the venom in it.

Blue Catfish are primarily big-river fish indigenous to the Ohio, Missouri, and Mississippi River systems, ranging from Virginia south through Tennessee, western
North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, east Texas, east Mexico and Guatemala. They are popular 'stockers' in pay lakes. Blue Catfish differ from the other two species in that they are active and aggressive in the winter.

Blue Catfish run large, up to 100 pounds and more. 50 pounders are not uncommon. In appearance, they are heavy-bodied, but streamlined. They are slate blue on the back and sides fading to white on the belly, with no markings of any kind. They have a deeply forked tail and 30-35 rays on the anal fin.

Smaller specimens are often confused with Channel Catfish where their habitats overlap. Blue Catfish spawn when the water temperature reaches 70-75 degrees F. They lay their eggs under logs, brush, debris, or along undercut banks without making a nest of any kind. Blue Catfish prefer sandy bottoms and moderate current. The largest specimens are usually caught on trotlines using live bluegills, goldfish or other baitfish. They can be caught on cut-bait, nightcrawlers and 'stink-bait' as well. They are active feeders all year long and make wonderful table-fare.

The Yellow, or Flathead Catfish range from the lower Great Lakes south through the
Mississippi River Basin all the way to the Gulf States. In size, Yellow Catfish can reach lengths of 3-4 feet and 100 pounds or more.