Tips to Catch a Huge Catfish

As you may already know the catfish is an amazing species that can grow to some pretty astonishing sizes. Their size (and great taste) is why they are sought after by all anglers from the weekend fisherman to the professional. Reeling in a huge catfish is quite an accomplishment and something every angler should enjoy at least once.

The catfish can be found almost anywhere. They live in rivers, lakes, streams, ponds and so forth. However, they can be quite a challenge to reel in.

Regardless of what size they are, this species will fight hard and give you an experience you will always remember. If you want to try your hand at reeling in one of the big boys, here are some tips that will help you catch a huge catfish the next time you go in search of this exciting and fun species.

Be Prepared

One of the biggest problems most anglers run into when trying to catch a huge catfish is not being prepared. Take a few minutes before leaving and go through your gear to make sure you have everything you need. Take extra hooks, sinkers, lures and fishing line with you because you will end up losing quite a few of these. It can be difficult pulling the fish from the water onto the shore or boat if you don't have a heavy duty fishing net with you to help out.

Always use a good quality heavy duty catfish fishing rod. Thirty to fifty pound test line is recommended for huge catfish. It's also suggested that you take along a hook remover or a pair of pliers, gloves, a filet knife, flashlight and a lantern. If you have live bait have a cooler or some method you can use to keep it fresh and you may even want to bring along a snack and few beverages for yourself, in a separate cooler of course.

Even though the catfish is notorious for eating most anything they can get into their mouths, sometimes they can be picky. Therefore, if you can take a variety of baits along with you it will increase your odds of reeling in a huge catfish.

Some of the best baits to use when fishing for catfish are stink baits. This is because of their strong sense of smell. They will be drawn to anything that has an odor. They are also attracted to worms, chicken blood, minnows, clams, shad, shrimp and chicken livers.

One piece of advice that you should remember is to not use stink baits or cut baits in water that is above sixty degrees or the smell could be overwhelming.

These work the best in cold waters and they are great for attracting the catfish in murky waters where they can't see very well. Don't skimp on your bait if you're trying to reel in a huge catfish. The big boys won't waste their time striking at anything that won't make them a tasty and filling meal.