Catching Catfish for the Table - Article by Keith "Catfish" Sutton

Some catfishing enthusiasts target trophy-class fish almost exclusively. For them, nothing makes a trip better than landing a huge blue cat, flathead or channel cat.

Many anglers have a different goal in mind. On most of their outings, they hope to catch enough eating-size cats, what we call “fiddlers” in the South, to provide the makings for a fish fry. If a trophy cat takes the bait now and then, so much the better; that just adds to the fun and excitement. But the main objective is catching fish for the table.
If you’re among this latter group, here are some tips to help you get the most out of your catfishing excursions this season.

Where to Go

Begin by calling the freshwater fisheries department of your state wildlife agency. Ask for the names of some waters in your area that receive regular stockings of eating-size cats. State and federal agencies stock millions of 1- to 2-pound catfish every year, and most will gladly send you a stocking list that shows where the fish were released. Most agencies also list good catfishing waters on their Web sites. Either way, you’ll probably turn up several potential honeyholes, including perhaps some small lakes with good bank fishing areas or fishing piers, or a little stream where you can sit in a lawn chair on shore and wait for a bite.

Tackle Tips

A small spinning or spincast outfit is ideal for this type of fishing. I keep mine spooled with 6- to 10-pound-test monofilament.

The other tackle you’ll need can be carried in a small tackle box—a few hooks, sinkers and bobbers, some extra line, a stringer and some pliers for removing hooks from the catfish’s tough mouth.

Any catfishing rig can be used, but the simplest usually work best. A slip-sinker rig, my favorite, is easily made by placing a small egg sinker on your main line above a barrel swivel tied at the line’s end. Add an 18-inch leader to the swivel’s other eye, and tie a hook (1/0 to 3/0 bait-holder, octopus or Kahle) to the end of that.

Another easy rig that works well is just a bobber above a small hook, with a split shot pinched on the line between the two to sink the bait.

Bait Choices

Unlike heavyweight cats, which rarely eat anything but fish, eating-size whiskers aren’t the least bit finicky when it comes to food. Buy some worms or minnows at the bait shop, or pick up some fresh chicken liver, hot dogs, bacon, cheese or shrimp at the supermarket.

Commercial dip baits and doughbaits also work great, and usually can be found in the sporting goods departments of discount stores. When using these, you might want to pick up a few of the specialty items often used to fish these soft baits, including some catfish “worms” (ribbed, soft-plastic lures used for fishing dip bait) or some spring-wound doughbait treble hooks.

Night or Day?

The biggest catfish often prowl more night, but eating-size cats are active day or night, so go fishing whenever you can. My favorite fishing period is around daybreak, 5 a.m. to 8 a.m. There’s nothing magic about this time, but on many waters, peak feeding activity occurs just as the sun is cracking the horizon. Fish then, and you’re almost guaranteed to increase your catch.

Seasons

Despite what many anglers think, catfishing is not just a summertime sport. In fact, you can fish year-round and expect to do well.

My favorite months for catching eating-size cats are January and February. Many ponds and small lakes in my area are stocked with channel cats and bullheads, and when the water temperature is between 40 and 55 degrees, these fish move to the deepest water where they gather in huge schools. I drop a rig baited with chicken liver into the hole, let it reach the bottom, then crank the reel handle a few times so the bait is a foot or so above the substrate. The cats usually strike quickly, and in a couple hours, it’s not unusual to catch 15 to 20 weighing 1 to 7 pounds. It’s a great way to liven up a dreary winter day, and catfish never taste better than when fresh-caught from icy cold water.

Practice Selective Harvest

Release cats 5 pounds and up, and keep only those that are smaller for your fish fry. The smaller fish are much more abundant and better to eat. By releasing larger cats, you help maintain better trophy fishing opportunities for those who enjoy that pursuit.

Have Fun

If you’re like me, there are times when you’re happiest sitting under a shade tree and catching a few small cats for dinner. For many of us, catfishing is a way to relax or to enjoy a few hours fishing with the kids. If a big cat is caught now and then, so much the better. But catching big fish is secondary to just being there, enjoying the outdoors and tussling with a decent fish now and them.

Zero in on some fiddlers this season. Take your children along or some kids from the neighborhood. It’s fun. It’s relaxing. It’s enjoyable. And as soon as you smell the aroma of those catfish fillets frying up golden delicious, you’ll be ready to do it again.

Editor’s note: Keith Sutton is the author of two catfishing books: “Fishing for Catfish” and “Catfishing: Beyond the Basics.” For additional information, visit www.catfishsutton.com .