Most fishing enthusiasts never consider how crucial their catfish baits are when heading out to the local fishing hole. If not appropriately handled, you could be wasting your time and effort trying to land a catfish. Whether fishing from the bank or the boat, it is important that you are using catfishing baits properly. There are plenty of ready-made baits available in the market these days and even some natural ones commonly available in the wild outdoors but if not used properly you are more likely to land pure frustration and not a fresh catfish.
So, here are the 5 things you must know to help you get the most out of your baits and make that big catch.
It all starts with timing
It is crucial to know and understand the best time of the day for catfishing. Technically, you can go catfishing at anytime of the day but for maximum reward for your effort I would recommend fishing early in the morning or late in the evening. Just like most animals, these species come out in the morning to hunt for food. They usually stay near the bottom of the river or lake in the day and come out again for food in evenings and night.
Use seasons and weather as baiting strategies.
Rainy days and overcast clouds are excellent times for to go catfishing. The rainclouds can create early morning like conditions, mid day and evening to look the same so you can enjoy catfishing all throughout the day. Catfishing is popular during the fall and spring when the water levels are high and the catfishes are highly active.
Keep the bait still
This may sound obvious but it is surprising how many beginners make this mistake. It is crucial that you keep your bait as stationary and still as possible. This will improve your chances of attracting catfishes into your bait. Ideally, you don’t want the bait moving or bouncing. Be observant of the water current or something that sticks out of the water. To find out if there are fishes in the area, throw a fresh sad head. If you do not get a bite in the next thirty minutes, go find a new spot.
Find the hot spots.
You may have the best bait in the world; but if you don’t position it in areas where the catfishes are located, it will just sit in water, lollygag and fall apart. Look for places where the catfishes will likely hide. If you are fishing on a creek or river, find a bend where there could be an overhang. Catfishes love to hang out in these areas as it offers them safety. They also commonly lurk behind deep holes and sunken logs. Follow water currents for you to spot deep channels. Learn more about the waterways before embarking on a fishing journey to know river entry points, alcoves and other areas where you can find these species.
Use the appropriate hooks.
Make sure the hook you are using isn’t too small or too big for the cat that you are targeting. Trial and error would be a good approach. If the hook is too large, the catfish will not be able to get the hook in its mouth and will nibble around your bait. Using catfishing baits properly will ensure a highly productive catfishing trip.
John G Garrett is an avid Catfishing enthusiast and expert. For more expert tips on Using Catfishing Baits, visit http://www.howtocatchcatfishsecrets.com
Article Source: John G Garrett
Image: By J. Patrick Fischer – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=46035208