I look forward to the last week of May to the first week of June in Oklahoma. The Grand Lake catfish are pre-spawn in mid-lake. It is one of those times when customers can catch a lot of fish for the dinner table.
I use my sonar to look for underwater gravel islands or points. I will typically find them in 7 to 15 feet of water close to a channel or drop-off. The fish tend to stack up on the windy side. Current can also push them around to the same location daily, making them easy to find.
I position my SeaArk ProGuide and use the electronic anchor on my trolling motor to set up. After I Spot-lock over my target I drop a rear anchor directly down to take the swing out of the boat.
Using 8-foot Meat Hunter Flex (MHF) rods I tie on two different terminal rigs. I tie on Carolina rigs but split them 50/50 between those with no float and those with Demon Dragons to keep the bait up off the bottom. They are all finished off with 8/0 circle hooks.
I use small baits this time of the year. Gizzard shad or threadfins are my bait of choice.
This is also a fun time of the year to throw action lures. Crankbaits, blade baits, and spoons will create a reaction bite from the catfish. This is a great way to load the livewell with 3- to 8-pound eaters for my customers of No Wake Guide Service, LLC (918- 314-3923).
