Catfish Basics: Bankfishing Tips
Story and photo by Keith “Catfish” Sutton
Bankfishing is one of the simplest and most accessible ways to catch catfish. You don’t need an expensive boat or a truckload of equipment. You need a good location, the right presentation and a willingness to move when the fish aren’t cooperating.
Pick the Right Bank
Start by looking for shoreline access near prime catfish habitat. Good choices include the outside bend of a river, the downstream side of a pond levee or a gravel bar near a deep hole in a stream.
Look for a flat, open bank where casting is easy. If several productive-looking spots are within walking distance, even better. Fish one location for about 30 minutes. If you don’t get a bite, move and try another.
There is one exception. If you’re confident big catfish live in the area, it can pay to stay put longer. Cast to the best-looking water you can reach, place your rod in a holder, engage the bait clicker and settle in. Trophy cats often roam over large areas, so patience can pay off.
Fish the Current
Dam tailwaters can be excellent bankfishing locations because catfish often congregate there, particularly during periods of heavy movement. Where fishing is allowed, look for accessible areas below dams and around current breaks.
A 10- to 14-foot rod helps make long casts. A simple sliding bell-sinker rig works well, with a 2- to 4-ounce sinker above a large circle or octopus hook. Shad chunks make excellent bait.
Cast into slack-water areas between current flows and let the bait settle. If nothing happens after about 15 minutes, raise the rod tip and let the current move the sinker a few feet downstream. Lower the rod and repeat. This lets you cover more bottom without moving your position.
Drift Small Streams
On small streams, a sliding-bobber rig is a great way to cover water. Adjust the bobber stop so the bait rides a foot or two above bottom. Use enough weight to keep it down while allowing the rig to drift naturally.
Nightcrawlers, crayfish and small sunfish can all produce. Drift the rig along cover and through holes, working one side, then the other and finally the middle. If you find nothing, adjust the depth or move to another stretch.
Don’t Overlook Fishing Piers
Piers can be productive, especially when fish attractors have been placed nearby. Look for buoys marking submerged shelters. If there are no markers, probing with a small inexpensive jig can help you locate underwater cover. Then fish around the attractors, stumps and other structure.
Be Ready for a Big One
Always be prepared for a big catfish. A long-handled net is safest, but if you must beach a fish, use sufficiently heavy line, keep your drag properly adjusted and get the fish well onto shore before attempting to handle it.
Most of all, enjoy the experience. Bring a chair, some refreshments and a friend. Bankfishing offers something a boat can’t always provide: time to relax, enjoy the outdoors and share a few stories while waiting for that rod to bend.
And when it does, the catfish are more than just a bonus—they’re the reason you came.
(Keith “Catfish” Sutton is an award-winning outdoor writer, photographer and longtime catfish expert. A native of Arkansas, he has written about fishing and hunting for more than five decades and is the author of numerous books and magazine articles. He serves as editor of CatfishNOW.)
