PUBLISHER
Dan Dannenmueller
EDITOR
Keith “Catfish” Sutton
SR. WRITER
Ron Presley
ART/ CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Matt Mullikin
WRITERS
Brad Durick
Brent Frazee
Michael Giles
Anietra Hamper
Terry Madewell
Ron Presley
Richard Simms
Keith Sutton
Jeffrey Miller
Richard Hines
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Cover Photo Credit
Lake Texoma, where fisheries biologist Greg Cummings caught this nice blue catfish during surveys for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, is one of 17 great bodies of water for catfishing featured in this month’s special road trips issue. Photo courtesy of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
Yes, I Fish for Catfish!
I’m frequently asked if I like fishing for catfish. Being a crappie fisherman, they wonder if I ever fish other species. The answer is a resounding yes!
I especially have a blast fishing my small lake, which is now loaded with big channel cats. It is very convenient and so peaceful. Since we purchased our property and lake five years ago, all the fish in the pond have grown substantially. We have some reaching 8 to 9 pounds.
Another question I am asked is if our pond catfish are as powerful and fun to catch as wild catfish in a lake or river. Again, a resounding yes! They have a lot of power in their take-offs when they realize they are hooked. I have broken several rigs on 10-pound line.
So, what is my favorite bait for this fishing, you might ask? Well, I have learned that hot dogs work great. Cut them into small chunks, use a small bobber, a little clamp-on weight and a Tru-Turn hook, and you are ready to wage battles with these big fish.
Other baits I like to use include Fishbites, Fishing Frenzy, earthworms and occasionally black/pink Bobby Garland Itty Bit Slab Slay’Rs. You do not have to use large baits to catch these large channel catfish.
To round out the equipment, I use a B’n’M 7-foot rod, Gamma 10-pound fishing line, a good set of pliers and a cloth rag.
I love to catch a couple of cats and then start panfishing. It takes all the stress out of the day!
I encourage you all to take your children or grandchildren out fishing using this method. They will be hooked forever!
God Bless,
Dan Dannenmueller, Publisher
