Crappie Tactics, Catfish Results
All of us look for new ways to catch some catfish for the dinner table or just for fun. I have a couple of cross-over techniques that have worked for Sue and me even when we were crappie fishing but caught catfish.
Pulling crankbaits and plastics behind Off Shore Tackle planer boards is an excellent way to catch a bunch of good catfish. Almost everywhere we fish using this technique, we catch them on pink crankbaits and plastics. One hot color combo is black/pink.
Our equipment and rigging for this technique includes Offshore Tackle OR 12 planer boards with #1 Tadpoles, 10-pound Gamma Fishing copolymer line, Pico and Berkley Flicker Shad crankbaits and Bobby Garland black/pink Stroll’Rs with pink Road Runners or Bobby Garland heads.
We have caught a lot of channel and blue catfish using this technique as we fish for crappie. Once in a great while, we will also catch a flathead catfish.
Does the Bait You Use Really Matter? Story and photos by Capt. Richard Simms
Like most catfishermen, Al Rogers often wonders whether or not using the right bait is the key to catching catfish, or whether the only thing that matters is putting any bait in the right place. BTW, this big blue was caught fishing with a chunk of chicken breast straight from the grocery store meat counter. […]
The Bait Stinks, But the Fishing Doesn’t By Brent Frazee Photos courtesy of Danny King
When Danny King (right) uses his stinkbait, there often are catfish headed for the frying pan. The Bait Stinks, But the Fishing Doesn’t By Brent Frazee Photos courtesy of Danny King What stinks? Well, if you’re fishing with Danny King, you know it has to be the bait he uses. King, a 76-year-old Texas “good […]
From Fresh to Frozen: Winning the Catfish Bait Game Story and photos by Brad Durick
Chicken breast, Jell-o and garlic powder, a surprising bait combination that will often catch catfish, no just in a pinch but anytime other baits run short From Fresh to Frozen: Winning the Catfish Bait Game Story and photos by Brad Durick In the world of catfishing there is one challenge that stands out universally […]
New Florida Blue Cat Record By Keith “Catfish” Sutton
Justin Hodge with his 73.6-pound Florida state-record blue catfish. (Credit: MyFWC Florida Fish & Wildlife) New Florida Blue Cat Record By Keith “Catfish” Sutton A giant blue catfish pulled from Florida’s Suwannee River earlier this year has officially rewritten the Sunshine State record book. Florida angler Justin Hodge boated the massive fish February 21 while […]
Catfish Basics: The Bait Equation Story and photo by Keith “Catfish” Sutton
Freshly caught bait like this skipjack herring will often outfish frozen or commercial baits by a significant margin. Catfish Basics: The Bait Equation Story and photo by Keith “Catfish” Sutton Fresh bait + proper presentation = big cats. That’s the bait equation. Without fresh bait (either live or freshly killed), you might find it difficult […]
Catfish Gear: Tattle Flag Tips By Nick DeShano, COO, Off Shore Tackle
Catfish Gear: Tattle Flag Tips By Nick DeShano, COO, Off Shore Tackle Using the Off Shore Tackle OR12 Side-Planer with a spring-loaded Tattle Flag system is an excellent way to spread lines and detect light strikes when catfishing. This setup is highly effective for trolling or drifting along flats, river edges and ledges, allowing you […]
Catfish Kids: Arkansas Hatcheries Stocking Catfish Statewide Source: Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
Channel catfish are stocked in waters across Arkansas by the state Game and Fish Commission, creating more opportunities for anglers of all ages to get in on the action. (AGFC photo) Catfish Kids: Arkansas Hatcheries Stocking Catfish Statewide Source: Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Warm days and long afternoons are back, and the Arkansas […]
River Rumors: That’s One Big Catfish Bait! By Keith “Catfish” Sutton
Sedrick Neinhuis holding the 4.45-pound state-record gizzard shad he caught April 22 in Michigan’s Grand River. River Rumors: That’s One Big Catfish Bait! By Keith “Catfish” Sutton Photos courtesy of Michigan Dept. of Natural Resources Most catfish anglers have used gizzard shad for live or cut-bait at one time or another. But very […]
Guide of the Month: Capt. Terry Rogers—Hooked on Cats By Capt. Richard Simms
You may have catfished all across the country, but until you explore the Mighty Mississippi, you don’t really know what “big water” is. And when you fish big water, you can expect big fish. Guide of the Month: Capt. Terry Rogers—Hooked on Cats By Capt. Richard Simms Photos courtesy of Capt. Terry Rogers Where […]
CFN How-to Video with David Magness—Preparing Skipjacks for Bait
The number of ways an angler can prepare skipjacks for bait is almost endless. In this video, our resident bait expert, Capt. David Magness, walks viewers through proven techniques for preparing skipjack, including how to cut different sections for specific situations, maintain freshness and present bait effectively. His step-by-step advice is designed to help anglers […]
