Monday, October 31, 2011

Catfishing For Flathead Catfish

Flathead catfish is a native species to the United States.  Although they originally came from the Mississippi River and the big rivers that drain off of it, flatheads have been transplanted and can now be found in waters across the nation due to their popularity as a game fish and food.  Flatheads can be found in slow-moving water such as large rivers and streams, and also in lakes and ponds. They prefer to reside in deep water with objects like fallen logs that provide good hiding places.

Flathead catfish are so named for their long, distinctly flattened heads.  Their eyes are flat and oval shaped, and their lower jaw protrudes past their upper jaw.  They come in shades of mottled browns and yellows.  Forty- to fifty-pound flatheads are often caught in rivers and lakes.  Flathead catfish that are over one-hundred pounds have reportedly also been caught.

After hatching, flathead catfish grow quickly. They are mature when they are about fifteen to nineteen inches long, and can live for over twenty-five years. They grow continuously throughout their life time.  Flatheads will eat just about anything they can get in their big mouths, but they prefer fish. Bream are one of their favorite foods.  They also love to eat live perch and sunfish. Flathead catfish can destroy the population of some kinds of sunfish, especially in smaller bodies of water, or water where they are not native.  Some smaller rivers in Georgia have lost almost all their redbreast sunfish after the introduction of flatheads.  Flatheads tend to feed by sight, and will feed at night as well as during the day — even though most catfish tend to be more active at night.  You can lure flatheads with light.  They’ll come to feed on the baitfish that are attracted to the light.
Flathead catfish like deep holes with cover on the outside edges of river bends.  Look for large logjams, tree stumps, and rocks where they like to hide. Cast under the edges.  Let your bait drift in, and then hang on.  If the outside bends are too strong to fish, find some inside bends with less current.  In large lakes and reservoirs, look for the big flatheads in areas with lots of cover — like submerged brush piles.  Flatheads often travel in old river and creek channels in these lakes and reservoirs.  At night, they’ll travel these channels and emerge at the edge of shallows to feed.  Position yourself along these areas and wait for them to arrive.
You’ll have better results fishing for flathead catfish in the early morning, early evening, and after dark in the summer months.  Although flatheads will take bait during the day, they won’t go far to do so.  You’ll have to become familiar with the body of water you’re fishing in and where flatheads are in order to get the bait close enough to them. Keep your catfish bait on the river or lake bottom. Flathead catfish feed off the bottom most of the time.

Chumming

 Fishermen catch more catfish with this method.  This is simply throwing balls of mixtures of natural recipes in the fishing area.  This attracts more catfish; the trick is that the mixture should be right enough for the catfish to feed heavily.  The hook that will be used to fish normally must have the same recipe for the bait.  Adding a good smelling flavor into the pasty mixture attracts catfish more.

one of the Best Baits for Catfish: Bullheads

If you really want to catch a big catfish, and I mean really big, you will want to know what the best bait for catfish is. Something that works better than anything else for Flathead catfish. Yes, Flathead, those monsters can weigh as much as 123 lbs, the record and are regularly hauled in weighing 40-80 lbs.
No matter what you have used before there is one bait that consistently works better than any other bait for Flathead catfish in most situations. But you will have to check because in some states it is illegal to use. But if it is legal in your area you had better have the heavy tackle ready. You will need it.
The best bait for catfish, flatheads that is, is bullhead catfish. Catfish are the “sharks of fresh water” and are extremely territorial. Bullheads cause a territorial reaction in all species of catfish. Catfish do not have a problem eating their own. Putting a bullhead in their territory will make a big catfish very aggressive.
You will want a 4-6 inch bullhead. Hook him through the mouth with a number 4 octopus hook. Toss him out there and hang on tight because he is going to get nailed. I hope you brought the heavy tackle because if you didn’t you will never get that monster in.
I have to warn you, check your local rules and regulations. Bullhead are considered game fish in some states so you have to check and make sure they are legal to use as bai

Going for the Big Ones - Tips For Catching big Blue Cats

These cats are similar to their cousins, the channel cat, but different in a few ways. For one thing, they have a distinct blue coloring (which gives them their name). The back has a bluish tint, and their underbelly is white. But the biggest way you can tell it's a blue, is that they have a forked tail. You won't see any other catfish like this. Other than that, blues are so similar they are often mistaken for channel catfish, and in some parts of the country the locals won't make any distinction between them.

Another thing that sets blues apart is that they are on the big end of the scale. Usually blues are between 20 and 40 pounds, although there are some legendary blue catfish that are well over 100 pounds! If you are an angler in Texas, you've probably seen some 50 pound blues in your time. These are big fish, and that's why we want to target 'em!

Tips on Catching Blue Cats

- First off, bait is always important. Blues, more than any other kind of catfish, love live bait. Take in something that is or once was alive, and the stinkier the better. Blue catfish are known for going after live bait much younger than other fish, so using good, live, stinky bait will get you blues. Blue catfish also have an especially keen sense of smell, so baits that smell funny will work much better than ordinary stuff. Probably your best bet is to use some kind of bait fish, or smaller catfish. Chicken livers, dried chicken blood and nightcrawlers work well too.

- Use a pretty good-sized hook. Anything from 3/0 to 9/0 will work well. Remember, these are pretty big catfish. You'll probably want to cut your bait 6 to 12 inches long. 

- Blue catfish are known as fighters. Be ready for a battle! These stubborn fish don't want to come out of that water for any reason whatsoever, so you should make sure you have a good, tough rod to pull him out with. Also, make sure you have a strong line and heavy tackle.

- Blue cats like to stick to cool waters. The best time to go out looking for them is in the fall, from September to December. They'll be out feeding much later than other species of catfish. It depends a little bit on where you live, but definitely fall and early spring are the best times to catch them. In places like Iowa and Idaho, anglers have been known to catch some pretty big blue cats in the winter time.

- Pick a good spot. There are lots of blues hanging out in the bottom of that big river, but pick a little tributary with enough rushing water, and you might have better luck. Look for an area that is deeper than the rest of the river or stream. The best spot is just past a rapid. Here, there will be a calm pool that the rapid empties out into, and all that rushing water plunging into the pool will make a depression at the bottom. This is the perfect spot for blue catfish to be in. Fish these spots, and you'll improve your chances of catching a blue

One trick when fishing big live fish like bream, shad, for catfish

One trick when fishing big live fish like bream, shad, or minnows for catfish is to wound the baitfish slightly. Clip off the top fin with a pair of scissors or make a cut along the back with your bait knife. This simple trick is actually very effective, since catfish hone in on wounded baitfish naturally and the baitfish will leak out blood and juices that stir catfish up.

Filleting



  • Lay the fish on its side on a flat surface.



  • Cut the fish behind its gills and pectoral fin down to, but not through, the backbone. 



  • Without removing the knife, turn the blade and cut through the ribs toward the tail using the fish's backbone to guide you.



  • Turn the fish over and repeat the steps.



  • Insert the knife blade close to the rib bones and slice away the entire rib section of each fillet.



  • With the skin side down, insert the knife blade about a 1/2-inch from the tail, gripping firmly and put the blade between the skin and the meat at an angle.



  • Using a little pressure and a sawing motion, cut against, but not through, the skin.



  • Remove the fillets from the skin.



  • Wash each fillet in cold water.



  • Pat dry with a clean cloth or paper towel. The fillets are ready to cook or freeze.
  • Catfish Soap Bait Recipe

    Ingredients you need:
    • 10 ounces of lye
    • 2 quarts of water
    • Glass Container (For mixing the lye – DO NOT use plastic!)
    • 5 lbs animal fat
    • 1 cup shredded cheese
    • Cooking Pot
    • Stirring Spoon
    • Cardboard milk carton
    Step 1 – Cut off bottom of milk carton so you have a mold to pour your mixture into.
    Step 2 – Melt fat in pot (Medium heat) Once melted, set aside and allow to cool but don’t let it harden or you will have to melt again.
    Step 3 – Put 2 quarts water into glass container.
    Step 4 – Add 10 ounces lye to water and gently stir. (Warning NEVER add the water to the lye. Doing so will cause a reaction. LYE is CAUSTIC and can CAUSE SERIOUS BURNS. Again, always add the lye to the water, never the opposite!)
    Step 5 – Add melted fat to the lye mixture stirring slowly. (Stirring to fast will allow air bubbles to get into the mixture that will cause your bait to float. You want your bait to sink.) Only add enough melted fat to create a think paste.
    Step 6 – Add cheese stirring slowly to avoid air bubbles (You could melt the cheese in the microwave for 1 minute or add as is.)
    Step 7 – Pour mixture into milk carton mold and allow to harden over a couple of days.
    Step 8 – When ready to use, cut off a cube and push onto hook and start reeling in the big ones!

    Where Will The Giant Catfish Be Lurking

    Flathead catfish like deep holes with cover on the outside edges of the rivers bends. Look for large logjams, cast under the edges and let your bait drift in and then hang on. If the outside bends are too strong to fish try to find some inside bends with less current to fish.

    In large lakes and reservoirs look for the big flatheads in areas with lots of cover, submerged brush piles, or stumps. They often travel in old river and creek channels in these lakes and reservoirs. Often at night they will travel these channels emerging at the edge of shallows where they come to feed. Position yourself along these areas and wait for them to arrive.

    Blue catfish will often be found in similar areas as the flathead catfish.
    The blues can sometimes also be found a little deeper along drop-offs and ledges

    What Are The Best Months To Catch Trophy Catfish?

    If you are chasing giant blue and flathead catfish, the summer months, when the water levels are generally lower, is the best time to target them. The warmer water makes the catfish more active and feed more. Another great season to catch big blue catfish is in the winter when most fishermen are waiting for spring to come. Those that know this secret are out killing themselves reeling in the big blues. It's a blast. This season is normally from November to January and sometimes extends into February.
    Flatheads often will feed aggressively from late September through late October as they fatten up for the winter. The flathead catfish fishing slows through the winter and picks up again in the spring.

    TIPS FOR SUCCESS

    • Look At Hooks
    If you’re having trouble hooking catfish (many anglers do), be sure your hooks are needle-sharp. Run each point over a fingernail. Sharp hooks dig in. Those that skate across the nail without catching should be honed or replaced. Second, instead of burying your hook in bait, leave the barb exposed. Catfish won’t notice. More hookups will result.
    • Rods For Shore
    Use long rods (7 feet-plus) when bank-fishing. These offer several advantages, including increased casting distance, more “reach” for working rigs properly around cover, better bait control and more hooksetting and fighting power.
    • Quick Rig
    One simple rig that works surprisingly well in many situations is just a lead jighead with a chunk of shad or herring impaled on the hook.
    • The Night Bite
    When night-fishing, know when a cat takes your bait. Helpful products include: night bobbers (special floats with a light on top powered by a cyalume light stick or lithium battery); a 12-volt ultraviolet light, which makes fluorescent monofilament glow, allowing you to see line movements; rods with glow-in-the-dark or fluorescent tips; rod bells, which clip on and ring when a catfish shakes your pole; and electronic bite indicators, which attach to your line and emit an audible signal when a catfish runs with your bait.
    Stick to traditional approaches when they’re producing cats. But remember: When other tactics fail, the tips presented above can make your catch rate soar. Give them a try.

    The Best Catfish Bait For Big Cats

    The next time you go catfish fishing be sure to take a casting net. It is how I get the best catfish bait for big cats. If you don't know how to throw one don't worry about. You can pick it up in an hour or two of practice. Once you have it down you won't forget it.
    Why do you need a casting net to get the best catfish bait for big cats? Because you want fresh live bait. Just about any species will do but be sure to check your states regulations on live bait. My favorites are bluegill and shad but bluegill are illegal in some states. Both are abundant in just about any waterway. Also don't rule out bullhead catfish as Flatheads and Blues don't seem to have a problem eating their own species. In fact, Flatheads will often times prefer Bullhead over Shad.
    Now that you have your live bait let's make sure that your rig is set up right. You should have a medium to heavy rod with at least 20# test line, I use 50# spider wire, with a 20# leader and numbers 2 - 6 circle hooks depending on how big a cat you are after. Slip a slip sinker on the line, and then tie on a good swivel, a 12-18 inch leader and your hook. Don't go cheap on the swivel. Cats like to roll when hooked and a big cat will tear a cheap brass swivel up. Fish your bait on the bottom with an open bail. Be sure to set the hook hard when the cat makes a run with your bait.
    The big cats Flathead and Blue when mature prefer live bait. They will occasionally go after cut baits but if you want the best bait for big cats you will want live bait. Live bait can be hooked behind the dorsal fin below the spine, at the end of the tail, or up through the lower jaw and up through the nostrils. Don't be afraid to choose a bait fish 6-12 inches in length if you want that monster cat.
    You may be thinking you won't catch many fish with bait that size and your right. But if you are looking for the big catfish I am assuming you don't care about the 1 and 2 pounders you can catch with chicken liver then live bait is the way to go. You can always use smaller baitfish or even cut bait if you run out of patience but your chances of landing a 20 plus pound cat are less. The best bait for big cats will always be live bait.

    Bluegill for Big Catfish

    • 1
      Cut the head off of the bluegill. This will provide you with two pieces of bait. Catfish prefer their meals bloody, so this technique will help to attract the big ones.
    • 2
      Hook the head one-third of the way down the head, starting from the mouth. The heads will stay on the hook better than the rest of the bluegill.
    • 3
      Remove the tail from the remaining portion of bluegill. This will leave you with a midsection. Use this as a separate piece of bait. You can dispose of the tail, as it won't stay on the hook well and does not contain enough blood to attract the catfish.
    • 4
      Hook the midsection of the bluegill in the top center of the bait. Make sure there is enough meat above the hook so that it won't easily pull from the line. The midsection works well for attracting catfish because it contains internal organs and is full of blood.

    LIVE BAIT METHOD

    • 1
      Hook a live bluegill under the dorsel fin, in the meaty section of the back.
    • 2
      Cut a long but shallow slit along one side of the bluegill. The bait fish will bleed slowly as it thrashes in the water, which will attract catfish.
    • 3
      Cast your line and let the bluegill do its work. Before long, you will have tugs on your line. Make sure you set the hook when you are confident the catfish has a good grasp of the bait and hook.

    5 Great Catfish Baits

    SHAD Big catfish like big meals, and few things do more to improve an angler’s odds of landing a true trophy cat than baiting up with a big chunk of cut shad or even a live shad. Adult flathead catfish feed almost exclusively on live fish, and shad often are an important part of the mix because they are around river channels, where flatheads spend the most time. Even channel catfish, which feed on a little bit of everything both dead and alive, turn heavily to fish diets once they get larger than 10 pounds or so.                                                                                                        
     
    CHICKEN LIVERS

    Arguably, no bait is more closely associated with catfishing than a chicken liver. The reason is simple: livers produce catfish and lots of them. With their strong, meaty smell, chicken livers draw cats from broad areas. Once the cats find the bait, they have trouble resisting them.
    Livers typically do not produce many huge catfish. However, for channel cats up to about 10 pounds, chicken livers are extremely productive. They also are inexpensive and available from any grocery store.                                      DIP BAITS
    Some folks make their own dips from well-guarded secret recipes that have been passed from generation to generation. Others have favored commercially manufactured blends that they buy by the case. Whetherhome brewed or store bought, dip baits are gooey concoctions that usually smell horrible, but catfish absolutely cannot resist them.                                                                                                                                      NIGHT CRAWLERS
    Stringing a worm on a hook is the essence of fishing simplicity. In fact, it almost seems too simple. That said, night crawlers remain some of the finest baits available for coaxing catfish into biting. They smell natural, because they are natural, and they seem to taste mighty good to catfish.                                                                       CRAWFISH
    If chicken livers are the best known of all catfish baits, crawfish may be the most overlooked. All major species of catfish feed on crawfish, although most flatheads caught on craws weigh 20 pounds or less.