- 1). Use a light- to medium-action rod around 7 or 8 feet in length with a spinning reel with adjustable drag attached and loaded with 8- to 12-pound monofilament fishing line.
- 2). Attach a lightweight sinker, such as 2 ounces, with a small treble or snelled hook tied about a foot or so above the sinker. Bait the hook with live bait, such as worms or grass shrimp. You can also use cut bait or chicken livers. Use spoons if you are trolling for catfish -- hook a piece of cut bait to the spoon for added enticement.
- 3). Fish during prime catfish feeding time, which is in the hour before and after both sunrise and sunset.
- 4). Fish along the shoreline of lakes, streams or rivers, especially in grassy or weedy areas in about eight to 15 feet of water. Move to another spot if you do not have a hit within the first 10 minutes. Move as often as necessary until you find a location that works for you.
- 5). Cast your line about 10 to 15 feet away from your location and tighten up any slack in the line. Allow the sinker to fall to the bottom. If you are fishing in a fast-moving stream or river, you will need to reel in your line and recast several times.
- 6). Set the hook once you feel a catfish strike your bait; catfish are fighters, so plan to put in some time to bring it to the boat or creel. Let the catfish run for a few minutes before slowly reeling it in. Try to keep it from going under the boat or near structures such as docks or piers, as it will likely try to break the line.
next post