How to Fish for Catfish

The most common catfish in North America is the channel catfish. You can improve your catch of this fish by following these guidelines.

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You Will Need

  • Fishing tackle
  • Scented bait
  • Sharp river bends
  • Submerged trees

Steps

  1. Step 1

    Use bait with a strong scent

    Use bait that has a strong scent. Catfish use their noses to find food.

  2. Step 2

    Fish near sharp bends

    Fish for channel catfish where there are sharp bends in a river. The bends are accompanied by undercut areas that catfish like.

  3. Step 3

    Fish near submerged trees

    Fish during the day where there are tree deadfalls, stumps, and flooded trees. Catfish are bottom feeders and are frequently found in these places.

  4. Catfish move around a great deal in lakes. Planted catfish may travel in schools rather than dispersing.

  5. Step 4

    Fish at dusk

    Fish just before or just after sunset. Catfish are particularly active feeders at these times of day.

  6. Scout the river during the day and note holes with sharp flats nearby. Catfish feed on the slopes of holes and on the flats at night.

  7. Step 5

    Be quiet

    Be careful not to make loud noises when fishing. Catfish are particularly sensitive to sound.

  8. The African eel catfish can climb out of the water and stalk prey on land.

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