Archive for August, 2008

5 Tips For Catching That Monster Catfish

Everyone wants to catch a monster catfish. There are no bigger fresh water fish in North America. Both blues and flatheads regularly exceed 50 pounds and the record for each is 124 and 123 pounds respectively. Heck even the record channel catfish caught at 58 pounds would certainly make someones day. For many anything over 50 pounds would be a trophy of a lifetime.

These monsters are everywhere in the United States but few anglers catch them on a regular basis. Here are a few tips that may help you become one of those whom regularly catch these monster catfish.

1. GEAR UP! A 50 pound cat will snap rods and fry reels. You must invest in heavy tackle. You will need a 7 foot or longer heavy action rod. Bait casting reels are the strongest but many anglers favor the spin casting reel. Whichever reel you decide on spool it 30, 50 or even 80 pound braid. Attach a 6/0 to 10/0 heavy wire circle hook.

2. Tie a good knot. Knots are often the weakest point of any fishing rig. Learn how to tie the Palomar knot. It is simple and efficient providing almost 100 percent line strength.

3. Where to fish. Large rivers provide the most opportunity for big cats but large lakes can also be productive. Another good place is the deep water below a dam as these monsters will lay in way for chunks of fish chewed up by the dam. Do not waste your time with creeks and ponds. It would be rare if you caught anything close to 50 pounds there.

4. Use fish for bait. Live fish for flatheads and cut baits for blue and channel catfish. Other baits will work but not with the consistency fish.

5. Have patience.  You are not going to catch a monster cat every time out. Maybe not for several times out. This is what discourages the average angler but if you want to catch the big one you will have to have patience. Believe me once you hook one of these monsters you will realize that all that effort was worth it.

Fishing Guides For Your Vacation?

Are fishing guides a good idea? If your planning a vacation and you want to go fishing you might want a fishing guide if:

1.    You are planning a first time fishing experience for your self or members of your family.
2.    You don’t have a boat but want access to the best locations for the type of fish you want.
3.    Having decided when you started the trip you were not going to go fishing but since have changed your mind but are without equipment.
4.    You are not familiar with the waters you plan on fishing.
5.    Or you simply want to discover the best locations on your local waters and what baits tend to work best.

A good fishing guide can do this for you. They can be found on the internet or in the local phone directory. The best way, if you can, is to question the people at bait shop located near where you want to fish. I have always found the people who own or work in the bait shops to be very knowledgeable about the local guides and many other things fishing related as well.

If you must reserve a fishing guide through the internet there are a couple things you should look at or do before you shell out $200 or more.

1.    Look at as many websites as you can. If they don’t have a website its probably because it is just a part time job for them.
2.    Select 3-4 and call them. If you don’t have contact information cross them off your list. Explain what you want and listen to what they have to say. Pick the one you like best at this point.