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One Great Reason for Going Fishing

When people talk about going fishing it is generally where they are going, what kind of fish they are going to catch, and how many. All good things. that I will grant you. But I will give you a reason that at times may be more important than any other. Fishing with a loved one or friend gives you a great opportunity to bond together and in many cases talk about things in your or their personal life that would never come up in normal situations.

I was reminded  of this recently when my son visited. He was here on leave from the Army with his wife and family and I invited him to spend a day fishing with me. In truth, the fishing was terrible but I think we both had a very good time getting re-acquainted. We had not had an opportunity to be alone together for over two years and sitting by the lake with nothing but nature around us was a very good place to spend time together.

My father took me fishing when I was a kid and in many ways is how I got to know him as a man. I hope that makes sense to you because we would talk about things he or I did that we would never discuss at home. That is true now with my son.

If you have kids, take them fishing. When fishing teach them to be responsible for the environment. And perhaps most important, when possible treat them as equals so they will know that they can talk to you and discuss their problems with you without consequences. In this day and age I believe this is more important than ever.

Best Bait for Catfish: Bullheads

 Click Here To Get 80 Time Tested, Easy to Prepare, Catfish Bait Recipes

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 bait.

Good luck on your next outing. Visit Catfish Bait Recipes to get great homemade catfish baits.

The Best Catfish Bait for Monster Cats

 Click Here To Get 80 Time Tested, Easy to Prepare, Catfish Bait Recipes

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.

For a great catfish bait recipe book designed mainly to catch channel catfish visit Easy Catfish Bait Recipes