The Secret To Catching Big Cats

I've spent a lot of time at West Point Lake in my 25 years of existence and I have learned many things about how to catch several different species. I've experienced the thrill of a top water explosion from a hungry Large Mouth, the gentle tug of a bedding Spotted Bass on a Dead Ringer worm, and the anticipation of watching a cork near a tree while a minnow dances to entice a big Crappie. There is one species though that hold a special place in my heart that can be both exhilarating and a test of patience. I'm referring to the pursuit of the beautiful and majestic...Catfish.

 No, not that one...

That one...

Yes, I know most people would not even begin to describe a bottom feeder as beautiful and majestic, but the catfish is very much UNDER rated when it comes to fishing in Ga.

 “Reeling in a catfish is a favorite pastime of many Georgia anglers, and we are fortunate to have an abundance of locations where this experience can be enjoyed,” says John Biagi, Wildlife Resources Division chief of Fisheries Management. “Catfish typically can be found in waters close to home, require relatively simple gear and taste great – all good reasons to get out and fish.”
- From the Ga Dept of Natural Resources Press Release "Fishing for Catfish a Georgia Tradition"

Catfish are fairly easy to catch, can be successfully harvested from the bank and can grow to huge lengths and weights providing a very fun fishing experience. This endeavor is most enjoyable for children and people new to fishing, because of it's relative ease and typically relaxing nature. 

The secret I am about to share with you came from my dad when I was just a wee lad and is a method I still use, successfully, to this day. This method can be used off bridges, off the bank, or even from a boat in a cove. The secret is...chumming. That's right....chumming. 

The first thing people generally think about when they here the word "chum" is a guy on a boat in the middle of the ocean with a bucket of fish blood and guts using a a ladle to dump the entrails into the water in hopes of attracting a shark. Well, catfish chumming works in a similar way but without all the blood and guts and gore. A simple method to chum for catfish will require a few inexpensive ingredients...

1. Dog Food - The cheapest you can buy or in my case the giant bag that you bought for your dog which he vomits after every meal...
2. Orange Sacks - The mesh sack that oranges or lemons are sold in or for you who are extremely "green" you can purchase biodegradable mesh sacks 
3. Rocks - From your local branch of the Mother Nature franchise

 The process is quite simple. Fill the orange sack with dog food leaving enough room at the top to tie the top of the bag closed. Dump in a couple decent sized rocks to help it sink and tie of the bag. Drop the bag as close to casting distance as possible about 12 hours before you plan to fish. I am a big fan of night fishing so I will generally dump a bag in the morning to fish the night. That's all there is to it. When you start catching fish you can also fillet the fish right there on the bridge and drop the carcasses in the water to fuel the fire!

As far as your rig goes a simple Carolina Rig with a heavy sinker is best on a rod that has some backbone to it. Hooking into a 8 lb catfish with an Ultralight is not going to end well. Here is what you need...

1. Heavy Barrel Weight Sinker
2. Bead
3. Swivel
4. Circle Hook

Cut off a section of line that is about 12 to 18 inches long to use as a leader. Using the main line, first thread a heavy sinker (I find that barrel weights work best), followed by a bead (you can buy the orange beads at any Wal-Mart or fishing store), then tie the main line to a swivel. Tie the leader on the other end of the swivel and the circle hook to the end of the leader. Use your best judgement on the hook size. You don't need a meat hook, but the small, golden Crappie hooks are probably a little meek for a big Catfish. 

As far as bait goes there are a plethora of choices, but I prefer chicken livers from your local grocery store. Other options would be cut bait, hot dogs, or the processed dough bait you can buy. 

Bait the hook, cast it out, tighten the line, sit back pop a top. That's all there is too it. If you really want to have some fun or if several people are going to be with you, I recommend rigging several rods and placing them in rod holders or leaning against the wall of the bridge. You haven't lived until you've been fighting a fish and see two other rod tips start dancing while you are on a bridge all by your lonesome. Catfish are not the hardest fighters in the water, but they can grow to be very large so be considerate of that when you are choosing a fishing line to rig up with. Also know that there is a good possibility of hooking a Hybrid or Striper on the chicken liver and even the occasional turtle. 

Catfish make for an excellent night fishing and an even better dinner the next day. All you need is a basic rig, a cooler full of beer, bug spray and some good company and you are sure to have a night to remember. 

Let's go fishing!