I have spent many summer days and nights catfishing and relaxing with friends over the years and have come to believe that catfishing has to be the most relaxing type of freshwater fishing. It does not get much easier than throwing out some chicken liver and letting it soak on the bottom of your favorite catfish hole. Although you better keep a tight watch on your rod and reel they have been known to steal a few combos in their day. Let us look back on catfishing and discuss some of our favorite techniques.

I will have to say that my all time favorite way to catch catfish is banklines. Banklines are an awesome way of covering water and getting baits noticed. You have to make sure the type of tree limbs you use though. I suggest willow limbs for this type catfishing because of the flexibility of the wood. This will hopefully not allow a big catfish to break the limb or straighten your hook. Although I have witnessed some huge catfish take a whole tree in the water! I recommend 250lb nylon rope for fishing this setup. It is easy to use and will not affect your catch ratio. Make sure your hooks are made of a strong steel to help prevent bending. I usaully go with a big creek chub or bluegill when banklining these stay on the hook better than chicken liver or dough bait. A nightcrawler can be a good choice also. Be sure to check your lines every couple of hours to keep them properly baited.

Another way of catching huge catfish is to set “cane poles” or “bamboo poles.” This technique like banklining covers alot of water so you can find the best catfish honey holes. Try using live bait such as creek chubs or nightcrawlers with this technique. I have used cutbait also with good success. A boat is not mandatory here but will really help you check your lines. Remember to keep them baited often and use heavy equipment like we discussed before. This technique can be used with a float to optimize your depth choice.

The most traditional way and most widely used is the old rod and reel catfishing technique. This one is pretty simple and does not require alot of gear. It is also a great way to get kids involved with fishing. All you need here is a good strong rod and reel spooled with a 14lb to 20lb monofilament line. Pick up some sinkers and maybe a float and your set. Bait choice is normally easy also I recommend on the live bait side a small bluegill with the tail cut. If you would rather fish with nightcrawlers you should have good luck with that to.

Whatever technique you choose just have fun and make it relaxing and fun for everyone. Enjoy the time God has given you and remember to take someone along so they to can experience the great outdoors.

Keywords:  catfishing  |   fishing 

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This entry was posted on Thursday, September 27th, 2007 at 5:01 pm and is filed under Fishing. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.