Every year, around this time of year, Channel Catfish move shallow to spawn, and become extremely easy to catch. Most people, when they think about catfishing, they picture tossing a rod out, letting it sit on bottom, and staring at their rid/line all day. No one really pictures catfishing as "fast-action". Let me tell you, right now, it's FAST-ACTION.
Channel catfish spawn in late spring or early summer when water temperatures reach between 70-80 degrees.. Males select nest sites which are normally dark secluded areas such as cavities in drift piles, logs, undercut banks, rocks, cans, etc. A golden-yellow gelatinous egg mass is deposited in the bottom of the nest. Males guard the nest, and may actually eat some of the eggs if they are disturbed. The eggs, if not devoured, typically hatch in about a week. Fry remain in the nest, under the guardianship of the male, for about another week. Adults are largely omnivorous, feeding on insects, mollusks, crustaceans, fish, and even some plant material. Sexual maturity is reached in two or three years in captivity, whereas data from natural populations indicates channel catfish in Texas reach sexual maturity in 3-6 years. Most are mature by the time they reach 12 inches in length.
Channel catfish are easily distinguished from all others, except blue catfish, by their deeply forked tail fin. Unlike flathead catfish, the upper jaw projects beyond the lower jaw. Coloration is olive-brown to slate-blue on the back and sides, shading to silvery-white on the belly. Typically, numerous small, black spots are present, but may be obscured in large adults. The anal fin has 24-29 soft rays, in contrast to the blue catfish which always has 30 or more rays in the anal fin.
When fishing for these catfish, look for the areas mentioned above for good spawning locations, and fish CLOSE to the bank. 3-5' of water. Fish about 2-3' under a peg float, with a pinch weight or two under the float, to make it stand upright. I like to use a #1-#2 plain shank bronze hook or Kahle hook. Baits, I make my own catfish bait, that works like magic. If I'm not using my bait, I'm using shad. However, you can use minnows, night crawlers, dough bait/dip bait (smelly stuff), chicken livers, etc.
What you will need:
7' medium/medium heavy rid (spinning or baitcast)
8-12lb mono line (I prefer Triline Big Game)
2"-3" peg floats
#1-#2 plain shank or Kahle hooks
1/8-1/4 split shots
Stringer
Back-pack
Snack/drink
Hand towel
Bug Spray
Sun screen
Polarized Sunglasses
Hat
FISHING LICENSE
Tape measure/ fish measure
Bank Catfish Trips- $75/person +$25 deposit (deposit due when booking) FISH GUARANTEED. If you don't catch anything, don't pay. We will take you out and not only put you on fish, we will teach you everything you need to know, to come do the same exact thing in the same exact spots. All gear will be provided. If you want to bring anything of your own, feel free, but not necessary. If you have any questions, you can PM me here, or text me. My number is in my signature below.
Fishies!
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