Fishing for Catfish

Catfish (family Ictaluridae) are unmistakable: smooth, scaleless bodies, broad flattened heads, and prominent whisker-like barbels around the mouth. Color and size vary by species — channel catfish

Catfish inhabit lakes, reservoirs, rivers, ponds and backwaters across North America, favoring warm temperate waters but adaptable to a wide range of conditions. They concentrate around structure:

Bait fishing is most effective — live bait (shad, bluegill, cut bait), nightcrawlers, shrimp, chicken liver and prepared stinkbaits all work. Present baits on or very near the bottom with a

Choose gear to match species: light to medium-heavy rods with 6–15 lb test are fine for bullheads and small channels; medium-heavy to heavy rods with 20–50 lb test for larger channels and flatheads;